The two lakes of Wadi El Rayan are man-made wetlands formed by the flooding of a desert depression. The waterfalls are the most famous landmark; the only permanent falls in Egypt. In winter the lakes teem with waterbirds making it an attractive destination for birdwatching tourism.As the “Gate Way to the Western Desert”,
Wadi El Rayan preserves outstanding desert scenery containing a variety of landscapes and formations. Rare and fascinating wildlife are found along with fossils of marine creatures and artefacts from ancient trade routes.
Ten years ago Wadi El-Rayan was a remote region inhabited by few people. Nowadays, with increasing population and development the area is undergoing change. The park is striving to strike a balance between conservation and economic development through promoting environmental education, community participation and compatible activities, such as ecotourism.“Camping on a sand dune beneath stars amidst the serenity and beauty of the desert, escaping the stresses of urban life.”