Strictly speaking, the Sinai High Mountain Region, as marked on locally available hiking maps, is the area around the town of St Catherine, extending from Sheikh Awad in the north to Mount Catherine in the south, and from Bab al-Donya in the west to Jebel al-Deir in the east. However, the entire southern tip of the South Sinai interior is mountainous and is sometimes referred to as the Sinai high mountains. The second-highest mountain, Jebel Umm Shomar, and Jebel Serbal, which offers the longest ascent, are both located within this larger area, along with several other impressive peaks. For clarity, we refer to this wider area as the “remote high mountains”. The Sinai High Mountain Region proper, sometimes called the central high mountains, falls within the territory of the Jabaleya Bedouin tribe, and only they are permitted to organize hikes and treks here. In the remote high mountains, other tribes are also present and involved in tourism, including the Ulad Said and the Muzeina.
The town of St Catherine lies at about 1,600–1,700 meters above sea level (depending on which part of the town you consider), and many of the surrounding mountains rise above 2,000 meters, with Mount Catherine being the tallest at 2,629 meters. Because of its elevation, the area receives more precipitation than the rest of the Sinai Peninsula and is relatively wet. It remains a desert ecosystem, but there are hundreds of Bedouin orchards and several natural water pools. The landscape is predominantly granite, characterized by smooth red domes and hidden basins, although about 20% consists of younger volcanic rock, black in color and covered with loose, broken gravel. The two rock types often occur side by side, with one half of a mountain formed from granite and the other from volcanic rock. The entire region rises above the rest of the peninsula, and from its outer ridges you can look down on smaller mountain ranges and plains, and in some places all the way to the sea. The climate is cooler than in the rest of Egypt, making possible a unique flora and a wide variety of cultivated fruit trees. Snow occasionally falls in winter, and temperatures can drop well below freezing at higher elevations, although daytime conditions are often still pleasant. Spring and autumn are the best times to visit, but the St Catherine area is a year-round destination: somewhat hot during the day in summer and somewhat chilly at night in winter, yet generally comfortable throughout the year.
Sinai High Mountain Region Hiking Map
Mountains: 1. Mount Sinai (Jebel Musa); 2. Ras Safsafa; 3. Mount Catherine (Jebel Katrin); 4. Jebel al-Ahmar; 5. Jebel Abbas Basha; 6. Jebel Umm Loz; 7. Ras Abu Alda & Masb Abu Gharun; 8. Bab al-Donya (Jebel al-Bab); 9. Jebel Naja; 10. Jebel al-Banat.
Main Sites: 11. Ein Shkaya (spring); 12. Kharaza (pool) & Canyon; 13. Farsh Abu Mahashur (hidden basin); 14. Abu Gasaba (ruined church, spring); 15. Ein Najila (ruined church, spring); 16. Sid Abu Hbeq (pools) & Canyon Beri; 17. Galt al-Azraq (pool); 18. Ein Sagar (spring); 19. Kharazet al-Shaq (pools, cascades); 20. Sid al-Nogra (pools, waterfall).
Blue Trail: Mount Sinai–Ras Safsafa Range (see St Catherine & Mt Sinai); Red Trail: Main Hiking Area / Wadi Jibal; Purple Trail: Secondary Hiking Area / Wadi Freah.
Mountains & Peaks
The following are the main peaks of the Sinai High Mountain Region, starting with the highest and following the order of a typical mountain hiking circuit. Mount Sinai (Jebel Musa) and Ras Safsafa are also major peaks in this region, but they are covered separately on the St Catherine & Mt Sinai page of the website.
Mount Catherine (Jebel Katrina)
Mount Catherine (Jebel Katrina) is the highest mountain in Egypt, at 2,629 meters, with an Orthodox chapel on the summit. According to tradition, this is the place where monks, following a dream, discovered the body of the martyred St Catherine. Mount Sinai (Jebel Musa) lies directly below, and the views over it and the surrounding high mountain region are spectacular. In most winters there is at least some snow, and temperatures can be chilly even on summer nights. Just below the chapel is a small shelter that hikers can use.
