Sinai Trek

Overview

Our adventure provider operated its first trip to Egypt in 1982 and continue to find this destination fascinating. Ancient civilisations and desert cultures are combined with hiking to the heights of Mount Sinai. This journey captures the rich historical legacy of Egypt, from the Pharaonic sites of the Nile Valley to the biblical wilderness of the Sinai Desert. From Cairo we visit the great pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx, where our historical guide brings these icons to life. We traverse the Sinai, cross the Suez Canal and continue to the famous St Catherine’s village where we experience the sacred Mount Sinai and St Catherine’s monastery. There is then time to unwind at a beach resort before heading back to Cairo. A superb itinerary to show you Egypt’s natural and cultural treasures.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 Depart London for Sharm el Sheikh

On arrival we will be met and transferred (3 hour drive) to the village of St Catherine. Our hotel is set at Wadi Raha (literally means ‘Valley of the Rest’). The Israelites camped here, waiting for Moses while he remained on top of Mount Sinai to receive the Ten Commandments from God.

Day 2 Trek over Abu Gifa pass (4 hours)

After an early wake up call (subject to when our flight arrived the previous night) we shall enjoy breakfast, followed by a group briefing. The Sinai is a land of mystical contrasts. From small Bedouin shelters nestled in the barren mountains, to the Red Sea diving resorts dotted along the southern coastlines. This dry desert is also home to the biblical Mount Sinai where Moses received the Ten Commandments. It is a very beautiful landscape, and the best way to appreciate it is by trekking with camels into its mountainous core.

This morning we drive to El Melga, the Bedouin quarter of the town where we meet our camels and camel drivers. Camels will accompany us by carrying our camping equipment and luggage. You will be required to carry only a small daypack with your camera, water bottle, outer layer and other personal items required during the day. Whilst the trek is graded introductory to moderate there are some steep sections.

We trek into the high ranges of Sinai in the St Catherine protectorate. Our first leg of the trek will be over the Abu Gifa pass. Reaching the top of this pass we catch a view of the Bedouin village directly below. We continue into Wadi Zawateen (Valley of Olives) where predictably lots of olive trees can be seen. All the gardens and orchards are owned by the natives of the region who are more affiliated with the Romanians of Europe. We stop for a relaxing picnic lunch and continue on to our campsite at Skkakria. We will then settle around the fire while dinner is prepared – a good opportunity to look back upon our day’s activities and highlights. After dinner, a briefing will be held about the next day’s trek route before we turn in. (B/L/D)

Day 3 Aabas Basha Pass (6-8 hours + 1.5 hours optional summit)

We’ll awake to the sun and the smell of Bedouin bread being cooked on the open fire. After breakfast we break camp and start our ascent to Aabas Basha Pass. From this pass we have the option to trek to the ruins of Aabas Basha palace that dates back to the beginning of last century. There is an awesome view of Mount Sinai, the surrounding mountains and St Catherine Village from the summit of the Aabas Basha Mountain, which is over 2000 metres high. We then descend from the pass into Wadi Tinia and Wadi Abu Twaita. We have a very steep descent down to the desert pools of Galt El-Azrak (which literally means “Black Pool”) set in a spectacular chasm. Here there is a chance to swim in the cool pools and relax with lunch. In the afternoon we ascend (involves some scrambling) through Wadi Talaa to Farsh Romana where we set up our camp. (B/L/D)

Day 4 Trek Wadi Tinia and Wadi Abu Twaita (6- 7 hours)

This morning we walk through Naqab Baharia and boulder hop to the fresh springs at Ain El Negila. Following this we climb to the top of Gabal Bab 2080 metres and enjoy panoramic views of the Sinai Peninsula, including the Gulf of Suez, the Gulf of Aqaba and on a clear day the distant mountains of the west coast of Saudi Arabia. We’ll spend some time taking in the view and appreciate the desert’s tranquillity and magnificence. A steep descent brings us to Ain El-Negila for lunch. We have a good 4 hour walk in the afternoon to Wadi Jebal where we make our camp. This camp is often visited by wild donkeys in the middle of the night – so we’ll need to hide away all our foodstuffs! (B/L/D)

