Whale Valley Fossil Safari: Wadi El Hitan
40-million-year-old whale skeletons, in the middle of the Egyptian desert.
A marked desert trail on sand and gravel between the fossil sites, with no shade on the walk and long drives either side.
About this tour
Wadi El Hitan — the Valley of the Whales — is Egypt's first UNESCO natural World Heritage site, and it earned that status for something genuinely strange: the fossilized skeletons of some of the earliest whales, animals still carrying the vestigial legs of their land-dwelling ancestors, scattered across open desert 40 million years after they died. A small fossil museum on site explains what you're looking at before you walk out among the skeletons themselves.
Highlights
- ✦Fossilized whale skeletons in situ
- ✦Wadi El Hitan Fossil & Climate Change Museum
- ✦Egypt's first UNESCO natural World Heritage Site
Where You’ll Go
The single base for this tour.
Included
- ✓Hotel pickup and return
- ✓Private 4x4 vehicle
- ✓Private guide
- ✓Entrance fees
- ✓Bottled water
Not Included
- ✕Lunch
- ✕Tips
- ✕Personal spending
Before You Book
The things travelers ask us most about this tour.
Yes — entrance fees for the sites on this itinerary are in the price, so there is nothing to buy at the gate. What you would still pay for separately are lunch, tips and personal spending.
Yes. Hotel pickup and return is included — we collect you from your hotel or Cairo address and bring you back at the end, so you are not arranging taxis around the day. Tell us where you are staying when you book; if you have not chosen a hotel yet, you can send it on later.
Private. It runs for your group alone — private 4x4 vehicle and private guide — so the pace is yours and nobody waits on a coach filling up. We do not merge bookings into larger groups.
Prefer to join a small group? See Weekly Trips →A fair amount, but nothing strenuous. A marked desert trail on sand and gravel between the fossil sites, with no shade on the walk and long drives either side. If someone in your group has limited mobility, tell us before you book — we can usually adjust the route or the pace rather than have you find out on the day.
1 day, door to door from your hotel. Start times are flexible — going early is the single best thing you can do for both the light and the crowds, but if you would rather not, we will build the day around the time you want to leave.
Yes — every tour here is a starting point rather than a fixed package. Swap a site, add an experience or a photoshoot, change the pace, or extend it by a day and we will rebuild the schedule around you.
Customize this tour →What travellers said
Reviews of Egypt Eye from travellers who did something similar.
“The Pyramid and Sphinx tour with our photographer absolutely incredible from start to finish. Our photographer provided deep and engaging insights about the Pyramids, temples, and Sphinx throughout the tour, bringing ancient history to life with passion and clarity. He went above and beyond—not just as a guide, but even helping us negotiate with local vendors, which made the experience even more enjoyable and stress-free. The itinerary was…”Read the full review on Airbnb
Rohan
1 Day Giza Tour
“The all inclusive Pyramids and Sphinx experience with our guide (and Ru) was exceptional! Communication about pick up and itinerary of activities were clear and timely. Also, entrance to the sites was very easy and efficient. No hassle or waiting in long lines! Ru was an exceptional guide! She’s very knowledgeable and speaks excellent English, which made the exchange of information very fluid and easy. I learned SO much! Additionally, they were…”Read the full review on Airbnb
Bernard
1 Day Giza Tour
“This tour exceeded all my expectations and provided a truly exceptional experience. On the day I originally booked, I wasn’t feeling well, but the team was incredibly understanding and accommodated me by rescheduling for the following day. Their flexibility and kindness set the tone for the rest of the experience. The private nature of the tour made it even more enjoyable, as everything was tailored to my pace and preferences. My guide, our…”Read the full review on Airbnb
Thien
1 Day Giza Tour
You might also like
FayoumFayoum & Wadi El Rayan Waterfalls Tour
Egypt's only waterfalls, plus a lake known for windsurfing and desert dunes.
Bahariya Oasis · White DesertBlack Desert & White Desert Combo Safari
Two of Egypt's most distinct desert landscapes, back to back, on one 4x4 route.
Giza1 Day Giza Tour: Exploring Ancient Wonders
Pyramids, Sphinx, and a free private photoshoot — all in one day.