Jebel al-Ahmar
Jebel al-Ahmar is a massive red granite dome with a remarkably smooth surface, standing next to Mount Catherine. The shortest route from Ramadan’s Garden in Wadi al-Arbaeen to the high mountain wadis crosses the Wadi al-Ahmar pass, avoiding the even higher Mount Catherine pass. Hikers taking this route may wish to make a short detour to the summit of Jebel al-Ahmar itself. From its rounded peak, there are excellent views of the Wadi al-Raha plain and the surrounding mountain ranges.
Jebel Abbas Basha
Jebel Abbas Basha is located in the center of the high mountains, with stunning views in every direction: across the mountain ranges, down to the lowlands, and toward the town of St Catherine with Mount Sinai (Jebel Musa). The unfinished palace of Abbas Pasha stands on the summit, its massive walls still firm. The best time to visit is either early in the morning or shortly before sunset. Next to the black massif of Jebel Abbas Basha stands the massive red granite dome of Jebel Abu Mahashir. Hidden within it is the secluded green basin of Farsh Abu Mahashur. Climbing Jebel Abbas Basha is a moderate trek, with steep sections but a good path. However, reaching Farsh Abu Mahashur involves some scrambling, and the path is more difficult.
Jebel Umm Loz
Standing in the center of the high mountains, above Wadi Bulia and Wadi Jibal, Jebel Umm Loz is also called Ras al-Jibal, the “head of the mountains”. It offers beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and wadis, though they are not as dramatic as the views from peaks on the outer edge of the high mountain massif, so it is rarely visited. It is still worth mentioning, as apart from being among the tallest peaks, the red granite mountain is beautiful, with small basins and relatively lush vegetation.
Ras Abu Alda & Masb Abu Gharun
Ras Abu Alda stands on the perimeter of the high mountains, south of Bab al-Donya on the same range, and hiking groups most often pass by on their way between Abu Gasaba and Farsh Rummana. Standing on the edge of the high massif, it offers stunning views over the lower ranges descending toward the coast of the Gulf of Suez. In clear weather, the coast and the coastal sandy plain, al-Qaa, can be seen. Just steps from the main trail, Masb Abu Gharun is a split rock hanging on the edge, resembling the horn of an ibex, hence the name.
Bab el Donya (Jebel el Bab)
Bab al-Donya and Jebel al-Bab are two peaks of a longer range on the perimeter of the high mountains. To the east, there are spectacular views of the lower ranges descending toward the Gulf of Suez, and in clear weather the sea is visible. At the top is a boulder wedged between the walls of a deep crack, a striking sight and a tricky obstacle to climb. At the foot of Bab al-Donya lies the spring of Ein Najila, where hiking groups most often stop to rest before or after the climb.
Jebel Naja
Located on the northern perimeter of the high mountain massif, reaching Jebel Naja involves a demanding hike. First, you must climb into the high mountain ranges, after which the route continues from the area around the pools of Kharazet al-Shaq. As you approach Jebel Naja, you are already high up, and from this side the summit appears little more than a low hill. On the opposite side, however, the full scale of the landscape becomes apparent as you look down over the lowlands and the distant Tih Plateau. Jebel Naja stands above the junction of two major wadis, Wadi Jinab and Wadi Tala Kibira, marked by Sheikh Ahmed’s tomb, all of which can be seen from parts of the summit.
Jebel al-Banat
Standing on the northern perimeter of the high mountain massif, Jebel al-Banat offers superb views across the entire high mountain region on one side and the lowlands on the other, with Jebel Serbal and the Tih Plateau visible in the distance. It is a red granite mountain with several peaks enclosing a small basin. Located in the broader Wadi Freah area, just above the waterfall and pools of Sid al-Nogra, it can be reached by a somewhat demanding and lengthy trek from Abu Zaituna, Abu Seila, or Sheikh Awad.
Low Wadis near St Catherine
There are several lower wadis around the town of St Catherine that can easily be visited on their own, although they form part of the wider high mountain wadi system. Some treks into the higher mountains begin or end in these valleys.
