11 of The Best Places to Camp in Egypt
Looking to get away and relax? Here are your destinations, right here at home.
Living in the big city takes its toll on us physically and mentally to a point where road rage becomes the socially acceptable norm. That's why it is scientifically proven that camping can improve road rage repercussions by up to 30 percent. Okay it's obviously not "scientifically proven", but there's a tonne of truth to that. Th fresh air, the clear skies, the quietness so quiet you have to whisper to not interrupt it... Besides the pooping in buckets or holes in the ground, camping is pure magic.
As oppressive to the senses as our big cities can be, we're also quite blessed with an insane amount of options for getaways to escape them, recuperate, and then return back to resume the fight. From beach destinations where nature is stunningly, overwhelmingly beautiful, to lush mountains with crisp, clean air and even fresher produce ready to be plucked eaten on the spot. Egypt has it all.
Siwa
With an estimated population of just 23,000, the Siwa Oasis sits in the midst of Egypt’s vast Western Desert as one of the most isolated settlements in the country. The locals have their own unique culture and language, though you may not even come across them.
The White Desert and Farafra
Farafra is the second largest depression of the Western Desert and the smallest by population. Approximately 45 KM of this settlement is the White Desert, famous for its massive chalk rock formations. A national park, it is a must-visit attraction of Egypt.
Mount Sinai and Mount Catherine
The two adjacent peaks (Mount Catherine being the highest in Egypt) are significant historical and religious sites. Camping atop them makes for some stunning views and sunsets and sunrises, and for many, a spiritual experience.
Ras Abu Galum
Ras Abu Galum is a protectorate near the paradise of Dahab. Sleeping under the stars in the calmness of the Sinai desert is unrivaled for its serenity. And best of all, camping there is made easy since they actually have camps there. And presumably toilets too.
Ras Mohamed
Ras Mohamed is a nature reserve at the southernmost tip of the Sinai Peninsula, not far from Sharm El Sheikh. As a protectorate, it has a stunning landscape, with some of the most pristine beaches and diving spots in the country.
Wadi Degla
Wadi Degla is unique as a camping spot in that it’s actually technically in Cairo. This is perhaps the easiest one on this list. Rich with limestone formations and fossils, it is a stunning valley and home to some wild creatures like mountain rabbits, red foxes, and feather tailed rats.
Wadi El Gemal
Wadi El Gemal National Park is located along the western coast of the Red Sea, south of the beach town of Marsa Alam. Famous for its camels (hence the name), it also boasts over 1,000 species of fish, many of which are native to the Red Sea, along with hundreds of species of corals and 13 bird species that are native to the area.
Ras Shaitan
Ras Shaitan (literally translates to Devil’s Head) is a bedouin beach area north of the town of Nuweiba. The origin of its name is actually Ras Shatein, which means, head of two beaches, but due to mispronunciation over the years, the more evil-sounding version stuck. One of the best deep diving spots in Egypt, it is popular with tourists, particularly from neighboring Israel.
Wadi El Rayan
Wadi El Rayan is a nature protectorate famous for its waterfalls and lakes. Located about 150 KM southwest of Cairo, it has some of the most beautiful and unique nature in Egypt.
The Fjord Bay
The Fjord Bay is located just 15 KM south of the Sinai town of Taba, adjacent to Egypt’s border with Israel. A stunning bay surrounded by mountains, it is one of the most spectacular mountainous areas and thrilling diving spots Egypt has to offer.
El-Bahariya Oasis
The El-Bahariya Oasis in the Western Desert is roughly oval in shape, with numerous hot springs and is surrounded by mountains. The Bedouin locals of the oasis are native to the area, and most likely the descendants of ancient Libyans.