This journey epitomises the essence of desert travel; soaring temperatures,
mind blowing biblical landscapes and total immersion into a culture that reflects
the true Bedouin way of being and the Middle Eastern rhythms of life.
A land of superb contrasts: cool palm tree lined oasis, soaring enclosed
canyon walls glowing in pastel colours and a pace of life dictated by the
rhythm of the camels and by those of the Pharaohs whom travelled this
route before us...
For those seeking to discover a true Lawrence of Arabia experience,
crossing the Sinai desert is an experience not to be missed.
Day 1: Arrival in SSH, transfer to Dahab, overnight in Dahab
(accommodation).
Day 2: We will drive from Dahab to Sheikh Hamed and load our luggage on the camels. On the 'desert ship' we will be going through magnificent sand stone areas until we reach the entry to the White Canyon. Hiking through this beautiful canyon with its special formations and white-washed walls we will reach the oasis of Ain Hudra where we have lunch. In the afternoon we will have plenty of possibilities to take pa! rt in the life of the local Bedouin community that lives in Ain Hudra. In the evening we camp outside the oasis under the stars.
Day 3: After a breakfast our camels bring us via Wadi Rum to Wadi Ghilim. Moving through a picturesque landscape of sandstone and limestone, we pass Bir El Ghilim, the valley's water source, before reaching our overnight camping location at an altitude of 500 metres above sea level.
Day 4: We gradually familiarize ourselves with the routine of loading / unloading the camels and of course with the animals themselves. As we continue on our way through Wadi
Ghilim, they will take any opportunity to snack on various plants which for them are absolute delicacies. By the end of today, mind and body should have attuned themselves to the relaxed and leisurely pace of transportation by the 'ship of the desert.' We set up our overnight camp in the valley; altitude is again 500 metres.
Day 5: Moving in a northwesterly direction, we have now reached the intersection of Wadi Ghilim and Wadi Zalaga, location of the annual international camel race which attracts buyers from as far afield as Saudi Arabia and other gulf states. The broad valley floor is perfect terrain for hosting such an event and also adds to the openness of the landscape, contemplation of which brings great stillness and a ! state of 'expandedness' to the mind. We are now reaching slightly higher altitudes: our overnight camp is at 700 metres.
Day 6: Wadi Zalaga, with a total length of 40 metres, is one of the longest valleys linking the Gulf of Aqaba with the area of St. Katherine. Our route today continues through this wide limestone corridor, dotted with the acacia trees so typical of South Sinai - the thorns are another great favourite with the camels as they snack on their way! Not that they are short of choices though: this valley is dotte! d with many plants which are of great nutritional value for them. Our altitude remains quite stable - we camp again at 700 metres.
Day 7: Today we leave Wadi Zalaga behind as we cross a mountain pass which takes us up to an altitude of 900 metres into the area known as Dullal, a limestone plateau which is the setting of our overnight camp, at an altitude of 1200 metres. This is an area with very strong energies, due to its location at the centre of Sinai - it divides north from south and east from west and also stands as a prominent v! isual landmark in its surroundings. The name, from the ancient Bedouin language, means the place where people lose their way!
Day 8: Jebel El Igma, whose stark and impressive scenery is enhanced by imposing walls of red granite, is likewise the home of numerous acacia trees. Until one has seen for oneself such a landscape, it is hard to imagine the added beauty created by these magnificent trees, which can grow to a height of six to seven metres and whose roots can extend to a depth of thirty metres or more below the earth'! s surface. Why such deep roots? In order to have access to the considerable reserves of water which are much easier to use than shallower deposits. Our overnight camp is at an altitude of 1000 metres.
Day 9: Today we pass by Fuga, otherwise known as the Forest of Pillars, due to its vertical basalt columns which stand as testimony to Sinai's volcanic past. These black 'stalagmites' are in stark contrast to the surrounding limestone and red sandstone rock formations. Ancient meets modern as we pass by the working manganese mines on our way to our overnight camping location in Wadi Hamaya at an alti! tude of 800 metres.
Day 10: The way to Serabit El Khadem leads through Wadi El Ramla, whose limestone formations provide a sense of continuity and familiarity. Be aware that we are approaching an area alive with history - these valleys have seen the marching feet of the pharaohs and are still around for us! Our overnight camp is at the east side of Serabit mountain, 900 metres high.
Day 11: After breakfast we climb the mountain of Serabit, only to discover at the top the impressive ruins of the pharaonic temple dedicated to Hathor the patron goddess of the turquoise mined in nearby Wadi Maghara. This resource was so valuable that military garrisons were present to protect the mines. Intact steles are to be found, whose hieroglyphs are still as clear as many at the famous pharaonic sites in ! and around Cairo. After descending the mountain, we take lunch and then ride by jeep to the tranquil nunnery of Wadi Feiran, also rich in history from the early Christian settlements of the first centuries after Christ. For those who want to skip the facts and just enjoy the view, the gardens are dominated by imposing palm trees and the overall panorama, seen against a clear blue sky is breathtaking. We sleep overnight in the monastery.
Day 12: First stop is the monastery of St. Katherine (option of seeing the world famous collection of icons in the museum.) We have some time to look around St. Katherine town before taking lunch in a restaurant which offers a selection of freshly prepared and authentic local cuisine. We drive back to Dahab after lunch. Overnight in accommodation.
Day 13: Free day in Dahab with possibility of snorkelling, swimming, diving, shopping, yoga etc. Overnight in Dahab (accommodation).
Day 14: Free day in Dahab with possibilities as above. Overnight in Dahab (accommodation).
Day 15: Transfer Dahab - SSH Airport / departure.
Please note that all the programmes are dependent on weather conditions, permissions and the political situation of the area.
