Privately guided journey to Fayoum’s oasis
Fayoum (also known as Faiyum or Fayyum) is one of Egypt’s best-kept secrets, where rural charm meets extraordinary natural wonders. Here, we curate your deeply enriching, privately guided exploration, revealing a side of Egypt that few have the privilege to know.
Lakes and villages of Fayoum: Lake Qarun and the Magic Lake
Your journey begins amid the unexpected greenery of Fayoum’s oasis, sustained by three remarkable lakes. The largest, Lake Qarun, stretches endlessly beneath the Egyptian sun, its mirror-like surface fringed by fertile fields and ochre cliffs. Fishing boats glide silently across the water, and at sunset, the entire landscape glows in hues of gold and rose.
Hidden deeper in the desert, Magic Lake reveals itself like a jewel in the sand. Renowned for its ever-changing colours: turquoise at dawn, deep sapphire at midday, and molten amber by evening, it offers an experience that feels almost otherworldly. We can arrange for you to visit at the perfect time of day, so you can witness its most spectacular transformation.
Tunis Village pottery – cultural tour and encounters with local artisans
Positioned on a hill overlooking Qarun Lake, Tunis Village offers sweeping views of Fayoum. Its sandy lanes wind past family-run potteries, where artisans continue traditional methods to craft clay vessels and everyday ceramics, preserving techniques handed down through generations. Visitors can observe the pottery-making process, meet the families who run these workshops, and purchase pieces directly from the makers.
"Wadi Al Hitan, the UNESCO-listed Valley of the Whales, is one of the most extraordinary paleontological sites on Earth."
Wadi Al Hitan: exclusive tour of Egypt’s Valley of the Whales
From the oasis, we take you deep into the surrounding desert, where an entirely different world awaits. Wadi Al Hitan, the UNESCO-listed Valley of the Whales, is one of the most extraordinary paleontological sites on Earth. Here, scattered across golden sands, lie the fossilised remains of Archaeoceti, early whales that once swam in a prehistoric ocean more than 40 million years ago. Their perfectly preserved skeletons still bear traces of hind legs, telling the remarkable story of their transformation from land mammals to ocean giants.
The landscape is equally remarkable – sculpted into mounds, cliffs, and sweeping curves by the wind over millennia. Walking the fossil trails feels like stepping onto another planet, and the sense of deep time is almost palpable.
Private guided exploration & Fossil Museum
At the heart of the site is the Fossil and Climate Change Museum, with a striking design. Inside, an 18-metre legged whale takes centre stage, alongside fossils of sharks, crocodiles, and sea cows. We recommend allowing more than a few hours to explore the site.
Egypt desert exploration beyond the Fossil Trails
Wadi Al Hitan offers a window into Earth’s ancient past, where the evolution of whales and other prehistoric life is preserved in remarkable detail. With a private guide, you can follow the trails at a relaxed pace, visit a local farm to experience rural desert life, and finish your day beneath a canopy of stars, surrounded by the vast silence of the desert..
Planning your luxury holiday to Fayoum
Fayoum offers an unexpected perspective on Egypt – a fertile landscape amid arid desert, shaped by both nature and time. In true Explorations Company style, our Egypt luxury travel specialists curate every detail of your journey so you can experience this remarkable region in comfort, privacy, and depth, uncovering stories and landscapes that few travellers ever see.
Where to stay on your luxury holiday to Egypt and how to extend your Fayoum experience
We recommend transferring by road with your private guide from Cairo to Fayoum, visiting some historical sites along the route. Then stay in Tunis Village on the outskirts of Fayoum – our favourite place to stay is the Lazib Inn, which is full of character.
From this comfortable base you can explore locally and also drive out into the desert to Wadi Al Hitan (about 45 minutes’ drive) to see the ‘walking whales’.
Depending on the time you have available, our specialists can tailor your Egypt trip to take in more heritage sites. Explore an ancient basalt quarry, the ancient Pharaonic Road and the petrified forest with its open-air geological museum. Wander through the Abu Lifa ancient monastery, Qasr El Sagha temple and Demi El Seba ancient city ruins. Closer to Fayoum, you can take a felucca ride on the lake or spend some time bird watching.
When is the best time to visit Egypt?
The best time to take a holiday to Egypt is during the cooler months between September and May, when the daytime temperatures reach a high of around 20-30 degrees Celsius (68-86 degrees Fahrenheit). The peak tourist season is December to February when temperatures are coolest, so travelling either side of these months can give you a more private experience at historical sites, with fewer tourists.
Curate your own private luxury holiday in Egypt — including artisan villages, Fayoum’s desert lakes, and exclusive Valley of the Whales access. Speak to our specialists to design your bespoke experience. Alternatively take a look at our signature Egypt journey, “Time Travel in the Land of the Pharaohs”, for inspiration for a longer journey that could be tailored to include Fayoum.
