Sip back as explore the fossils of Whale Valley displayed at the Wadi El Hitan Fossil & Climate Change Museum in the Fayum Depression of the Nile Valley in Egypt's Western Desert about a 2-hour drive south from Cairo. Buried within the shale and sandstone exposures of the Gehannam Formation and Birket Qarun Formation of the Wadi El Ryan National Park and UNESCO World Heritage Site are not only fossils of sharks, rays, bony fishes, turtles, crocodiles, birds and sea cows or Sirenians the only herbivorous mammals to have become exclusively aquatic but also the complete fossil skulls and skeletons from Basilosaurus isis and Dorudon atrox the earliest, and now extinct, suborder of whales known as Archaeoceti.
In this once nearshore marine environment of the Neo-Tethys Sea before the formation of the Mediterranean the fossils of these whales tell an macroevolutionary story of one of life’s most intriguing journeys for a whole taxonomic group of animals spanning only 40 million years back to the early Priabonian Age (37.71–33.9 Million Years) of the Eocene Epoch.
First found in 1879 by Georg Schweinfurth’s on the island Geziret el-Qarn in Birket Qarun these fossils reveal the final evolutionary stages of the walking four-legged, even-toed, hoofed (ungulate) ancestors to whales and their transition from living on the land to becoming cetaceans and completely adapted to living a life in the seas and oceans. The whales of Wadi Al-Hitan are very much more primitive than the whales we know today in that their hind limbs with feet and toes are evident.
Egypt is a world-renowned travel destination offering an unparalleled blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. For history enthusiasts, Egypt is a treasure trove of ancient wonders. The iconic Pyramids of Giza and the enigmatic Sphinx are must-see landmarks. Luxor, often called the "world's greatest open-air museum," boasts the Valley of the Kings and the majestic Karnak and Luxor Temples, showcasing the grandeur of the Pharaonic era.
Beyond its ancient heritage, Egypt offers vibrant cultural experiences. Visitors can explore bustling bazaars like Cairo's Khan El Khalili, sample delicious Egyptian cuisine, or take a relaxing felucca ride along the Nile River. The capital city, Cairo, also houses the Grand Egyptian Museum, which displays priceless artifacts, including treasures from King Tutankhamun's tomb.
Egypt's natural beauty is equally captivating. The Red Sea coast, with resorts like Sharm El-Sheikh and Hurghada, is a paradise for divers and snorkelers, featuring coral reefs teeming with marine life. In contrast, the serene landscapes of the White Desert and the Siwa Oasis offer a tranquil escape into the heart of Egypt’s deserts.
Egypt promises an unforgettable experience that appeals to travellers of all interests. An excursion to Wadi Al-Hitan is a must-see to experience some of the most complete skeletons of archaic whales known anywhere and embracing an understanding through this fossil assemblage of other invertebrates, fishes, sharks, rays, crocodilians, turtles and birds that this now desert was once a rich and biodiverse marine ecology during the Eocene.
Before Travelling to Egypt
For people travelling on a full “British Citizen” passport from the UK please follow UK government’s travel checklist to understand and advice before travelling to Egypt on the current rules for the most common types of travel.