Golden desert formations at Wadi El Hitan in Fayoum
All experiences

UNESCO heritage

Wadi El Hitan

Explore the fossil landscape of Whale Valley and its extraordinary record of life millions of years ago.

Full day Geology, heritage and desert landscapes

The experience

What to expect.

Wadi El Hitan, or Whale Valley, is a UNESCO World Heritage landscape known for fossil remains that document the evolution of whales from land-based mammals to ocean life.

The visit is as much about the desert setting as the fossils: open trails, eroded hills and a remote sense of scale. Allow enough time for the journey and for exploring on foot without rushing.

In pictures

A glimpse of the day.

Images show the character of the experience. The exact route, conditions and stops can vary.

Golden desert formations at Wadi El Hitan in Fayoum
Photo: Eimy Eldeeb · CC BY-SA 4.0 · converted to WebP. Source and licence
A Dorudon fossil preserved in the sand at Wadi El Hitan
Photo: Mohammed ali Moussa · CC BY-SA 3.0 · converted to WebP. Source and licence
Layered fossil hills across the Wadi El Hitan landscape
Photo: Maaly Saeed · CC BY-SA 4.0 · converted to WebP. Source and licence

Trip outline

Highlights.

  • Exposed fossil sites and walking trails
  • The desert landscape of Whale Valley
  • Time for the interpretation centre when open

Build it into your Tallah stay.

Choose your room and dates, then mention Wadi El Hitan in your reservation notes so the team can advise on current options.

Book your stay