Wadi al-Arbaeen (Wadi Leja)
Wadi al-Arbaeen, also known as Wadi Leja, lies along one of the routes to Mount Sinai, but it is currently closed to visitors. It is also on the route to Mount Catherine, Egypt’s highest peak, and is home to the Monastery of the Forty Martyrs and the Rock of Moses. Although access from the town is currently not permitted, Wadi al-Arbaeen remains important for its historic sites.
Wadi Tala
Wadi Tala is a beautiful valley close to the town of St Catherine, with several gardens belonging to the monastery and one owned by a Bedouin family. In the largest garden stands a little-known ancient Greek monastery dedicated to Saints Kosmas and Damianos. At the lower end of the wadi is a spring beneath a deep cliff known as Ein Abu Tufaha. At the upper end, a steep gully known as Sid Daud leads up into the high mountain wadis, the tricky path disappearing beneath a boulder at one point. A pass known as Naqb al-Rahab connects Wadi Tala to the town across a smaller granite range, and the valley can also be reached via Wadi Quweiz.
Wadi Itlah
Wadi Itlah is the downstream continuation of short Wadi Quweiz, which comes from the town, and Wadi Tala, which is connected to the high mountain wadis via the gully of Sid Daud. Wadi Itlah ends at the junction with Ubugiya and Wadi Shaq Tinya, after which it continues as Wadi Jinab toward the plains near Sheikh Awad. Ubugiya is a small canyon leading to the settlement of Abu Seila, while Wadi Shaq Tinya also descends from the high mountain wadis. A huge boulder marks the beginning of Wadi Itlah shortly after the junction of Wadi Quweiz and Wadi Tala, and a well-maintained path in the upper part of the valley leads to the Chapel of St John Klimakos. Throughout the wadi are numerous Bedouin gardens, several of which welcome visitors.
Ubugiya
One of the routes between Wadi Itlah and the hamlet of Abu Seila, from where a paved road leads back to the town of St Catherine, passes through the little canyon known as Ubugiya. It is short but picturesque, especially after rain, when water trickles through it in cascades and small pools. The path is tricky in places and not suitable for everyone, but there is an alternative route over a pass known as Naqb Abu Seila. You are unlikely to seriously injure yourself in Ubugiya, but if you feel uncomfortable, it is best to turn back and use the pass instead.
The High Wadis & Main Attractions
The wadis of the high mountains west and southwest of St Catherine form a complex labyrinth, with many beautiful Bedouin gardens, water pools and cascades, canyons, and most of the region’s main attractions. There are only a few access routes from the town into this area, the most important being Abu Jeefa and Wadi Shaq Tinya.
Abu Jeefa
The steep and zigzagging Abu Jeefa is the main gateway to the high mountains and the only route accessible to camels from St Catherine. The higher you climb, the better the views of the town become, and there is already a terraced, stone-walled garden along this stretch. At the top is a resting place beneath a large boulder. A few steps away, at the highest point of the pass, stands an ancient stone leopard trap. On the far side, the path descends into an area known as Islibet and continues into Wadi Tubuq.
Sid Daud
Sid Daud, meaning “David’s Dam”, is an alternative route to the high wadis between the upper end of Wadi Tala and the previously mentioned Islibet. It is a difficult route that is not suitable for everyone, although most people can manage it with a little help. Sid Daud is a steep gully where the path disappears beneath huge boulders in places, requiring you to climb through small openings. After rain, it may become impassable, but there is an alternative route around Sid Daud known as Seru.
Wadi Tubuq
Beyond the first few gardens of Islibet, the short but lush Wadi Tubuq is home to more Bedouin gardens. Here you find the spring of Ein Shkaya and, farther up, a mulberry tree planted outside a garden. It is one of a dozen or so such trees found throughout the high mountains, always planted on public land and providing fruit for everyone.
Ein Shkaya
Ein Shkaya is a spring where water drips from a crack in the rock wall. Two fountains have been built at the spring: the lower one for camels and other animals, and the higher, covered one for people. Like all the water sources used by the Bedouin in the mountains, it is safe to drink.
