EGYPT Red Sea & Sinai Red Sea resorts and major highlights of Sinai Peninsula Sharm el-Sheikh r contents P.6-7-8-9 WELCOME TO RED SEA AND SINAI P.10-11 RED SEA COAST P.12-13 ISMAILIA, AIN SUKHNA & ZA’FARANA P.14-15 EL GOUNA & HURGHADA P.16-17 AROUND HURGHADA P.18-19 SAFAGA P.20-21 AL QUSEIR P.22-23 PORT GHALIB P.24-25 MARSA ALAM P.26-27 WADI EL-GEMAL, BERENICE & BIR SHALATEIN P.28 SINAI P.29 RAS SIDR P. 30-31 RAS MOHAMMED NATIONAL PARK P. 32-35 SHARM EL-SHEIKH & NA’AMA BAY P. 36-37 DAHAB & NABQ P. 38-39 ABU GALLUM NATIONAL PARK P.40-41 NUWEIBA P.42-43 TABA & TABA HEIGHTS P.44-45 ST CATHERINE’S MONASTERY & MOUNT SINAI P.46-47 PRACTICAL INFORMATION P.48-51 ACCOMMODATION P.52-53 ALTERNATIVE PRODUCTS P.54 DO’S & DON’TS P.55 EGYPT GENERAL MAP 5 Red Sea &Sinai EGYPT GUIDE Welcome to Red Sea & Sinai Egypt is a unique blend of timeless fascination and modern approaches to holidaymaking which give it a very special place in the world of tourism. Broadly speaking, tourist areas of Egypt can be divided into the Nile Valley, the Deserts and Oases, and the Red Sea and Sinai region. Travelling between these areas is very easy, and it’s quite simple to book a holiday which combines very different experiences in one trip. It’s no surprise that the Red Sea and Sinai is now one of the most popular and fastest growing tourism destinations in the world. As well as the peaceful sun and sand holiday, there’s a huge range of ac- tivities on hand including world-famous diving, desert trips, climbing, golf, and national parks to name a few! It has something for everyone and the friendly atmosphere and wide range of activities means that it has become particularly popular with families. GEOGRAPHY It’s an easy trip, only a few hours flight from in the south. It is, effectively, the east coast Europe, and is a genuine year-round desti- of mainland Egypt looking across the sea to nation with guaranteed sunshine. Sinai. The area has stunning scenery and is a re- The crags and dry limestone valleys of the gion which is perfectly suited to exploring, Eastern Desert remain relatively unex- relaxation, and activities on, and under, the plored, but the Red Sea itself, dotted with water. coral reefs, has a rich maritime history Sinai Peninsula consists of an area of some which stretches back to the times of the 61,000 square kilometres. The natural bar- Pharaohs. riers are the Gulf of Suez to the west, sepa- In the Red Sea and Sinai areas, sun seekers rating the African continent from Asia, and love the gentle refreshing breezes which the Gulf of Aqaba to the east. are welcome in a hot summer. The north east boundary, a 200 km stretch Take a look at the map of the Red Sea and of Mediterranean coastline. Sinai region of Egypt and you will see how Isolated and protected by the surround- the water laps around its shores over many ing majestic mountains, the monastery of hundreds of miles. St.Catherine is a major attraction for tour- Above all, the Red Sea is a dream destina- ists visiting the area. tion which suits so many travellers, whether Egypt’s Red Sea coast runs from the Gulf of they are seeking relaxation, exploration, or Suez in the north to the Sudanese border an ideal family break. A destination “à la carte” The great thing about the region is that taste one of the aquatic sports at Hurgha- the possibilities are endless you can make da, to explore the peaceful diving sites of your holiday exactly what you want it to be. Marsa Alam or to chill out in the luxury re- Among the most varied activities offered by sort of Port Ghalib, or even to enjoy the sun the main destinations of the region, you can in Taba or relax in Nuweiba, not to forget take the chance to pamper at El Gouna, or Sharm el-Sheikh famous for its nightlife and Welcome to Red Sea & Sinai Dahab for its tranquillity. There are many chances to enjoy the wide For some visitors, simply soaking up the sun open spaces of Sinai, whether a trip to go and relaxing is a key part of the trip and this camping under the stars, or a day trip to en- is just the place for that! joy camel trekking, mountain biking, or a jeep As you’ll see in this guide, though, the trip through sand dunes and mountains. beautiful crystal clear waters are waiting to Try to enjoy the desert for its glorious si- tempt you. lence