Top Spots in Egypt

Explore Egypt Premier Birdwatching Destinations A Journey Across Diverse Ecosystems

1. Lake Qarun & Wadi El Rayan (Fayoum Oasis)

Location: 100 km southwest of Cairo
Ecosystem: Shallow saltwater lake, reedbeds, desert and fields
Birding Highlights: Flamingos, shovelers, thick-knees, wheatears (200+ species)
Best Time: October to April
Cultural Add-on: Medinet Madi ruins or Petrified Forest

2. Zaranik Reserve (North Sinai)

Location: Northeastern Sinai near El Arish
Ecosystem: Mediterranean lagoons, marshes
Birding Highlights: Raptors, terns, shrikes, storks
Season: March–May & September–November

3. Saluga & Ghazal Islands (Aswan)

Location: Southern Nile near Aswan
Ecosystem: River islands, subtropical vegetation
Birding Highlights: Kingfishers, sunbirds, raptors
Logistics: Boat access; year-round birding

4. Wadi El Hitan (Valley of the Whales)

Location: Western Desert, 150 km SW of Cairo
Ecosystem: Fossil-rich valley, wetlands
Birding Highlights: Desert larks, ravens, finches
UNESCO: Natural World Heritage Site

5. Lake Burullus (Kafr El Sheikh)

Location: Nile Delta
Ecosystem: Brackish lake, reedbeds
Birding Highlights: Pelicans, bitterns, terns
Best Time: Winter

6. Gebel Elba National Park

Location: Southeast Egypt
Ecosystem: Mountains, wadis, savannah
Birding Highlights: Eagles, sandgrouse, African silverbill
Best Time: November–March

7. Red Sea Islands & Coastal Zones

Location: Hurghada, Marsa Alam, Ras Mohamed
Ecosystem: Mangroves, coral islands
Birding Highlights: Gulls, terns, osprey
Season: March–May, September–November

8. Lake Nasser & Toshka

Location: Upper Egypt/Nubia
Ecosystem: Reservoirs, desert edges
Birding Highlights: Waders, herons, waterbirds
Access: Via boat or desert expeditions