Bat Cave Entrance in Hammamiya – Shale Formations Overlooking the Nile Valley

This image captures a panoramic view of the Nile Valley as seen through the natural opening of a cave located in Hammamiya, Assiut Governorate, Upper Egypt. The cave is composed of shale — a fine-grained sedimentary rock rich in organic material — making it a valuable setting for studying ancient depositional environments.

Locally known as the “Bat Cave” due to the presence of bat colonies inside, this natural feature frames the contrast between arid sedimentary formations and the lush agricultural landscape of the Nile floodplain. The cave overlooks vast green fields, offering a striking geological and visual transition between desert highlands and cultivated lands.

The photo was taken using a smartphone camera during a geological field trip.
By Ahmed Mohy.

Location:

Hammamiya, Assiut, Upper Egypt