11-Hour Fayoum Desert Safari from Cairo with Whale Valley and Tunis

The journey

Trip highlights

• 01 Explore Whale Valley and see remarkable whale fossils
• 02 Visit the enchanting Magic Lake nestled among sand dunes
• 03 Experience the waterfalls of Wadi El Rayan in the Fayoum desert
• 04 Try sandboarding and pottery making at Tunis Village
• 05 Enjoy a Bedouin-style lunch and stunning desert scenery

Enjoy a 4x4 safari day adventure from Cairo to the Fayoum desert, exploring Whale Valley, natural waterfalls, Magic Lake, Mudawara Mountain, and the sand dunes. Discover and practice sandboarding if you wish, then visit Tunis Village to discover pottery making and try it yourself. Enjoy the charming nature while tasting the famous Bedouin food of the region. There is also the possibility of a one-night camping excursion beside Magic Lake to enjoy the magic of the stars and a thousand and one nights.

Visit Magic Lake, a gorgeous lake hidden between giant sand dunes.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 11 Hours

Tour type Private

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Not included

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

Cities Cairo, Faiyum, Wadi El Hitan, Wadi El Rayan

Languages English, French

Day by day

The itinerary

1

Day 01

Whale Valley, Magic Lake, Wadi El Rayan and Tunis Village

• 06:30 AM - Meeting Point
• Pick-up from your hotel in Cairo.
• 08:30 AM - Wadi El Hitan (Whale Valley)
• Visit Whale Valley (Wadi El Hitan), a site with evidence of millions of years of coastal marine life. Here, you'll find perfectly preserved whale fossils that provide evidence of the evolution of mammals from land creatures to sea creatures. Old skeletons are also found here.
• 10:00 AM - Magic Lake
• Visit Magic Lake, a gorgeous lake hidden between giant sand dunes. The lake changes colors depending on the time of year and the amount of sunlight it receives. It is an amazingly beautiful place surrounded by desert.
• 11:00 AM - Wadi El Rayan Falls
• Proceed to Wadi El Rayan. The waterfalls are created by agricultural excess water in the middle of the desert. Optional: take a ride on a traditional wooden sailing boat known as a felucca, and go for a walk to snap photos. Explore birds, fishermen, natural lakes, golden mountains, and sand dunes - the best way to get away from congested cities.
• 12:30 PM - Bedouin Local Lunch in the Desert
• Enjoy a local Bedouin lunch in the middle of the desert.
• 02:00 PM - Mudawara Mountain
• Visit Mudawara Mountain. Located just after Wadi El Rayan Road passes to the north of Lake Fayoum, this unique round mountain is easy to climb and perfect for photography.
• 02:30 PM - Tunis Village
• Visit Tunis Village, famous for its pottery. Some pottery stores offer visitors the chance to try the clay wheel and make basic pots and cups.
• 04:00 PM - End of Tour
• Return to your hotel in Cairo.

The route

Where you'll travel

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

• Private tour
• Hotel pick-up and drop-off
• Private English-speaking tour guide
• Guide entrance fees
• Air-conditioned car
• Transfer by 4x4 Jeep in the desert
• A professional driver
• A bottle of mineral water for each participant

What's Not Included

• Entrance fees
• Parking fees (if needed)
• Bedouin meals
• Beverages during meals
• Police permit ($14 per person)
• Optional activities
• Personal expenses (e.g. shopping)
• Tipping

What to bring

• A valid bank card.

Know before you go

Additional info:

• This is a private tour; only your group will participate.
• In case of booking for one person only, an additional $30 will be charged on the spot for each day tour.
• Tickets for tourist areas are now purchased with a bank card, not in cash.
• Available all days of the week.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point

Cairo, Cairo Governorate, Egypt

Tour start

Cairo, Cairo Governorate, Egypt

Tour ends at the same location as the start point.