Top Hiking Trails in Egypt
The best Hiking places in Egypt are magical locations to enjoy the genuine allure and grandeur of Egypt. This article’s main goal is to provide every traveler with all the informational details to explore the best hiking places in Egypt. This article was written by a group of the finest travel consultants and tour guides in Egypt who know the best place to hike in Egypt. Hiking trails in Egypt is the best second thing you can ever do while being in the largest land of magic and civilization after visiting its glorious attractions and incredible landmarks that are spread over its various cities and breathtaking tourist spots.
There are six moderate trails in Egypt ranging from 5.6 to 71 km and from 324 to 2,308 meters above sea level. You will also have the most irresistible chance to explore the magical deserts in Egypt via a 4X4 vehicle or with a camel ride to meet another captivating scenario that is full of interesting adventures and real unforgettable attractions to check & explore.
Connect yourself to the contemplating nature in Egypt away from any hustle & bustle, and start a hiking tour with the ones you love to some of the most interesting hiking trails of the country, where there are some gorgeous areas that are definitely worth visiting. Have a closer look at the must-be-visited sites in Egypt to enjoy your hiking trails by checking our list below:
1. Mount Moses, Sinai
It is one of the most exciting & impressive religious destinations to enjoy a perfect hike all over Egypt. It doesn’t have the same importance as St. Catherine Monastery, but it is still one of the most captivating sites known as “Jebel El-Tur” in Sinai, and its height is around 2258 m.
Mount Sinai is the site where Moses received the three commandments of Allah in a hike that lasts for a long time, and you too can follow the footsteps of Moses and witness the incredible sunset & sunrise in the area. You will enjoy a truly spiritual experience that deserves the entire foot sore you will have.
2. Mount Catherine Train in Sinai
This is a very famous hiking destination not only in Egypt but all over the world, which is going to take you through so many natural pools, huge mountains, and incredible historic ruins. While on such a hike, you will have the best possible opportunity to camp in the middle of the finest nature and spend as many nights camping as you want. That is, of course, not all of what you have the chance to enjoy since you will get an awesome opportunity to climb a massive mountain by starting your adventure in the highest village in Egypt “Saint Catherine” and from there, you will have an unforgettable hike to the Mountain of Naga for 6 Km.
Such an experience will let you experience very beautiful scenery all around you. Then, you will enjoy another hypnotic hike for 25 Km, where you will also check the majestic crystal natural pools and the outstanding ruins of Abbas Basha, and end with a satisfactory hike at the Monastery of Saint Catherine and there, you will find tons of different shops that sell fantastic authentic souvenirs.
3. Wadi Degla Protectorate in Cairo
While being in such one of the wonderful national parks in Egypt, you will be able to escape from the overcrowding of Cairo city without getting outside the city’s borders. This amazing place is located in the Maadi district and extends around 30 km in length. Because of its flat surface and length, it is very an enjoyable & suitable place to enjoy hiking in Egypt.
That village has limestone rocks, canyons, and lots of different animals, including red foxes, mountain rabbits, dears, and some reptile & insect species. In addition to hiking in that unique place, there are also some incredible activities to enjoy there, like running, cycling, camping, and barbecuing.
4. The Colored Canyon in Nuweiba
While being in the Sinai Peninsula, you will have a magnificent chance to head to the glorious Colored Canyon and enjoy a hiking excursion nearly 800m long. The closest town for you will be Nuweiba, and it is easily accessed by a 4WD. Enjoy the fascinating colors of the canyons there, which were the result of the Red Sea resending tides.
The rocky walls of the canyon were shaped & formed by granite, limestones, and sandstone. After finishing your unforgettable tour at the canyon, you should head to the great Basata Exo-Lodge, which is one of the tiptop eco-lodges all over Egypt, where you will enjoy camping and the delicious Bedouin cooking.
5. The Blue Lagoon of Dahab
Dahab is ranked among the top diving destinations in Egypt. It is rich with the most colorful coral reefs, and amazing types of fish, and in addition to all of this, it is also famous for also being such a remarkable hiking spot in Egypt. You will be greeted by lovely, amazing Bedouins everywhere and enjoy hiking through the amazing blue waters & the mountains of Sinai.
Your hiking expedition will be at the Blue Hole, then stop at the charming Protectorate of Ras Abu Gallum, and finally stop at the Blue Lagoon, which is one of the most interesting kite surfing spots in Egypt. The Blue Hole of Dahab is considered one of the premier destinations for water sports enthusiasts in Egypt, offering an unparalleled setting for indulging in the art of snorkeling.
6. The Valley of the Whales in El-Fayoum
The Valley of the Whales is a very well-known tourist site in Egypt. It is pronounced in Arabic as Wadi El-Hitan, and it is definitely one of the most captivating hiking spots in Egypt because of its flat paths. It is actually a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Egypt where you can find fossil museums, fossil remains of the suborder of Whales, and Archaeoceti, and you can find it in the Fayoum Oasis.
