A small, remarkably fresh meteorite impact crater in the far south-western desert, discovered from satellite images in 2008.
- Arabic name
- محمية فوهة جبل كامل النيزكية
- Type
- Protected area
- Governorate
- New Valley
- Area
- 17 km²
- Protected since
- 2012
- Official website
- eeaa.gov.eg
Gebel Kamil is a meteorite impact crater in the remote south-west of Egypt, east of Gebel Uweinat. It was spotted on satellite images and confirmed by an Italian-Egyptian scientific team in 2009, and it was declared a natural monument in 2012.
The crater
The crater is about 45 m across and roughly 16 m deep, with a raised rim and rays of ejected material. It is unusually well preserved because it is young in geological terms, formed within the last few thousand years. The impactor was an iron meteorite, and thousands of metal fragments were found scattered around it, including a large piece of more than 80 kg. Fresh small craters like this are rare on Earth, and the site helps scientists understand how meteorites strike the ground.
Visiting
The crater lies in a military-controlled border region and can only be reached on licensed expeditions with permits, usually combined with Gilf Kebir and Gebel Uweinat. Removing meteorite fragments is illegal.
Best time
November to February, the only practical season for deep desert expeditions.
Entry fee: included in permit and expedition costs (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
What is the Gebel Kamil crater?
It is a meteorite impact crater about 45 m across and 16 m deep, formed within the last few thousand years by an iron meteorite. It was spotted on satellite images and confirmed in 2009, and is one of the freshest small craters on Earth.
Can I visit the crater?
Only on licensed expeditions with permits, as it lies in a military-controlled border region. Trips are usually combined with Gilf Kebir and Gebel Uweinat.
Can I take a meteorite fragment as a souvenir?
No. Removing meteorite fragments from the Gebel Kamil Meteorite Crater Protected Area is illegal.
When is the best time to go?
November to February is the only practical season for deep desert expeditions. Fees are included in the permit and expedition price.
