Our El Fayoum overnight trip is the easiest way to swap Cairo’s traffic for desert, lakes and waterfalls. In 2 days and 1 night you explore the best of El Fayoum, with private pickup from your hotel in Cairo, a night at a desert camp and a Bedouin evening.
Day 1: Tunis Village, Wadi El Rayan and the Magic Lake
Breakfast in Tunis Village, a small village known for its pottery workshops, then on to Wadi El Rayan and its waterfalls. Switch to a 4×4 for a desert safari to the Magic Lake, named for the mystery of where its water comes from. Return to camp for dinner, a Bedouin party and an overnight stay.
Day 2: Sunrise, Watermelon Valley and Wadi El Hitan
Wake early for the desert sunrise, then visit Watermelon Valley with its round rock formations and Wadi El Hitan (Valley of the Whales), a UNESCO World Heritage Site with fossil skeletons of whales that lived here more than 40 million years ago. Sandboarding is also on the menu before the drive back to Cairo.
What is included
- Private car from and to your Cairo hotel, and 4×4 transfers in El Fayoum
- One night at a desert camp
- Entrance fees to the listed sites and a guide
- Bottled water and a late lunch at a local restaurant
More desert adventures
If you enjoy this trip, the 10-day Egypt desert trekking tour goes deeper into the Western Desert. You can also add El Fayoum to a Cairo & Nile Cruise holiday.
Frequently asked questions
Where does the trip start? We pick you up from your hotel in Cairo by private car and bring you back at the end of day two.
What should I bring? Comfortable shoes for sand, a hat and sunscreen, a warm layer for the desert evening, and a camera for the sunrise.
Can families join? Yes. The pace is relaxed and the 4×4 safari and sandboarding are popular with children and adults. Tell us your group size and we will confirm the details.
