For all those who travel with us, a trip is not about the hotel, the camp, or even the city you’re visiting. A trip is all about the nature and culture of the place you’re visiting. We don’t travel hundreds of miles to be confined in a small space with walls around us; we travel so that we spend time in a place whose walls are the mountains, whose ceiling is the stars, and whose very spirit is nature itself.

The Red Sea mountain range is located to the west of the Red Sea and is mirrored on the eastern side within Saudi territory by the Hejaz mountains.

It lies on the western shore of the Red Sea and extends from the extreme north at the head of the Gulf of Suez to where it merges into the Ethiopian Highlands in the south, paralleling the coastline.

The mountains steeply descend towards the sea and gradually towards the inland as they form the western escarpment of the Red Sea Rift. They are composed of ancient igneous and metamorphic rocks and are rich in mineral veins and igneous dikes, except for the Northern Galala Plateau (1223 meters) and the Southern Galala Plateau (1472 meters), which are situated between Wadi Arabah and are composed of Eocene limestone, as well as Attaqa Mountain (371 meters) overlooking the city of Suez.

The average elevation of the Red Sea Mountains ranges from 300 to 1000 meters, although many of their peaks exceed 1500 meters, with the highest peaks in these ranges in Egypt being Gebel Shayib El-Banat (2181 meters) and Gebel Hamata (1977 meters).

The Red Sea Mountains contain many valleys and ravines that have cut through them, which carry water during certain years but only for a limited time. The most important of these valleys that descend westward towards the interior include Wadi Al-Jarf, Wadi Tarfa, Wadi Qena, Wadi Hammamat, Wadi Al-Arki, and Wadi Kharita. As for the valleys that descend eastward towards the sea, the most important are Wadi Arabah, Wadi El-Gemal, and Khor Arbaat. These have great importance as routes for transportation and as centers for gathering Bedouins since these valleys contain some greenery and water springs.

Eastern Egypt, Sudan, and the Red Sea mountain range have been known since the time of the Pharaohs for having all types of minerals.

Mining studies have confirmed that there are 60 gold mining sites in the Jibet area, in addition to billions of tons of iron, ilmenite, and rutile, which are used in the manufacture of aircraft bodies and high-quality paint. The gold exploration project that started in the 1980s as a national economic initiative has a production capacity of 5,000 kilograms of gold with a high purity level of 90%, covering an area of 60,000 square kilometers in the region known as Wadi Broth. This area is one of the most famous for its gold veins. Wadi Broth is a green valley abundant in livestock, surrounded by a dirt wall, and at the upper part of the valley, there are three tanks used for storing rainwater for purifying gold ore in the mountains of Ariab and Jebait.

A complete residential area was discovered inside the gold mines of Wadi Bakariya in the Red Sea mountains area, located about 120 kilometers west of Marsa Alam. The discovery was made during a mission by Ghent University, in Belgium, studying the gold mine area in the Eastern Desert, which was exploited by the Pharaohs and continued through the Greek and Roman periods in Egypt.

Famous mountains of the Eastern Desert and the Red Sea range:

– Gebel Shayib El-Banat, 2187 m

– Gebel Gharib, 1745 m

– Gebe; Abu Harba, 1705 m

– Gebel Umm Qattar, 1965 m

– Gebel Abu Ubaid, 1900 m

– Gebel Hamata, 1910 m

– Gebel Abu Jard, 1563 m

– Gebel Ghareb, 1750 m

– Gebel Hafafeet, 1371 m

Famous mountains of Gebel Elba National Park:

– Gebel Al-Faraid, 1234 m

– Gebel Harhajit, 542 m

– Gebel Al-Houdain, 716 m

– Gebel Zarqa Al-Naam, 823 m

– Gebel Abu Dahr, 1124 m

– Gebel Umm Al-Tuyur Al-Foqani, 777 m

– Gebel Al-Naqroob Al-Foqani, 1078 m

– Gebel Abu Hadid, 1486 m

– Gebel Ararib, 1273 m

– Gebel Sol Hamed, 599 m

– Gebel Qash Amer, 724 m

– Gebel Elba (Gebel Ela Raba), 1474 m

– Gebel Shendeeb, 1911 m

– Gebel Sawaoreeb, 1383 m

– Gebel Shallal, 1409 m

– Gebel Hanqoof, 1430 m

Egypt is a North African country bordered by three other countries, including Sudan, Libya, and Palestine. It also borders the Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea. In a country predominantly characterized by sand dunes, Egypt is home to majestic mountains that rise over 2000 meters. The mountains in Egypt have various characteristics, from jagged peaks to smooth slopes, and from flat summits to pyramid-like peaks. Most mountains are easily climbable and offer fantastic experiences for hiking and climbing. The average elevation of mountain in Egypt is 321 meters, with the highest peaks in South Sinai Governorate, where Mount Catherine reaches an elevation of 2,642 meters, and the lowest point located in the Qattara Depression at 133 meters above sea level.

