Sharm El Sheikh is a world-famous tourist destination located on the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula in Egypt. The city is renowned for its beautiful beaches, clear waters, and abundant marine life. However, Sharm El Sheikh is also home to several protected areas that are well worth a visit. Here are 5 of the best.
1. Ras Mohammed National Park
Ras Mohammed National Park is located at the southernmost tip of the Sinai Peninsula in Egypt. The park covers an area of 480 square kilometers and is home to a wide variety of plant and animal life. The park’s centerpiece is the Ras Mohammed reef, which is a popular destination for scuba divers from all over the world.
The reef is home to a diverse array of marine life, including over 1,000 species of fish. In addition to the reef, the park also includes mangrove forests, sandy beaches, and rocky cliffs. Ras Mohammed National Park was established in 1983 and was designated as a World Heritage Site in 1989.
2. Nabq Protected Area
Nabq Protected Area is located in Sharm el Sheikh, on the Sinai Peninsula in Egypt. The area was designated as a protected area in 1992 and covers an area of 600 km². Nabq Protected Area is home to a variety of desert landscapes, including dunes, limestone cliffs, and salt marshes.
The area is also home to several rare and endangered species, such as the Sinai leopard and the Egyptian vulture. In addition to its natural beauty, Nabq Protected Area is also an important archaeological site, with several ancient Egyptian ruins and artifacts.
The protected area is also home to a wide variety of plant and animal life, including gazelles, hyenas, jackals, and more. Visitors can enjoy activities such as hiking, bird watching, and camel riding. The area is open to tourists and boasts a variety of hotels and resorts.
3. Siyal Islands Marine Reserve
The Siyal Islands are located just off the coast of Sharm El Sheikh in Egypt. The area is renowned for its stunning coral reefs and diverse marine life. To protect this fragile ecosystem, the Siyal Islands Marine Reserve was established in 2002.
The reserve covers an area of approximately 2,740 km2 and includes four small islands: Gota Siyala, Shaab Siyala, Shonaa Siyala, and Gifna Siyala. Within the reserve, all forms of fishing are prohibited, and boats must stay at least 100 meters away from the reef.
As a result of these conservation efforts, the Siyal Islands Marine Reserve is home to an abundance of marine life, including over 1,000 species of fish, 400 species of coral, and turtles. Visitors to the reserve can enjoy snorkeling, diving, and simply admiring the vibrant underwater world.
The reserve is home to a wide variety of coral reef fish and other marine life. Visitors can enjoy activities such as snorkeling, diving, and swimming with dolphins.
4. Wadi El Gemal National Park
Wadi El Gemal National Park covers an area of 4,770 km² and includes mountains, valleys, canyons, deserts, and coastal areas. The park is home to a wide variety of plant and animal life, including gazelles, ibexes, foxes, hyenas, and more.
Wadi El Gemal National Park is located in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt. The park is home to a variety of animals, including gazelles, ibexes, and oryxes. The park is a popular destination for tourists, who come to enjoy the wildlife and scenery. In addition to its natural beauty, Wadi El Gemal National Park is also home to several historical sites, including the ruins of an ancient temple.
The park is open all year round and offers a variety of activities for visitors, such as hiking, camping, and bird-watching. Visitors can enjoy activities such as hiking, camping, and safari tours.
5. Abu Galum Protected Area
Abu Galum is a pristine stretch of coastline in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt. The area is home to a rich marine ecosystem, and it is a popular spot for snorkeling, diving, and swimming. Abu Galum is also an important site for the conservation of endangered sea turtles. Every year, hundreds of turtles come to the beach to lay their eggs.
The protected status of Abu Galum ensures that these eggs will hatch and that the turtles will have a safe place to grow and mature. As a result, the area is an important part of Egypt’s efforts to protect its natural heritage.
Abu Galum Protected Area covers an area of 400 km² and includes coral reefs, mangrove forests, sandy beaches, and sea grass beds. The protected area is home to a wide variety of plant and animal life, including dolphins, turtles, sharks, rays, and more. Visitors can enjoy activities such as snorkeling, diving, swimming with dolphins, and also contributing to the conservation of this unique ecosystem.
Sharm El Sheikh is best known for its beautiful beaches and clear waters but there’s so much more to this Egyptian city than that! There are several protected areas located throughout Sharm El Sheikh that are well worth a visit. From Ras Mohammed National Park to Nabq Protected Area to Abu Galum Protected Area, there’s something for everyone to enjoy!