Al-Dababiya Protected Area
Nature
A geological site south of Luxor chosen by scientists as the world reference point for the boundary between two geological epochs.
- Arabic name
- محمية الدبابية
- Type
- Protected area
- Governorate
- Luxor (listed under Qena in the EEAA register)
- Area
- 6.90 km²
- Protected since
- 2007
- Nearest city guide
- Luxor
- Official website
- eeaa.gov.eg
Al-Dababiya is a small natural monument on the east bank of the Nile, south of Luxor. It protects a cliff section of rock layers that geologists worldwide use as the official reference for the boundary between the Paleocene and Eocene epochs, about 56 million years ago.
The Paleocene-Eocene boundary
The Paleocene-Eocene boundary marks a sudden period of global warming, when carbon released into the atmosphere raised temperatures and changed ocean chemistry. The layers at Dababiya record this event clearly, with distinctive changes in sediment and microfossils. The International Commission on Stratigraphy selected the section as the global boundary stratotype, often called a golden spike, and it is one of the most important geological sites in Egypt for climate science.
Visiting
The site has no tourist facilities and is of interest mainly to geologists, students and scientifically minded travellers. A visit can be arranged from Luxor with a specialist guide, and it combines easily with the temples at Esna or with Luxor’s West Bank. Avoid climbing on or sampling the protected layers.
Best time
November to February, in the early morning.
Entry fee: not confirmed (last checked October 2026).
Last checked October 2026. Entry fees and access rules change; check with the Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency or a local operator before you go. Sources: eeaa.gov.eg, en.wikipedia.org.
Frequently asked questions
Why is Al-Dababiya protected?
Its cliff of rock layers is the official world reference point, or 'golden spike', for the boundary between the Paleocene and Eocene epochs, about 56 million years ago. The layers record a sudden episode of global warming, which makes the site important for climate science.
Is it worth visiting as a tourist?
It has no tourist facilities and mainly interests geologists, students and scientifically minded travellers. It can be combined with the temple at Esna or Luxor's West Bank.
How do I arrange a visit?
Visits are arranged from Luxor with a specialist guide. Avoid climbing on or sampling the protected rock layers.
When should I go and is there a fee?
November to February, early in the morning, is best. No fee has been confirmed; check with the Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency (eeaa.gov.eg).
