The Sinai region

Out of the blue abyss of the Gulf of Aqaba rises abruptly the precipitous cliff-like eastern slope of the coastal range of the Eastern Sinai. The sharp incline is intersected by numerous short deep canyons and by a few longer rivers, draining the extraordinary desert mountain landscape, which lies behind the escarpment.
Due to its complex geological structure the region is unparalleled in its diversity: a rugged landscape of pinnacles, domes and gorges, typical of desert landscapes formed of igneous rock; fantastically shaped and coloured sandstone forms, carved by erosion; vast flat valleys, typical of eroded sand stone landscapes covered with sand dunes and strewn with huge oddly shaped sand stone blocks; and harsh, yellow-brown plateaus of limestone, abruptly intersected by deep, white, often water- filled ravines. The area is dotted with hidden romantic palm oases, walls of rock inscriptions and drawings as well as groups of extremely well preserved burial structures of the Early Bronze Age.

The local inhabitants are Bedouin of the Muzaina and Tarabin tribes. As our guides and camel drivers belong to these two tribes, we can always expect a sweet cup of tea as part of traditional hospitality from tribesmen we meet on the way.

The scarcity of water sources and the very arid landscape on one hand, and the sandstone formations creating the most spectacular landscape in the entire peninsula on the other hand, all turn trekking in this area into a unique and profound desert experience.

Suggested ways of touring the Region

Desert Safari
Two cross-Sinai roads pass through the Eastern Sinai region. Some of the main dry river-beds (wadis) can be crossed with a four- wheel drive vehicle. You can cross the region, visit some of the oases and get a taste of the region as a part of a general Sinai peninsula Desert Safari tour.

Eastern Sinai Trek
Most of the region is impenetrable by vehicles. The only way to have an intensive tour of Eastern Sinai, reach the hidden canyons, cross the camel passes from the valleys to the mountains and get the feeling of the desert in depth is by trekking.

Short treks can last 3 days while more intensive treks can take 7 to 9 days.

A trek in this region is a combination of hiking and camel riding. Each participant has his/her own camel. The experience that awaits you on this trek is one of physical activity of hiking in canyons and on mountain passes intermixed with a the desert camel caravan experience where you and your body become one with the mesmerizing rhythm of the camel moving through the desert .
The night camps will be in desert oases or in hidden sand valleys.

The large team of camel drivers, cooks and mountain guide enables you to meet the Bedouin in their traditional surroundings and see them running their traditional way of life. Along the trek you and your group will merge into this way of life.

We place special emphasis on group relations, and consider this a highly significant part of any desert experience. Our groups, led by professional guides, escorted by Bedouin team, have an adventurous yet safe tour with personal care given to the needs and interests of each member of the group.

Grades of difficulty

Very easy - Traversing the valleys. Lots of riding. Easy hikes. Suitable for family, study and pilgrimage tours and for easy trekking groups.

Easy - Traversing the valleys. Partly hiking partly riding. Easy hikes to canyons and to some peaks. Suitable for family, study and pilgrimage tours and for easy trekking groups.

Moderate - Traversing the valleys. Hiking through some rugged passes and to several peaks. Some scrambling on steep rocky slopes. Some very easy technical climbing. More time spent hiking than riding .Suitable for rugged study and pilgrimage tours and for moderate trekking groups.

Strenuous - Trek is in an extremely remote area. Traversing the valleys. Some scrambling on steep rocky slopes. Some easy technical climbing. Some of the days are hiking only – no riding. Suitable for rugged study tours and for moderate and rugged trekking groups.

Grade of difficulty will be determined by you and so is the proportion of hiking/riding.

Special trekking groups

• Family trekking tours.
• Pilgrimage trekking tours.
• Study trekking tours.
• Meditation, group dynamic, trekking tours.

Recommended season

October - April.
See climate map(in flash site) for detailed information on around the year temperature.