Untitled - Discover Sinai

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted 

in any form or by any means, or stored in a database or retrieval system, 

without the prior written permission of the author. 

Copyright © 2011 Zoltan Matrahazi 

Index of places and glossary in Arabic: 

Mohamed Eid Abu Mudarwash, Suliman Subail el Heneny 

No liability is accepted for any loss or damage caused directly or indirectly by 

this book or the information contained within this book. 

ISBN 1453853480 

Cover photo: Jebel Umm Shaumar 

2

Table of contents 

Foreword 

The Sinai trekking regions 

The Bedouin 

Organising your trek 

Further information 

TREKS 

I. Around St. Katherine (High Mountain Region) 

1. Mt. Sinai - Safsafa basins - Wadi Arbain 

2. Wadi Arbain - Mt. Katharina - Wadi Mathar 

3. Wadi Zawatin - Farsh Abu Mahashur - Jebel Abbas Basha 

II. South of St. Katherine 

4. Jebel Umm Shaumar - Wadi Rumhan 

III. Between St. Katherine, Dahab and Nuweiba 

5. Ein Khudra oasis - White Canyon 

IV. Inland from the Nuweiba-Taba coast 

6. Wadi Milha - Naqb el Kohla - Coloured Canyon 

V. Around Wadi Feiran 

7. Naqb Shaharani - Jebel Serbal - Wadi Rim 

VI. Around Serabit el Khadim 

8. Serabit el Khadim - Wadi Sieh - Wadi Maqara - Wadi Mukattab 

Index of places 

Bedouin-Arabic glossary 

3

Foreword 

This little book, despite describing only 8 treks, is the first trekking 

guide to South Sinai as such * . Although it only presents some of the 

highlights, it gives a glimpse of all the different regions and shows well 

the diversity of the peninsula. An extended version is planned, covering 

all the major routes. However, at present the aim is to get the word out 

about trekking in Sinai – the complete guide is another step. 

European tourism has only begun a few decades ago and the Sinai 

interior is very little known, except by Israeli trekkers who used to come 

in big numbers until the early 2000s. However, unnecessary ‘security’ 

measures and biased tourism policies have all but killed trekking in 

favour of package tourism in the last decade. I hope in the ‘new’ Egypt 

positive changes will happen in tourism as well. Instead of focusing 

purely on Red Sea resort holidays, it is an opportunity to promote more 

responsible activities, and trekking is one of them. The potential is 

there: it is a beautiful land and traditional guiding skills are not yet lost. 

Local communities depend a great deal on work as guides and 

cameleers, and it is one of those rare cases where tourism can actually 

help sustain a traditional way of life – at least to a certain extent. 

I have never thought I would write a trekking guide, but having fallen in 

love with the country and its people, I felt obliged to give something 

back. I have lived in St. Katherine since 2005, being part of the 

Bedouin community in different ways and on different levels. I started 

discovering the region alone, getting to know more and more people 

and places along the way. Later I had the chance to work for an EU 

project mapping treks and training local guides. The most important, 

however, wasn’t achieved: reaching the international trekking 

community. That’s when the idea of writing a trekking guide started 

developing. It took some turns and twists, and I have learned some 

tough lessons in the process – but finally here it is. I am convinced 

there is public interest. But publishers are very cautious, even though it 

is a rare opportunity to cover a location which hasn’t been covered 

before. I believe in it and will do it alone if necessary, god willing, 

although I would prefer it with a respected publisher. 

This book is very concise, unedited and sure needs improvements. 

Your comments, criticism and suggestions are very welcome to make 

the extended version better. Please share your thoughts with me on: 

zoltan@discoversinai.net 

St. Katherine, South Sinai Egypt. 13. May, 2011 

* See other trekking resources under ‘Further information’ 

5

The Sinai trekking regions 

The only distinctive region – geologically, geographically, historically 

and culturally – is the Sinai High Mountain Region. The other regions, 

although very diverse, are the ‘usual’ desert scenes; sandy plains, 

sandstone hills and rock formations, dunes, barren and rugged ranges, 

long winding wadis. In this book the trekking regions are defined 

according to practicality; areas where sights are concentrated and the 

hubs from where treks can be organised to that area. These regions 

often correspond to actual tribal territories. 







6

The Bedouin 

The traditional inhabitants of the Sinai are Bedouin tribes who settled at 

different times in the last 1500 years. They are mostly from the Arab 

peninsula, with the Jabaleya a unique exception, being the 

descendants of people from the Balkan. Traditionally there are seven 

Bedouin tribes in South Sinai – the Tawara federation – but some other 

tribes from the north have moved in more recently. The Bedouin are 

pastoralist nomads, although most are now settled in or around towns. 

They still maintain a strong link to the desert and mountains, and many 

families move out to their campgrounds or gardens at certain times of 

the year. The Bedouin way of life is very simple and slow, with a fine 

balance of work and leasure time. It is a very welcoming but closed 

society, where a complex system of family ties and strong traditions 

play the most important roles. It is a real experience to walk with a 

Bedouin guide and learn from their age-old survival skills and about 

their culture. 

The Bedouin tribes in South Sinai 

Note that tribal territories often overlap and there might be little pockets 

of land on others’ territory. 

7

Organising your trek 

In the Sinai, as in many developing countries around the world, you 

have to have a local guide if you are venturing off to the wilderness. It 

is partly for your safety but also to provide work for local communities. 

You can organize your program through different operators or 

independently – the options are explained below, followed by some 

points on other practical issues. 

Big international companies usually do not run treks and safaris off 

the beaten path – they probably include the Monastery of St. Katherine 

and Mt. Sinai and possibly a fast 4x4 visit to an oasis or canyon. If they 

do Sinai, they do it through smaller local operators, so you might as 

well go straight to them. 

There are smaller operators, based internationally and locally, who 

run treks and safaris or specialize in other activities, such as yoga, 

meditation, rock climbing, desert mountain-biking as well as aspects of 

religious, historical or nature tourism. They usually work closely with 

local Bedouin communities but provide their own tour leaders – foreign 

or Egyptian – who are in charge of the operations on the ground. These 

operators are very specialized in nature and most of them have 

websites, so you can easily find someone in your area of interest, who 

is based either in your own country or in Egypt. If you are choosing a 

locally based operator, the best options are the ones in Dahab, 

Nuweiba or St. Katherine. There are several Egyptian- and 

Egyptian/foreigner-run companies, as well as a growing number of 

Bedouin-run operations. Many of the smaller operations do not have 

offices of their own and are located in cheaper hotels and camps. 

There are independent Bedouin guides and it is possible to organize 

programs straight through them. They are registered as a “Bedouin 

guide” and have a photo ID with these words written in English. Some 

have other relevant qualifications as well. Hotels and camps which do 

not push their own services can put you in contact with the guides and 

you can sit down and discuss the details with them in person. The best 

places to find a good Bedouin guide who speaks English well, or other 

languages, is in Dahab, Nuweiba, the camps on the Nuweiba to Taba 

coast and in St. Katherine. 

In some places you can organize your trek or safari right on the spot in 

the desert, although English communication there might be basic. 

There are a number of cafeterias and camel stations along the St. 

Katherine to Dahab-Nuweiba road (Wadi Arada, Nawamis settlement, 

Ein Khudra pass, Ras Ghazala) which are easy to reach by taxi or 

microbus, possibly along a round trip to St. Katherine from the coast. 

You can also find guides in Wadi Feiran in the gardens close to the 

8

Convent (treks to Jebel Serbal, Wadi Mukattab and Serabit el Khadim) 

and possibly in the cafeterias in Abu Zenima (treks or transport to 

Serabit el Khadim). Wadi Feiran and Abu Zenima are on the main 

Cairo to St. Katherine road serviced by public buses and regular 

microbuses. If you can make your own way to the settlement of Serabit 

el Khadim, you can arrange a program there; you can visit the 

archaeological ruins as well as do longer camel safaris. 

In some cases there are tribal laws regarding who you can take as a 

guide – most notable is the High Mountain Region, where guides are 

allocated by a rotating system managed by the sheikhs. The system, 

called el dor, has been set up by the tribe to provide work to every 

family. Treks have to be organized through the sheikhs who allocate 

the guides and camels and arrange permissions with the authorities. If 

you want to use a guide of your choice you still have to pay the one 

whose turn it is. In Arada Canyon, the White Canyon and the Coloured 

Canyon you also have to take a guide from the local system, unless 

you are taking part in a longer trek and already have a Bedouin guide. 

To the pharaonic ruins of Serabit el Khadim – and only to the 

archaeological site – you have to take a guide from the village, 

regardless if you have another Bedouin guide, as is the case with Jebel 

Serbal, where only local Qararsha people can work. At the Colured 

Canyon a small part of the fee goes to the tribal cooperative which runs 

the system. There were also plans to set up a guide association at the 

Ein Khudra pass cafeteria and the Nawamis settlement. 

Costs 

Most operators and many independent guides prefer to offer allinclusive 

packages with prices ranging between 25 to 100 euro per 

person per day. The price often depends on several factors and/or 

minimum group size is required. If you want to organize your trek or 

safari independently you might save some money, but it depends 

greatly on your bargaining skills. Other factors which affect the price 

include group size, who is providing the food, extra equipment, camels, 

car or jeep if needed and the itinerary. Bedouin guides and cameleers, 

apart from leading you and carrying your stuff, will provide some 

cooking equipment and local water, make fire, tea and coffee, cook 

meals and bake bread. In case all food is bought by you, expect the 

following prices: 

• In the desert: guide 80-150 LE a day, each camel extra 80-120 LE 

a day. Note: if the guide and camel have to return from a long 

way the transport or return time are also to be paid for. 

• In the high mountains: guide from the sheikhs 160 LE a day, each 

camel extra 80-120 LE a day. Note: Mt. Katherine is double. 

• To Jebel Serbal: guide 200 LE a day, each camel extra 200 LE a 

day. 

9

10 

• Short ride in pick-up car: 50-100 LE. 

• Pick-up car: 300-400 LE a day. 

• Jeep (up to 4 passengers): 400-800 LE a day. 

• Landcruiser (up to 8 passengers): 800-1200 LE a day. 

• Basic accommodation in garden: 10-20 LE per person per night. 

• Fire wood: 40 LE a bag. 

Note: These are only indicative prices based on 2011 figures. 

On one hand, if you are not into bargaining and logistics and add up 

everything, you might as well find that organizing through operators 

providing all-inclusive packages is worth it. On the other hand, you 

might find it more personal to deal straight with the guide who will be 

with you along the way. 

Along the way 

The Bedouin have their own rhythm and treks are usually moderate; 3- 

4 hours walk in the morning with a possible tea break, lunch and rest, 

2-3 hours walk in the afternoon, camp. In summer starting time is very 

early and the lunch break can be as long as 3-4 hours, while in winter 

the start is later and the lunch break is shorter. If you want to cover 

bigger distances than the usual, you have to be very specific from the 

beginning. Some guides are excellent cooks but all know and can 

provide at least the basics: soups, simple rice and pasta dishes, 

chicken and vegetables, different types of fresh Bedouin breads, 

salads, dips, tuna, cheese, beans, sweets, tea and coffee. If you have 

special needs or want to cater for yourself, let it be known beforehand. 