– Mount Catherine:

Mount Catherine rises to 2,662 meters, making it the highest peak in Egypt. The mountain consists of black volcanic rocks and is distinguished from its granite neighbors, Mount Al-Ahmar and Mount Raba. Located near the city of Saint Catherine in South Sinai Governorate, the mountain is named after Saint Catherine, a venerated Christian martyr. It is believed that Saint Catherine was killed for her beliefs, a fate that befell many early Christians. It is said that monks found her remains on the mountain, which are preserved in the monastery named after her. The mountain has always had religious significance, which continues to attract pilgrims in modern Egypt. At the summit, there is a church built in honor of Saint Catherine and a weather station. Mount Catherine is popular among tourists and has well-defined hiking routes.

– Mount Zubair:

Mount Zubair is the second highest peak in Egypt at an elevation of 2,634 meters. The mountain is located close to Mount Catherine. Its rugged terrain makes its climb a challenge. The mountain doesn’t record large numbers of climbers and is primarily bypassed in the route to Mount Saint Catherine.

– Mount Abu Rumayl:

Mount Abu Rumayl is the third highest peak, also at an elevation of 2,634 meters. This mountain is sometimes mistaken as an extension of Mount Catherine due to its proximity. The mountain extends to join the mountain range of Jebel El Reeh (Mountain of the Wind). The mountain is easy to climb.

– Mount Umm Shomer:

Mount Umm Shomer rises to 2,578 meters, making it the fourth highest mountain in Egypt. The summit offers spectacular views of the Gulf of Suez and the entire city. The durable granite mountain features two peaks. The mountain is remote and more accessible from the city of Saint Catherine. The mountain has various routes and is relatively easy to climb.

In addition to the previously mentioned mountains, other high mountains in Egypt include Mount El-Khala (2,543 meters), Mount El-Ludda (2,455 meters), Mount Thebt (2,436 meters), Mount Rehan (2,413 meters), Mount Abu Shajara (2,343 meters), and Mount El-Azraq (2,297 meters).

Besides tourism, the mountains of Egypt hold religious significance, as they are located in the mythical region of Sinai. The mountains attract large numbers of tourists annually, mainly because they are not very difficult to climb. Fossils and ancient writings have been found in the mountains, giving them historical and cultural significance as well. Vast agricultural lands are being lost due to urbanization in Egypt, wind-blown sands, increasing soil salinity affecting water reservoirs like the High Dam in Aswan, desertification, oil spill, and these are some of the threats endangering the country’s biodiversity, including marine life. Water pollution from pesticides, sewage, and industrial liquid waste are some of the environmental hazards threatening the environment.

The Tallest Mountains in Egypt (Ranked by Elevation):

1. Mount Catherine, 2,662 meters

2. Mount Zubair, 2,634 meters

3. Mount Abu Rumayl, 2,624 meters

4. Mount Umm Shomer, 2,578 meters

5. Mount El-Khala, 2,543 meters

6. Mount El-Ludda, 2,455 meters

7. Mount Thebt, 2,436 meters

8. Mount Rehan, 2,413 meters

9. Mount Abu Shajara, 2,343 meters

10. Mount El-Azraq, 2,297 meters

Names of the Red Sea Governorate Islands:

