Was declared a protected area in 1983 administrated by the Egyptian Environment Affairs Agency. Ever since, the locals and the park rangers have done a great effort to protect and preserve its splendid nature.
The sight seeing begins in the Mangroves, where the colors alone are worth the visit. You shall witness the rare phenomena of the mangrove trees, which can grow in salty waters as well as fresh waters. The trip carries on to several of the most beautiful and interesting sites in South Sinai such as; the charming little bay Marsa Breeka, The Lagoon, The salty Lake & The Sharks Observatory.
Before returning to your hotel in the air-conditioned vehicle, you will have the chance to go swimming and snorkeling at the very south peak of Sinai. It is said to be one of the best snorkeling and diving spots in the world, with its vast amount of coral- and fish species.
Marine fossils in the shape of corals can be seen in the rocks, their age are ranging from 20 million to 75,000 years. They are functioning as a reserve of nature helping to build the coral reef of present time. This is why it is so important to leave seashells and loose coral pieces behind, even when found on shore.
See also location R on the "Sinai Map". We also provide daily snorkeling trips by boat to Ras Mohammed National Park, see "Boat Trips".
Ras Nusrani was a former army base and observation point towards The straits of Tiran, and since 1991 the area has been protected and under supervision of the National Park.
The half day trip begins from your hotel, moving on in air- conditioned vehicles to the Ras Nusrani coast, lying on the southern end of the Gulf of Aqaba. There you will go snorkeling and observe the various forms of corals amongst the many fish species. The pelagic reef formations are considered the largest in Sharm el Sheikh.
Next stop is The Mangroves Forest, an oasis on the beach, which is inside Nabq Protected Area. It is one of the most serene sites in South Sinai and you shall witness the rare phenomena of the mangrove trees, growing in extremely salty waters and demonstrates how plants can adapt to their immediate surroundings.
The mangrove is a species as well as a community of plants. It can be a tree, a shrub or a palm: all share the ability to live in salty water and grow along the shoreline.
The mangrove trees are an important part of the natural system with their many organic materials that assist in feeding the marine life and birds.
During the winter season the area is hosting many kinds of birds emigrated from Europe to the warmer weather. It certainly is an impressing view to see a batch of fifty storks enjoying the peace and the sea under the Sinai sun.
(See also location K and O on the "Sinai Map").
The Monastery of St. Catherine is one of the best known monasteries in Egypt. It is right at the foot of Mount Moses and for thousands of years this has been the sacred ground whereto pilgrims come from all over the world.
But who was St. Catherine?
The year was 294 AD when she was born in Alexandria and carried the Pagan name Dorothea. The name Catherine was given to her when she converted to Christianity.
It was in the rule of Emperor Maximinus, that Catherine succeeded in forcing some of the Roman aristocracy into Christianity. The Emperor even had to witness some of his own family converting before he demanded for her execution.
Why Sinai?
The legend tells that the angels brought her body to the highest mountain peak of Sinai. This 2637m high mountain became Mount Catherine. Centuries after her death, in the time of the Roman Empress St. Helena, St. Catherine was seen as a vision on top of the mountain, which by ST. Helena was declared to be Mount Moses (2285m). In honor of St. Catherine a chapel was erected in the 4th century where her vision had been, this chapel is the most sacred part of a pilgrimage.
Christian hermits had in secrecy been living in this region since their escape from the Roman Empire. With their poor means from a long and troublesome journey through the desert, they managed to culture trees, plants, vegetables and fruits.
This is what St. Helena found, and this should be the beginning of The Monastery of St. Catherine.
How do I get there?
Sun'n Fun offers a full day trip with early departure (in A/C vehicles) in order to have plenty of time to visit the monastery and surroundings. Our guide will be with you at all times to show and explain.
Next stop is a charming restaurant where you will be served a tasty traditional meal before going shopping in Dahab. (for more information about Dahab see "Sinai Map").
Please note that the monastery is closed Friday's, Sunday's and Holidays.
It was back in ancient times, when God was revealed to Moses through the miracle of The Burning Bush. The message was to lead the children of Israel to the mountain Horeb (as it was called in their time), where they received the Tablets of Law - The Ten Commandments.
