Cave of SwimmersCave of Swimmers at a Glance
About Cave of Swimmers
The Cave of Swimmers is a prehistoric rock‑art site on the Gilf Kebir plateau in the Egyptian Sahara, recorded by explorers in the 1930s and notable for large painted figures that appear to depict humans swimming.
Panels of painted human and animal figures are set on smooth sandstone walls within a shallow cave and nearby rock shelters; some figures are drawn in stylized poses that suggest swimming movements. The paintings are part of the wider Wadi Sura rock‑art complex and are among the most cited Saharan Holocene pictographs by archaeologists.
The site was documented by European explorers in the early 20th century and has been interpreted as evidence of a much wetter climate in the Sahara during the early to mid Holocene. Archaeologists date the rock art to prehistoric periods and study it as part of broader research into Saharan prehistoric cultures.
The cave sits on the southern edge of the Gilf Kebir plateau in southwestern Egypt, in a remote desert zone near the Libya border; it is hundreds of kilometres from major cities and reached only by long overland desert routes.
- Access: Site lies in a very remote part of the Gilf Kebir plateau; visits require an organized desert expedition, local permits and experienced guides.
- Conservation: Rock paintings are fragile and exposed to the elements; follow site rules and avoid touching the art.
Best Time to Visit Cave of Swimmers
Visits are best planned in the cool season for safety and comfort; always check local access and security advisories for remote desert regions.
Weather & Climate near Cave of Swimmers
Cave of Swimmers's climate is classified as Hot Desert - Hot Desert climate with very hot summers (peaking in July) and cool winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 6°C to 38°C. Very dry conditions with minimal rainfall with a pronounced dry season.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Excellent | 6° - 20° | 13° | 1 mm | clear | 41% | 3.3 m/s | 1.3 high | 10.7h |
| February | Excellent | 7° - 22° | 15° | 0 mm | clear | 31% | 3.5 m/s | 1.7 very high | 11.3h |
| March | Ideal | 11° - 27° | 19° | 1 mm | clear | 23% | 4.0 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 11.9h |
| April | Ideal | 16° - 33° | 24° | 0 mm | clear | 18% | 4.1 m/s | 2.5 extreme | 12.6h |
| May | Ideal | 20° - 36° | 28° | 0 mm | clear | 17% | 4.1 m/s | 2.6 extreme | 13.1h |
| June | Ideal | 23° - 38° | 30° | 0 mm | clear | 17% | 4.0 m/s | 2.7 extreme | 13.4h |
| July | Ideal | 23° - 37° | 30° | 0 mm | clear | 19% | 3.6 m/s | 2.8 extreme | 13.3h |
| August | Ideal | 23° - 37° | 30° | 1 mm | clear | 21% | 3.5 m/s | 2.7 extreme | 12.8h |
| September | Ideal | 21° - 35° | 28° | 0 mm | clear | 23% | 3.7 m/s | 2.4 extreme | 12.2h |
| October | Ideal | 17° - 31° | 24° | 0 mm | clear | 29% | 3.6 m/s | 1.9 very high | 11.5h |
| November | Ideal | 11° - 25° | 18° | 1 mm | clear | 37% | 3.2 m/s | 1.4 high | 10.9h |
| December | Excellent | 7° - 21° | 14° | 0 mm | clear | 44% | 3.3 m/s | 1.2 high | 10.6h |
How to Get to Cave of Swimmers
The Cave of Swimmers is in Egypt’s Western Desert (Gilf Kebir area) and reachable only via organized desert expeditions from oases such as Dakhla or from bases in southern Egypt. Tours require permits, experienced guides and careful logistical planning due to remoteness and conservation rules.
Tips for Visiting Cave of Swimmers
- Access to remote desert rock art depends on local arrangements-use a reputable tour operator experienced in Western Desert logistics.
- Respect protections: the cave paintings are fragile and should not be touched; follow guide instructions carefully.