Wadi El Rayan reserve
| Place | Why go | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| The Wadi El Rayan waterfalls | Natural waterfalls between two lakes in the middle of the desert, a lovely outing in winter. | About 2 h 30 min from Cairo |
| The Magic Lake | A blue lake ringed by golden dunes that changes colour with the light, and a spot for sandboarding. | In the Wadi El Rayan reserve |
| Mount Al-Mudawwara | A hill with a panoramic view over the Magic Lake and the desert. | On the way to the waterfalls |
History and heritage
| Place | Why go | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| Wadi Al-Hitan (Valley of the Whales) | Whale fossils about 40 million years old in the desert, with an open-air fossil museum, on the UNESCO World Heritage list since 2005. | West of Wadi El Rayan, by desert road |
| The water wheels of Fayoum | Old wooden wheels that lift water to the fields, the symbol of the city. | Central Fayoum |
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| Place | Why go | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| Lake Qarun | One of Egypt's oldest lakes, with quiet shores and migrating birds in winter. | North Fayoum |
| Tunis village | A hilltop village above Lake Qarun, known for its pottery school and lovely mud-brick houses, where you can make your own piece. | South-west of Lake Qarun |
Tips before you go
- Saudis enter Egypt without a visa.
- Fayoum is about two hours by car from Cairo, and most visitors see its sights on a full-day trip.
- The best time is October to April; summer in the desert is very hot.
- Bring water and a hat: most sights are exposed to the sun.
More places nearby
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- Things to do in Cairo
- Things to do in Sharm El Sheikh
- Things to do in Alexandria
- Things to do in Luxor and Aswan
- Things to do in Hurghada
- Things to do in Dahab
- Things to do in El Alamein and Marsa Matrouh
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Frequently asked questions
How far is Fayoum from Cairo?
About two hours by car; Wadi El Rayan is about 2 h 30 min.
What are the top things to do in Fayoum?
The Wadi El Rayan waterfalls, the Magic Lake, Wadi Al-Hitan, Lake Qarun, Tunis village and the water wheels of Fayoum.
Is Wadi Al-Hitan a World Heritage Site?
Yes, since 2005, for its whale fossils about 40 million years old.
When is the best time to visit Fayoum?
From October to April, when the desert weather is mild.
Planning your trip to Egypt? Read Travel to Egypt from Saudi Arabia.
Last updated: October 2026. The information is for guidance only; ticket prices and opening hours are set by each attraction and may change, so check them on the official website before you go.