Almost half of Egypt’s 431 bird species have been sighted and recorded at one point or another at Lake Qarun, a vital wintering destination for migrating water birds and every birdwatcher’s dream come true! Here you can catch a glimpse of the Flamingo and the White Pelican. Known for both its natural and cultural heritage, Lake Qarun Protected Area spans 1,385 km2 and is home to a number of Pharaonic, Roman, and Coptic archeological sites. Then don’t miss out on a visit to the Jebel Qatrani Open Air Museum, located at the Qatrani Mountain! This area was announced as a Protected Area in 1989.
Lake Qarun is famous for being a birdwatcher’s paradise, here you can experience one of Egypt’s most pristine birding destinations surrounded by a serene desert landscape. This area is home to a wide variety of bird species, the most notable being the Flamingo and the White Pelican.
Qatrani Mountain offers a spectacular opportunity to witness one of the world’s ancient fossils destinations atop this 350m peak. While here, don’t forget to visit the Jebel Qatrani Open Air Museum which showcases fossils of both marine and terrestrial life. Although Lake Qarun is renowned for its natural heritage, there is an abundance of historical and cultural sites to explore. Here you can explore a wide number of Pharaonic, Roman, and Coptic archeological sites.
There are plenty of activities that are popular around Lake Qarun, ranging from birdwatching, hiking, sandboarding to camping and boating. You can relax on the lake and spot many of Egypt’s rare and fascinating birdlife, or you could choose to hike through this vast desert landscape truly experiencing this region’s unique topography.
Lake Qarun does not have a distinct local community; however, the area is steeped in tradition and culture. In Tunis Village, you can find some of the most beautiful pottery. The locals here are famed for their incredible talent in the art of pottery making.
Lakeside, there are many camps and ecolodges which are often the preferred type of accommodation for visitors to Lake Qarun.