Wadi Shaq
Beyond Wadi Tubuq, there are two routes. One leads to Wadi Zawatin via El Ehded, while the other continues through Wadi Shaq and beyond toward Mount Catherine. Wadi Shaq is a short, narrow valley where water often flows along the surface. In the lower section, large boulders can block the passage, and pools may form, making it difficult or impossible to continue, but there is an upper path around this obstacle. At the head of the wadi is a single orchard, Ouda’s Garden, beside a group of tall palm trees. Farther up the valley, or over the surrounding hills, you can reach the water pool known as Kharaza.
Kharaza
Kharaza is a series of connected water pools in a small canyon between Wadi Shaq and Wadi Mathar. It drains water from the Mount Catherine range via Wadi al-Ahmar, and there is often at least some water in the pools. The main pool lies at the mouth of the canyon on the level of the main wadi, and you must climb a smooth rock face to reach the upper pool and enter the canyon. Farther up, the canyon opens out and reconnects with the main valley closer to Wadi Mathar.
Wadi Mathar
Whether you approach from Wadi Shaq or from the opposite direction via Mount Catherine, the paths cross the wide, open area known as Wadi Mathar. Here you find a few old, ruined, and abandoned gardens, but also some that are still beautifully maintained. One stands beside another ancient mulberry tree planted for public use. There are also Byzantine ruins in the area, including a hermit’s cell. From here, trails lead either to Mount Catherine or back to the main wadis via El Ehded.
El Ehded & Wadi Zawatin
El Ehded is a short stretch of the main valley of which Wadi Tubuq is part, but it can also be reached from Wadi Mathar and Wadi Shaq via a small pass. It is often referred to as Wadi Zawatin, although that is actually the next stretch farther up the valley. In El Ehded there are only a couple of gardens, while Wadi Zawatin contains many more, connected like pieces of a puzzle. The area where the last gardens stand along the route to Jebel Abbas Basha is known as El Zirri. From Wadi Zawatin, the other main trail leads toward Rehebit Nada and Wadi Jibal. Also noteworthy is the reservoir above Wadi Zawatin, located in a basin called Farsh Zaq.
Farsh Zaq Reservoir
The dam at Farsh Zaq, located just above Wadi Zawatin, often retains water in the basin long after the rains have passed. Several dams have been built across the high mountains by a non-governmental organization, but this is the most successful and the most beautiful of them. It is only a 5–10 minute climb from the gardens and is also on the route to Farsh Abu Mahashur.
Farsh Abu Mahashur
Farsh Abu Mahashur is not often visited, as reaching it involves a difficult and occasionally tricky climb, but it is a magnificent site. From here, it is possible to continue to Jebel Abbas Basha without returning to Wadi Zawatin and the main trail, although the route requires some scrambling over rough and slippery terrain. Farsh Abu Mahashur is a perfectly secluded basin enclosed within the massive granite mountain of Jebel Abu Mahashur, which is prominently visible from many parts of the region. Beyond the narrow upper end of the basin, you emerge high above Wadi Zawatin, standing atop sheer granite cliffs. Jebel Abu Mahashur is also one of the area’s premier mountains for serious rock climbers.
Rehebit Nada – Wadi Jibal Top
Wadi Jibal is the name frequently used by local Bedouins to refer to the central areas of the High Mountain Region, not just the wadi itself. The valley, one of the longest in the area, runs more or less straight from Rehebit Nada, makes a sharp right-angle turn at Abu Gasaba, and ends at the open area of Farsh Rummana. Rehebit Nada is a large, flat open area at the upper end of the valley, reached from Wadi Zawatin via a steep zigzagging pass. As the wadi descends, it gradually narrows, although it remains relatively broad, with beautiful gardens along the way. Farther down, another valley joins it: Wadi Bulia.
Wadi Bulia
Wadi Bulia is a small, secluded valley with a few gardens, lying beneath Jebel Umm Loz and just off the main route through Wadi Jibal. There is also a route from here to Jebel Abbas Basha via Farsh Dgemiyet and Sharafat al-Iskikriya.
