| Travel Information |
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| About Sinai |
The Sinai Peninsula was formed around the same time as the Red Sea (i.e. 40-50 million years ago) by the Great Rift which tore the Arabian tectonic plate away from the landmass of Africa. The Peninsula lies at the northern tip of the Red Sea and is separated from mainland Egypt by the Gulf of Suez to the west and from Arabia by the Gulf of Aqaba to its east. It marks the gateway between Africa and Asia.
At its southern-most tip lies the resort of Sharm El Sheikh (usually referred to simply as ‘Sharm’), where the Red Sea splits to form the two gulfs. North of Sharm, some 95 km by road, lies the resort of Dahab on the Gulf of Aqaba. Both resorts are famed for the magnificent diving and snorkelling opportunities in the warm waters off their coastlines.
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Sharm
Sharm has developed along a series of picturesque bays with sandy beaches interspersed with rugged headlands, stretching from Sharm El Maya in the south to Nabq Bay in the north. Looking inland from Sharm one marvels at the majestic mountains which provide a dramatic backdrop to the resort.
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Dahab
An hour’s drive from Sharm through the stunning mountainous scenery and you arrive at the picturesque coastal resort of Dahab (the name of which translates literally as ‘gold’). Originally a Bedouin settlement, where the inhabitants subsisted on fishing, herding goats, rearing camels and harvesting dates from the numerous date palms to be found there, Dahab became a popular destination for hippy travellers in the 1960s and 70s.
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Sinai’s National Parks / Protected Areas
Four distinct areas in South Sinai have been afforded protection to safe-guard the natural resources and indigenous activities within their boundaries: Ras Mohammed National Park, Nabq Protectorate, Abu Galum and St. Catherine’s Protectorate. Excursions or safaris can be arranged to visit these areas.
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• Ras Mohammed National Park
• Nabq Protectorate
• Abu Galum
• St. Catherine (or Katherine) Protectorate |