In some areas it is possible to carry everything yourself, but camels are 

often needed. Camels are usually used for transport, but in the desert, 

according to arrangements, you can ride them as well. Often the 

camels take different routes so in the morning you should have ready a 

“camel pack” with belongings you only need in the evening and a day 

pack with items for the day. You should carry some warm clothes and 

have always plenty of water. You can safely rely on local water – if 

worried, bring water purification tablets and/or a water filter. Make sure 

you have bought firewood in town or have a gas cooker to minimize 

impact on scarce resources, especially in the case of bigger parties. A 

lightweight tent (possibly without the cover) or a mosquito net will come 

handy most of the year, but you can get away without one (cover 

yourself with a sheet or find a windy spot). In winter good sleeping bags 

are important while in warmer seasons a sheet might be enough. Foam 

mattresses and blankets are provided on request. Camps are set up 

either in Bedouin gardens or in the wilderness. In gardens there might 

be a toilet and simple washing facilities – in any case be conscious 

about waste and water usage. 

When meeting local people you will be offered tea or coffee, possibly 

food and, in the gardens, available fresh fruit. It is genuine Bedouin

hospitality: they don’t expect anything for it. It is nice to offer back 

something though; biscuits, cigarettes, snacks or other small things. If 

you want to contribute, you can buy small handicrafts which most 

families sell. However, staying overnight and services provided should 

be paid for either by you or the operator. Baksheesh is part of life and 

tips are accepted by all providing services – it is not necessary, but 

appreciated, especially if you were happy with their work. Useful items 

which are difficult to get locally, such as pocket knifes, torches, 

sandals, boots and other trekking equipment are also a good idea to 

give. Please respect local culture and do not make photos of women. 

When to come 

If you look at South Sinai as a whole, it is easy to organize treks all 

year round. When it gets cold in the high mountains, it is still warmer in 

the desert – when it is too hot in the desert, it is still more pleasant in 

the mountains. Probably the best times are spring and autumn in both 

regions, although any time is possible; there are small stone huts and 

caves which can provide shelters in winter and the hot mid-day siestas 

are spent in shady places in summer. 

Dangers and annoyances 

Egypt is generally a safe country – it hasn’t changed a bit in this sense 

– and the mountains and desert of South Sinai are especially so. 

Violent crimes are unheard of and theft, even in towns, is very rare. 

Religious tolerance dominates rather than extremism. 

Dangerous animals do exist in the Sinai, especially a couple of snake 

species, but they keep away from humans. Along treks the more likely 

threats are dehydration, sun stroke and cold. There are dangerous and 

difficult paths, but the guide should understand what you want to and 

can do. The guides are generally safety-conscious and innovative, but 

a first-aid kit is usually not available. Have some important basic 

medication and supplies. You should arrange travel insurance before 

your trip – check carefully what they offer. When on treks, your 

passport or a copy of your passport and visa might have to stay with 

the operator. Leave also your insurance details and other relevant 

information, in case of emergency. 

One annoying thing which often happens is not sticking to plans/route. 

Sometimes it is necessary to change the trek for various reasons, but 

there are guides who are simply lazy and want to cut corners. That’s 

one of the reasons why this guide is needed. Always make sure that 

the route and timing are understood by both parties before setting off. 

11

Further information 

Other trekking resources: 

• Guide to the exploration of the Sinai, by Alberto Siliotti 

This colourful book gives a good general picture of the whole 

peninsula with beautiful photos, several good maps and few walking 

trails, but mainly focuses on 4x4 travel and the coast. 

• Discover Sinai – a guide to the natural, cultural and historical 

faces of South Sinai 

Available as a free pdf publication, it lists all the important sights in 

the region with photos and description. However, it doesn’t give any 

concrete trekking routes. It also has a comprehensive section on 

nature and a dictionary based on the local dialect. 

• A walk in Sinai: St. Katherine to Al Galt Al-Azraq, by Zalat S. & 

Gilbert F. 

The little book describes a popular 3-4-day trek in the High Mountain 

Region, as well as gives information on flora and fauna. 

• Walking Trail Guides, by National Parks of Egypt Protectorates 

Development Programmes 

Four booklets, each describing an easy-moderate 1-day walk in the 

High Mountain Region. 

• Lonely Planet Country Guide to Egypt has a small High Mountain 

Region trek inset and the Rough Guide to Egypt names a few 

trekking destinations in the broader region. 

Maps: 

Locally there is only one usable 

map (pictured). It is based on an 

Israeli map and is available from 

most bookshops in the Sinai or 

Cairo. Quality is very low but the 

High Mountain Region inset is 

really useful. Some camps can 

make a photocopy of it. In this book we based the geographical names 

mostly on this map. The Royal Geographic Society’s map of Sinai, 

coming in many separate sheets, is better for the whole region, but not 

for the High Mountain Region. 

Useful websites: 

About St. Katherine and the High Mountains: http://st-katherine.net 

About South Sinai: http://discoversinai.net 

About Egypt: http://alternativeegypt.com 

Transport in Sinai: http://bedouinbus.com 

12

TREKS 

The layout of the book is designed in a way that you can have a map 

and the corresponding description open at the same time, for easy 

reference. The disadvantage is that there is limited space for extra 

information related to the treks – and in some cases there is a lot of 

interesting info that could be added or extra maps could be useful. Still, 

I believe, the essence is there that is needed to plan a trek and 

orientate yourself along the trek. 

The High Mountain Region is the most diverse area and three treks are 

featured there – in the other regions one in each. They are short treks, 

lasting 1-3 days, which could be linked up with other treks within the 

same region and across regions. However those other treks are not 

described in this edition, although they are shown on the maps of each 

region and listed in light grey fonts under the featured trek(s). They are 

listed in the order of how they connect. On the facing page there is 

information about the region. 

The duration of each trek is given as well as the difficulty level. The 

duration might vary sometimes – an extra night might be added in 

some cases if someone wants to take it at an easier pace. The actual 

distances are also given, a bit further below with the other details. The 

difficulty level is defined either as easy, medium or difficult – or on the 

border of two – and the important characteristics of the route are 

described in a few words. Then there is a map with numbered 

waypoints, with the corresponding details – such as name of location, 

coordinates and distance from previous waypoint – written under the 

map. The numbers of the waypoints are also included in brackets in the 

route description on the facing page, as well as in the trek gallery on 

the following two pages. 

13


14 

Featured treks: 

1. Safsafa basins - Mt. Sinai 

2. Mt. Katharina - Wadi Shaq 

3. Wadi Zawatin - Farsh Abu Mahashur - Jebel Abbas Basha 

All connecting treks in the region: 

• Safsafa basins - Mt. Sinai 

• Naqb Abu Hamen - Jebel Ahmar 

• Mt. Katharina - Wadi Shaq 

• Wadi Zawatin - Farsh Abu Mahashur - Jebel Abbas Basha 

• Sid Daud - Wadi Itlah - Naqb Abu Seila 

• Wadi Jibal - Bab el Donya - Farsh Rummana 

• Wadi Talla Kibira - Galt el Azraq - Wadi Abu Tuweita 

• Wadi Tinya - Wadi Sagar - Kharazet el Shaq 

• Jebel Naja 

• Naqb el Hawa - Sheikh Awad 

• Wadi Gharba - Sida Nugra - Jebel Banat - Bustan el Birka 

• Wadi Sdud - El Frush - Blue Desert


Famous for the Monastery of St. Katherine and Mt. Sinai, the town of 

St. Katherine is on the major tourist path – but the region, apart from 

these two sights, is very little visited. From Cairo there is a daily bus 

service to St. Katherine – from the resorts on the Red Sea coast it can 

be reached by taxi or microbus. There are several camps and hotels in 

town, as well as restaurants, cafeterias, shops, bank with ATM, 

pharmacies and a hospital. The Sinai High Mountain Region, as the 

area is known, is very unique geographically as well as culturally. The 

town itself is at 1600 metres above sea level, surrounded by dramatic 

ranges with many peaks well above 2000 meters, including Mt. 

Katherina, the highest in Egypt. Most of the mountains are granite – 

this, along with a relatively wetter and cooler climate, makes possible 

an orchard gardening tradition which has its root in Byzantine 

monasticism. The traditional people of the area are the Jabaleya 

Bedouin – the Mountain Bedouin – who have been guarding the 

Monastery for more than 1500 years. Unlike Bedouin groups in the 

desert they have been practicing agriculture and most families own 

gardens in the mountains. It is an ideal trekking region where treks 

lasting up to 2 weeks can be organized, staying mostly at these 

Bedouin gardens along the way. The area is also perfect for a relaxing 

stay and there are different cultural activities and a few eco-lodges. 

The highlights of the region: 

• The Monastery of St. Katherine and Mt. Sinai; 

• Mt. Katherina, the highest peak in Egypt; 

• the Palace of Abbas Basha; 

• the peaks of Bab el Donya, Jebel Naja and Jebel Banat on the 

perimeter of the high mountains; 

• the secluded basins of Farsh Safsafa and Farsh Abu 

Mahashur; 

• the granite water pools of Galt el Azraq, Kharazet el Shaq and 

Sidda Nogra; 

• monasteries and Byzantine ruins in Wadi Arbain, Wadi Shaq, 

Wadi Talla and Bustan el Birka; 

• the surreal scene at the Blue Desert. 

Locally you can organise a trek at the Sheikh Mousa camp, Fox Camp 

or with individual guides. Guides and camels have to be from the tribal 

rotating system managed by Sheikh Mousa – either if you organize the 

trek with the sheikhs or someone else. If you only climb Mt. Sinai you 

have to take a guide from the Monastery guide association, unless you 

already have a guide from the sheikhs. The guides at the Monastery 

guide association usually do the summit climb only – if you want more 

than that you have to be clear about it and agree on a price. 

15


1-2 days. Difficulty level: medium-difficult. Long steep climb, big 

steps, good path. 

Visitor Centre, St. Katherine The Monastery of St. Katherine 

The Stairs of Repentance Elijah’s Basin Mt. Sinai (Jebel 

Musa) Elijah’s Basin Camel path or Wadi Arbain St. 

Katherine 

Add-on hike: Elijah’s Basin Farsh Loza Farsh A’rimziya 

Farsh Safsafa Kinist el Hmar Elijah’s Basin or Wadi Arbain 

1. Visitor Centre (28º34’01” 33º58’06” elev. 1530m); 2. Parking lot/Checkpoint; 

3. Monastery of St. Katherine (28º33’20” 33º58’34” elev. 1580m dist. 

1.7km); 4. Elijah’s Basin (28º32’40” 33º58’29” elev. 2033m dist. 1.7km); 5. 

Summit of Mt. Sinai (Jebel Musa) (28º32’20” 33º58’29” elev. 2285m dist. 

1.0km); 6. Cutting; 7. Fork; 8. Ramadan’s garden (28º32’03” 33º57’56” elev. 

1780m dist. 2.8km); 9. Rock of Moses (Hajar Musa) (28º32’38” 33º57’26” 

elev. 1700m dist. 1.5km); 10. El Rasis area (28º33’17” 33º56’55” elev. 1600m 

dist. 1.5km); 11. Farsh Loza (28º32’54” 33º58’12” elev. 2015m dist.from 4. 

0.7km); 12. Farsh A’rimziya, lookout-point (28º33’00” 33º58’18”); 13. Farsh 

Safsafa (28º33’10” 33º57’52” elev. 1990m dist. 0.8km); 14. Lookout-point 

(28º33’14” 33º57’58”); 15. Fork; 16. Kinist el Hmar (28º32’50” 33º58’03”). 

