Development of Wadi El-Rayan in Fayoum

The Ministry of Environment has implemented a project to develop Wadi El-Rayan Reserve in Fayoum.

The development works are carried out through the project of the Environmental Program for Egyptian-Italian Cooperation, the Ministry of Environment in cooperation with the United Nations Development Program with a grant provided by the Italian Cooperation Program.

The project includes the development of the waterfalls area, visitor center and cafeterias.

The valley of Wadi El-Rayan is an area of 1759km2, 113km2 of which are the dominating water body of the Wadi El-Rayan lakes. It is located about 65km southwest of Faiyum city and 80km west of the Nile River. The Wadi has been used for man-made lakes from agricultural drainage which has made a reserve of the two separate Wadi El-Rayan Lakes. The reserve is composed of a 50.90km2 upper lake and a 62.00km2 lower lake, with waterfalls between the two. Among the springs, there are three sulphur springs at the southern side of the lower lake, with extensive mobile sand dunes. Wadi El Rayan Waterfalls are considered to be the largest waterfalls in Egypt. At the south and southeast of the springs is Jabal Manqueer Al-Rayan, where marine fossils and archeological remains are found. Jabal Madwera, near the lower lake, is known for its extensive dune formations.