Wadi El Rayan Waterfalls & Magic Lake
وادي الريان
A man-made lake reserve in the Faiyum desert, with rare waterfalls for Egypt and a Magic Lake that changes color with the light. Visitors can go sandboarding and watch desert sunsets here.
The Wadi El-Rayan Protected Area lies in the Faiyum desert about 120 km southwest of Cairo. It consists of two artificial lakes, and the drop between them creates a "waterfall" that is rare in Egypt. The flow is modest, but the curtain of water against the yellow sand and green plants makes a striking contrast. In the southern part of the reserve, Magic Lake (Birket Al-Hayat) is ringed by golden dunes. Its water shifts from turquoise to deep green depending on the sunlight. It's a popular spot for dune sandboarding and watching the sunset. The Mt. Medawara viewpoint nearby offers views over the lakes. Admission for foreigners is about EGP 100-200, plus a vehicle fee. Most visitors combine it with Wadi Al-Hitan into a day trip, which requires a 4WD vehicle or an organized tour. The round trip from Cairo takes about 10-12 hours. Bring plenty of water, sun protection, and cash. A basic café operates by the lake.
Opening hours
About 08:00–17:00
Nearby sights
- Wadi Al-Hitan
- Dahshur
- Saqqara / Pyramid of Djoser
- Grand Egyptian Museum
- Giza Pyramids & Great Sphinx
- Memphis Open Air Museum
- Coptic Cairo / Hanging Church
- Mosque of Amr ibn al-As