Wadi Degla Hike Review: Wildlife, Desert Views & More

So, Wadi Degla. Have you heard of it? It’s this rather wonderful protectorate sort of a short drive from Cairo, Egypt and its name, apparently, means “New Valley”. We, basically your intrepid reviewer, actually checked it out recently, and that, you see, is what this whole article is actually all about: providing, too it’s almost like a friendly debrief and a few helpful pointers if you, like your, might fancy doing it too.

Getting There & What to Expect at the Entrance

To get to Wadi Degla, you’re likely going to want a car, so, a taxi, or a ride-sharing service are usually your best bet from, too it’s almost like central Cairo. Anyway, the drive, basically, should only take, like your, maybe around 30 to 45 minutes, traffic depending of course, clearly. That’s the bit where your, like your, starting to go “Am I actually going the right way?”, but that doesn’t last for too long and you quickly arrive at a very nice looking entrance that’s, apparently, had some time and money spent on it. Once there, you’ll, basically, need to pay a small entrance fee which is, actually, pretty reasonable. As I was saying, they sometimes ask for your passport, or some ID, which, in some respects, they don’t always actually bother checking. I actually made sure I had some just in case, basically.

Once past that, the initial impression is actually surprisingly clean, basically well-maintained, so, with various signs, or placards as some call them. These, in short, highlight some very key geographical features of the immediate locale along with that you, like your, might very easily see what could be, arguably, local wildlife – so keep your eyes peeled to have a look out for different species of birds, too it’s almost, just like reptiles, you know?

Hiking Trails & What You’ll See

Wadi Degla features, just a little, different trails catering, still, to that sort of level of experience and fitness you’d want to have. The ground in the ‘wadi’ as it’s very often called – actually consists mostly of sedimentary rock, so, it’s arguably pretty sturdy underfoot, basically. One thing that does stick out, anyway, is it’s almost all desert – and it’s flat desert. It’s not too long before this kinda gives way to various canyon type areas which is definitely, basically, the kind of experience you’ll be after when choosing to visit!

I’d definitely make a point to head down into one of the many canyon openings that there, typically, seems to be dotted all over the protectorate and actually take, anyway, the time to do a fair bit of exploring down there if you fancy a break from what could be the sun, too it’s almost, the heat is obviously very intense in the hotter months. This allows you to see, actually, how water has slowly been carving through the rock formations for many centuries. That’s genuinely quite special to see. Oh and it’s rather perfect for photography too. Win win.

Now, you will want to prepare yourself for one thing, that said; there’s sand basically everywhere – very small grains which is very, rather insidious actually! Your, like your, want to try and minimise the sand and dust which is coming in from, in some respects, certain directions if the wind decides to actually kick up.

Wildlife Spotting Tips

You might not see, so, loads of different animals scurrying, frankly, here, there, and everywhere, anyway. Keep, clearly, a lookout for birdlife – you might spot a Hoopoe (Upupa epops), or an Egyptian Goose for instance. And in truth, in some respects, it’s actually, typically, much cooler down in the canyon itself to do so, as a matter of fact! Basically, lizards, so, snakes, and small mammals actually do call Wadi Degla home, very.

That said, these guys are, too it’s almost, far less regularly seen; mostly cos the desert is often an ideal camouflage zone and very quiet generally. But, you’ll likely also find, just, what could be different tracks from small animals which are very easily visible if the ground isn’t too sandy! Just remember, to leave no trace when going out, too it’s almost like to disturb and touch what, could be, an awful lot less. Protect the environment as, as a matter of fact, you actually go along. Just enjoy observing the critters that, arguably, you actually get the chance to very briefly see in their, literally, habitat you see?

Safety Considerations & What to Bring

Hiking in any desert environment actually requires a decent deal of preparation. Sun protection is probably one of the absolute most pressing and key bits of consideration because this is, clearly, all desert: so wide and expansive you know? Always, always pack sunscreen, that, potentially, can get re-applied at pretty regular intervals and a decent hat to keep you shaded.

You’ll, definitely, also need to carry, as a matter of fact, a considerable amount of drinking fluids. You will actually get very hot while going for pretty average strolls even. You can, potentially, sweat it all out, so to say, with alarming ease. Do remember to, at least, pack a decent small medical kit which is equipped to provide for small scrapes and grazes if the absolute worst were to occur and for anything you could see yourself encountering generally, anyway.

That said, decent footwear actually can’t ever be overstated at all in honesty. It is very helpful and necessary as this will definitely support that bit of grip and stability needed. Bear in mind the routes that there are, as a matter of fact, there might sometimes be sand over solid ground so very easily covered you know. Having that supportive, and capable, pair of shoes/boots to basically have you keep surefooted will be a godsend after about 5 minutes honestly! It is worth bringing, too, someone you’re pretty close to, it might sound an obvious thing – if something were to actually come up, someone, so, you actually have there to look out for and actually support you!

Photography Opportunities

Wadi Degla presents, rather, some pretty superb photography prospects, basically, at every single turn to be honest. You can potentially find some beautiful bits as there’s lots of great views and, too it’s almost, striking rock textures which is very cool indeed. Take, honestly, pictures of both the larger landscape shots for what is around in terms of that wider angle but that is the grand scope of this geological park but definitely don’t ever just let go and get what, literally, some super macro detailed stuff!

It’s almost, arguably, perfect in conditions if this comes up like bright daylight. You could very easily capture this pretty awesome stuff very nicely and very clearly, typically! Shadows, basically, that can cast down as a matter of fact by very mid morning at any stage – makes for a pretty dramatic experience. Very golden hours for instance – that’s sunrise or it is even sunset of course makes your trip a very, rather amazing memory.

Experiment. Actually get out there. And if, actually, your into animals and birds and taking something memorable in respect of, or involving, it you basically may have potentially have the odd lucky moment you come across!

Now go get creative!

#tags #Egypt #travel #wildegla #desert