Private Tour: Fayoum Day Trip from Cairo

Cairo, Egypt

Only 47 miles (76 kilometers) south of Africa's most populated city of Cairo, lies the oasis town of Fayoum. The main attraction in this tranquil town are the wooden waterworks, yet another example of the ingenuity displayed by ancient Egyptian engineers.

Originally named Crocodilopolis, then Arsinoe, Medinet El-Fayoum was the main place of worship of the crocodile god, Sobek. Apparently, during ancient Medinet, crocodiles were adorned with gold and fed honey cakes and meat by the priests.

Of interest are the huge wooden waterwheels, another incredible engineering feat by the ancient Egyptians, though less known than the mighty Pyramids. The waters of the Bahr Yusef are distributed throughout the oasis from Medinet, the capital of the Fayoum. Approximately 200 of the great waterwheels are located throughout the oasis. The Seven Waterwheels, a Fayoum landmark, are surrounded by mangoes, palms and willows.

A great stone obelisk was erected in honor of Senwosret I in Abgig during the 12th Dynasty. It was discovered on the ground in two pieces during the 18th century and was recently reconstructed and erected in Medinet.

USD $97.00

Traveler Reviews

Review by: Pamela B	March 2012
This was a terrific trip. Stopped at the May Dom pyramid and were able to climb into the burial chamber. I think not many people visit this pyramid. Fayoum still is using the waterwheels although not as many as they used to have. They are beginning to use motors to pump water for irrigation.

Review by: Rard	November 2011
This was an awesome visit. The visit to the small farm actually helped bring a true appreciation for life.

Review by: Steven L, United States of America	August 2009
Wasn't really what I was expecting, but it was still OK.

Review by: Cindy S, United States of America	December 2008
This was a very interesting tour. The ride to the oasis was entertaining as our guide told us many stories about Egyptian legends and myths. We visited a small park area where children were playing, stopped by the shore of a lake and took pictures of the ancient waterwheels. Very picturesque. On the way back to the hotel, we stopped for lunch at a restaurant overlooking the Pyramids. Our guide never stopped amazing us on his hospitality and we felt like we made a friend for a lifetime.

Review by: Cynthia S	December 2008
This was a very interesting tour. The ride to the oasis was entertaining as our guide told us many stories about Egyptian legends and myths. We visited a small park area where children were playing, stopped by the shore of a lake and took pictures of the ancient waterwheels. Very picturesque. On the way back to the hotel, we stopped for lunch at a restaurant overlooking the Pyramids. Our guide never stopped amazing us on his hospitality and we felt like we made a friend for a lifetime.

Review by: Wayne G, United States of America	November 2007
History of Oasis is interesting although little remains of the the historic structures. Lunch on the lake was very scenic and relaxing.