Day 5 Trek Wadi Jebal (6-7 hours + 1-2 hour optional summit)

Following breakfast we set off through Wadi Jebal to Mount Catherine which, at 2600 metres, is Egypt’s highest mountain. After a 3-hour ascent, we reach a small col set beneath the summit. From here we have the option to ascend to the summit or relax and enjoy the view. The 1-hour ascent to the summit is on a well defined trail to a small church perched on top. From the highest point in Egypt the views are outstanding of Mount Sinai, Aabas Basha Mountain and Jebal Bab. We descend via the same path to the col and continue our descent.

We continue to make our way down to the valley via a Bedouin village and start our gradual ascent on Mount Sinai. At this point we leave the more remote trails that we have been fortunate to experience over the past 4 days and start to meet the day trippers that visit Mount Sinai.

We conclude today’s trek on Elijah’s plateau where the prophet Elijah sought refuge from persecution of Queen Jezebel. Here we set camp in an area surrounded by Cypress trees. The plateau and our campsite are on the flanks of Mount Sinai. (B/L/D)

Day 6 Dawn ascent of Mt Sinai (3 hours) drive to Dahab

We rise at 4am to climb the final section of the mountain made of 750 steps. The steps have been carved from the mountain rocks and are known as the Staircase of Repentance. After approximately 1 hour we’ll arrive at the summit – 2285 metres above sea level – in time for a spectacular sunrise over the mountains of south Sinai. There is time for some tea before the day breaks and to take in the spectacular view of the sun coming over the hills of Sinai. Our 2-hour descent is either by the camel path or the “Steps of Repentance”. We’ll have breakfast before visiting the monastery of St. Catherine. This 6th century monastery is situated at the foot of Mount Sinai and houses one of the most important icon collections on earth. In addition to the biblical sites of the Burning Bush and Moses’ Well, we visit the stunning basilica. Our tour concludes with a visit to the charnel house or the Ossuary where relics of monks and hermits are on display. After our visit to the monastery, we’ll enjoy lunch in a nearby restaurant with a chance to freshen up before our 2½ hour drive to Dahab. After arrival and check-in enjoy a shower before dinner. (B/D)

Day 7 In Dahab

After all your hard work, you’ll be relieved to know that today is a day of rest. If you have any energy left, you can enjoy a swim in the warm clear waters of the Red Sea, or perhaps do some shopping for souvenirs in the town. Optional snorkelling excursion. (B/D)

Day 8 Return to the UK

Depart for London. (B)

Dates & Prices

Date	Prices	Book
15 Oct - 22 Oct 2011	£850	How to book
29 Sep - 07 Oct 2012	£850	How to book
01 Jan - 31 Dec 2012	more dates available	How to book

How to book

For more information about this trek or to book please contact trailblazers@rockuk.org or call 0844 8000 222.

Photos

Important Information

Cost includes:

• All accommodation as outlined in the itinerary
• Local English speaking guide throughout
• Bedouin escort on day walks
• Meals as per the itinerary
• Sightseeing as per the itinerary
• Ground transport in bus (air conditioned)
• Site guides at the major sites visited in Sinai
• All site entrance fees as outlined in the program
• Group camping equipment
• 3 litres of water daily

Cost excludes:

• Items of a personal nature – beverages, laundry, toiletries etc.
• Sleeping bag & mat
• Travel insurance
• Meals where specified
• Tipping for any staff
• Entry visa to Egypt (US$20pp)
• Western doctor

The Country and Its People

The ancient civilisations of Egypt left an indelible mark on the modern version, prompting millions of visitors from around the world to visit each year and wonder at the awesome temples, pyramids and riches housed in the Cairo Museum. Despite the inclusion of Egypt on the mass-tourism map, a truly unique and individual experience is possible and we search out such experiences during our time here.