Today we know the Mountain as Mount Moses and to climb it is a true pilgrimage. You leave Sharm el Sheikh in the evening and by night-time you arrive at the foot of the mountain, where the guide will start the night climb with you.
This excursion is very different from other tours in Sinai, due to the fact that the site is inaccessible to cars, and even camels cannot reach all the way to the top, the last 700 steps has to be done by foot. This is hiking in its purest form.
You shall reach the peak just a while before dawn, and the greatest reward is to watch the stunning scenery of the sunrise over the mountains of Sinai. After descent you will be having breakfast and thereafter visiting The Monastery of St.Catherine.
(For more information about The Monastery of St. Catherine, please see text for "St. Catherine & Dahab" jeep safari).
Please note that this excursion does not leave Thursdays, Saturdays and Holidays as the monastery will be closed for visitors.
The departure is early morning from your hotel in A/C vehicles. After about two hours on asphalt road it is going off road to the Coloured Canyon, which is only reachable in 4x4 vehicles.
Upon arrival you will leave the cars and start a long and interesting walk through the canyon. To the left and to the right are the canyon rock formations to be seen, and with a closer look even fossils are to be found in the walls. The fossils and the grind shapes leave no doubt that this canyon has had a past under sea level. Every step reveals new details and attracts the eye to incredible imposing geological formations, displaying wonderful shades of black, yellow, ochre and green.
From time to time you will be walking though narrow passes and sliding a step down through a hole in the rock, which is considered a part of the fantastic experience. Your friendly guide is there to give a hand, and the trip can be performed both by elderly and youngsters. The end of the canyon meets with a large sandy valley and it is time to get back up to the cars, waiting in a Bedouin tent with cold soft drinks.
Next stop is Nuweiba in a little charming restaurant on the beach, where you will be served a delicious Egyptian lunch. A little drive brings you to The Dolphin Bay, not far from the restaurant. "Dolphin Bay" is a new name given to the little beach in Muzeina, as the place is really called. The new name causes the free dolphin Oline, who has a very special friendship with the Bedouin fisherman Abdallah. She is said to have saved his live, once he was in a storm at sea and since then she comes everyday to play with him and get some snacks. Her friendly attitude is amazing from a free dolphin and you will have the opportunity to go swimming or snorkeling near her. When she is jumping around it is also a beautiful experience to watch her from the Bedouins seating area on shore.
Dahab is on the road back to Sharm el Sheikh, and a stop over is planned to see the area or maybe to do some souvenir shopping. A one hour drive will bring you back to Sharm el Sheikh, where you will arrive in the late afternoon.
See also location C, D & H on the "Sinai Map".
The Grand Safari will take you to; The Monastery of St. Catherine, Coloured Canyon, Dolphin Bay & Dahab… ….All in one day!!!
This excursion is ideal for Sharm el Sheikh lovers, who have devoted most of their holiday to the sea, but still do not want to miss on the land-based treasures of Sinai.
The departure is early morning from your hotel in A/C vehicles. St. Catherine Monastery is the first destination after a two hours drive between the picturesque mountains. (For detailed information about The Monastery of St. Catherine, please see service text for "St. Catherine & Dahab" jeep safari).
Then you are going off road to the Coloured Canyon, which is only reachable in 4x4 vehicles. Upon arrival you will leave the cars and start a long and interesting walk through the canyon. (For detailed information about The Coloured Canyon, please see service text for "Coloured Canyon, Dolphin Bay & Dahab" jeep safari).
The jeeps are waiting with cold soft drinks at the end of the canyon and then they will bring you to a little charming restaurant on the beach, where you will be served a delicious Egyptian meal. The Dolphin Bay is in Nuweiba, not far from the restaurant. You will have the opportunity to go swimming, snorkeling or sitting in the cushions to relax with a drink. (For detailed information about The Dolphin Bay, please see service text for "Coloured Canyon, Dolphin Bay & Dahab" jeep safari).
Dahab is on the road back to Sharm el Sheikh, and a stop over is planned to see the area or maybe to do some souvenir shopping. A one hour drive will bring you back to Sharm el Sheikh, where you will arrive in the evening.
See also location C, D, G & H on the "Sinai Map".