Fayoum Oasis Safari 4×4 Wadi El Rayan & Valley of the whales

Cairo , Egypt

Fayoum Oasis Safari 4×4 Wadi El Rayan & Valley of the whales

Active

(4 reviews)

10h - 11h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Tourists choose El Fayoum for its unique blend of nature, history, and outdoor adventure, just 1.5–2 hours from Cairo. It's home to Wadi El-Rayan with Egypt’s only waterfalls, the color-changing Magic Lake, and the UNESCO-listed Wadi El-Hitan, known for ancient whale fossils. Visitors enjoy activities like sandboarding, desert camping, hiking, and exploring ancient ruins—all in a peaceful, scenic desert environment.

Available options

Fayoum Oasis Safari 4×4 Wadi El Rayan & Valley of the whales

Pickup included

What's included

Safari Car 4 × 4

Bottled water

Lunch

Private Guide

Sand boarding

Air-conditioned vehicle

All Taxes and Fees

Entry Fees

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Location: About 90 kilometers (about 2 hours) southwest of Cairo.
It’s not a desert oasis fed by underground water like Siwa. Fayoum is connected to the Nile River via the Bahr Yussef canal, making it Egypt's largest cultivated oasis.

Stop 2

Wadi El-Hitan (Valley of the Whales) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Egypt’s Western Desert. It’s famous for 40-million-year-old whale fossils that show how whales evolved from land animals to sea creatures. Visitors can see complete skeletons and ancient sea life and enjoy the unique desert landscape.

Magic Lake is a scenic lake in Wadi El-Rayan, Fayoum. It's famous for changing colors with sunlight and is a popular spot for swimming, sandboarding, and enjoying desert views.

Wadi El-Rayan is a beautiful natural reserve in the Fayoum Desert, southwest of Cairo. It’s known for its two man-made lakes connected by Egypt’s only waterfalls, vast sand dunes, and Magic Lake, which changes color with the sunlight. The area also has natural sulfur springs and is home to rare wildlife like the slender-horned gazelle. It’s a favorite spot for sandboarding, swimming, camping, and eco-tourism.

You will take around 2.5 hrs to back to cairo

What's not included

Tipping

Any Optional Not mentioned in itenrary

Available languages

Guide guide

EN FR ES

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0

4 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

The time remaining allocated for time travel

About Cairo

Cairo, the capital of Egypt, is a vibrant metropolis where ancient history and modern life intertwine. As one of the largest cities in Africa, it offers a wealth of historical landmarks, bustling markets, and rich cultural experiences that attract millions of visitors each year.

Top Attractions

The Great Pyramids of Giza

The iconic pyramids are one of the most famous landmarks in the world and a must-visit for any traveler to Cairo. They are part of the Giza Necropolis, which also includes the Great Sphinx.

Historical Half day to full day Moderate (around $10-20 for entrance fees)

Egyptian Museum

This museum houses the largest collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts in the world, including the treasures of Tutankhamun. It's a must-visit for anyone interested in Egypt's rich history.

Museum 2-3 hours Moderate (around $10-15 for entrance fees)

Khan el-Khalili Bazaar

One of the oldest and most famous markets in the Middle East, Khan el-Khalili offers a vibrant shopping experience with a wide range of goods, from spices and perfumes to jewelry and souvenirs.

Cultural 1-2 hours Moderate (prices vary depending on items)

Coptic Cairo

This area is home to some of the oldest Christian churches in Egypt, including the Hanging Church and the Church of St. Sergius and Bacchus. It's a fascinating place to explore for those interested in the history of Christianity in Egypt.

Historical 1-2 hours Low (around $5-10 for entrance fees)

Nile River Cruise

A Nile River cruise offers a unique way to see Cairo from a different perspective. Many cruises include dinner and entertainment, making it a memorable experience.

Cultural 2-3 hours Moderate to Expensive (depending on the cruise package)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Koshari

A popular street food made with a mix of rice, lentils, chickpeas, pasta, and fried onions, topped with a spicy tomato sauce.

Main Dish Vegetarian

Ful Medames

A traditional breakfast dish made with mashed fava beans, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil, often served with bread.

Breakfast Vegetarian, Vegan

Molokhia

A green leafy vegetable soup made with jute leaves, garlic, and coriander, often served with rice or bread.

Main Dish Vegetarian, Vegan

Kofta

Grilled minced meat skewers made with a mix of ground beef, lamb, or chicken, seasoned with spices and herbs.

Main Dish Contains meat

Popular Activities

Desert safaris Quad biking in the desert Hot air balloon rides over the Nile Nile River cruises Beach relaxation in Alexandria or Hurghada Spa and wellness treatments Exploring ancient temples and ruins Visiting museums and galleries

Best Time to Visit

October to April

This period offers the most pleasant weather for sightseeing and outdoor activities. The temperatures are mild, making it ideal for exploring the city's historical sites.

15-28°C 59-82°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Arabic
Widely spoken: English, French
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited in other parts of the city

Currency

Egyptian Pound (EGP)

Time Zone

EET (GMT+2)

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Exercise caution

Cairo is generally safe for tourists, but pickpocketing, scams, and harassment can occur, especially in crowded areas. It's important to stay vigilant, be aware of your surroundings, and take precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.

Important Precautions:

• Be aware of your surroundings and keep your belongings secure, especially in crowded areas.
• Avoid walking alone at night, especially in poorly lit or deserted areas.
• Be cautious when using taxis, and always agree on a fare or use the meter before starting your journey.

Getting there

By air

Cairo International Airport • 20 km from city center

By train

Ramses Station

By bus

Cairo Bus Station, Turgoman Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

The metro is the fastest and most efficient way to get around Cairo. It has three lines and is relatively affordable.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Careem

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Downtown Cairo Islamic Cairo Zamalek Giza

Day trips

Alexandria

220 km from Cairo • Full day

Alexandria is a beautiful coastal city with a rich history, offering a mix of ancient landmarks, beaches, and vibrant culture.

Luxor

670 km from Cairo • Overnight

Luxor is often referred to as the world's greatest open-air museum, offering a wealth of ancient Egyptian landmarks and temples.

Aswan

870 km from Cairo • Overnight

Aswan is a charming city on the Nile, known for its beautiful landscapes, ancient temples, and relaxing atmosphere.

Festivals

Cairo International Film Festival • Late November to early December Cairo Jazz Festival • Late January to early February Cairo Fashion Festival • April

Pro tips

Learn a few basic Arabic phrases to enhance your experience and connect with locals.
Hire a guide for major attractions, such as the Great Pyramids of Giza and the Egyptian Museum, to gain a deeper understanding of their history and significance.
Bargain when shopping at markets and bazaars, as it's expected and can help you get a better deal.
Dress modestly and respectfully, especially when visiting religious sites, to show respect for local customs and traditions.
Be prepared for heavy traffic and crowded streets, especially during peak hours and in popular tourist areas.