Desert · New Valley
Gilf Kebir National Park
A vast, remote desert reserve in Egypt's far south-west, bordering Libya and Sudan, with no settlements inside it.
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The story
Gilf Kebir was declared a protected area in 2007 by a decree of the Prime Minister. It lies in the south-west of the New Valley Governorate, in a remote and hyper-arid region. It covers roughly 48,000 square kilometres, close to 5% of Egypt's territory. Libya bounds it to the west and Sudan to the south, and at present there are no settlements or facilities inside the park. The area is renowned for its prehistoric rock art, including the Cave of Swimmers in Wadi Sura.
Good to know
- The park was established in 2007.
- It covers about 5% of Egypt's territory.
- There are currently no human settlements or facilities inside the park.
- The area is known for prehistoric rock engravings and paintings, including the Cave of Swimmers in Wadi Sura.