16


Mt. Sinai is visited by up to a thousand people on most nights, but the 

crowds can easily be avoided if you go for the sunset and not the 

sunrise. The view and colours are just as beautiful – I believe actually 

better – and there are only a handful of people, if any. Just a few steps 

off from the tourist path, between Mt. Sinai and Jebel Safsafa, there are 

secluded green basins with ruined and intact chapels, wells, dams and 

gardens, as well as stunning views down the gullies to different 

directions. First the Mt. Sinai sunset hike is described, which can be 

extended with the Safsafa basins walk. 

It is worth to start early with a quick tour of the Visitor Centre (1) at the 

roundabout. It is open from 9 AM till noon, closed on Fridays and 

Sundays. On the way to the Monastery at the parking lot and checkpoint 

(2) you have to take a local Bedouin guide, unless you have one 

already from the sheikhs. The first crowds have left by the time you get 

to the Monastery of St. Katherine (3); arrive before 11 AM if you want 

to go inside. From the Monastery the faster and more interesting route 

is via the Stairs of Repentance. In summer start before noon; it will be 

hot already but you could be in shade in Elijah’s Basin (4) in less than 

an hour. You could also start 2-3 hours before sunset when the worst 

of the heat is over. In winter midday is bearable. Elijah’s Basin is from 

where you can visit the Safsafa basins, either before climbing to the 

summit of Mt. Sinai or the next morning. There is a small campsite 

here. Another steep climb follows with more steps to the summit of Mt. 

Sinai (5). If you descend right after sunset you can get down before 

total darkness. You can also sleep on the top or in a cafeteria, but it is 

noisy at dawn. Descend the same path you came up but turn into a 

small cutting (6) in the rock. At a cafeteria further down there is a fork 

(7); to the left is the way to the Monastery, to the right is Wadi Arbain, 

where you can stay in Ramadan’s garden (8) or return to town, 

passing another monastery and the Rock of Moses (9). 

Add-on hike: Starting from Elijah’s Basin (4), there is a good path to 

north-west, leading to a little basin, Farsh Loza (11). Off the path to the 

north-east is another basin, Farsh A’rimziya (12) with a look-out point 

over the Monastery. Back on the path and continuing the walk, you will 

cross a big open basin before reaching Farsh Safsafa (13), where 

there is a fenced garden. You have to back-track from here – as soon 

as you come up from the garden and the path turns right, a gully starts 

on your left. It is a look-out point (14) down on the area around the 

Visitor Centre. Follow the main path back to the big open basin as you 

came, but at a fork (15) turn to south onto a much smaller path. This 

will take you to Kinist el Hmar (16), another basin with a chapel and 

good views of Mt. Katharina. There is a way over a smooth granite 

ridge back to Farsh Loza (11) and then Elijah’s Basin (4). The steep 

gully ahead to the south is the short way to Wadi Arbain. 

17


Wadi el Deir 

The Visitor Centre (1) 

The Monastery of St. Katherine (3) 

Stairs of Repentance 

Elijah’s Basin with Mt. Sinai (4) 

The summit of Mt. Sinai (5) 

Camp in Elijah’s Basin 

Farsh Loz a (11) 

18


Farsh El Rimziya 

Look-out point (12) 

Frash Safsafa (13) 

Look-out point (14) 

Kinest el Ahmar (16) 

Gully to Wadi Arbain 

Monastery of the Forty Martyrs (8) 

The Rock of Moses (Hajar Musa) (9) 

19


2 days. Difficulty level: difficult. Long climb, at times difficult path. 

St. Katherine Rock of Moses Monastery of the Forty Martyrs 

Farsh Umm Silla Mt. Katharina Farsh Umm Silla Wadi 

Ahmar Wadi Mathar Wadi Shaq Abu Jeefa St. Katherine 

1. El Rasis area (28º33’17” 33º56’55” elev. 1600m); 2. Rock of Moses (Hajar 

Musa); 3. Monastery of the Forty Martyrs; 4. Ramadan’s garden (28º32’03” 

33º57’56” elev. 1780m dist. 3km); 5. Spring (Ein Shinaar); 6. Farsh Umm 

Silla (28º’31”16 33º57’20” elev. 2300m dist. 2.5km); 7. Mt. Katharina 

(28º30’46” 33º57’14” elev. 2642m dist. 2km); 8. Wadi Ahmar (28º31’44” 

33º56’52” elev. 2090m dist. from 6. 1.5km); 9. Farhan’s garden (28º31’48” 

33º56’16” elev. 1890m dist. 1km); 10. Isbail’s garden; 11. Mulberry and 

hermit cell; 12. Canyon and water pools (28º32’02” 33º56’04” elev. 1870m 

dist. 0.7km); 13. Oda’s garden (28º32’08” 33º56’00” elev. 1855m dist. 0.3km); 

14. Wadi Tubuq junction (28º32’28” 33º55’56” elev. 1825m dist. 0.8km); 15. 

Ein Shkaya; 16. Islibet (28º32’42” 33º56’03” elev. 1814m dist. 0.5km); 17. Abu 

Jeefa top (28º32’48” 33º56’10” elev. 1850m dist. 0.4km); 18. Ein Tufaha 

(28º33’03” 33º56’29” elev. 1630m dist. 1km). 

20


Wadi Arbain is an alternative way between Mt. Sinai and town, and the 

main route to Egypt’s highest peak, Mt. Katharina. A big boulder half 

way, called Hajar Musa, is believed to be the rock from which Moses 

fetched water. The Monastery of the Forty Martyrs, known as Deir 

Arbain, is at the upper end in a big walled orchard. The climb to Mt. 

Katharina is long and steep, but well worth the effort. There is a little 

chapel on the peak. The descent on the other side is tricky; the terrain 

is rough and the path at points leads over big boulders blocking the 

way. The Wadi Mathar area is a big open plain encircled by impressive 

ranges. Some of the most beautiful Bedouin gardens are here, as well 

as Byzantine ruins, a little canyon and small water pools. 

The path from the El Rasis area (1) of the town is paved with big flat 

rocks all the way to the Monastery of the Forty Martyrs (3), where it 

splits; to the left is Mt. Sinai, to the right is the way to Mt. Katharina. 

Just above the monastery Ramadan’s garden (4) is a convenient stop 

before the tough climb. The path in Wadi Shaq Musa is good and well 

maintained, but long and steep. You will reach a ridge from where the 

peak of Mt. Katharina, to the left, becomes visible for the first time. The 

area is known as Farsh Umm Silla (6). From here the zigzag path will 

take you to a small plateau with two peaks standing above it – the 

closer one, with the chapel, is Mt. Katharina (7), the other one is 

known as Jebel Zueger and is off limits. Just below the chapel there is 

a stone hut for visitors staying for the night. From here you have to 

return to Farsh Umm Sila (6) the same way you came up, then carry 

on skirting around the ranges ahead through little basins. You will enter 

Wadi Ahmar (8), a steep and narrow wadi blocked by huge boulders in 

the middle. The path most of the time is up above the wadi on the right 

side, but at places you have to climb over the boulders or jump from 

one to the other. Towards the end of the descent there are seasonal 

water cascades – in the spring there might be a creek running here. 

The big plain you enter is Wadi Mathar. There are three good gardens 

to stay for the night: in this end the garden of Farhan (9) and the 

garden of Isbail (10), and across the plain hidden in Wadi Shaq the 

garden of Oda (13). In the middle of the plain there is a mulberry tree 

and a hermit cell (11); the first is outside a solitary garden, the later is 

over a small ridge under a big boulder. Hidden and not visible from the 

main path, there is a small canyon with little granite water pools 

(12), known as Kharaza – guides often walk pass it without mentioning 

the sight, so look out for it. From Oda’s garden (13) you can join other 

treks via Wadi Zawatin, or return to the town via Wadi Tubuq. After 

reaching the Wadi Tubuq junction (14), you will pass the spring of Ein 

Shkaya (15) and an area called Islibet (16) (way to Sid Daud), before 

climbing to the top of the Abu Jeefa pass (17). The town of St. 

Katherine becomes visible from here. You will descend the steep path, 

returning to town at the Ein Tufaha area (18). 

21


Hajar Musa, the Rock of Moses. (2) 

The Monastery of the 

Forty Martyrs. (3) 

Ramadan’s garden. (4) 

Wadi Shaq Musa leading up to Mt. 

Katharina. 

Zigzag path in Wadi Shaq Musa. 

The peak of Mt. Katharina ahead. 

Small plateau just below the peak. 

Chapel on the peak. (7) 

22


Descending to Wadi Mathar - in the 

distance Isbail’s garden. (10) 

Bedouin garden in Wadi Mathar. 

The hermit cell. (11) 

The mulberry tree. (11) 

The garden of Oda. (14) 

The water pools of Kharaza, 

just off the main path. (12) 

The descent back to town via the 

Abu Jeefa pass. (17) 

23

3. Wadi Zawatin – Farsh Abu Mahashur - Jebel Abbas 

Basha 

1-2 days. Difficulty level: medium-difficult. Good path at the 

beginning and end, but there is some scramble over loose rocky 

terrain in the middle of walk, as well as exposed, sheer drops. 

Ein Tufaha, St. Katherine Abu Jeefa Wadi Zawatin Farsh 

Abu Mahashur Jebel Abbas Basha Wadi Zawatin St. 

Katherine 

1. Ein Tufaha (28º33’03” 33º56’29” elev. 1630m); 2. Abu Jeefa top (28º32’48” 

33º56’10” elev. 1850m dist. 1km); 3. Islibet (28º32’42” 33º56’03” elev. 1814m 

dist. 0.4km); 4. Ein Shkaya; 5. Wadi Shaq junction (28º32’28” 33º55’56” elev. 

1825m dist. 0.5km); 6. Mulberry tree; 7. El Ehded Junction (28º32’15” 

33º55’45” elev. 1845m dist. 0.5km); 8. Wadi Zawatin (28º32’25” 33º55’27” 

elev. 1885m dist. 1.1km); 9. El Ziri (28º32’41” 33º55’16” elev. 1935m dist. 

0.6km); 10. Gully (28º33’18” 33º55’24” elev. 2210m dist. 1.7km); 11. 

Observation point (28º33’09” 33º55’22” elev. 2215m dist. 0.3km); 12. 

Byzantine chapel; 13. Look-out point (28º32’56” 33º55’16” elev. 2080m dist. 

0.6km); 14. Junction (28º33’31” 33º55’08” elev. 2280m dist. from 10. 0.8km); 

15. Palace of Abbas Basha (28º33’37” 33º55’02” elev. 2380m dist. 0.3km); 16. 

Sharafat el Iskikriya (28º33’13” 33º54’50” elev. 2100m dist. 1.8km); 8. Wadi 

Zawatin (dist. 2km); 1. Ein Tufaha (dist. 4.1km). 

24

3. Wadi Zawatin – Farsh Abu Mahashur - Jebel Abbas Basha 

Jebel Abbas Basha is on the main trekking circuits and is easy to 

reach, but the secluded basin of Farsh Abu Mahashur is rarely visited. 

On the top of Jebel Abbas Basha is an unfinished palace built by 

Abbas Pasha. This is one of two peaks from where the town of St. 

Katherine and the Mt. Sinai are seen together. Farsh Abu Mahashur is 

a beautiful example of the granite basins characteristic of the area, a 

green oasis with lush vegetation high above the wadis and enclosed by 

steep walls. There are Byzantine ruins in the basin. 

