Cave of Swimmers

The Cave of Swimmers is an archaeological site on the Gilf al-Kabir plateau in southwestern Egypt, known for its prehistoric rock paintings. The images show humans in swimming motions and animals, spread across the walls and ceiling of the shelter.

László Almásy came across this shelter in October 1933 during an expedition into the western desert. His documentation brought the site to the attention of the scientific community and sparked further research into early Saharan settlement.

The painted swimmers appear with outstretched arms and legs, moving through what seems to be water. These images suggest that the Sahara held lakes and rivers thousands of years ago, which have now completely disappeared.

Reaching the site requires a multi-day desert journey with specialized vehicles and experienced guides who know the terrain. Visitors should prepare for extreme heat and minimal infrastructure, as the region lies far from any settled areas.

Some researchers see the figures not as swimmers but as depictions of the deceased floating in a symbolic primordial ocean. This interpretation links the paintings to later ancient Egyptian beliefs about the afterlife and water as an element of transition.