Wadi Degla

User Review:

• Wadi Degla is located right on the edge of the Cairo suburb of Maadi. It extends 20-30 km from east to west through the desert and ends at Maadi district south of Cairo governorate. The total area of the reserve is about 60 sq. km. This beautiful quiet canyon is noted for its limestone and mud formations which are rich in aquatic fossils. Caves were also formed inside the limestone rocks and became dwellings for various creatures. What is the wadi today was actually a sea millions of years ago, created by heavy rainfalls that flooded the area all the way down to Aswan. The only reminders of its days under the water are the shells crunching underfoot and the rock formations carved by the waters. Wadi Degla is considered to be a tranquil refuge where you can walk or hike among magnificent natural sight-seeing and enjoy bird watching, cycling or mountain climbing. In the winter you'll see desert plants flowering along the bottom of the canyon and you may also see foxes or owls in the early mornings. It has a visitor's centre and there you'll find a museum, a library and a show room. The centre's cafeteria and observation points overlook the ancient and peaceful desert landscape. Wadi Degla is a natural habitat for a variety of animals, insects, reptiles and migrant birds in addition to a diverse variety of plants. You might see some rubbish near the entrance but walk into the canyon to discover its beauty. I have read that you can camp here but I have not yet been able to confirm this. There are no other facilities in the valley. No restrooms, picnic tables or food and drink stands. If you go in the summer, make sure you pack a high sun-protection lotion and carry water as the temperatures can be extreme. Proper shoes are also required for hiking and rock climbing. And finally enjoy your stay in this lovely place. For further information contact the Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency at 30 Misr Helwan El-Zyrae Road, Maadi, Cairo - behind Maadi Sofitel Hotel. Tel: (202) 25256452 Fax: (202) 25256490 Email: eeaa@eeaa.gov.eg
• The description was provided by Lyndall El Masry