"Wadi Al-Hitan is a unique and fascinating place, a living record of the evolution of life on our planet." - Ahmed Zewail, Nobel Prize-winning Egyptian-American chemist
Wadi Al-Hitan (Whale Valley)
Egypt
© UNESCO
https://whc.unesco.org
Wadi Al-Hitan, also known as Whale Valley, is a remarkable site located in the Western Desert of Egypt. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the country's most fascinating natural wonders, offering visitors a glimpse into the earth's distant past and the evolution of life on our planet.
Wadi Al-Hitan (Whale Valley)
Egypt
©Editions Gelbart
https://whc.unesco.org
The valley is home to an exceptional collection of fossil remains of whales and other marine creatures that lived around 40 to 50 million years ago, during the Eocene epoch. The fossils found in this valley are considered to be the most significant and complete record of the early stages of whale evolution, which led to the emergence of these majestic creatures as we know them today.
Wadi Al-Hitan (Whale Valley)
Egypt
© UNESCO
https://whc.unesco.org
The site covers an area of around 20 square kilometers and consists of a series of rocky outcrops and cliffs that have been eroded by wind and water over millions of years. The fossils are embedded in the sedimentary rocks and can be seen clearly on the surface, making it easy for visitors to appreciate the scale and diversity of the marine life that once inhabited this area.
Wadi Al-Hitan (Whale Valley)
Egypt
© Editions Gelbart
https://whc.unesco.org
One of the most impressive features of Wadi Al-Hitan is the presence of several complete and partially articulated skeletons of ancient whales, including the famous Basilosaurus, a 15-meter long predatory whale with a serpentine body and sharp teeth. Other species of whales that can be found in the valley include Dorudon, a smaller and more primitive ancestor of the modern-day dolphin, and Zygorhiza, a whale with a shorter snout and fluked tail.
Wadi Al-Hitan (Whale Valley)
Egypt
© Editions Gelbart
https://whc.unesco.org
In addition to the natural wonders of Wadi Al-Hitan, the site is also of great cultural and historical significance. The area has been inhabited by various civilizations throughout history, including the pharaonic, Roman, and Islamic periods, and there are several ancient ruins and artifacts that can be seen in the vicinity of the valley.

Wadi Al-Hitan (Whale Valley)
Egypt
© Ko Hon Chiu Vincent
https://whc.unesco.org
Overall, Wadi Al-Hitan is a must-see destination for anyone interested in natural history and the evolution of life on our planet. Its unique and breathtaking landscape, combined with its rich collection of fossils and other scientific treasures, make it an unforgettable experience that will leave visitors with a newfound appreciation for the wonders of the natural world.
"The fossils at Wadi Al-Hitan provide a unique insight into the early stages of whale evolution, shedding light on the adaptations that allowed these creatures to thrive in the oceans." - National Geographic.