Wadi El-Hitan is located in the Wadi El Rayan Reserve, covering an area of 1759 square kilometers in the Fayum Governorate, at a distance of 150 km from Cairo, Egypt. In the Whale Valley, 10 complete whale structures were found, which lived in that region approximately 40 million years ago, as they were part of a vast ocean that encompassed North Africa. In 2005, Wadi El-Hitan was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was chosen by UNESCO as one of the best archaeological sites in the ancient world for whale fossils. Wadi El-Hitan is so special because over 400 skeletons of whales and sea cows have been found here. And that's not all, also sea turtles, sawfish, and crabs. These were the most active sites of the ecosystems, and there was plenty of food and protective spaces for the smaller animals here. Likely, the whales came here because there was so much food available. But it's also possible that the wind drove the whales here. But likely, many ended up in the lagoons and got trapped among the roots of the mangrove trees. But many also died a natural death from old age or illness. When a whale dies, it sinks to the bottom of the sea where it rolls around completely, likely due to its very strong back muscles. Buiten Egypte is er nog één plaats waar deze voorheen vierpotige walvissen veranderd zijn in zeedieren dat is in Pakistan. But in Egypt, it's the only place where you can actually see this evolution. You can still see it well in the skeletons. 55 million years ago, there was a massive global warming, and animals were forced to move to other places for their food and water. So, many species started living at the water's edge. Over time, they adapted to the new conditions, and started eating fish and other food from the sea. But here, petrified mangrove roots have also been found. That means that this part of the sea was an offshore area. To make it easier for them and so that they could move more effectively in the water, both on the surface and underwater, changes to the skeleton occurred. This is clearly visible in fossils, especially of Basilosaurus-Isis. He was busy with this development. He was the first whale with fully developed fins. But the memory of his former country life was still clearly visible. The toes, ankles, kneecaps, bones and lower bones were still clearly visible. In a skeleton of an 18 meter long whale, the legs were less than a meter long, which is far too short to carry the animal that weighed tons, let alone walk. The skulls of the Basiliosauris skeletons also clearly showed that they were completely ready for life under water. Skeletons of Basilosauris, Basilosauris-Isis, Durodon, and Protectus have been found here in the Wadi el Hitan.

The Wadi El-Rayan Valley is an area of 1759 km2 of which 113 km2 is the dominant water body of the Wadi El Rayan Lakes. It is located approximately 65 km southwest of Fayum City and 80 km west of the Nile River. The Wadi has been used for artificial lakes from agricultural waste, which has created a reserve of the two separate Wadi El Rayan lakes. The reserve consists of a 50.90 km2 upper lake and a 62.00 km2 lower lake, with waterfalls between the two. Among the springs are three sulfur springs on the south side of the lower lake, with extensive sand dunes. The Wadi El Rayan waterfalls are considered the largest waterfalls in Egypt. In the south and southeast of the springs is Gabal Manqueer Al Rayan, where marine fossils and archaeological remains can be found. Gabal Madwera, near the lower lake, is known for its extensive dune formations. The vegetation consists of 13 species of perennial plants and a few specimens of Calligonum comosum and Zygophyllum album. Wadi El Rayan is home to one of the world's few remaining populations of the endangered slender-horned gazelle The Dorcas gazelle is still found in small numbers in the area, while both the fennec fox and Rüppell's fox are scarce. There are 11 species of reptiles, 9 species of mammals, 13 species of native birds, and 26 species of migratory and wandering birds. The entire excursion day will be accompanied by employees of Egypte4allreizen (Dutch, Italian, or English-speaking guides).