Egypt Wildlife & Safari

Introducing Egypt (Continued...)

over 3000 years it is one of the oldest civilisations of earth. Modern day Egyptians range from the nomadic Bedouins that calmly roam the deserts in search of water for their camel herds, to the shrewd and lively business people of the cities. At times, Cairo, Luxor, Aswan and Alexandria – to name a few – may seem overwhelmingly hectic, hot and dusty but the array of sights, sounds and smells on offer should excite the imagination and perhaps even transport you back to bygone times of medieval traders bartering goods from afar.

The coastlines around Egypt run along the Mediterranean and the Red Sea and promise clear waters, untouched reefs, shipwrecks and outstanding natural beauty. The topography further inland ranges from desert sands undulating mysteriously in the winds to the steep mountain escarpments on the Sinai Peninsula and Mount Catherine.
With low annual rainfall and promised sun all year round Egypt is a great location for a lot of adventure activities. The summer season is May to October and the temperatures range is from 27C/80F to 32C/90F (but at times reaching 43C/109F on the Red Sea coast). In winter, (November through April), the range is from 13C/55F to 21C/70F.

International flights into Egypt are frequent from Europe and further afield. Internal flights operate daily and can deliver you to destinations such as Sharm El Sheik from where you can begin your adventure. The national bus system serves the Nile Valley and the coastal road - main routes are from Cairo to St Catherine's Monastery, Sharm el-Sheikh and Dahab. There is also a comprehensive rail network in Egypt that offers a high standard of service. All the major cities are good hubs from where to pick up public transport.

Kitesurfing

Egypt’s weather dictates that kite and wind surfers will have plenty to rave about on their home return. Not only are the outside temperatures amiable but the sea temperatures rarely dip below 18C! Then there is the consistency of the wind. Daily winds will blow best usually in the mornings and can reach up to 30 knots in places like Dahab and Soma Bay. In the Sharm El Sheik area, Nabq and Montaza Bay are good spots for beginners and Intermediates. In most locations there is the possibility to hire kit and gain lesson experience too.

Scuba Diving

Egypt is generally considered to be one of the best dive locations in the world. It boasts many great dive sites but the cream of the crop has to be the SS Thistlegorm wreck site located in the Sharm El Sheik area. The ship was sunk in World War two by German bomber planes and has lain on the sea bed for over sixty years, there are motorbikes, aircraft, jeeps and the main ship itself over which to explore and marvel at the huge array of marine life that calls this place home.
More experienced divers, not necessarily but hopefully with their own equipment should head south to Quseir, Tiran, Ras Banas or St.John’s Reef. Some of these sites are accessible only via 4x4 vehicles or LiveAboard boats all of which can be arranged from Harghada, Marsa Alam, Sharm El Sheik, Darhab or prior to you departure. It should also be noted that for people wishing to obtain their PADI qualification Egypt is one of the best and cheapest places to do so. Once out in the water you will be spoilt for choice as to where to look first, the diversity of Egypt’s underwater ecology is mind blowing!

Trekking

Trekkers with a real taste for adventure might consider combining the Mount Sinai climb and the Mount Catherine climbs, back to back. Mount Sinai, at 2285 metres, is generally considered to be an easily achievable climb by any active, able bodied individual. The climb will last between 2.5 – 3.5 hours and you have the option of summiting at sunrise or sunset – Sunrise is the more preferred of the two. Mount Catherine is a more challenging climb. The summit sits at 2642metres and will take a whole day to summit and descend again. Although tough going in places the reward of summiting and sitting atop Egypt’s highest mountain is deeply satisfying.

For the land lovers Egypt does not disappoint! Camel Trek operators are dotted all over the Sinai Peninsula and beyond. Treks vary in duration and cater for all levels of tastes and expectations. These types of trips are run throughout the year and to arrange a trek in to the shifting sands of the desert, travel down to Nuweiba or Cairo.

4x4 Driving

Whilst in Egypt if the need for speed overcomes you try a 4x4 off road trip. A 4x4 adventure safari will take you through some of the most remote parts of the Egyptian
desert where you can discover the beauty of oases and meet Nomadic Bedouin people, as well as ramp though the sand in a fully kitted out four wheel drive vehicle. At the end of a fun fuelled day witness amazing sunsets over the Egyptian desert. Most trips like this will commence from Sharm El Shiek – Usually one day excursions – or Harghada and Cairo for longer multiple night adventures. Due to the consistent climate in Egypt there is no restriction on the running of these trips with year round availability.

Classic Itineraries

Egypt has plenty to offer by the way of classic itinerarys. A flight in to Sharm El Sheik will provide you with a good base from where you could dip in the sea and try scuba diving - a must for any water lover. Further down the coast you could have a go at kite or wind surfing. From the Sharm El Sheik coastal area, it’s a couple hour drive inland to the desert and the mountains - Perhaps spend a few days trekking in the Sinai and then to round off your holiday head back to Cairo and explore the hustle and bustle of this fascinating city. Whilst in Cairo you could also hop on a traditional Felucca and float down the Nile. En route you’ll get the opportunity to tour the ancient cities of Luxor, legendary for its Pyramids and Giza with its serene Great Sphinx.