In the high mountains around the town of St Catherine, some of the ancient Bedouin gardens have gradually been transformed into simple nature lodges and ecolodges. The first of these was Al Karm Ecolodge in the hamlet of Sheikh Awad, established in the early 2000s with support from the European Union. It became an inspiring example that others later followed in their own way.
In several gardens, traditional rooms have been improved, composting toilets and washing facilities added, and other basic infrastructure developed for visitors. Some of these places have evolved beyond simple Bedouin huts receiving hikers and can genuinely be considered small ecolodges. They are listed here together with the official ecolodges, although they still continue to function as working orchards and gardens and are also included among the Bedouin gardens.
On the Red Sea coast there is also Basata Ecolodge, claimed to be the first ecolodge in Egypt, located on the Taba–Nuweiba coast near Ras Shaitan, as well as Habiba Organic Farm in the laid-back and pleasantly rural al-Wasat area of Nuweiba.
Around St Catherine
Al-Karm Ecolodge
Founded by Sheikh Jameel Atteya, Al-Karm is a cosy, relaxing retreat at the foot of the high mountains in Wadi Gharaba, Sheikh Awad. The rooms are simple but stylish and offer plenty of space. There are shared composting toilets, and a bathroom with a hot shower is available. Nearby attractions include a Nabataean village, Naqb el Hawa, and the waterfall of Sid al-Nogra. Several trekking routes pass through the area. The lodge can be reached by vehicle from Tarfa village.
Dar Eid
Located not far from Al-Karm on the same plain at the foot of the high mountains, Dar Eid offers a similar style of accommodation and facilities. Founded by the sons of Haj Eid Abu Mudarwash, it provides a peaceful retreat in beautiful natural surroundings. Nearby attractions include a Nabataean village, Naqb el Hawa, and the waterfall of Sid al-Nogra. The lodge can be reached by vehicle from Tarfa village.
Helwa Garden (Dr Ahemd’s Herbal Garden)
Located in Wadi Itlah, one of the most beautiful low wadis, Helwa Garden can be reached from St Catherine in about two hours on foot. Founded by the late hakim Haj Ahmed Diguni, better known as Dr Ahmed, the garden grows a wide variety of medicinal herbs and offers all the basic facilities needed for a comfortable stay, including a kitchen, bathroom, and a small refreshing pool. Although not as refined as Al-Karm, it is well above the average standard of a Bedouin garden. Nearby attractions include the Chapel of St John Climacus and the canyon of Ubugiya.
Mohamed Ouda’s Herbal Garden
Also located in Wadi Itlah, about two hours on foot from Saint Catherine, Mohamed Ouda’s Herbal Garden enjoys a magnificent setting with far-reaching views and attractive traditional architecture featuring numerous terraces and shady seating areas. Like Helwa Garden, it grows a wide variety of herbs and offers all the necessary facilities, including a kitchen and bathrooms. In terms of comfort and facilities, it deserves to be considered a simple lodge rather than just a Bedouin garden. Nearby attractions include the Chapel of St John Climacus and the canyon of Ubugiya.
Two more lodges in the St Catherine area deserve mention: El Magareen Lodge and the EU-supported Mount Sinai Ecolodge. Unfortunately, both are located in a wadi that has been declared off-limits by the government. Should this situation change in the future, they will be fully listed.
Red Sea Coast
On the Red Sea coast, you find many simple lodges and camps with a similar close-to-nature attitude. Two stand out for their environmental approach.
Basata Ecolodge
The first Ecolodge of its kind in Egypt. Established by Sherif El-Ghamrawy in 1986, Basata preserves in many different ways the environment and supports the local community. Its concept and design are reflected in its name that means simplicity in Arabic. Basata attempts to create a simple and unique form of tourism that has a relatively low impact on the surrounding environment and native inhabitants.
Web: www.basata.com
Habiba Permaculture Farm
More than 30 years ago, Maged El Said left the city to build a life of purpose and connection in Nuweiba, South Sinai. What began with the Nuweiba Eco-Lodge by the Red Sea has grown into Habiba Community, a regenerative model of farming, learning, and sustainable living.
Web: habibacommunity.com
ACCOMMODATION: Overview > Nature & Eco-Lodges > Mountain Gardens