There are also tons of other amazing activities to enjoy there, like sandboarding, stargazing, camping, horse riding, and kayaking, in addition to exploring history, so if you have the chance to visit such a lovely place, don’t miss the chance.
7. White Desert National Park
The White Desert National Park is a magnificent hiking place in Egypt that transformed into a protected area around 2002. It is found in the depression of Farafra, plus part of the park is found in the Farafra Oasis. It is known to be just 45 km (28 mi) north of the town of Qasr Al Farafra. The whole environment is equipped with some of the most marvelous rock formations that make your hiking adventure one to remember. Across the park’s area, which is 300 km2 (120 sq mi), are massive chalk rock formations that were formed by sand and water erosion.
The lowest point of the park is Wadi Hennis which stands at 32 m (105 ft) while the highest point is El Qess Abu Said, standing at 353 m (1,158 ft) which is above sea level. During your hike, you will cast your eyes on some of the most of the finest sand dunes, cliffs, and natural-made rocky pieces of art. Also, while hiking, everyone will get to cast their eyes on jackals, Barbary sheep, Rhim Gazelle, Dorcas gazelle, red and fennec foxes, Rüppell’s, and the sand cat.
8. Siwa Oasis
Siwa Oasis is an ethereal wonder and one of the most magical natural attractions in all of Egypt, where everyone can enjoy the most entertaining and enriching hiking quest. The Siwa Oasis is found in the western desert between the Qattara Depression and the Great Sand Sea, which has historical significance as the home of an oracle of Amun in ancient Egypt. The ruins of this oracle attract many hikers and tourists, which explains why the oasis is often referred to as the Oasis of Amun-Ra. Siwa, in its essence, is known as a depression below sea level and features natural artesian wells, supporting fertile land with about 200 springs, allowing for the cultivation of date palms and olive trees in its temperate desert climate. The Ancient Egyptians called the oasis the “Field of Trees“. The etymology of the modern name “Siwa” is uncertain, with various proposed origins, including a connection to the Berber tribal name “Swh” or the Egyptian word for “Oasis“.
The oasis has a rich history dating back to at least the 10th millennium BC, and evidence of Ancient Egypt’s influence appears in the 26th Dynasty. Alexander the Great visited Siwa and received confirmation as a divine figure and legitimate Pharaoh. The oasis saw resistance against Islamic forces in 708 AD and eventually fell under Egyptian rule in 1820 AD. Siwa played a role in World War I and World War II, as seen by all the leftovers within the Sahara. The Oasis of Jupiter Ammon, as described by early European visitors, features historical sites such as the Shali Ghadi fortress, the oracle temple ruins, the Gebel al Mawta necropolis, and the natural spring known as “Cleopatra’s Bath”. Many believe that the tomb of Alexander the Great is within the oasis. One of the most amazing monuments includes an ancient hominid footprint which is 2–3 million years old and was discovered in 2007.
9. Gilf Kebir National Park
Gilf Kebir National Park is a vast protected area in Egypt’s New Valley Governorate, covering about 5% of the country’s land, where everyone can enjoy the most entertaining hiking adventure. It was established in 2007 and is bordered by Libya to the west and Sudan to the south. Within its 48533 km2 area, GKNP houses three distinct ecosystems: the Great Sand Sea spans from Siwa oasis to the Gilf Kebir and holds the Silica Glass area with remnants of glass created from a meteorite impact millions of years ago; the Gilf Kebir plateau itself was etched with extensive north-trending valleys and adorned with ancient rock art from a population dating back 9000 years; and the Gebel Uweinat is situated in Libyan and Sudanese territories which is renowned for its abundant and magnificent rock art.
While hiking, everyone will get to cast their eyes on remnants like the Long Range Desert Group WWII camps, including an airfield and trucks at Eight Bells Hills. GKNP hosts resilient flora despite its aridness, like Acacia raddiana trees, Zilla spinosa shrubs, and Fagonia Thebaica, along with desert-adapted fauna such as the Barbary Sheep.
10. St. Anthony and St. Paul Trail
The St. Anthony and St. Paul monasteries date back to the 4th century AD and hold the title of being the oldest Christian monasteries in Egypt and worldwide. The Trail is found near the Galala Al-Qibliya mountain at the Red Sea’s base plus these sites signify vital places for the Coptic Church in Egypt. St. Anthony’s Monastery houses churches and chapels, and the tomb of Saint Anthony is found next to lush gardens and a spring. A trek through the mountainous terrain leads to St. Paul’s Monastery which is where Saint Paul lived in solitude for 90 years.
While hiking this area, everyone will get to discover a number of ancient grounds containing manuscripts, antique books, and vibrant Coptic frescoes. These monasteries echo traditions from 16 centuries ago, thus embracing a life deeply rooted in prayer and isolation. Hiking across these magical religious wonders will be truly both entertaining and enriching.