Abu Gasaba – Wadi Jibal Turn
The straight section of Wadi Jibal comes to an end at Abu Gasaba, where the valley makes a sharp right-angle turn toward Farsh Rummana and splits into several branches. There is another public mulberry tree here outside a garden, as well as the ruins of a Byzantine church. The name suggests canes, which require abundant water, and indeed there is a spring at the upper end of the garden beside the church. From here, you can either continue toward Farsh Rummana or climb the steep gully of Naqb Umm Siha on the way to Ras Abu Alda and Bab al-Donya.
Frash Rummana – End of Wadi Jibal
Farsh Rummana is a large open area below the Jebel al-Bab range, with the most direct route to the peaks leading via Naqb Bahariya. A little farther downstream, the valley becomes narrower and lusher, with many canes and shallow seasonal pools beneath the rocks in an area known as Tbeq. Beyond this point, the valley becomes very narrow and steep and is known as Wadi Tala Kibira.
Ein Najila
Ein Najila is a spring just below the peaks of Bab al-Donya and Jebel al-Bab, with water cascading through a series of small pools before disappearing into the sandy wadi floor. A short distance downstream are the ruins of an ancient Byzantine church. Ein Najila is the main resting place whether you are coming from Abu Gasaba via Naqb Umm Siha and Ras Abu Alda, or from Farsh Rummana via Naqb Bahariya.
Wadi Tala Kibira
Wadi Tala Kibira is a long, narrow, and steep valley ending at Sheikh Ahmed, where Wadi Jinab, the other main watercourse draining the high mountains, joins it. From there, the two continue as Wadi Madaman toward the plains near Sheikh Awad. There are two main paths through Wadi Tala Kibira: one high on the steep slopes of the valley, and the other along the wadi floor. The latter is not always passable because of water, but there are usually short detours around the obstacles. Attractions in Wadi Tala Kibira include Sid Abu Hbeq and Canyon Beri, and farther downstream the permanent water pool known as Galt al-Azraq.
Sid Abu Hbeq & Canyon Beri
Sid Abu Hbeq is a bottleneck in Wadi Tala Kibira, with water and lush vegetation. In the name, “sid” means dam, while “hbeq” refers to the aromatic herb habaq, which requires plenty of water and grows here in abundance. Canyon Beri, on the opposite side of the valley near Sid Abu Hbeq, is a short but deep canyon with a boulder wedged between its vertical walls. One of the wadis descending from the Bab al-Donya area ends here, joining Wadi Tala Kibira.
Galt el Azraq
Galt al-Azraq is the largest natural water pool in the High Mountain Region, and probably in all of South Sinai. It holds water year-round, fed by underground springs. It is also quite deep, offering the possibility of a refreshing swim during the hotter months. Although azraq means blue in Arabic, the name Galt al-Azraq actually means Black Pool in the local Bedouin dialect. The Arabic word aswad, meaning black, is not used, possibly because of its negative associations. From Galt al-Azraq, the main trail continues toward Sheikh Ahmed, but it is rarely used by visitors, who usually prefer to climb a small, steep path to the mountain basin of Farsh Umm Silla, from where routes continue to Wadi Abu Tuweita and Wadi Tinya.
Wadi Tinya
Wadi Tinya is a long, wide valley skirting the base of Jebel Abbas Basha, starting from the high saddle known as Sharafat al-Iskikriya and ending at the pools of Kharazet al-Shaq, where it becomes Wadi Shaq Tinya and descends toward the lower wadis. There are a few gardens along the valley, though not as many or as closely grouped as in other parts of the high mountains. It is an important section of both the shorter and longer hiking circuits. A short detour leads to Wadi Abu Tuweita and Wadi Sagar, the latter being one of the region’s most impressive attractions. Jebel Naja can also be reached from the lower end of Wadi Tinya.
Wadi Abu Tuweita
Wadi Abu Tuweita is a small valley with mostly abandoned gardens, located above Wadi Tinya and connected to it either by a pass or via Wadi Sagar. Coming from Wadi Tinya, it is a slight detour, with Wadi Sagar being the main reason to make the extra walk. Coming from Galt al-Azraq, it provides a convenient shortcut to Wadi Tinya via Farsh Umm Silla. As you descend from the basin, you pass another public mulberry tree.
