A full day out of Cairo: waterfalls in the desert, a sand-board run, whale fossils in the open, and lunch by Lake Qarun.
Duration 10 hoursType PrivatePick-up 07:00 Cairo/GizaKids 4+Effort EasyGuide speaks AR · EN
HIGHLIGHTS
Egypt’s only waterfalls, in the middle of the desert
Sand-boarding on a gentle dune (boards included)
Whale fossils in the open at Wadi Hitan
Lunch by Lake Qarun and the potters of Tunis village
ABOUT THIS TRIP
The easiest real desert day from Cairo. Yara collects you at 07:00 and in two hours you are at Wadi El Rayan, where Egypt’s only waterfalls run between the dunes. Kids sand-board down a gentle slope while the grown-ups drink tea in the shade.
After that comes Wadi Hitan, the Valley of the Whales: 40-million-year-old whale skeletons lying in the open desert. A late lunch by Lake Qarun and a stop at the potters of Tunis village close the day before the drive back.
Who it’s for
✓Families with children 4 and older✓Travellers with one free day in Cairo✓Anyone curious about fossils and geology
Maybe not for you if…
—You want a night in the desert — see Wadi El Rayan overnight—You’d rather avoid a 10-hour day
THE ROUTE
07:00
Pick-up in Cairo or Giza
Cairo → Fayoum road
We meet you in your hotel lobby. Coffee and breakfast box in the car.
1.5 h drive
09:30
Wadi El Rayan waterfalls & dunes
Wadi El Rayan · Dunes
The only waterfalls in Egypt’s desert, then sand-boarding on a gentle dune for the kids (and you).
2 h stopSand-boards included
13:00
Wadi Hitan and lunch by the lake
Wadi Hitan → Lake Qarun → Tunis village
Walk among 40-million-year-old whale skeletons, then a late lunch by Lake Qarun and pottery in Tunis village.
LunchBack in Cairo by 17:30
Included
✓Private car with driver-guide✓Hotel pick-up and drop-off✓Breakfast box and lunch✓Park fees✓Sand-boards
Not included
—Drinks at lunch—Tips
WHAT TO BRINGOpens on the season of your dates.
Every season
✓Passport, or a photo of it✓Sunglasses and sunscreen (SPF 50)✓A hat or scarf for sun and sand✓Closed shoes you don’t mind filling with sand✓A refillable bottle — we refill it all day✓Some cash in Egyptian pounds for tips and drinks
Plus, in Autumn
✓A light layer for the early start✓Sunscreen — the sun is still strong
MEETING POINT & PICK-UP
Pick-up07:00 from your hotel lobby in Cairo or Giza. Yara messages you on WhatsApp the evening before.
Running late?Message Yara — she waits up to 15 minutes, then has to leave to keep the day on time.
Drop-offBack at your hotel around 17:30.
Staying elsewhere?Meet us at the Giza pyramids gate at 07:15, or ask for a private transfer.
SEASONAL PRICES · PER PERSONShown in EUR / USD / GBP · charged in EUR
Main seasonOct–Nov · Jan–Apr · Best temperaturesYOUR DATES€95
FestiveDecember · Book early — limited camps€110
SummerMay–Sep · Early starts, shorter drives€80
YOUR GUIDEYaraFayoum local, geologist by training. Best at getting kids excited about fossils.
ACCESSIBILITY & FITNESS
WalkingEasy. Short sandy walks of 10–20 minutes; you can stay by the car at any stop.
TerrainSoft sand at the dunes; a flat, marked path at Wadi Hitan.
ToiletsAt the Wadi El Rayan café, the Wadi Hitan visitor centre and lunch.
HeatShade and water at every stop. From May to September we start at 06:00.
WheelchairsThe Wadi Hitan path is flat and firm; the dunes are not accessible. Tell us about any needs.
GOOD TO KNOW
FitnessEasy. Short sandy walks.
KidsAges 4+. Child seats on request.
SummerMay–Sep we start at 06:00 to beat the heat.
CancellationFree up to 48 h before. Instant refund.
Main season price€95 pp
Pick a dateSEPTEMBER 2026
Struck-out dates are full. Pick-up 07:00 from your hotel.
Adults12+
Children4–11 · 40% off
Total for 2, Oct 1€190
Book & pay €190Instant confirmation by email. Free cancellation up to 48 h before.
