The Wadi Degla Protectorate is renowned for its spectacular limestone terrain, including deep, winding canyons formed by ancient Nile River floodwaters. Declared as a protectorate in 1999, this 60 km² protectorate runs northwest to the Nile Valley and South of Cairo. The valley enjoys a natural solid heritage and is home to several marine fossils that date back to the Eocene epoch. With vegetation during rainy seasons and a reasonable amount of wildlife, Wadi Degla Protectorate is home to some unique bat species.
Location of Wadi Degla Protectorate
Wadi Degla Protectorate lies in the northern part of the Eastern Desert and runs east to west for 30 km to drain into the Nile Valley at Maadi, south of Cairo, Helwan Governorate. The area, which encompasses 60 km², was declared by the Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency (EEAA) as a Natural Protectorate in 1999. Located only 15 minutes from the Cairo suburb of Maadi, this rugged valley contains various animal life, including deer, hares, red foxes, reptiles, Egyptian turtles, twelve species of resident and migrant birds, and 64 plants.
Wadi Degla
Wadi Degla is also one of the most important valleys that extends from east to west and rises in the mountains of the Eastern Desert. Degla runs through limestone terrain, which then cuts into a deep winding canyon and in a few places, it can be seen that the floodwater has carved the rocks into spectacular shapes. The rainwater dropping from the waterfalls affected the limestone rocks over the years and formed the so-called canyon Degla, which resembles the Grand Canyon in the U.S . There are many fossils in the rock formations and scattered patches of petrified wood.
The ephemeral plants dominate Wadi Degla after the rainy season. A few animal species include Dorcas Gazelle, Gazella Dorcas, Nubian Ibex, Capra Nubiana, Lesser Mouse-tailed Bats, and Rhinopoma Hardwickii, which live in the caves in the Wadi sides.
Flora and fauna
Wadi Degla Protectorate has a group of animals, including mammals like deer, tail, mountain rabbits, red foxes, feather-tailed rats, oviparous, barbed rats, and little-tailed bats. Among the insects, there are many others. Eighteen species of reptiles have been recorded as well. Wadi Degla is home to various species of birds, reptiles, bats, and even larger animals such as foxes and gazelles. There are also many fossils from times when the valley was covered with water.
Great Trailing Spot
Wadi Degla Protectorate provides an excellent path network for all skill levels. The main 10.5 km trail is fun and easy and begins at the wadi gate. The terrain is light sand and gravel with rough sections and thick sand occasionally, but there is little difficulty for beginners. The Wadi’s south and north plateaus seem ideal for intermediate to advanced-level trailers, providing a vast network of trails that will satisfy advanced riders.
Wadi Degla, overall, is an almost new escape. The air at the protectorate feels clean, and temperatures are noticeably more relaxed than in Downtown Cairo. The tranquil area and the city appear impossibly far in the distance. Wadi Degla opens doors every day.