Starting at Ein Tufaha (1) in the town, you will first climb the zigzag 

path of Abu Jeefa. At the top of Abu Jeefa (2) look out for a leopard 

trap. On the other side you will descend to an area known as Islibet (3) 

– to the right is a steep and tricky gully known as Sid Daud, to the left is 

Wadi Tubuq. Take the path in Wadi Tubuq, passing many gardens and 

the natural spring of Ein Shkaya (4). Bit further up another wadi joins, 

this is the Wadi Shaq junction (5). Another feature further along is an 

ancient mulberry tree (6), after which you reach the El Ehded 

junction (7). Taking a sharp turn to the right the path becomes 

steeper. After a palm tree which almost grows out of the rock face you 

will reach Wadi Zawatin (8). There is a simple cafeteria here run by the 

last Bedouin woman who still lives in the mountains, Umm Saad. A 

steep zigzag path to the south-west would take you to Wadi Jibal, but 

you have to carry on to the north-west along the main path. The area at 

the last garden is known as El Ziri (9). Ahead the path is supported by 

a massive stone wall, built by Abbas Pasha – if you want to skip Farsh 

Abu Mahashur this is the way to Jebel Abbas Basha. To the basin turn 

right into a wadi below the smooth granite dome of the Jebel Abu 

Mahashur massif, skirting around its base. The climb becomes steeper 

and there is no proper path over the loose rocky terrain from here. At 

one point you will see a gully (10) cutting across the granite massif – 

climb up in this. Shortly after the top of the gully you will reach an 

observation point (11) onto the basin. You can descend from here to 

the basin. Where the trees are there used to be a Byzantine chapel 

(12). There is a small crack afterwards, which leads out to a look-out 

point (13) high above El Ziri. From here you can go back up the same 

way you came down, or climb up the smooth granite massif to reach 

the observation point (11). Go back to the mouth of the gully (10) and 

continue your climb up. Skirt around the mountain top, with the peak on 

your left, until the palace becomes visible. You will get to a junction 

(14) where a bigger path joins in – the palace of Abbas Pasha (15) is 

only a short distance from here. After coming back from the palace, at 

the junction (14) take the main path, zigzagging down to a high saddle 

known as Sharafat el Iskikriya (16). From here descend back to Wadi 

Zawatin (8), where you can camp for the night or head back to town. 

Alternatively you could descend to Wadi Tinya or take a pass to Farsh 

Dgemiyet and carry on to Wadi Jibal. 

25


The zigzag path of Abu Jeefa leads 

up to the high mountains. 

Leopard trap at the top. (2) 

The spring of Ein Shkaya. (4) 

El Ehded junction. (7) 

The kiosk of Umm Saad in Wadi 

Zawatin. (8) 

The base of the Jebel Abu Mahashur 

massif in El Ziri. (9) 

The gully into the basin. (10) 

Looking down on Farsh Abu 

Mahashur from the top. (11) 

26


Look-out point high above the El Ziri 

area. (13) 

Approaching Jebel Abbas Basha. 

The unfinished palace of Abbas 

Pasha. (15) 

Descent from Jebel Abbas Basha on 

the other side. 

The high saddle of Sharafat el 

Iskikriya. (16) 

One way leading back to Wadi 

Zawatin… 

…another to Wadi Tinya… 

…and a third to Wadi Jibal via Farsh 

Dgemiyet. 

27


Featured trek: 



• Wadi Sdud - Nasb - Ein Kid 

• Ein Kid - Ein Umm Saida - Wadi Rumhan 

• Rotok - Wadi Rahaba - Wadi Zawatina 

• Jebel Umm Shaumar - Wadi Rumhan 

• Wadi Rumhan - Wadi Isla 

28


This is probably the least visited region, remote and wild. The area is 

home mostly to the Ulad Said tribe, with some Muzeina to the east and 

far south. There are a number of impressive sights which are well worth 

the visit, but they are far from each other and trekking involves long 

and not too exciting stretches. The area is best approached from the 

town of St. Katherine via Wadi Isbaiya. First there are big open plains 

and wide wadis with dirt roads – there are several small settlements in 

the area – and you might opt to take a car to skip this stretch. There 

are also alternative walking routes – from Mt. Katherine or via Wadi 

Abu Khsheib – to avoid the car tracks. Further along there are rugged 

mountain ranges and very long winding wadis running towards the 

coast to all directions. The ancient caravan route connecting St. 

Katherine to El Tur city is to the west; it is one of the main trekking 

routes. Another major route runs towards the east, eventually reaching 

the Dahab-Sharm el Sheikh road. The two routes can be connected 

covering most of the region in one long trek. 


• Jebel Umm Shaumar, the second highest mountain in Egypt, 

offering stunning views to the coast; 

• Wadi Isla, the caravan route to El Tur which goes through a 

spectacular gorge with a little creek; 

• Ein Kid, a little but picturesque oasis in a beautiful setting. 

Only very few operators and guides offer treks to the region and they 

are all based in the town of St. Katherine. It can be organized 

independently as there is no tribal system in place, but it won’t 

necessarily be cheaper than through an operator. 

29


1-2 days. Difficulty level: difficult. Loose rocky terrain, steep and 

long climb, scramble in crack of 5-metre almost vertical wall. 

Wadi Zawatina Jebel Abu Shajara Jebel Umm Shaumar 

Wadi Rumhan Naqb Breqa Wadi Zawatina 

1. Wadi Zawatina (28º23’33’ 33º57’11” elev. 1900m); 2. Path (28º23’36’ 

33º56’57” elev. 1955m dist. 0.7km); 3. Ridge (28º22’36’ 33º55’56” elev. 2280m 

dist. 2.8km); 4. Saddle (28º22’13’ 33º55’32” elev. 2050m dist. 1.1km); 5. Top 

of gully (28º21’40’ 33º55’03” elev. 2525m dist. 1.6km); 6. Jebel Umm 

Shaumar peak (28º21’42’ 33º55’01” elev. 2586m dist. 0.1km); 7. Deir 

Rumhan; 8. Path (28º21’48’ 33º56’28” elev. 1620m dist. from 4. 1.9km); 

1. Wadi Zawatina (dist. 4.1km). 

30


Jebel Umm Shaumar, the second highest mountain in the Sinai, is a 

very dramatic looking mountain with amazing views. As only from Jebel 

Serbal, you can see down to the coast at El Tur, the Gulf of Suez and 

across it to mainland Egypt. On the other side the whole high mountain 

region is visible and if the weather is clear you can see the ranges in 

Saudi Arabia in the distance to the south. Wadi Rumhan, at its base, 

has seen better days: there are many gardens but they are abandoned 

and broken. Still it is a convenient place to set up camp as there is 

water. The ancient Byzantine monastery, Deir Rumhan, is an important 

archaeological site standing above the wadi. 

Starting at Wadi Zawatina (1), where there is a small store room and 

water in a garden, carry on in the wadi floor. Soon after a sharp turn 

you will have to pick a path (2) on your right, heading towards a 

mountain, Jebel Abu Shajara, ahead. First you will walk over smaller 

hills before reaching higher ground. From here you will have to skirt 

around Jebel Abu Shajara on its left. The high peak that becomes 

visible is Jebel Rumhan – its shape is similar to Jebel Umm Shaumar, 

but that will only be visible, with the sea behind it to the right, once you 

reach a ridge (3). From here descend to the saddle (4) that stretches 

between Jebel Abu Shajara and Jebel Umm Shaumar. Wadi Rumhan 

starts from this saddle to the east and you will come back to this point 

after climbing to the peak, so you can leave any bags you don’t on the 

top. Looking at Jebel Umm Shaumar you can see a gully running down 

in the middle – this is where you will have to climb up. First keep to the 

left, then cross over to the other side following the cairns. When you 

reach the top of the gully (5) an amazing view opens up on the other 

side, with wadis running towards the coast. The climb from here 

becomes more difficult, and at one point you have to scramble up in a 

crack about 5 metres tall in an almost vertical wall. There is sometimes 

a piece of plastic pipe tied to the top of the crack to help you with the 

climb, but it’s not always there. After a little more scramble you will 

reach a big flat boulder on your right – the peak now is only a few 

metres away. From the peak of Jebel Umm Shaumar (6) there are 

stunning views to all directions. Descend to the saddle (4) the same 

way you came. The shortest route back to Wadi Zawatina would be the 

same way you came, but you can continue down to Wadi Rumhan as 

well. Once you reach the lower part of the wadi where there are trees 

and broken gardens, you will see a big square stone building on your 

left a little above the wadi. This is the ancient monastery known as Deir 

Rumhan (7), with a newer building standing next to it. You can set up 

camp in any convenient place. If you want to head back to Wadi 

Zawatina you will have to pick a path (8) after the monastery building, 

which leads above a wadi known as Naqb Breqa on its left. Do not try 

to climb up in the wadi itself. Further up the path becomes more 

obvious and this will take you back to Wadi Zawatina (1). 

31


The Monastery store room in Wadi 

Zawatina. (1) 

The path starts over smaller hills. (2) 

Skirting around Jebel Abu Shajara - 

to the left Jebel Rumhan. 

The view of Jebel Umm Shaumar and 

the sea opens up. (3) 

A saddle connects to Jebel Umm 

Shaumar. 

The saddle. (4) 

View down a gully running towards 

the sea. (5) 

Big flat boulder shortly below the 

peak. 

32


Peak of Jebel Umm Shaumar. (6) 

Bedouin man checking mobile 

reception on the top. 

The view down to the plain and sea. 

Descending the same way to the 

saddle - Wadi Rumhan below. 

Gardens in Wadi Rumhan. 

The Monastery of Rumhan (Deir 

Rumhan). (8) 

Wadi Rumhan with Jebel Umm 

Shaumar. 

33





• Blue Desert to Bier Safra or Shegera 

• Shegera - Gunna Plateau 

• Canyon Arada 

• Nawamis - Jebel Matamir 

• Jebel Barqa - Haduda sand dune 

• Wadi Rum - Closed Canyon - Ein Khudra 

• Ein Khudra oasis - White Canyon 

• Jebel Mileihis (1-2 days) 

• Wadi Risasa to Ras Abu Gallum 

34


Located about the same distance from St. Katherine, Dahab and 

Nuweiba, this region is a very stunning desert landscape with eroded 

sandstone ranges and rocks, canyons and wadis, sand dunes and fine 

sandy plains. It is very different from but just as diverse as the High 

Mountain Region – it’s another true trekker’s paradise, offering many 

shorter and longer treks. The area is also very good for camel safaris 

as there are long stretches of wadis and open plains. Some sights are 

visited regularly by 4x4 tours, but it is easy to avoid them in most 

cases. Only the Muzeina tribe live in the region – they are the biggest 

Bedouin tribe in South Sinai, their homeland stretching from south 

Nuweiba to Sharm el Sheikh and almost to St. Katherine. 


• Gunna Plateau, a long flat range; 

• Arada Canyon; 

• the mystical Nawamis structures; 

• Jebel Matamir; 

• Ein Khudra oasis and the White Canyon; 

• Jebel Barqa and Jebel Makharum; 

• Haduda sand dune; 

• Jebel Mileihis. 

The most convenient places to organise a trek to this region is Dahab, 

St. Katherine and Nuweiba, but you could also get a guide and camels 

from the cafeterias and settlements along the St. Katherine to Dahab 

and Nuweiba road. 

35


1 day. Difficulty level: easy-medium. Little scramble at points. 

