National Parks
Ras Mohammed
Ras Mohammed was officially opened as Egypts first national park in 1983. The peninsula is situated at the most southerly point of Sinai and extends for around 8 km into the Red Sea.
This remarkable region is made of fossilized reefs, the highest point being Shark Observatory from where you receive a fantastic view of the reefs below. As well as offering fantastic opportunities for diving and snorkeling, Ras Mohammed is home to 80 plant species, 14 types of mammal and an essential staging post for 100’s of bird species. There is even a mangrove forest which is almost unique in Sinai (mangroves are also found at Nabq). Ras Mohammed is an important area for research by environmentalists and marine biologists who provide education on how to help preserve this unique region. A well equipped visitor’s center shows educational films and slideshows about the park. Entrance fee is $5.
Price: 300 LE / person (37,50 €)
Nabq National Park
Nabq is situated on the coast between Dahab and Sharm el Sheikh. This 600 km2 desert area was declared a conversation area in 1992. Here you can find a 4 km long mangrove forest. Mangroves belong to the amphibic vegetation and grow in flat, sandy areas along tropical coasts. So-called stalk roots are tightly interwoven both in and above the water. The roots are able to filter the saline water and salt is excreted via the leaves of the trees. Nabq is the natural habitat for a large variety of plant species as well as various animals like Starks, herons, desert foxes, gazelles and hyenas. Underwater around Nabq you can even find populations of the extremely rare Manatee also called “Sea Cows” or "Dugongs". Open daily from morning to sunset. Entrance fee is 5$.
Price: LE 300 / person (37,50 €)
Blue Desert
Here you will find the highly controversial work of Belgium artist Jean Verame. In the beginning of the 80’s, Verame painted, with permission of the president Sadat, the rocks in a 14km2 area bright blue. “Peace Junction” as this artwork is called, stands as symbol of peace and to commemorate the 1979 Camp David Peace Accord between Egypt and Israel. Although controversial, the contrast between the blue rocks and the surrounding ochre sandstone is most impressive as well photogenic.
Price: LE 300 / person (37,50 €)