Stretching from the Mediterranean Sea to the north to the Red Sea to the east and the Arabian Desert to the west and south, the country covers an area of approximately one million square kilometres. The huge population is concentrated in the Nile valley where the land is fertile, in stark contrast to the arid desert which occupies much of the country. It is estimated that 99% of the population live in 4-6% of the country’s land space. Of the population of 60 million people, 18 million are believed to live in the Cairo area, creating immense pressure on the city’s limited infrastructure. In the Sinai Desert, separated from the main part of Egypt by the Suez Canal, the mountains rise as high as 2642 metres (Mt Catherine), whilst the desert is rimmed with beaches, many of which have become popular diving resorts.

The north and south of the country was unified to form Egypt by the Egyptian King Menes around 5000 years ago. The centre of ancient civilisation was the Nile River and for this reason many of the great archaeological sites are found in its vicinity. Since unification there have been broadly seven periods in Egypt representing the various periods of rule by the Pharaoh’s (3000-341BC), Greeks (332-30BC), Roman & Byzantine (30BC – 638AD), Arabs & the Mamluks (640-1517AD), Turks (1517-1882AD), British (1882-1952) and the current independent state (1952 to present).
Egyptians are broadly divided into three racial groups including the Hamito-Semitic race which forms the bulk of the population and includes the Berbers; the Arabian Bedouins from the Sinai; and the Nubians who live in the Aswan area and to the south. The principal language is Arabic and the dominant religion is Islam.

Climate

With the exception of the winter months, Egypt is mostly hot and dry with temperatures rising to as high as 41 degrees Celsius on average in June. Our departure occurs in October when the temperature is best for trekking in the Sinai.

Fitness

The theme behind most of our trips is action holidays and the fitter you are, the more easily you will adjust and enjoy yourself. Resistance to cold and illness is also increased if you have a reasonable degree of fitness. To answer the question “how fit do I need to be?”, we would say that this will vary according to your age and level of daily activity. On a trip such as this, you need to be in general good health and fit. The pace of most of the trip is leisurely, with plenty of time to enjoy the sights and take full advantage of any encounters. The Sinai trek will be demanding at times with plenty of steep ascents and descents, some rock scrambling and long days, so you will need to be prepared to walk for 6-8 hours, on 3 out of 5 days. The other 2 days are shorter. If you take your time and keep up your fluid intakes your chances of enjoying the experience are increased. Fitness is a total concept of good health and must be planned and maintained. We recommend that (in as much as it can fit into your daily schedule) for about two to three months prior to departure you try and do some exercise each day, with at least two 45 minute aerobic type sessions every week. Wherever possible aim to take a number of long walks prior to leaving home. The bottom line is ”the fitter you are the more you will enjoy this trip”.

Environmental Considerations

The environments we travel through are fragile. It is our responsibility as visitors to minimise the impact of our presence. Our adventure provider received a Highly Commended Award for the Best in a Mountain Environment category in the 2006 First Choice Responsible Tourism Awards.

“Our global adventure travel company has over 30 years experience around the planet. Their Nepal trekking operation, run by Nepalis, is notable for its pioneering Porter Protection program that has set the industry benchmark which many companies are starting to follow. All porters are provided with generous insurance, all the protective clothing and footwear needed, all camping and cooking facilities, as well as food” First Choice Responsible Tourism Awards, 2006

In 2008 our adventure providers were awarded the inaugural ‘Leadership Award’ in the Responsible Travel and Tourism Forum (RTTF) in Toronto, Canada and in 2000 were the proud recipients of the inaugural Australian National Travel Industry’s Environmental Achievement award for their Responsible Travel Guidebook.

Vaccinations

Please consult a doctor or travel vaccination specialist for up to date information on the advised vaccinations for the country you are visiting.