EGYPT SINAI

DIVING AND WATER SPORTS

SHARM EL- SHEIKH was Egypt ‘ s first diving resort and continues to be popular for its clear waters and coral festooned reefs. Key attractions include the world famous Ras Mohammed National Park, off the Sinai Peninsula tip and nearby Nabq National Park rated among the world’s best by Jacques Cousteau. Boat excursions to more distant reefs and wrecks are also popular. Taba Heights also offers excellent diving and snorkeling, notably at Pharaoh’s Island. The Red Sea is now a major centre for windsurfing and kite surfing because of the strong and reliable off shore sea breezes

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HISTORY AND NATURE

Excursions to historic St Catherine’s Monastery and Mount Sinai operate from both Taba Heights and and Sharm El –Sheikh.A favourite option is to climb at night to witness dawn from the top of the mountain, where Moses was given the Ten Commandments, the descend to visit the Monastery, built in the 6^th century around a chapel housing the biblical Burning Bush. Among natural wonders in the Sinai include the brightly hued sandstone formations of the Coloured Canyon, the White Canyon and several oases.

SHOPPING

From its days as a haunt for holidaying divers in a budget, Sharm El- Sheikh has blossomed into a chich destination with lots of shopping. The most stylish place to shop is Na’sama Bay’s shopping mall, which has stores specializing in items including silk and Egyptian cotton clothing, gold and silver jewellery and onyx. Try the Sharm –El-Sheikh Old Market  in Old Sharm, where you can buy everything from local handcrfats such as handmade rugs to perfumes, herbs and spices.

DESERT EXCURSION

The Sinai is home to many Bedouin people and visits to their camps where you can take tea or coffee or enjoy a meal under the stars are among the most popular trips available from Sharm –El Sheikh and Taba Heights. Excursions and longer tours lasting several days can also be undertaken which include visits to Bedouin settlements for camel treks or hikes through scenic canyons. Overnight accommodation is in Bedouin tents. For more thrills, go on a dun bashing trip in a four – wheeled drive vehicle or take the controls of a quad bike to race across the Sinai’s desert dunes.