Wadi Al-Hitan (Whale Valley)
Location: Western Desert, Egypt
Year of Inscription: 2005
Criteria: (viii) be outstanding examples representing major stages of earth's history, including the record of life, significant on-going geological processes in the development of landforms, or significant geomorphic or physiographic features.
Overview: Wadi Al-Hitan, also known as Whale Valley, is a desert valley located in the Western Desert of Egypt. It is famous for its rich concentration of fossilized whale remains, which represent a significant stage in the evolution of whales from land animals to marine mammals. The site is considered to be one of the most important paleontological sites in the world and offers visitors a unique opportunity to witness the evolution of these magnificent creatures.
Prominent Features: The most prominent features of Wadi Al-Hitan are the fossilized remains of ancient whales that are scattered throughout the valley. Some of the most notable features of the site include:
Whale Skeletons: Visitors can see the fossilized remains of several species of whales, including the extinct Dorudon and Basilosaurus, which are thought to have lived in the region around 40 million years ago.
Petrified Wood: The valley is also home to large deposits of petrified wood, which have been beautifully preserved over millions of years. The Landscape: Wadi Al-Hitan offers visitors stunning views of the Western Desert, with its towering sand dunes, rocky outcrops, and vast expanses of desert wilderness.
History: Wadi Al-Hitan was formed around 40 million years ago during the Eocene period, when the region was covered by a shallow sea. The whales that lived in the region at the time were gradually adapting to life in the water and underwent significant changes in their anatomy, including the development of flippers, the loss of hind limbs, and the evolution of a streamlined body shape. The fossilized remains of these whales provide scientists with a unique insight into the evolution of these magnificent creatures.
Family-Friendly Activities: Families can explore the valley on foot, taking in the stunning landscapes and searching for fossils. There are also several camping options available, allowing families to spend the night under the stars in the heart of the Western Desert.
Fun Fact: The fossilized remains of a baby whale were discovered in Wadi Al-Hitan in 2006, providing scientists with new insights into the development of these magnificent creatures.
Entry Fees: The entrance fee for Wadi Al-Hitan is 80 Egyptian pounds (approximately 4.5 USD) per person for foreigners and 20 Egyptian pounds (approximately 1 USD) per person for Egyptians.
How to Reach It: The closest major cities to Wadi Al-Hitan are Cairo and Fayoum. From Cairo, visitors can take a taxi or a bus to Fayoum, and then hire a guide or a taxi to take them to the valley. There are also several tour operators that offer guided tours of the site.
Where to Stay: There are several accommodation options available in Fayoum, including desert camping, hotels and guesthouses. Some popular options include:
Whale Valley Lodge - This eco-lodge is located near the entrance to Wadi Al-Hitan and offers comfortable rooms, a restaurant, and a swimming pool.
Byoum Lakeside Hotel - This hotel is located on the shores of Lake Qarun and offers stunning views of the lake and the surrounding desert. It features comfortable rooms, a restaurant, and a swimming pool.
Next Stop: Ancient Thebes with its Necropolis
Year of Inscription: 2005
Criteria: (viii) be outstanding examples representing major stages of earth's history, including the record of life, significant on-going geological processes in the development of landforms, or significant geomorphic or physiographic features.
Overview: Wadi Al-Hitan, also known as Whale Valley, is a desert valley located in the Western Desert of Egypt. It is famous for its rich concentration of fossilized whale remains, which represent a significant stage in the evolution of whales from land animals to marine mammals. The site is considered to be one of the most important paleontological sites in the world and offers visitors a unique opportunity to witness the evolution of these magnificent creatures.
Prominent Features: The most prominent features of Wadi Al-Hitan are the fossilized remains of ancient whales that are scattered throughout the valley. Some of the most notable features of the site include:
Whale Skeletons: Visitors can see the fossilized remains of several species of whales, including the extinct Dorudon and Basilosaurus, which are thought to have lived in the region around 40 million years ago.
Petrified Wood: The valley is also home to large deposits of petrified wood, which have been beautifully preserved over millions of years. The Landscape: Wadi Al-Hitan offers visitors stunning views of the Western Desert, with its towering sand dunes, rocky outcrops, and vast expanses of desert wilderness.
History: Wadi Al-Hitan was formed around 40 million years ago during the Eocene period, when the region was covered by a shallow sea. The whales that lived in the region at the time were gradually adapting to life in the water and underwent significant changes in their anatomy, including the development of flippers, the loss of hind limbs, and the evolution of a streamlined body shape. The fossilized remains of these whales provide scientists with a unique insight into the evolution of these magnificent creatures.
Family-Friendly Activities: Families can explore the valley on foot, taking in the stunning landscapes and searching for fossils. There are also several camping options available, allowing families to spend the night under the stars in the heart of the Western Desert.
Fun Fact: The fossilized remains of a baby whale were discovered in Wadi Al-Hitan in 2006, providing scientists with new insights into the development of these magnificent creatures.
Entry Fees: The entrance fee for Wadi Al-Hitan is 80 Egyptian pounds (approximately 4.5 USD) per person for foreigners and 20 Egyptian pounds (approximately 1 USD) per person for Egyptians.
How to Reach It: The closest major cities to Wadi Al-Hitan are Cairo and Fayoum. From Cairo, visitors can take a taxi or a bus to Fayoum, and then hire a guide or a taxi to take them to the valley. There are also several tour operators that offer guided tours of the site.
Where to Stay: There are several accommodation options available in Fayoum, including desert camping, hotels and guesthouses. Some popular options include:
Whale Valley Lodge - This eco-lodge is located near the entrance to Wadi Al-Hitan and offers comfortable rooms, a restaurant, and a swimming pool.
Byoum Lakeside Hotel - This hotel is located on the shores of Lake Qarun and offers stunning views of the lake and the surrounding desert. It features comfortable rooms, a restaurant, and a swimming pool.
Next Stop: Ancient Thebes with its Necropolis