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Wadi El Rayan Falls
In short
It is well possible that Wadi El Rayan Falls are the only waterfalls in Egypt. These falls were created by human activities some decades ago and since then have been turned into a popular local tourist destination.
40.3%
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Name in Arabic
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Map of the site
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In detail
Artificial lakes
Waterfall has formed on some 7 km long stream which connects two lakes – Upper and Lower Wadi El Rayan lakes. Both lakes and the stream between them are located below sea level – Upper lake is 14 m below sea level but the Lower lake – 36 m below it.
These lakes were formed by human activity: there was a need to divert the excess agricultural drainage water from Faiyum oasis and it was decided that El Rayan depression would be suitable for this. Works were started in 1974 and there was built a system of water tunnels and channels.
Water at first reached the Upper lake but then a stream flew towards a deeper part of depression, forming there another lake. As the course of the stream was eroded, there were exposed natural rocks and waterfalls formed over them.
It is planned that the most impressive ones – lower falls – will disappear over time, as the Lower lake will fill up.
The falls
There are several cascades on the Wadi El Rayan stream. The most impressive ones are the lower falls – a system of two cascades, each divided by a large island, thus forming a group of four falls. Distance between the cascades is some 30 – 35 meters, and the width of the island dividing the cascades is 20 – 50 m. as these falls are close to the lake, there is an impressive view over the cascades towards the lake.
One more impressive cascade is some 700 m upstreams.
Falls have formed on limestone.
Falls, lakes, and territory around them are a nature-protected area. Here still live the rare rhim gazelles (Gazella leptoceros) as well as dorcas gazelles (Gazella dorcas).
Today the falls are a beloved place for recreation such as sports fishing and hiking.
References
- Seif Camel, Egypt: Wadi El Rayan in the Fayoum of Egypt, Tour Egypt. Accessed in 02.12.2015.
Linked articles
Wonders of Egypt
Egypt is home to many of the most important and impressive archaeological monuments in the world. Here, in the valley of the Nile developed one of the first and greatest civilizations – Ancient Egypt (3150 – 332 BC), leaving countless larger and smaller monuments.
Wonders of Africa
Africa has many outstanding wonders and some of the most surprising ones are the heritage of Egyptian civilization, the vernacular architecture of the Sahel region, tropical ecosystems, and others.
Waterfalls
Some of the most fascinating and awe-inspiring natural monuments are waterfalls or locations where a river abruptly changes its elevation.
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