Cafeteria Joma Rock of Inscriptions (Hajar Maktub) Ein 

Khudra pass Ein Khudra White Canyon Cafeteria Joma 

1. Cafeteria Joma (28º52’25” 34º24’28” elev. 775m); 2. Rock of Inscriptions 

(28º52’46” 34º24’40” elev. 776m dist. 0.7km); 3. Ein Khudra pass (28º53’01” 

34º24’52” elev. 795m dist. 0.6km); 4. Cave (28º53’43” 34º25’17” elev. 690m 

dist. 1.6km); 5. Fountain (28º53’52” 34º25’22” elev. 685m dist. 0.3km); 6. Gap; 

7. Mouth of White Canyon (28º53’41” 34º25’23” elev. 695m dist. 0.4km); 

8. Path up (28º53’26” 34º25’31” elev. 710m dist. 0.6km); 9. Path down 

(28º53’16” 34º25’34” elev. 730m dist. 0.4km); 10. Ladder; 11. Shelter 

(28º52’45” 34º25’47” elev. 780m dist. 1.2km); 1. Cafeteria Joma (dist. 2.4km). 

36


Ein Khudra is a beautiful, lush oasis hidden in a low-lying sandy basin. 

The White Canyon is one way connecting it to the plateau above. 

Although it is one of the few sights where mainstream operators offer 

4x4 excursions, it is still a tranquil place and can easily be done 

independently. Cafeteria Joma is right next to the main asphalt road 

(the area is also known as Sharafat Ein Khudra or Hajar Maktub) and 

you can get a guide right on the spot. If you are coming from Wadi Rum 

and the Closed Canyon you would enter the oasis at waypoint # 6. 

Starting at Cafeteria Joma (1) you can see a gap in the low range on 

the horizon to the north-east – this is the pass where you need to head. 

Along the way you will pass the Rock of Inscriptions (Hajar Maktub) 

(2). The ruins of an ancient church, known as Deir Khudra, is not much 

more than two piles of rocks, but it is still worth to mention. Once you 

reach the pass (3) you will have a beautiful view on the oasis down 

below. Descend the zigzag path and cross the basin to reach the 

gardens. Stop at any of the gardens – you might want to choose one 

where you don’t see any 4x4s – and have a tea with your host. Explore 

the garden and walk around the oasis. There is a spring in a cave (4) 

just outside the first gardens, and another one above ground, dripping 

into a fountain (5) at the last gardens. There is a lookout point above 

but it is difficult to reach from here. The basin is almost closed, but 

there is a narrow gap (6) leading out to a long and wide wadi. This is 

Wadi Khudra, from where the 4x4s approach the oasis. The Wadi Rum 

- Closed Canyon trek also joins in here. Head back to the oasis. To the 

south-east of the gardens is the mouth of the White Canyon (7). Start 

walking in the wadi, soon reaching a point where the path goes up (8) 

to the right hand side towards a crack in the rock wall. Reaching the top 

you can have a last look back on the oasis, before the climb down (9) 

on the other side, into the narrow part of the White Canyon. From here 

the walk is straight forward. After some very narrow winding part you 

will reach the end of the canyon. There is a ladder (10) and ropes to 

help you get up to the very same plateau where you started your walk 

from. There is a shelter (11) at the top where you can have a rest in 

shade. From here you can head back to Cafeteria Joma (1) or 

continue on to Jebel Mileihis via Majaza. 

37


Cafeteria Joma on the main road – in the 

distance the pass of Ein Khudra. (1) 

Looking down on the oasis of Ein Khudra 

from the pass. (3) 

Approaching the oasis in the sandy basin. 

A spring in a cave. (4) 

Water overflows from a fountain, 

supporting a green line of vegetation. (5) 

The mouth of the White Canyon across the 

gardens, with a dark hill in the middle. (7) 

38


After a short walk the paths starts up 

towards a crack. (8) 

Scramble up in the crack. 

Straight, sandy stretch. 

Narrow, winding part. 

The way back up to the plateau. (10) 

Shelter at the top on the plateau. (11) 

39





• Wadi Milha - Naqb el Kohla - Coloured Canyon 

• Coloured Canyon 

• Coloured Canyon to Rainbow Canyon 

• Wadi Agula - Ein Umm Ahmed - Jebel Berqa - El Breqa - Ein 

Khudra 

40


Home to the Tarabin tribe, this rugged and harsh region is mostly 

known for the Coloured Canyon, although there are a few other worthy 

sights as well. The Coloured Canyon is probably the most visited sight 

in the interior after the Monastery of St. Katherine and Mt. Sinai, but 

just as there, the groups visit at a certain time and you can avoid them. 

Some of the sights, including the Coloured Canyon, are in an area just 

off the coast which can be covered in 3-4 days. The oasis of Ein Umm 

Ahmed and sights in that area are much further away and either you 

take a 4x4 to get there or have to be prepared for a long and uneventful 

walk or camel ride. However, it is worth the effort. Although the oasis 

itself looks more like an industrial outpost with all the pipes and water 

pumps, the area around El Breqa south of it is a stunning desert 

landscape. From here you could carry on to Ein Khudra and join treks 

in that region. 


• Wishwishi Canyon; 

• Coloured Canyon; 

• Rainbow Canyon; 

• Ein Umm Ahmad; 

• Jebel Berqa; 

• El Breqa. 

The best place to organise a trek locally is in Nuweiba or in the camps 

and lodges along the coast towards Taba in the north. Many operators 

on the coast are not local, even if Bedouin, and might not know the 

way. Try to find a Tarabin operator or guide. Those intending only to 

visit the Coloured Canyon by 4x4 will have to take a guide from the 

guide association at Ein Furtaga – if you do it as part of a tour that 

should be included. 

41


1 day. Difficulty level: medium. It involves one steep climb and 

easy scrambles. 

Wadi Milha Wishwishi Canyon Moyat el Milha Naqb el 

Kohla Closed Canyon Coloured Canyon 

1. Wadi Milha mouth (29º08’48” 34º40’47” elev. 45m dist. 2.5km); 

2. Narrowing (29º09’21” 34º39’15” elev. 155m dist. 2.8km); 3. Wishwishi 

Canyon (29º09’30” 34º38’53” elev. 185m dist. 1km); 4. Moyat el Milha 

(29º09’25” 34º37’57” elev. 285m dist. 2.1km); 5. Basin with palms (29º09’37” 

34º37’10” elev. 363m dist. 1.9km); 6. Path up (29º09’32” 34º36’52” elev. 397m 

dist. 0.6km); 7. Naqb el Kohla (29º09’39” 34º36’39” elev. 540m dist. 0.5km); 

8. Wadi (29º09’34” 34º36’26” elev. 505m dist. 0.5km); 9. Junction (29º08’35” 

34º36’19” elev. 450m dist. 1.8km); 10. Closed Canyon mouth (29º08’40” 

34º36’01” elev. 485m dist. 0.5km); 11. Closed Canyon top (29º09’15” 

34º35’35” elev. 555m dist. 1.5km); 12. Coloured Canyon top (29º08’57” 

34º35’32” elev. 535m dist. 07km); 13. Cafeteria / Lodge (29º08’48” 34º35’23” 

elev. 584m dist. 0.7km); 14. Coloured Canyon mouth (29º08’33” 34º35’53” 

elev. 490m dist. from 12. 1.1km); 15. Cafeteria (29º08’16” 34º35’41” elev. 

535m dist. 08km); 

42


The Coloured Canyon is one of the most visited site in the Sinai, but 

most people get there by 4x4s from Nuveiba via Wadi Watir. It can also 

be reached from the coast at Ras Shaitan on foot, visiting other places 

of interest along the way, including Wishwishi Canyon and the Closed 

Canyon. If you get to the Coloured Canyon in the afternoon, the tourist 

groups are likely to be gone and you can have the site for yourself. 

From there you can either return by a vehicle (you might even hire one 

on the spot) or continue on to the Rainbow Canyon. There is no water 

source along the way. 

Starting at the mouth of Wadi Milha (1), just opposite a stretch of 

hotels and camps on the coast, first you will walk in a straight and 

relatively wide wadi until you reach a narrowing (2). From here the 

wadi becomes winding, running between steep and tall walls. At one 

point, before the wadi opens up a bit again, there is a junction: on your 

right is the mouth of Wishwishi Canyon (3). You can leave your bags 

here to explore the canyon. It is short and closed at the end, where 

there is a now dry pool. After returning carry on in Wadi Milha, until you 

reach a cliff with several date palms at its base. This is Moyat el Milha 

(4). The wadi carries on to the right, but you have to pick a path going 

up on the left. It will take you over a saddle into an open sandy basin. 

Cutting across it you will enter a narrower stretch which opens to 

another basin with palms (5). Carry on to the left in a narrow wadi a 

little bit, until you pick a steep path going up (6) on your right. It is a 

long climb, taking you to a pass known as Naqb el Kohla (7). From the 

little peak above the pass you can see a sliver of the sea. After 

descending on the other side you will enter a big, open wadi (8). Turn 

left and continue south, until you reach a junction (9) where another 

bigger wadi joins on your right. Turn into this wadi, and after a short 

walk you will reach the mouth of the Closed Canyon (10). A little 

scramble will follow, at some points you will have to climb through 

holes under boulders. From the top of the Closed Canyon (11), taking 

a left turn, it is a short distance to the top of the Coloured Canyon 

(12). You can make a loop and return the same place: do the loop if 

you want to get to the cafeteria and lodge (13) above on the edge of a 

plateau, or if you will continue the trek to the Rainbow Canyon. You can 

also walk to the mouth of the Coloured Canyon (14), connecting to 

the same wadi from where you climbed the Closed Canyon. Turning 

right from here across a small basin and climbing a steep path you will 

get to a cafeteria (15) on the edge of the same plateau where the other 

cafeteria and lodge are located. The two places are connected by a dirt 

road. 

43


Ras Shaitan – the area where Wadi Milha 

drains. (1) 

Looking back on the sea from Wadi Milha. 

Moyat el Milha - date palms at the foot of a 

the cliff. The path leads up on the left. (4) 

Scramble in Wishwishi Canyon. (3) 

Another basin with date palms. (5) 

A sandy basin on the other side. 

44


The steep climb to the pass of Naqb el 

Kohla - a sliver of the sea can be seen. (7) 

An open wadi on the other side. (8) 

Scramble up in Closed Canyon. 

Entering the Coloured Canyon. 

The path is tricky at points. 

The lower part of the Coloured Canyon. 

45





• Religious and archaeological sites in Wadi Feiran 

• Naqb Shaharani - Jebel Serbal - Wadi Rim 

• Wadi Islaf - Abu Taleb - Sheikh Awad 

46


Wadi Feiran is the biggest oasis in South Sinai, although not the most 

attractive one. It is a very long settlement along the main St. Katherine 

road to Cairo-El Tur, with a centre – Markez Feiran – where most of the 

shops, bakery, hospital and authorities are located. All the South Sinai 

tribes are represented here, but most of the land is the Quararsha 

tribe’s territory. Wadi Feiran’s main attraction is the Orthodox Convent, 

visited by tour buses. Close to it there are a few beautiful Bedouin 

gardens which cater for visitors. There are a few ruined sites in this 

area and pleasant short walks can be made. From a trekker’s 

perspective the main attraction is, however, Jebel Serbal; it is arguably 

the most impressive mountain in South Sinai. Those willing to walk can 

connect the area to the High Mountain Region at Sheikh Awad in a 

long and not too impressive day. Wadi Feiran is also on the 4x4 routes 

to Wadi Mukattab, Serabit el Khadim or Jebel Fuga to the north. 