and you’ve never really seen the night If it’s relaxation you’re looking for, it’s hard sky properly until you’ve seen it over Sinai to beat sitting on a jetty with your feet in the completely without the bright lights of Red Sea while you watch legions of brightly home which hide the glory of the heavens. coloured fish coming to say hello. Egypt is a land of variety & endless choices, Even if you’ve never done it before, have and the distinctive attractions of the Red a taste of snorkelling and enjoy a different Sea and Sinai make you feel as if you are world where you can feel part of the life of a completely different country to the Nile the sea. Valley and Desert regions but they are close Of course, the Red Sea and Sinai is one of by, with the same friendly welcome and top RED SEA & SINAI TO WELCOME the most popular destinations in the world value. When the sun goes down, the shops for experienced divers too. For snorkelers become particularly busy and you’ll find and scuba divers, this place is like heaven. some great souvenirs to take home, espe- The sheer range of things to do in this re- cially in cotton, leather, and local crafts. And gion is one of many pleasant surprises for you’ll still have time to enjoy the wide range first time visitors. of nightlife which has a magic all of its own. For an increasing number of holidaymakers, Value for money is very much in evidence sport and the open air is a vital part of their in this region. And the choice is yours with time away from boring routine. everything from simple accommodation for As well as fun on, or under, the water, you’ll the backpacker up to the very best in bou- find superb facilities for golf and climbing tique and luxury. activities. For many golfers, planning a day’s golf and knowing, not hoping, that the sun will shine is one of the biggest pleasures. Egypt has taken to golf in a big way and resorts like Ain Sukhna, El Gouna, Hurghada, Sharm el- Sheikh, Taba Which have fabulous courses to enjoy. For most visitors to the region, the tower- ing mountains are there to admire espe- cially when you can relax with a drink and watch their changing colours at sunrise and sunset. One of the many theories on the origin of the Red Sea’s name is built around the beautiful red hues bouncing off the moun- tains and water as the sun rises and sets. For more adventurous people, these mag- nificent mountains are not just for admiring they are for climbing too. If you’d like to try it, whether as a beginner or expert, there are many tours and teachers to show you the way. 7 Combination of products Another beauty of the ease of travel in There’s more later in the guide on the Egypt is that you can combine your beach great monasteries of Sinai which reflect holiday with a short trip to the Pyramids or the region’s links with many great world re- the Valley of the Kings. ligions. Many visitors to Red Sea and Sinai Many operators offer short trips by air find that their short side trips give them a which mean that you can be back relaxing long shopping list of ideas for future return by the pool a very short time after a taste of visits. One trip to Egypt is never enough! historical Egypt and its treasures. Rhythm of life The rhythm of life in the sunshine means Long before the air conditioning and iced that you’ll soon find yourself adapting to drinks which are part of the modern holiday the Egyptian way of doing things. experience here, people chose to wait until the sun set before venturing out to shop or dine. That pattern is still the way to do things, and another great feature of the Red Sea and Sinai region is that, unlike some countries, there are lots to do after dark and in com- plete safety too. Whether it’s a modern shopping mall or a traditional souk (market), they take on a very special atmosphere as they, and the shopkeepers, seem to twinkle after dark. When you booked your holiday, you will already have noticed that Egypt is tremen- dous value and prices in the shops will con- firm your good luck. EGYPTIAN CUISINE Talking of value, eating out in Egypt comes One thing’s for sure one or two weeks won’t at superb prices and with great variety. give you enough time to try everything Whatever your taste in international food in you’ll find in the pages which follow.