Desert Whales?

 

Wadi Al-Hitan (Arabic: وادي الحيتان‎, "Whales Valley") is located southwest of Cairo, Egypt.  It is known as a paleontological site with hundred of fossils from some of the earliest whales known to man.  No other place in the world has the number, quality and concentration of such fossils.  The fossils are so well preserved that even some stomach contents are still intact.  In the area, you will also find other fossils from sharks, fish, crocodiles, sea cows, turtles and rays.  If fossils don't interest you.. just look at the scenery!   The area, as beautiful and interesting as it might be, attracts few visitors each year (less than 1,000).  This is due to the fact that it is quite remote and difficult to reach. One must drive a 4WD (or a camel) as the track is unpaved and crosses unmarked desert sands.  Most of the visitor are foreigners who camp in the valley during prearranged tours.  It is slowly becoming a more popular tourist area and fossils are on display and small shelters have been built. 

The area is highly protected, but  a pair of cars driven by Beligian diplomats entered the protected zone and caused $325,000 worth of damages... the Belgium government disputes this fact and the issue has yet to be resolved.   The guy in the picture below looks so tiny!