• Wadi Feiran – the convent, Jebel Tahoun and hermitages; 

• Jebel Serbal. 

You don’t need a guide to wander around Wadi Feiran and visit the 

ruins and hermitages, but if you are thinking of climbing Jebel Tahoun, 

it is advisable to take someone – this can be any local Bedouin. It 

shouldn’t be more than 80 LE. If you want to climb Jebel Serbal you 

can only take a Qararsha guide for a non-negotiable 200 LE daily fee. 

The best place to organize is in one of the gardens, little further up from 

the Convent at a sharp curve in the road. Some operators in Dahab 

and St. Katherine also offer this trek. 

47


2-3 days. Difficulty level: difficult. Loose rocky terrain, steep and 

long climb, scramble at points. 

Wadi Feiran Wadi Aliyat Naqb Shaharani Jebel Serbal 

Tabaga Imbardia Wadi Rim Wadi Feiran 

1. Wadi Aliyat mouth, Wadi Feiran (28º42’17” 33º38’12” elev. 645m); 2. Fork 

(28º40’44” 33º39’18” elev. 855m dist. 3.8km); 3. Naqb Shaharani bottom 

(28º40’10” 33º38’55” elev. 1035m dist. 1.4km); 4. Farsh Loz (28º39’11” 

33º38’23” elev. 1830m dist. 2.5km); 5. Jebel Serbal peak (28º39’05” 33º38’42” 

elev. 2070m dist. 0.9km); 6. Basin (28º39’06” 33º37’49” elev. 1850m dist. from 

4. 1.1km); 7. Path (28º38’44” 33º38’16” elev. 1730m dist. from 4. 1.1km); 8. 

Tabaga Imbardia (28º38’03” 33º39’05” elev. 1635m dist. 2.1km); 9. Wadi Rim 

turn-off (28º37’51” 33º39’07” elev. 1595m dist. 0.4km); 10. Date palms and 

well (28º38’32” 33º40’20” elev. 1178m dist. 2.6km); 11. Pass to Wadi Aliyat 

(28º40’01” 33º40’27” elev. 947m dist. 3.4km); 2. Fork (dist. 2.9km); 12. Wadi 

Islaf junction (28º40’50” 33º42’08” elev. 790m dist. 4.4km); 13. Road, Wadi 

Feiran (28º41’25” 33º41’48” elev. 760m dist. 1.6km). 

48


Many people consider Jebel Serbal the best mountain in the Sinai – it 

is also one of the toughest. Although not as high as a few other 

mountains, the surrounding area is very low so the climb is actually the 

longest, leading up in a very steep gully. There are basins on the top 

with gardens, water sources and wild life, and the views down to the 

coast on one side and the interior on the other are stunning. Only the 

Qararsha tribe in Wadi Feiran is allowed to lead treks to the mountain, 

and the non-negotiable 200 LE per day for the guide is quite high 

compared to other areas. It is still very worth the money and effort. 

Starting at the mouth of Wadi Aliyat (1), next to the Convent of Feiran, 

the first stretch is in a wide, long and very rocky wadi dotted with many 

acacia trees. After 40-50 minutes of walk there is a fork (2) where 

another bigger wadi joins in on your right and Jebel Serbal becomes 

fully visible. Continue in this wadi towards Jebel Serbal, steering to the 

left at a garden, until you reach the bottom of Naqb Shaharani (3), a 

steep and narrow gully. From here it is a tough climb over loose rocky 

terrain, until you reach a little basin, Farsh Loz (4), under high peaks. 

There is a small garden in the basin with a well and wind shelter – this 

is the best place to make a camp. The highest peak is another half an 

hour, first heading to the east from the garden then turning right into a 

smaller gully. The path is marked with cairns along the way. At the 

peak (5) there is a rock shelter (you could actually sleep up here) as 

well as Nabatean inscriptions and ruins. Return the same way as you 

went up. The following day you could explore the basins a bit, now 

heading to the west from the garden. The main basin (6) is surrounded 

by several granite peaks and gullies running down between them to all 

directions, offering nice views. Go back to the garden the same way 

you came and climb the small pass to the south. At one point the path 

(7) will leave the wadi floor and carry over smaller hills, until you reach 

another, more open basin where a big boulder, known as Tabaga 

Imbardia (8) stands above abandoned gardens. A little further you will 

reach a pass from where you can see the coast again, then you will 

have to turn off to Wadi Rim (9) to the left. From here you will be going 

downhill all the way until you reach some tall date palms and a well 

(10). If you need to stop for another night this could be a good spot. 

After the palms you will enter lower and wider wadis where there are 

many ruined gardens. At one point there is a pass back to Wadi 

Aliyat (11) on your left, but to the main asphalt road it is closer 

continuing in the wadi. Soon you will reach a wide wadi where car 

tracks are visible. This is the Wadi Islaf junction (12). Turning right 

you could carry on to Sheikh Awad. Turning left it is only a short 

distance to the main road at Wadi Feiran (13). 

49


The mouth of Wadi Aliyat at the 

Convent of Wadi Feiran. (1) 

Wadi Aliyat. 

The fork towards Jebel Serbal. (2) 

Entering the gully of Naqb 

Shaharani. (3) 

Water might be trickling at one point. 

The gully opens up where it joins 

another gully. 

Garden and well in the basin of 

Farsh Loz. (4) 

The summit of Jebel Serbal. (5) 

50


View to the coast and main-land 

Egypt. 

Ancient inscriptions. 

A secluded basin. (6) 

The shelter of Tabaga Imbardiya. (8) 

View at the sea on one side... 

…and the mountains on the other at 

the top of Wadi Rim. (9) 

Date palms and well in Wadi Rim. 

(10) 

Several gardens in the lower part of 

Wadi Rim. 

51



8. Serabit el Khadim - Wadi Sieh - Wadi Maqara - Wadi 

Mukattab 


• The archaeological site of Serabit el Khadim 

• Serabit el Khadim - Wadi Sieh - Wadi Maqara - Wadi Mukattab 

• Serabit el Khadim - Ramlat Hmeier - Jebel Fuga 

52


Serabit el Khadim is an archaeological site where the Pharaohs mined 

turquoise, with a little settlement at its base. It is where the sandy 

desert belt cutting across the peninsula below the Tih Plateau and the 

eroded rocky ranges in the south meet. It is rarely visited – if so, 

usually on 4x4s, possibly visiting the other major sights in the area as 

well. Serabit el Khadim is a very remote place and getting there is 

indeed difficult, as there is no asphalt road to it from the coast – there 

are plans to build one and some stretches are done, but it is not likely 

that work will be completed in the foreseeable future. From the coastal 

town of Abu Zenima it might be possible to get a ride to the settlement, 

where there are two simple camps. People from various tribes live in 

this area, the most dominant is the Aligat. From Serabit el Khadim 

there are two major trekking routes. One cuts across the sandy belt 

towards Jebel Fuga, and then continues on either to the High 

Mountains, Ein Umm Ahmed or Ein Khudra. These are all very long 

walks and riding camels at least at times might be a good idea. The 

other route is to the south in the rocky wadis, to Wadi Magara, Wadi 

Mukattab and the asphalt road at Wadi Feiran. This trek would also 

require at least 2-3 days. 


• Serabit el Khadim, turquoise mines and the Temple of Hathor; 

• Wadi Magara, turquoise mines; 

• Wadi Mukattab, the Valley of Inscription; 

• Jebel Fuga, the Forest of Pillars. 

It might be possible to organise a trek locally in the settlement of 

Serabit el Khadim – if you can get there at all – but there are no 

guarantees it will be any cheaper than through an operator. If you try 

you should be aware of that no tribe has an exclusive right to the land 

and any community can provide a guide and camels. The family of 

Sheikh Salim Barakat have an office in Abu Zenima, and there are a 

few operators in every resort city who organise programs to the region. 

53

8. Serabit el Khadim - Wadi Sieh - Wadi Magara - Wadi 

Mukattab 

3 days. Difficulty level: easy. One smaller pass, rest is walk in 

wadi floor. 

Serabit el Khadim (Pharaonic site) Umm Ajraf Wadi Sieh 

Wadi Magara (turquoise mines) Wadi Mukattab (inscriptions) 

Asphalt road 

1. Entrance to the 

Pharaonic site 

(29º02’43” 33º26’12” 

elev. 530m); 2. Umm 

Ajraf (29º02’18” 

33º28’30” elev. 587m 

dist. 4.5km); 3. High 

pass (29º01’16” 

33º28’51” elev. 725m 

dist. 2km); 4. Basin 

(29º00’21” 33º28’54” 

elev. 671m dist. 

1.8km); 5. Junction 

(28º55’50” 33º29’32” 


9.9km); 6. Wadi Sieh 

mouth (28º52’42” 

33º26’13” elev. 369m 

dist. 10.6km); 7. 

Sheikh Suliman; 8. 

Wadi Magara site 

(28º53’36” 33º22’15” 


8.3km); 9. 

Inscriptions 

(28º50’19” 33º25’45” 

elev. 388m dist. 9km); 

10. Asphalt road 

(28º47’44” 33º27’29” 


5.8km). 

54

8. Serabit el Khadim - Wadi Sieh - Wadi Magara - Wadi Mukattab 

Serabit el Khadim is the only significant Pharaonic site in the Sinai, with 

a temple dedicated to the Goddess Hathor and turquoise mines atop a 

rocky plateau. It is located where a sandy desert and eroded, flat, rocky 

ranges meet, offering stunning views. At present there is no continuous 

asphalt road to the archaeological site and the little settlement at its 

base. Although there are short bits of paved stretches, most of the road 

from the coast is only accessible to 4x4s. You might be able to 

organize a lift from Abu Zenima. Wadi Magara is another place where 

turquoise was mined. It only has one Pharaonic carving, but the mines 

are bigger. Wadi Mukattab, also called the Valley of Inscriptions, has 

Nabatean and other scripts, including Proto-Sinaitic. The three sites 

can be connected on foot as part of a long but easy trek. Most of the 

walk is along dirt roads and there are occasional cars and water lorries 

passing by. Guides and camels can be organized in the settlement. 

Start at the main entrance to the Pharaonic site (1). After getting to 

the temple of Hathor continue on to the east, descending on the other 

side of the plateau to a sandy area known as Umm Ajraf (2). Head to 

the south and pick up a steep zigzag path leading to a high pass (3). 

On the other side you will enter a basin (4) – the terrain is rocky and 

rough, very different from the fine sand of the plain at Umm Ajraf. From 

here you will continue on in narrow and long Wadi Sieh. There are 

many acacia trees along the way and you will pass a Sheikh’s tomb. 

You can set up camp along the way at any suitable location. Wadi Sieh 

joins another wadi of the same name at a junction (5). There is water 

here and an army check-point. Turning right there are several wells and 

small plantations hidden behind piled up sand walls in the winding 

wadi. The mouth of Wadi Sieh (6) opens up to a big open plain. Wadi 

Mukattab is across the plain, but instead of heading there skirt around 

the base of the mountain range to the right, under a solitary army post. 

After passing a Bedouin settlement you will enter a somewhat narrower 

wadi, where the tomb of Sheikh Suliman (8) is located. The mouth of 

Wadi Magara is just off to the right, where an abandoned building 

(arisha) provides a good camp site. The Wadi Magara site (8) is a very 

short distance from here – there is a path on your left which leads up to 

the mines. The Pharaonic symbol is a bit further up above the mines. 

