WADI DEGLA, Egypt: Many people do not realize that only around 10 kilometers between Maadi and Wadi Degla Protectorate –lies a nature lover's excellent getaway from the noise, pollution and congestion of Cairo. Step through the gates of Wadi Degla and you are literally walking on the bed of an ancient sea that existed around 50 million years ago, formed by flood waters mixing with natural salts in the earth. It is located on the western edge of Egypt's Eastern Desert and runs 30 km from east to west, with an overall area of 60 km2. The valley is rich in marine fossils. But these fossils are not the only reason why the valley is an invaluable protected area. The valley offers a true glimpse of the habitat and wildlife of the Eastern Desert. The 50 meter high cliffs forming the main valley have fascinating rock formations, shaped by water movements millions of years ago. Walking in the midst of them feels as if you are truly out of this world! Approximately halfway along the length of the valley, waterfalls have formed a small canyon which is the favorite haunt of many visitors. Once there, you feel simply at peace. You may be surprised that, unlike many places in Cairo, you can actually clearly hear yourself think there! There are no more car horns or humming machines drilling your ears, and no exhaust offending your nostrils. Nothing but peace, quiet and beauty. If you are lucky enough to be there when there is rain, you can watch the holes in the canyon floor become little waterholes that quench the thirst of many small animals and birds. Wadi Degla is indeed home to a large number of desert animal and plant species. Fennec foxes, red foxes, dorcas gazelles, Nubian ibexes, wild hares, wheatears, rock doves and ravens are only a few examples of mammals and birds found in the valley. A number of caves in the valley also house colonies of the very small insect-eating Lesser-Tailed Bat. Most of these animals are nocturnal and hard to spot, but if you are lucky you may have the delightful experience of glimpsing them at dusk. As for the plants, they may appear unattractive at first glance, but their variety and beauty is quite stunning, particularly in winter when many of the 70 or more species are in full bloom. For decades, Wadi Degla has been a familiar gateway to the inhabitants of Maadi, especially to Maadi's sizable expatriate community. Cyclers, joggers, hikers and campers frequent the valley every weekend, making good use of its excellent cycling and hiking tracks. Some people enjoy going there for a picnic on a Friday afternoon. Schools also organize trips to the valley to introduce their students to the Eastern Desert. Sadly, most of the valley's regular visitors are non-Egyptians. It is true that the protectorate suffers from wind-blown plastic bags coming from a nearby garbage disposal site. The plastic bags collect in large numbers in certain parts of the valley and choke the plants in which they get entangled. Yet, there are regular volunteer efforts to clean the valley, and there are talks that the Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency is considering fencing it to provide more protection. In any case, the valley remains a peaceful and beautiful location for a nice day out. Inside the valley, you will find it hard to believe that you are only a few kilometers away from the hustle and bustle of Cairo. The silence in the valley is near complete except for the occasional coo of a rock dove or the delightful, fluty singing of a white-crowned wheatear. The sky is bright blue rather than dirty grey and meets with the yellow of the rocks and the green of the desert plants to create a most relaxing contrast. So, whether you fancy a hike, a bicycle ride or a quiet outdoor barbecue with friends, Wadi Degla is one of your nearest retreats. Not only will you get away from Cairo to clear your mind and maybe get some exercise, but you will also be promoting an extremely valuable Egyptian protectorate and encouraging a healthy cultural activity. (If you are interested in cycling in Wadi Degla, join the cycling club MTB Egypt to be informed about their regular trips.) Eco Options Egypt
