Hiking in Egypt
Including Coloured Canyon (Taba), Gabal El Elba, and Mount Catherine (Gabal Katrin). On the map.
The vibe
Hiking here feels like stepping into a vast, silent geological timeline where the landscape is defined by stark desert canyons and ancient rugged plateaus rather than lush forest trails. The cooler months between late autumn and early spring are essential to avoid the punishing heat that makes mid-day exertion dangerous. You will find that most routes require a local guide or a pre-arranged park permit, giving the experience a more structured and escorted feel than a typical DIY trek.
park permit
Coloured Canyon (Taba)
South Sinai
Florian Prischl / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Navigate a labyrinth of vibrant, swirling sandstone walls painted in rich hues of ochre, purple, and red. This tight canyon walk requires occasional scrambling over fallen boulders and through narrow rock passages.
Access. Reached via 4x4 excursion from Dahab or Nuweiba into the Sinai desert interior, followed by a guided canyon walk.
Notes. Avoid visiting during flash flood warnings or extreme midday heat. Local guide required.
Gabal El Elba
Red Sea Governorate
Earth Science and Remote Sensing Unit , Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)
Located in the remote southeastern corner of Egypt, this 'mist oasis' mountain range features unique biodiversity and cloud-forest-like vegetation. It is a challenging, multi-day trekking destination for those seeking true wilderness.
Access. Extremely remote; requires specialized permits and a professional expedition guide from Hurghada or Marsa Alam.
Notes. Military permits are mandatory; the area is sensitive and requires significant logistical planning.
Mount Catherine (Gabal Katrin)
South Sinai
Mohamed Abdalla / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Trek the highest peak in Egypt across rugged, granite high-altitude terrain in the Sinai Peninsula. The strenuous ascent rewards hikers with panoramic sunrise vistas stretching across the Gulf of Aqaba and the Red Sea mountains.
Access. Accessible from St. Catherine town via organized Bedouin-guided treks. A local guide is mandatory for the route.
Notes. Cold temperatures at night; requires endurance and proper layering. Check local security advisories before planning.
Mount Shayeb El Banat
Red Sea
Janek A / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)
Conquer the highest peak in Egypt's Eastern Desert on a challenging multi-day expedition. The rugged granite massif offers wild mountain scenery towering over the Red Sea coastline.
Access. Starts from Hurghada or Safaga with specialized desert guides and 4x4 support.
Notes. Extremely remote and physically demanding; requires experienced local expedition leaders and permits.
Mount Sinai (Gabal Musa)
South Sinai
Florian Prischl / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Climb the historic pilgrim paths to the summit where sweeping desert panoramas unfold across the Sinai ranges. Choose between the camel track or the steep 'Steps of Penitence' stone stairway built by monks.
Access. Start from St. Catherine's Monastery at the foot of the mountain, typically timed for night ascents to catch sunrise.
Notes. Nighttime temperatures can drop below freezing. Guides are recommended and often required by local regulations.
Ras Mohamed National Park Coastal Trails
South Sinai
Janek A / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)
Walk arid coastal paths overlooking dramatic Red Sea cliffs, mangrove channels, and pristine coral beaches. The trails combine desert tablelands with striking marine vistas at the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula.
Access. Day trip by taxi or tour from Sharm el-Sheikh into the national park gate.
Notes. Hot desert conditions with little shade; carry plenty of water.
Saint Anthony Monastery Mountain Trails
Red Sea
Abanoublotfy / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)
The rugged mountains surrounding the world's oldest monastery offer steep, challenging hikes with panoramic views of the Eastern Desert. The trails lead to caves where hermits once lived, providing a blend of historical and physical challenge.
Access. Located in the Eastern Desert; accessible via road from Hurghada or Beni Suef. Local guides are available at the monastery.
Notes. The ascent is steep and rocky; proper hiking boots are essential.
Wadi Degla Protectorate
Cairo
Hatem Moushir / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
A popular canyon hiking destination located just outside Cairo, featuring limestone cliffs and a winding desert floor. It is perfect for a quick escape into nature, offering moderate day hikes through narrow gorges.
Access. Easily reached by car from the Maadi district in Cairo; entry fee required at the gate.
Notes. Best visited in the early morning or late afternoon; no shade available, so carry plenty of water.
Wadi El Hitan (Valley of the Whales)
Aj Jiza
AhmedMosaad / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Explore desert walking trails past open-air fossil exhibits featuring ancient prehistoric whale skeletons embedded in sandstone. The surreal desert valley offers stark landscapes and geological wonders.
Access. Accessible via 4x4 desert safari day trip from Fayoum oasis or Cairo.
Notes. Protected UNESCO site; walking is restricted to marked trails and boardwalks. Extremely hot in summer.
Wadi Gimal National Park
Red Sea Governorate
gian luca bucci / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)
This expansive desert park offers rugged wadi trekking through dramatic landscapes leading to the Red Sea coast. Hikers can explore ancient geological formations and desert flora in a remote, pristine environment.
Access. Accessible via 4x4 from Marsa Alam; hiring a local Bedouin guide is highly recommended for navigation and safety.
Notes. Requires park permits; best visited between October and April to avoid extreme summer heat.
White Desert National Park Rock Formations
New Valley
AmiraAdel93 / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Trek across surreal chalk-white desert landscapes dotted with wind-eroded limestone monoliths shaped like mushrooms and tents. Multi-day trekking and camping trips allow deep exploration of the chalk labyrinth.
Access. Organized desert safaris and treks depart from Bahariya Oasis, requiring 4x4 transport and local guides.
Notes. Remote desert environment with no water sources; expeditions must be fully self-sufficient.