National park · Egypt
Whale ValleyWadi al‑Hitan
Enter Whale Valley for a half‑day fossil walk: pay the entry ticket (≈ EGP 200 – 300) and drive the 4 km (2.5 mi) desert track from the Fayum gate; go early in winter to avoid heat and crowds.Enter Whale Valley for a half‑day fossil walk: pay the entry ticket (≈ EGP 200 – 300) and drive the 2.5 mi (4 km) desert track from the Fayum gate; go early in winter to avoid heat and crowds.
- Source checked
- A source and a date are on record: we read it from an official or published page. Not yet confirmed on the ground.
- Field checked
- Someone checked it on the ground, with the date shown.
- Plan calculated
- Worked out by Voykit from its own data (times, distances, budgets). A calculation, not a measurement.
Unknown times stay unknown. How we verify
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Map to the park
Add your hotel to get directions from it. · stays in this browser; shared with the pocket card.
Area
2,000 km² (772 sq mi)772 sq mi (2,000 km²)
approximate
Established
2005
Best months
—
UNESCO
World Heritage
Rules in force · 10Nine African countries on this site have no trip line bec…
- Africa ↗When a route touches a yellow-fever country — even a transit of 12 hours or more — keep the original yellow card (ICVP) in your hand luggage; health desks and airlines can refuse boarding or entry without it.
- Africa ↗Nine African countries on this site have no trip line because governments advise against travel; several others have no-go regions. Read your government's advice for every country on the route before paying deposits.
- North Africa ↗Plan links between North African countries by air or by ferry via Europe; the only regularly usable land borders for visitors are Tunisia–Algeria and Morocco–Mauritania via Western Sahara.
- North Africa ↗Book Saharan nights (dunes, desert camps, oasis tours) between October and April; from May to September desert day temperatures regularly exceed 40 °C and many tours stop.
- Egypt ↗Check visa rules for your passport on the official Egypt e-visa portal before flying; visa on arrival availability depends on nationality and can change.
- Egypt ↗Drones need prior permission and are routinely confiscated on arrival; leave them at home.
- Egypt ↗Do not photograph military sites, police, bridges or government buildings; some museums and tombs charge for or ban photography.
- Egypt ↗During Ramadan, avoid eating, drinking or smoking in public in daylight; hotels and tourist restaurants still serve.
- Lower Egypt ↗Baksheesh (small tips) is expected at almost every site and service: EGP 20–50 for small help, 10–15% in restaurants.
- Lower Egypt ↗For Saqqara, Dahshur, Fayum and Wadi El Natrun, hire a car and driver for the day; there is no practical public-transport loop between the sites.
At a glance
- Country
- Egypt
- Area
- 2,000 km² (772 sq mi)772 sq mi (2,000 km²)
- Exact protected area not published; the UNESCO site covers the fossil outcrops.
- Established
- 2005
- Best months
- —
- Permits
- For some areas
- Base
- Fayum
Wadi al‑Hitan, known as Whale Valley, is a UNESCO World Heritage fossil site in the Fayum Protectorate, showcasing 37 Ma whale skeletons that document the evolution from land‑dwelling to marine mammals. The valley’s limestone outcrops are accessible via a 4 km desert track from the Fayum gate, with a short, flat trail that can be walked independently or with a guide for deeper insight.
Decide
Why go, which months, and what lives here when
At a glance
Status
- UNESCO World Heritage · 2005Wadi al‑Hitan – Fossil Whale Valley.
Size and age
2,000 km² (772 sq mi)772 sq mi (2,000 km²) · national park since 2005
Exact protected area not published; the UNESCO site covers the fossil outcrops.
This page covers the park itself. Nearest base: Fayum.
Why go
- See the world‑famous 37 Ma whale fossils that illustrate the transition from land to sea mammals.
- Walk the desert track among limestone cliffs and fossil‑rich outcrops.
When to go
- JanGo
- FebGo
- MarGo
- AprGo
- MayCaution
- JunCaution
- JulAvoid
- AugAvoid
- SepCaution
- OctGo
- NovGo
- DecGo
- JanCool, dry; best for walking
- FebCool, dry
- MarMild, occasional rain
- AprWarm, still dry
- MayHeat rises; carry water
- JunHot, possible sandstorms
- JulVery hot, limited shade
- AugPeak summer heat
- SepCooling but still hot
- OctComfortable temperatures
- NovMild, dry
- DecCool, dry
Wildlife and nature calendar
| What | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Desert reptiles (scorpions, lizards)All year | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
Arrive & move
Getting in, how the park is divided, and where things are
Show 3 sectionsHideHow to get there, Zones and sectors, Sketch map
How to get there
From Cairo
Bus to Fayum (≈ 2 h), then 4 km (2.5 mi) 4×4 drive on unpaved desert road to the park gate.Bus to Fayum (≈ 2 h), then 2.5 mi (4 km) 4×4 drive on unpaved desert road to the park gate.
3–4 h
Open the page →
From Fayum city
Local 4×4 hire or camel trek to the gate; the track is rugged.
30–45 min
Open the page →
Zones and sectors
| Zone | What is there | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Entrance gate | Ticket office, small cafe, basic facilities. | Open with entry ticket. |
| Fossil trail | Marked path past whale skeletons and fossil sites. | Guided walk; self‑guided allowed with map. |
Sketch map
Take the points offline
3 points as a GPX waypoint file, plus a plain-text list of coordinates. Save it while you have signal: maps apps show the points without a connection.
Coordinates from UNESCO listing; gate location approximated.
See & do
Caves, trails and wildlife, with how hard each is and whether it needs booking
Show Top experiencesHide
Top experiences
Practical
Fees, permits, rules, where to sleep and what can go wrong
Show 8 sectionsHideEntry fees and permits, Park rules, Where to stay, Safety, Accessibility, Visiting lightly, Questions people ask, Related
Entry fees and permits
| Item | Range | Per | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Park entry | EGP 200–300 | person | — |
Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.
Park entry permit or guide
Park rules
- Drones
- Not allowed without special permission from park authorities.
- Guides
- Recommended for the fossil trail to get accurate information.
- Camping
- Allowed only in designated tent area near the gate; bring your own gear.
Where to stay
Near the park
Fayum city hotels
Mid‑range hotels and guesthouses 10 km (6.2 mi) from the park.Mid‑range hotels and guesthouses 6.2 mi (10 km) from the park.
In the park
Park campsite
Basic tent site with water tap; no electricity.
Safety
Heat and dehydration medium
Scorpions low
How much daylight do you have?
Time out
Finding the local time zone…
Times are local to the spot (zone loading). The half-hour margin is our rule of thumb, not an official figure; light fades earlier in forest or under cloud. Carry a headlamp on any route that could run late.
Accessibility
- Entrance gate reachable by car; short walk to trail is flat.
- Desert track not suitable for wheelchairs.
Visiting lightly
- Buy souvenirs from local vendors, not from illegal fossil dealers.
- Leave no waste; carry out all rubbish.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to enter Whale Valley?
Entry is about EGP 200–300 per person, purchased at the gate.
What are the best hikes in Whale Valley?
The main fossil trail (2–3 h) is the primary walk; a short camel‑trek to the viewpoint adds a cultural element.
When is the best time to visit Whale Valley?
Cooler months from November to March give comfortable walking conditions; avoid the peak summer heat.
Can I camp inside Whale Valley?
Yes, in the designated tent area near the gate; bring your own gear and water.
Do I need a guide?
A guide is not mandatory for the short trail but is recommended for detailed fossil explanations.
Deep dive
Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go
Show the detailsHide
Ask about Whale Valley
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