1. Umm Al-Kiman Island

2. Umm Kurosh Island

3. Sha’ab Ali Island

4. Ghanem Island

5. Mukorat Island (Umm Al-Kirsh)

6. Small (Northern) Qaysum Island

7. Small (Northern) Gobal Island

8. Big (Southern) Qaysum Island

9. Big (Northern) Umm Al-Heymat Island

10. Al-Yateen Island (Small Jamal)

11. Small (Southern) Umm Al-Heymat Island

12. Big (Southern) Gobal Island

13. Tawila Island (Tuwal)

14. Small Siyal Island (Siyul)

15. Big Siyal Island (Siyul)

16. Green Island (connected to Tawila Island)

17. Big Shadwan Island

18. Umm Qasr Island (Umm Gasr)

19. El-Fanadir Island

20. Big Giftun Island

21. Big Abu-Minqar Island

22. Small Giftun Island

23. Big Abu-Gawish Island (Magawish)

24. Abu-Ramada Island (Abu-Rimani)

25. Small Abu-Gawish Island (Magawish)

26. Abu-Hashish Island (Sahl Hashish)

27. Sadana Island (Sadan)

28. Umm El-Gursan Island

29. Toubia White Island

30. Toubia Red Island

31. Safaga Island

32. Big (Northern) Brothers Island

33. Small (Southern) Brothers Island

34. Big Lago Island

35. Wadi El-Gemal Island

36. Sebyal Island

37. Shawarit Island

38. Harris Island

39. Al-Makouma Island

40. Al-Nahrgad Island

41. Farawkas Island

42. Serbal Island

43. Siyal Island (Siyul/Halayeb)

44. Robeel Island (Shoab Robeel Islands)

45. Diba Island (Al-Diba/Halayeb)

46. Kolala Island

47. Big Halayeb Island (Halayeb)

iCamp Trail

The distance mentioned is an estimate and can change depending on where you start and end the trip. This distance was measured during our trips with the Bedouins.

– Dahab – Nuweiba:

Bir Uqda : Abu Galoum = 12 km

Abu Galoum : Blue Hole = 8 km

Abu Galoum : Blue Lagoon = 5 km

Blue Lagoon : Ras Mamlah = 18 km

Bir Zghir : Abu Galoum = 35 km

Bir Zghir : Bir Uqda = 20 km

Abu Galoum : Nuweiba = 40 km

– Nabq – Al-Tur:

Wadi Kid entrance : El-Sharia village = 16 km

Kid village : Spring of Umm Seida = 12 km

Spring of Umm Seida : El-Aqsureia Valley = 9 km

El-Aqsureia Valley : El-Qasaba = 11 km

El-Qasaba : Sahl El-Qaa = 12 km

– Nabq – Nuweiba:

Gabr El-Bint : El-Munqataa = 18 km

Gabr El-Bint : Three Pools = 12 km

El-Dagl : Three Pools = 35 km

– Taba Protectorate:

Wadi El-Malha : Colored Canyon = 25 km (The shortcut is 18 km)

Wadi El-Malha : Wadi Watir = 35 (Through the Colored Canyon)

Wadi El-Badan entrance : Colored Canyon = 30 km

Colored Canyon = 3.7 km

Taba and Nuweiba Reserve Camping trip and four-wheel drive safari for three days, including: transfers from Cairo, meals, drinks, and 4×4 drive safari | A mountain trip to the most beautiful canyons of Nuweiba, and mountain camping at a moderate level

Colored canyon

One of the natural wonders found in the Taba Reserve (South Sinai).

It is a maze of sandy rocks colored with picturesque colors and reaches a height between 40m and 80m. Its colors are caused by the different minerals in the rocks.

It is 90km away from north of Dahab and 3km away from Nuweiba.

The canyon consists of colored rocks in the form of cliffs resembling a dry riverbed. It was formed by a rocky cleft, rainwater, and torrents.

Salama Canyon = 2.5 km

Red Canyon = 1.4 km

One of Ras Ghazala’s Canyons (Southeast of ‘Nuweiba – St. Catherine’ road, West of Dahab).

‎‏It was formed 25 million years ago.

‎‏Its distance is about 800m or 1.400 , and its depth is more than 40m.

‎‏It is similar in composition to Salama Canyon, and is like Colored Canyon it’s smaller. Hence the difference in trips and destinations.

‎‏Wooden stairs were made to facilitate walking inside it.

White Canyon = 2.5 km (exit from El-Maktoub)

White Canyon = 3.25 km (exit from El-Tasalouq)

Arada Canyon = 3 km

Wadi Matamir (Matir) = 2 km

Wadi El-Hammam = 10 km

Wadi El-Weshwash = 4 km

Wadi El-Rayan El-Malha = 12 km

– Gulf to Gulf:

El-Tih Trail: from Abu Zenima to Abu Galoum = 310 km (4×4 Vehicles, Off-Road)

Esla Trail: from Nabq to El-Tur = 185 km (4×4 Vehicles, Hike, Camel Safari)

– Wadi Kid – El-Tur:

Esla Trail = 35 km (from Spring of Umm Seida path)

Esla Trail = 30 km (from Seil Ramhan path)

Wadi Esla = 9 km (from Seil Umm Wajid)

– El-Tur:

Wadi Taman = 3 km

Wadi Malayha = 8 km

Wadi Hebran = 6 km