Lake Qarun Protectorate is widely celebrated as one of Egypt’s richest and most treasured natural landmarks. Lake Qarun received its official protectorate status not only because of its striking natural beauty and vital importance to both bird species and local human communities. It also gained status because of its truly unparalleled historical, natural, and scientific significance. Moreover, its unique landscape continues to offer irreplaceable value to conservationists, researchers, and visitors alike.
Location of Lake Qarun Protectorate
Lake Qarun Protectorate lies at the north of Fayoum Governorate. It is about 20 km north of Fayoum city, 80 south-west of Cairo. The site is considered one of the most important ancient natural lakes. It is the remaining part of the ancient Moeris Lake. Today, it persists as a smaller saltwater lake called Birket Qarun. The lake’s surface is 43 m (140 ft) below sea level and covers about 214 square kilometres.
Ecology of Lake Qarun Protectorate
The northern side of Lake Qarun Protectorate, around Gebal Qatrani, hosts one of the world’s most complete fossil records of terrestrial primates and marshland mammals. These fossils are critical to our understanding of human evolution. Furthermore, scientists in the Petrified Forest Fayoum Protectorate continue to make and study discoveries.
The large variety of sea, river and continent fossils has helped the place become globally renowned. In fact, the fossils here date back to about 40 million years. Moreover, the fossil of the oldest monkey on earth, Egyptobethks, was also found here, dating back to the Oligocene era. Some petrified trees from that period can also be found here.
Lake Qarun Protectorate is home to a large variety of amphibians, reptiles, and mammals. These animals make a significant part of the environmental system of this area. Moreover, the presence of historical monuments has helped Lake Quran attract many tourists every year.
The lake provides food, shelter and breeding grounds for a wide variety of resident and migrating birds, including several endangered species. Lake Qarun is also an internationally designated “Important Bird Area.” Here, thousands of migratory birds rest during their winter migration pattern south. For example, flamingos, grey herons, spoonbills and many duck species flocked to the lake during the fall.
UNESCO is currently considering this area to be a World Heritage site. Until now, only three per cent of the area has been excavated. Last year, excavations uncovered fossils of a prehistoric whale species. This discovery has no equivalent elsewhere in the world.
Tourist Destination
Lake Qarun Protectorate is a natural wonder and the location of many monuments, including the As-Sagha (goldsmiths) palace in the northern part, dating back to the Middle Kingdom. Three kilometres from here is the Abu Leifa Monastery. This monastery was constructed during the monastic period in a high place to keep monks secured from the Romans. In addition, the Greek monuments of the area include the old town of Skitnopius, which was once the departure point for the south desert-bound trade caravans. For those who wish to stay nearby, there are several eco-lodges and two 5-star hotels in Fayoum.
Entrance fees
Entrance to Qarun Lake Protectorate is free. However, entrance fees to Jebel Qatrani Open Air Museum are applicable.
Explore Lake Qaroun with Landious Travel!
To provide the Fayoum visitors with the ultimate experience, contact Landious Travel to provide you with a local guide based in the Fayoum Governorate. Our guide will take you on curated tours to explore fabulous Fayoum in different thematic itineraries. This helps ensure an ultimate experience. He will share his knowledge of the area and his interesting Fayoum stories.