Best Hiking Trails in Egypt

For desert trekking, Egypt is tough to beat. Bedouin-led hiking trips in the Sinai Peninsula and Red Sea Mountains offer opportunities to explore two of the Middle East’s most rugged wildernesses while gaining insights into Bedouin heritage.

Despite the challenging terrain, hiking isn’t exclusively for the highly experienced. Mount Sinai features trails suitable for everyone, regularly summited by complete beginners. Even on Egypt’s two long-distance trails, many shorter itineraries cater to casual hikers with a good fitness level.

Guides are mandatory on most treks due to the harsh, remote environment, where local knowledge is essential for safe hiking and obtaining necessary permissions.

Mount Sinai (Gebel Musa) Summit

Best Easy Summit

6.2 miles (10 km) round-trip, 4-5 hours, easy to moderate

Hiking to the 2285m (7496ft) summit of Mount Sinai (Gebel Musa) is a popular choice among outdoor enthusiasts and pilgrimage tourists alike. Mount Sinai is known as the place where Moses received the Ten Commandments.

The easiest route is the Camel Trail, a wide, well-defined switchback path that ascends steadily to Elijah’s Basin. The trailhead is located directly in front of St Katherine’s Monastery at the foot of the mountain. The path can be gravelly at higher elevations but remains a straightforward walk.

The Steps of Repentance

Mount Sinai’s second trail, the Steps of Repentance, begins behind the monastery. Built by a monk as an act of penance, this steeper and more direct route consists of 3750 rough-cut stone steps.

The knee-wearying stairs are worth it, especially with expansive views of the rugged surrounding mountains. If your knees aren’t up to the challenge, you can hike the easier Camel Trail up and take the Steps of Repentance down.

The Wadi Arbain Trail

The less basic third option is the Wadi Arbain Trail, starting at the spring-fed wadi behind St Katherine village, passing the Monastery of Forty Martyrs, and the Rock of Moses, known for yielding water when struck by Moses’s staff.

The trail involves a narrow, stony track, scattered with early Christian hermit cells, leading to Gebel Safsafa and connecting with the final switchback of the Camel Trail.

All three trails converge at Elijah’s Basin, where everyone hikes the final 750 stairs of the Steps of Repentance to reach Mount Sinai’s summit. Local guides are mandatory on all routes, providing employment for the Bedouin community.

Blue Hole to Ras Abu Gallum Hike

Best Easy Coastal Hike

5 miles (8 km) one-way, 1.5 hours, easy

This trail follows the narrow shoreline from Dahab’s Blue Hole bay into the Ras Abu Gallum national park. Despite a lack of signs or way-marking, it’s easily navigable independently due to the well-defined rocky path.

At the hike’s northern end, you’ll find several Bedouin beach camps providing meals and basic accommodations, perfect for enjoying nature before hiking back.

The Sinai Trail

Best Multi-Day Desert Trekking

340 miles (550 km) long-distance circuit, 54 days, moderate-difficult

The Sinai Trail comprises four interconnecting routes using centuries-old paths utilized by Bedouin-guided pilgrims, traders, and smugglers. This community-tourism project is operated by eight Bedouin tribes, offering hikers a unique opportunity to experience traditional Bedouin culture while providing them fair-paid employment.

The trail features a variety of landscapes, including stark coastal plains and the colorful walls of South Sinai’s Colored Canyon, as well as rugged highlands culminating in spectacular views of jagged peaks.

Red Sea Mountain Trail

Best Remote Day-Hiking

105 miles (170 km) long-distance circuit, 10-days, moderate-difficult

Opened in 2019, the Red Sea Mountain Trail traverses the coastal mountain range near Hurghada. Currently functioning on a day-hike basis, this trail emphasizes sustainable tourism that benefits local Maaza Bedouin communities.

Day hikes vary significantly in difficulty, with trails ranging from easy to moderate, making it easy to find a suitable outing.

Wadi Degla Protectorate

Best Easy Hike Near Cairo

8-13 km (5-8 mi) round-trip trails, 2-4 hours, easy

If you’re looking to escape the bustling sounds of Cairo, Wadi Degla Protectorate offers a serene hiking experience. This arid valley, stretching for 22 miles, is a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts for hiking, running, and mountain biking.

The Wadi Degla Loop provides stunning views of the valley below and showcases the region’s unique wildlife.

Tips for Hiking in Egypt

• Hiking is best from September to May.
• Peak hiking times are mid-February to mid-March and mid-October through November.
• For multi-day hikes, prepare by bringing quality gear like sleeping bags and tents, which can be transported by camels.
• St Katherine serves as a great starting point for various hiking options.