After returning to the camp, start back-tracking in the wadi you came 

from the previous day, heading towards the big open plain at the mouth 

of Wadi Sieh. Keeping to the right you will walk next to a rock wall 

which has the curious inscriptions (9) for about a kilometre. The road 

further ahead will lead over a long but low pass. On the other side you 

will enter a wide, open and long wadi – this is the main wadi that starts 

from St. Katherine and goes all the way to the coast, and where the 

asphalt road runs. The settlement of Wadi Feiran is some 20 kilometres 

to the left, the El Tur-Suez coastal road some 20 kilometres to the right. 

55


The temple of Hathor in Serabit el Khadim. 

Descent on the other side of the plateau. 

The path leads across an area known as 

Umm Ajraf. (2) 

High pass. (3) 

Entering a rocky basin on the other side. 

(4) 

Sheikh’s tomb in Wadi Sieh. 

56


The mouth of Wadi Sieh, draining to the 

Wadi Mukattab area. (6) 

The tomb of Sheikh Suliman. (7) 

There are several caves and shafts used to 

mine turquoise in Wadi Magara. (8) 

Pharaonic symbol above the mines. 

The ancient inscriptions were left by 

different cultures. 

The inscriptions are on the rock face for 

about a kilometre. (9) 

57

Index of places 

Abu Jeefa 

20,21,23-26 ابو جيفه Abu Zenima 9,53,55 

ابو زنيمه Arada Canyon 9,35 

آانيون عراده Bab el Donya 14,15 

باب الدنيا Blue Desert 14,15,34 

الجبل الملون Bustan el Birka 14,15 

بستان البيرآه Maktub) Cafeteria Joma (Hajar 

36-38 آافتريا جمعه Coloured Canyon 

40-43,45 الكانيون الملون Convent of Wadi Feiran 9,47,49,50 

دير البنات Closed Canyon (at the 

Coloured Canyon) 

Closed Canyon (at Ein Khudra) 34,37 

58 

آانيون مسكر 42,43,45 

آانيون مسكر 

دهب Dahab 8,29,35 

Ein Furtaga 41 

عين فرطاقه Ein Kid 28,29 

عين الكيد Ein Khudra 

34-38 عين حضره Ein Shinaar 20 

عين الشنار Ein Shkaya 

20,21,24-26 عين شكيه Ein Tufaha 20,21,24,25 

عين التفاحه Ein Umm Ahmad 41 

عين ام احمد El Breqa 40,41 

البريقه El Ehded 

24-26 الخديد Elijah’s Basin 

16-18 فرش الياس El Rasis 16,20,21 

الرصيص El Tur 29,31,47,55 

الطور El Ziri 

24-27 الزيري Farsh Abu Mahashur 

14,15,24-26 فرش ابو محشور Farsh Dgemiyet 25,27 

فرش الدغيميات Farsh el A'rimziya 25,27 

فرش العريمزيه Farsh Loz 

48-50 فرش اللوز

Farsh Loza 

16-18 فرش لوزه basins) Farsh Safsafa (Safsafa 

14-17,19 فرش الصفصافه Farsh Umm Silla 20,21 

فرش ام سله Galt el Azraq 12,14,15 

الجالت الازرق Gunna Plateau 34,35 

جبل قونه الهدوده Haduda sand dune 34,35 

Hajar Maktub (Rock of 

Inscriptions) 

حجر مكتوب 36,37 

Moses) Hajar Musa (Rock of 

16,19,20-22 حجر موسي High Mountain Region 

14-27 وادى جبال اسليبات Islibet 20,21,24,25 

Jebel Abbas Basha 14,15,24,25,27 

جبل عباس باشا Jebel Abu Shajara 

30-32 جبل ابو شجره Jebel Banat 14,15 

جبل البنات Jebel Barqa 34,35 

جبل البرقا Jebel Berqa 40,41 

جب ل البرقا Jebel Fuga 47,52,53 

جبل الفوقه Plateau) Jebel Gunna (Gunna 

34,35 جبل قونه Jebel Makharum 35 

جبل مخروم Jebel Mileihis 34,35,37 

جبل مليحس Jebel Naja 14,15 

جبل نعجه Jebel Matamir 34,35 

جبل مطامير Sinai) Jebel Musa (Mt. 

8,14-18,21,25 جبل موسي Katharina) Jebel Katharina (Mt. 

14,17,20-22 جبل آاترين Jebel Serbal 

9,10,46-50 جبل سربال Jebel Tahoun 47 

جبل طاحون Jebel Umm Shaumar 

28-33 جبل ام شومر Kharaza 21,23 

الخرزه Kharazet el Shaq 14,15 

خرزه الشق Kinist el Hmar 16,17,19 

آنيسه حمار 59

Monastery of St. Katherine 

19-22 دير الاربعين Monastery of Rumhan 28,31,33 

دير رمحان Monastery of the Forty Martyrs 

8,15-18 دير سانت آاترين Moyat el Milha 

42-44 ميه المالحه Mt. Katharina 

14,17,20-22 جبل آاترين Mt. Sinai 

8,14-18,21,25 جبل موسي Naqb Breqa 30,31 

نقب بريقاء Naqb el Kohla 

40-43,45 نقب الكحله Naqb Shaharani 

46,48-50 نقب الشهراني Nawamis 8,9,34,35 

نواميس Nuweiba 8,35,41 

نويبع قصر عباس باشا Palace of Abbas Basha 15,24 

Rainbow Canyon 40,41,43 

آانيون رينبو Rasis) Rasis (El 

16,20,21 الرصيص Ras Shaitan 43,44 

راس الشيطان Rock of Inscriptions 36,37 

حجر مكتوب Rock of Moses 

16,19,20-22 حجر موسي Safsafa basins 

14-17,19 فرش الصفصافه Serabit el Khadim 

9,47,52-56 سرابيط الخادم Sharafat Ein Khudra 37 

شرفه عين حضره Sharafat el Iskikriya 24,25,27 

شرفه اسكيكريه Sheikh Awad 14,46,47,49 

الشيخ عواد Sheikh Suliman 54,55,57 

الشيخ سليمان Sidda Nogra 15 

سد النقره St. Katherine (St. Catherine) 8,9,12,15,16, 

20,24,25,29,35 

سانت آاترين 

طابا Taba 8,41 

Tabaga Imbardia 48,49 

طبقه المبارديه Temple of Hathor 53,55,56 

معبد حتحور ام جراف 54-56 Umm Ajraf 

60

Valley of Inscriptions (Wadi 

Mukattab) 

وادى مكتب 9,47,52-55,57 

مرآز الزوار 16-18 Visitor Centre 

Wadi Ahmar 20,21 

وادى الاحمر Wadi Aliyat 

48-50 وادى عليات Wadi Arbain 

15-17,19,20-22 وادى الاربعين Wadi Feiran 8,9,46-50, 

53,55 

وادى فيران 

Wadi Isla 28,29 

وادى اسلا Wadi Islaf 46,48,49 

وادى اصلاف Wadi Jibal 14,25,27 

وادى جبال Wadi Magara 

53-55,57 وادى المغاره Wadi Milha 

40,42-44 وادى ملحا Wadi Mukattab 

9,47,52-55,57 وادى مكتب Wadi Shaq 14,15,20,21, 

23-25 

وادى الشق 

Wadi Shaq Musa 21,22 

وادى شق موسي Wadi Sieh 

52,54-57 وادى سيح Wadi Rim 46,48,49,51 

وادى ريم Wadi Rumhan 28,30,31,33 

وادى رمحان Wadi Talla 15 

وادى التلعه Wadi Tinya 14,25,27 

وادى طينيه Wadi Tubuq 20,21,25 

وادى طبوق Wadi Zawatin 

14,21,24-27 وادى زواتين Wadi Zawatina 

28,30-32 وادى زويتينه Wishwishi Canyon 

41-44 آانيون الوشويش White Canyon 

9,34-39 آانيون ابيض 61

Bedouin-Arabic glossary 

Note that it is very difficult to transliterate Arabic sounds to English. 

There are several complex systems used by academic works – our 

glossary is only an aid to help you communicate with your guide and is 

much simpler. You will not be perfectly accurate, but this is part of the 

fun; learning some basics from each other. 

The pronunciation of words is based on the local Bedouin dialect, 

which is slightly different from the Egyptian. There are sounds in Arabic 

which for most Westerners are difficult to pronunciate; the sounds are 

explained below. But do not worry too much about mastering them 

unless you are taking learning Arabic very seriously – a close enough 

attempt will most often do. 

a As the vowel in hut or 

hat. 

aa As the vowel in bar or 

bad. 

ay As the vowel in name. 

ai As the vowel in mine. 

’ The famous ayn – a 

sound formed deep in the 

throat. It usually follows 

an a or aa sound, 

although is possible with 

other vowels. 

b As the first sound in bar. 

d As the first sound in door. 

d An emphatic d sound. 

e As the vowel in pet. 

ee A long version of the 

sound e. 

f As the first sound in fit. 

g As the first sound in gate. 

gh A glottal g, formed deep 

in the throat. Sometimes 

it even sounds as r, 

although usually g, as in 

gas, will do. 

h As the first sound in 

house. 

h A h sound, formed deep 

in the throat – difficult to 

master, but usually a h 

will do. 

kh A strong h, as in the 

Scottish loch. 

i As the vowel in tin. 

ii As the vowel in feel. 

j As the first sound in job. 

k As the first sound in 

king. 

l As the first sound in 

look. 

m As the first sound in 

more. 

n As the first sound in 

name. 

o As the vowel in top. 

oo As the vowel in hole. 

r A rolled r. 

s As the first sound in sit. 

s An emphatic s sound. 

sh As the first sound in 

shop. 

t As the first sound in top. 

t An emphatic t sound. 

th As the first sound in 

thin. 

u As the vowel in put. 

uu As the vowel in loop. 

w As the first sound in 

what. 

y As the first sound in 

yellow. 

z As the first sound in 

zebra. 

62

Formalities 

Hello! 