Wadi Sagar
Wadi Sagar is a dramatic sight: a narrow crack in the granite massif connecting Wadi Abu Tuweita to the lower part of Wadi Tinya. It is an adventurous route through a canyon, involving scrambling and sliding down smooth rock surfaces. Farther down, the canyon opens out before joining Wadi Tinya at a large Bedouin garden.
Spring of Wadi Sagar
In the middle of the canyon section of Wadi Sagar is a spring, with a small fountain collecting water from a crack in the rock. The water is safe to drink, as large animals such as feral donkeys cannot reach the spring, but visitors should take care to keep it clean. According to local custom, you should not dip your hand or bottle directly into the water, but use a cup to fill your bottle instead. A cup is often provided beside the spring, though not always.
Kharazet al-Shaq
One of the most beautiful sights in the high mountains is Kharazet al-Shaq, a series of water pools and cascades located beyond the end of Wadi Tinya, at the top of the steep and narrow Wadi Shaq Tinya. There is always some water in the main pools, and at times the overflowing water creates additional pools and cascades. Above the pools is a picnic area shaded by palm trees. From here, a short path crosses a rocky ridge to reach the bottom of the pools. The main pool is suitable for a swim.
Wadi Shaq Tinya
Wadi Shaq Tinya is a long, steep gully connecting the high mountain wadis to lower Wadi Itlah. The entire Wadi Tinya area, including part of Jebel Abbas Basha, drains through this single channel. At its upper end are the pools and cascades of Kharazet al-Shaq, and at times other waterfalls and pools may form farther down the gully. There are also a few old gardens here, built with massive walls designed to withstand the force of occasional flash floods. The gully itself requires about 1–1.5 hours to ascend or descend. It is sometimes referred to as Wadi Shaq Itlah, as it forms the connection between the high wadis and Wadi Itlah below. At the bottom, Wadi Itlah joins it, and the combined watercourse continues as Wadi Jinab toward Sheikh Awad.
The Wadi Freah Area
Although part of the Sinai High Mountain Region, the Wadi Freah area lies north of the town and can be approached from Abu Seila, Abu Zaituna, or Sheikh Awad. It includes a vast open basin dotted with low hills and surrounded by high peaks, including Jebel al-Banat, as well as several wadis and the waterfall of Sid al-Nogra. Wadi Freah is technically just one valley, the broad open wadi extending from Abu Seila, but the name is often used for the wider area as a whole.
Wadi Freah
Wadi Freah proper lies above the settlement of Abu Seila and is reached by a steep and fairly high zigzag path. It is a very wide, relatively flat, open valley—more of a basin, really—that descends toward an area known as Bustan al-Birka. There is only one Bedouin garden in the upper part of the valley, followed by a few more abandoned gardens around and beyond Bustan al-Birka.
Wadi Abu Zaituna
Coming from the settlement of Abu Zaituna, essentially a suburb of St Catherine located on the main road, you first have to climb a short but steep pass to reach the upper part of Wadi Abu Zaituna. It is a long and wide valley, but through its center runs a narrower wadi enclosed by vertical walls below the level of the main valley floor. There are many Bedouin gardens in the area, although most are now somewhat neglected. The valley also leads to the Bustan al-Birka area before continuing toward Wadi Nogra and Sid al-Nogra.
Bustan al-Birka
Bustan al-Birka is the area where Wadi Freah and Wadi Abu Zaituna meet. It is a large, open basin dotted with small hills and surrounded by distant mountain ranges. The area takes its name from the large garden here, which once contained a substantial water tank, although the garden is no longer maintained. There is also a public mulberry tree outside the garden. Many Byzantine ruins can be found in the area, recognizable by certain characteristic features. Your Bedouin guide should be able to point out some of these structures. The basin drains into several wadis that eventually lead to the waterfall of Sid al-Nogra.
Wadi Nogra & Sid al-Nogra
The waterfall of Sid al-Nogra is a dramatic sight, although water flows over it only after winter rains. It is almost 40 meters high, and there is usually at least a small trickle of water, while the granite pools at the top often retain some water. The waterfall is located in Wadi Nogra, a narrow valley leading from the Bustan al-Birka area to Wadi Gharba and onward to the settlement of Sheikh Awad.
