Wadi El Hitan

Whale fossil in the "Valley of the Whales", Wadi El Hitan, Western Desert, Egypt, about 150 km southwest of Cairo. The fossils here are one of the earliest forms of whales, the link between the previous land based mammal and the ocean mammal of today. There is a small delightful museum and several fossils were left in situ in the desert that you can hike to see. It was worth the drive from Cairo for me.
Whale fossil in the "Valley of the Whales", Wadi El Hitan, Western Desert, Egypt, about 150 km southwest of Cairo. The fossils here are one of the earliest forms of whales, the link between the previous land based mammal and the ocean mammal of today. There is a small delightful museum and several fossils were left in situ in the desert that you can hike to see. It was worth the drive from Cairo for me.
The #history: The Valley of Whales was once submerged beneath the Terhys Sea. It is now home to an obscure museum which was built around the fossils of the prehistoric whale, Basilosaurus Isis. These fossils show the archaic species to have small hind legs; which supports the evolutionary notion that whales evolved from land based animals to sea dwelling creatures. What you see in this photo: Most of the museum is open air but the rest of it is in these structures, designed to mimic their surrounding landscape. You can also see the beauty of the petrified coral on the ambient rock formations. Travel tips: You can take a 4x4 tour to this National Park, the ride itself is part of the fun! At the museum make sure you explore the trail and then relax and have tea and snacks in their cafe. Afterwards, have a BBQ with the locals, go sand surfing, see the Magic Lake and go horse riding as the sun sets! It is a very doable day trip from Cairo, and an unforgettable one for sure.

Plan a trip to see Wadi El Hitan

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
King Cheops Inn

King Cheops Inn

5 out of 5
Al Haram
Price was ￥282,106, price is now ￥144,034 per person
￥144,034
per person
Apr 10 - Apr 14
found 7 hours ago
Roundtrip non-stop flight included
Osaka (KIX) to Cairo (CAI)
8.8/10 Excellent! (31 reviews)
Staff was very helpful and friendly, they were ready to help and they replied to messages super quick. They also helped us with a full day tour

Reviewed on Jan 6, 2026

Pyramids Plateau Hotel

Pyramids Plateau Hotel

3 out of 5
Al Haram
Price was ￥314,120, price is now ￥151,547 per person
￥151,547
per person
Apr 10 - Apr 14
found 7 hours ago
Roundtrip non-stop flight included
Osaka (KIX) to Cairo (CAI)
8.4/10 Very Good! (6 reviews)
Very nice people working in the lobby helpful and the restaurant good food and nice manger master Jake’s

Reviewed on Dec 24, 2025

The Palace Pyramids inn

The Palace Pyramids inn

5 out of 5
Al Haram
Price was ￥289,528, price is now ￥147,157 per person
￥147,157
per person
Apr 10 - Apr 14
found 7 hours ago
Roundtrip non-stop flight included
Osaka (KIX) to Cairo (CAI)
8.6/10 Excellent! (38 reviews)
Very pleased with this hotel and staff. The room was comfortable, with a balcony area and accessible to the upstairs outdoor area which gives stunning views of the pyramids. The service we received was excellent. Everyone was extremely helpful and kind. 100/10.

Reviewed on Jan 19, 2026

Popular places to visit

People riding horse by the Great Pyramids, Giza, Egypt

Pyramids of El Fayoum

Enjoy an outing to Pyramids of El Fayoum during your stay in El Faiyum. Discover the area's waterfalls and temples.

Pyramids of El Fayoum

Medinet Madi

Learn about the local history of Itsa with a stop at Medinet Madi. While you're in the area, wander around the parks.

Medinet Madi

Qasr Qarun Temple

You can learn about the history of Yusuf as-Sidiq with a trip to Qasr Qarun Temple.

Qasr Qarun Temple

Water Wheels Park

You can find out about the history of El Faiyum with a trip to Water Wheels Park. Stroll along the lakeside or discover the area's waterfalls.

Water Wheels Park

Governorate Building

You can browse the exhibits at Governorate Building, a museum with a storied past, during your travels to El Faiyum. Discover the area's museums and temples.

Governorate Building

Hawara Pyramid

You can learn about the history of El Faiyum when you stop by Hawara Pyramid. Stroll along the lakeside or discover the area's waterfalls.

Hawara Pyramid

Best Lodging Options Near Wadi El Hitan

Zad Elmosafer Guest House

Zad Elmosafer Guest House

2.5 out of 5
Izbat Tunsi Yusuf as-Sidiq
Zad Elmosafer Guest House
Lazib Inn Resort & Spa

Lazib Inn Resort & Spa

5 out of 5
Youssef El Sedeeq Center Yusuf as-Sidiq
Lazib Inn Resort & Spa
Golden Horizon Villa - Tunis village

Golden Horizon Villa - Tunis village

Youssef Al Seddik
Golden Horizon Villa - Tunis village
ZAD Villa - Tunis Village

ZAD Villa - Tunis Village

Youssef Al Seddik
ZAD Villa - Tunis Village
Modern 4 bedrooms Villa with private pool & garden In Tunis village

Modern 4 bedrooms Villa with private pool & garden In Tunis village

Faiyum Governorate
Modern 4 bedrooms Villa with private pool & garden In Tunis village
Tunis castle

Tunis castle

2.5 out of 5
Qaroun, 12 Yusuf as-Sidiq Faiyum
Tunis castle
Tunis Pyramids Hotel

Tunis Pyramids Hotel

2 out of 5
Tunis Village Yusuf as-Sidiq Faiyum Governorate
Tunis Pyramids Hotel
Charming 2-bedroom villa with AC, WiFi in lovely Youssef Al Siddik

Charming 2-bedroom villa with AC, WiFi in lovely Youssef Al Siddik

Youssef Al Siddik, Faiyum Governorate
Charming 2-bedroom villa with AC, WiFi in lovely Youssef Al Siddik
Kahrmana Chalet - Tunis Village

Kahrmana Chalet - Tunis Village

Izbat an Nāmū Fayoum
Kahrmana Chalet - Tunis Village
See all 54 properties in Wadi El Hitan
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.