(Peace upon you) 

salaam alaikum 

السلام عليكم 

وعليكم السلام Answer alaikum salaam 

تفضل Please (come in, join) tefaddal 

marhabaa, ahlan u 

Welcome! 

sahlan 

مرحبا , 

اهلا وسهلا 

اهلا بيك 

Answer ahlanbiik marhabiik, 

مرحب بيك , How are you haalak kef 

آيف حالك Answer kwais, el hamdulillah 

آويس الحمد الله Sit! ugo’d 

اقعد Recline! kawa 

آوّع Tea shai 

شاى Coffee gahua 

قهوه Herbal tea a'shab 

اعشاب Water maya 

ميه Will you drink tea shai tishrib 

تشرب شاي ايوه , , aywa Yes aa, 

No thanks la shukran, shukran 

لا شكراً‏ Little sugar shuwaya sukkar 

شويه سكر Sugar separately sukkar barra 

سكر بري Without sugar biduun sukkar 

بدون سكر I want water ana aayez maya 

انا عايز ميه Thank you shukran 

شكراً‏ You’re welcome aa’fan 

عفواً‏ Before leaving 

(Instead of good-bye, 

one leaving may ask 

those staying if they 

need anything.) 

aayez haja 

iiye khodma 

نعم 

عايز حاجه 

اه 

اى خدمه 

Answer shukran 

شكراً‏ Good bye 

(Usually said only 

when one is going 

away for long.) 

ma'asalama 

, 

مع السلامه 

63

Relations 

Tribe gabiila 

قبيله Father abu 

اب Mother umm 

ام Husband jooz zuuj, 

زوج , Wife maraat zooja, 

زوجه , 64 

جوز 

مرات 

Son ibn 

ابن Daughter bint 

بنت Brother akhu 

أخ Sister okht 

اخت Uncle (paternal / 

maternal) 

a’mm, khaal 

Aunt (paternal / 

maternal) 

a’mmah, khaalah 

Friend sadiik, saheb 

صديق , صاحب Man raajl 

رجل Woman mara 

مره Children atfaal a’yaal , 

عيال , Numbers 

خال , عم 

خاله ‏,عمه 

اطفال 

Zero ziiro safr, 

صفر (٠) One 

waahid واحد (١) Two 

itnayn اثنين (٢) Three 

talaata ثلاثه (٣) Four 

arbaa’ اربعه (٤) Five 

khamsa خمسه (٥) Six 

sitta سته (٦) Seven 

sabaa’ سبعه (٧) Eight 

tamanya ثمانيه (٨) Nine 

tisaa’ تسعه (٩) Ten 

aa’shara عشره (١٠) Eleven 

hadaashar احدعشر , Twelve 

itnaashar اثنى عشر , حداشر 

اتناشر

Thirteen 

talataashar ثلاثه عشر , Twenty a’shriin 

عشرين Thirty talatiin 

ثلاثين Forty arba’iin 

اربعين Fifty khamsiin 

خمسين Hundred miyya 

ميه Two hundred mitayn 

ميتين Three hundred totomiyya 

ثلثميه Thousand alf 

الف General 

ثلاتاشر 

I ana 

انا You (male / female) enti ente, 

انت , We ahna 

احنا Yes aywa naa’m, 

نعم , انتي 

ايوه 

No la 

لا OK mashi 

ماشي Finished, ‘done’ khalaas 

خلص God willing inshaallah 

ان شاء االله Thanks god el hamdulillah 

الحمد الله آويس , helua Good kwais, 

Not good 

mish kwais, mish 

helua 

حلو 

مش آويس 

مش حلو 

صحيح 

Right (correct) masbuut sah, 

صح , Wrong ghalat 

غلط Happy mabsuut 

مبسو Sad, angry 

za’laan زعلان , ط 

غضبان 

Easy saahal 

سهل Difficult saa’b 

صعب Big kibiir 

آبير Small sughaiyir 

قليل Many kitiir 

آثير Few, little shuwaya 

شويه 65

Hot بارد sokhn 

ساخن Cold 

bard برد , High aa’li 

عالى Low waati 

واطى Above, on, up fog 

فوق Under, down taht 

تحت Open maftuuah 

مفتوح Closed وين magfuul 

مقفول Where wayn fayn, 

فين , Here hina 

هنا There henak 

هناك There is fii 

فى There is not mafiish 

ما فيش Time 

Time دلوقتى wogt 

وقت When imta, mitay 

متى , امتى After ba’d 

بعد Before gabl 

قبل Now hiin delwogti, el 

الحين , Hour 

saa’ ساعه Minute digiiga 

دقيقه Day yom 

يوم Week 

isbuua’ اسبوع Month shahr 

شهر Year sana 

سنه Yesterday imbarrah 

امبارح Today innaharda, el yom 

النهارده , اليوم Tomorrow bukra 

بكره Morning sobh 

صبح Noon dohr 

ظهر Evening bil layl, fil layl 

فى الليل 66

Town 

دراهم فلوس , daraaham Money filuus, 

How much (money) bikam 

بكم Cheap rakhiis 

رخيص Expensive ghaali 

غالى Hotel funduk 

فندق Camp mukhaiim 

مخيم Restaurant دآان mataa’m 

مطعم Shop dukaan mahal, 

محل , Taxi taksi 

تاآسي Car a’rabiiya 

عربيه Microbus mikrobas 

ميكروباص Bus otobiis 

اتوبيس Airport mataar 

مطار Sea port miina 

مينا Geography 

Desert sahra 

صحرا Mountains jibaal 

جبال Mountain jebel 

جبل Valley waadi 

وادى Flashflood, valley’s 

mouth (drainage) 

sayl 

سيل 

Gully, pass naqb 

نقب Saddle sharafa 

شرفه Basin farsh 

فرش Peak, summit 

gama' قمه Head (of mountain 

range) 

raas 

Rock, boulder hajaar 

حجر راس 

Cave 

tabaga آهف , Canyon sig kanion, 

آانيون , Sand ramla 

رمل طبقه 

سق 

67

Fine sand 

burqa' برقه Sand dune dyuuna 

ديونه Oasis 

waha ( واحه ) Spring (water) 

ay’n ( عين Pond, water pool kharaza galt, 

قلت , Waterfall, water 

cascade, dam 

sid, shilal 

, 

Sea bahr 

بحر Nature 

68 

سد 

نخيل 

‏(ميه 

خرزه 

شلال 

Tree, shrub ‏(تين shajara 

شجره Palm tree nakhl 

نخل Fig tree 

hamaata ( حماطه Acacia tree siyaal 

سيا ل Herbs a’shab 

اعشاب Flower ward 

ورد Ibex sayd taytel, 

تيتل , Fox husayn tha’leb, abu 

ثعلب , صيد 

ابو حصين 

Camel jamal 

جمل Donkey homaar 

حمار Bird tiir 

طير Snake tha’baan, duuda 

ثعبان Scorpion a’grab 

عقرب Sun shams 

شمس Cloud sahaab 

سحابه Rain matar 

مطر Snow رياح talj 

تلج Wind riih hawa, 

هواء , Breeze taraawa 

طراوه Sunset ghruub 

غروب Sunrise shruug 

شروق Moon نجوم gamar 

قمر Star, stars najuum nijma, 

نجم ,

Trekking 

Trek rahla 

رحله National Park mahmiiya 

محميه Guide diliil 

دليل Water maya 

ميه Bag shanta 

شنطه Camel jamal 

جمل Let’s go! yella, yella biina 

يلا بينا Road, path tariik 

طريق Cairns (rock markers) rojom 

رجم Slowly-slowly shuwaya shuwaya 

شويه شويه Slow batii 

بطئ Fast sariiya 

سريع Up fog 

فوق Down taht 

تحت Ascent matlah 

مطلع Descent nazuul 

نزول Straight a’latuul, doghri 

على طول Left shimaal 

شمال Right imiin 

يمين Back, at the back warra 

ورا Ahead, in front gaddaam 

قدام Near graiib 

قريب Far ba’iid 

بعيد How long (time) esh kotr 

آثر ايش How long (distance) esh gad 

قد ايش Tired قرسان taa’baan 

تعبان Cold (feeling cold) garsaan bardaan, 

بردان , Rest raaha 

راحه To rest istaraiah 

يستريح Wait! stanna 

يستنى 69

Rest and eating 

Shadow dal 

ظل Rock giving shadow 

tor ( طور Sun-roof ariisha 

عريشه Walled garden, 

orchard 

bustan, karm 

Well (water) biir 

بير ‏(ظل حجر 

آرم , بستان 

Bath, bathroom hamaam 

حمام Toilet 

doraat el maya, 

hamaam 

Garbage zabayla 

زباله حمام , دوره المياه 

Soap وآل sabuun 

صابون Food 

aakal اآل , Fire wood hatab 

حطب Fire naar 

نار Gas cooker botogaz 

بوتجاز Cook tabbaakh 

طباخ Breakfast futuur 

فطور Lunch 

ghada’ غداء Dinner a’sha 

عشا Teapot baraad 

براد Cup kabaaya 

آبايه Spoon maa’laga 

معلقه Fork shooka 

شوآه Knife khoosa sikiina, 

سكينه , Plate, bowl sahan tabag, 

طبق , خوسه 

صحن 

Big round serving tray saniiya 

صنيه Carpet/rug mafrash, farsh 

مفرش Gather around/come 

closer! 

After eating Muslims 

thank god – you won’t 

be offered to eat more 

if you say it. 

garrab! 

elhamdulillah 

قرب 

الحمد الله 

70

Food 

عيش خبز , ay’sh Bread khobz, 

Bread made in fire libba, libbat naar 

لبة نار Bread made on metal farashiih fatiir, 

فطير , Soup shorba 

شربه Rice ruz 

رز Rice with lentils ruz bil ads, maduus 

معدوس Pasta makaroona 

مكرونه Chicken farkha 

فرخه Meat lahma 

لحمه Fish samak 

سمك Salad salata 

سلطه Vegetables khudaar 

خضار Fruit faakha 

فاآهه Milk laban 

لبن Cheese jibna 

جبنه فراشيح 

Egg bayd 

بيض Beans fuul, fasulya 

فول - فاصوليا Jam marabba 

مربى Honey aa’sal 

عسل Salt milh 

ملح Pepper filfil 

فلفل Cumin kamuun 

آمون Sleeping 

آرم جنينه , karm Garden jiniina, 

House, room bayt, ooda, looda 

اوضه ‏,بيت Tent khayma 

خيمه Bedouin tent bayt shaa’r 

بيت شعر Mattress martaba 

مرتبه Blanket bataniiya 

بطانيه Sleeping bag kis nom 

آيس نوم 71

Mosquito namuusa, ba’uuda 

ناموسه,‏ بعوضه Mosquito net namusiiya 

ناموسيه Torch batariiya 

بطاريه Candle 

shama’ شمعه Late mitaakhr 

متأخر Early badri 

بدرى Sleepy na’saan 

نعسان To sleep inaym 

ينام wake-up, Wake up! gom 

قم Good night! tasbah a’li khiir 

تصبح على خير Answer wa ente min ahlu 

وانت من اهله Good morning! sabah el khiir 

صباح الخير Health and emergencies 

Sick 

taa’baan تعبان , Head ache 

sudaa’ صداع Stomach ache maghas 

مغص Pain aalam waja’, 

وجع , Fever sokhoniiya homma, 

حمى , Cold (illnes) dishba bard, 

برد , Pharmacy sidiliiya 

صيدليه Medicine 

dawa’ دواء , Accident hadza 

حادثه Help masaa’da 

مساعده Cut (injury) 

jarah تعويره , Bruise khabta kadma, 

آدمه , مريض 

الم 

سخونيه 

دشبه 

علاج 

جرح 

خبطه 

Broken maksuur 

مكسور Doctor doktor 

دآتور Hospital mustashfa 

مستشفى Aeroplane, helicopter tiyaara 

طياره Insurance ta'amiin 

تامين Embassy safaara 

سفاره 72

Notes 

73

Notes 

74

Notes 

75

Notes 

76

Notes 

77

Notes 

78

You might also be interested in the following title: 

Despite its religious importance the Sinai High Mountain Region in Egypt 

remains largely unknown to the general public. This concise book gives 

background info on the unique orchard farming tradition which lives on from 

Byzantine times; practical info on how to visit the region and the gardens; two 

case studies about simple sustainable development models; a map of the 

region with a list of gardens; and a gallery of 40 full-page images with rare 

glimpses of snow, spring, gardens and Bedouin life. 

The aim of this book is to promote the region and responsible tourism, as well 

as to raise funds to support gardeners to improve their gardens. Royalties from 

the sale of this book are automatically transferred to the South Sinai 

Foundation and are used in full to support gardeners to improve their gardens. 

Available on the www.discoversinai.net website. 

79

Untitled - Discover Sinai

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