Sheikh Awad
The settlement, named after the shrine of Sheikh Awad, is located at the foot of the high mountain massif where it meets the plains. The region’s first and most famous ecolodge, El Karm, is located here in Wadi Gharba. Nearby are the ruins of a Nabataean settlement. The main route to the higher mountains and the town of St Catherine is via the Naqb al-Hawa pass.
Naqb al-Hawa
Naqb al-Hawa formed part of the main pilgrimage route in the past, approaching from Wadi Feiran across the plains before beginning the ascent toward the base of Mount Sinai. In some places, sections of the original paving made of large stones can still be seen along the route. The climb is moderately steep but gradual and consistent, making it a fairly demanding ascent overall. There are a few gardens along the way, and several more near the highest point, where the path reaches the settlement of Abu Seila.
Remote High Mountains
As explained at the beginning of this page, the entire southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula is mountainous. We refer to this broader region as the remote high mountains. To the northwest of St Catherine lie Wadi Feiran and Jebel Serbal (Qararsha territory); to the west are Jebel Umm Shomar, Wadi Rumhan, and Wadi Isla (Ulad Said territory); and to the south are Ein Kid and Jebel Sabbah (Muzeina territory).
Wadi Feiran
Wadi Feiran is the largest oasis in South Sinai, stretching for about 6 kilometers along the winding main road. Several important cultural and historical sites are located within the oasis, all close to one another and to the commercial center. These include the Convent of Pharan (Deir al-Banat), the ruins of the ancient basilica, Jebel Tahouna, and numerous hermit caves. A couple of Bedouin gardens, as well as the Convent of Feiran, offer accommodations. The impressive Jebel Serbal massif dominates the skyline above the oasis.
Jebel Serbal
Although it rises to only a little over 2,000 meters, Jebel Serbal appears higher than any other mountain because it is surrounded by low wadis and smaller ranges. The long and very steep gully of Naqb Shaharani may take a full day to ascend. Several other routes also lead into the interconnected basins and wadis near the summit, which contain gardens and permanent water sources, including Wadi Rim and Wadi Sigiliya. The views toward the coast are every bit as impressive as those from Jebel Umm Shomar.
Jebel Umm Shomar
Jebel Umm Shomar is the second-highest mountain in Egypt, standing on the edge of the rugged mountainous interior, with long wadis and smaller ranges descending toward the sandy plains and the coastal city of El Tur. In clear weather, you can see across the Gulf of Suez to mainland Egypt and another continent: Africa.
Wadi Rumhan
Wadi Rumhan follows the ancient caravan route connecting the St Catherine area with the port city of El Tur. It begins at the foot of Jebel Umm Shomar, where you also find the ruins of the Monastery of Rumhan. It is a narrow, winding, and lengthy valley without any major attractions, but it is a pleasant landscape and important from a historical perspective.
Wadi Isla
Wadi Isla forms the final section of the main caravan route connecting the mountains with the coast. The long, winding valley becomes very narrow and lush toward its lower end, with numerous date palms, canes, tall grasses, trees, and a stream flowing through a spectacular gorge. The view of the vast floodplain and the sea from the mouth of Wadi Isla is equally dramatic.
Jebel Sabbah
Jebel Sabbah is the southernmost major peak, located on the edge of the mountain range near the coastal plains. It is also one of the most remote, reached through long winding wadis, while the climb itself is demanding and crosses difficult terrain. Few people visit it, but for completeness it is included here.
Ein Kid Oasis
Ein Kid is a secluded and remote oasis between St Catherine, Dahab, and Sharm el-Sheikh, with only a handful of Bedouin inhabitants. Accessible on foot from St Catherine and by a one-way 4×4 track from the Sharm–Dahab road, it remains largely untouched and offers a glimpse of what a traditional oasis used to be like. Vehicles cannot reach the oasis itself, and visitors must walk the final 10 minutes. There is not much to do here beyond enjoying the setting and sharing a Bedouin tea, but that is precisely what gives the oasis its authenticity and character.
ATTRACTIONS: Red Sea Coast > St Catherine & Mt Sinai > The High Mountain Region > The Desert