A Nature Lover's Guide to Visiting Egypt
Egypt is famous for its pyramids and pharaohs. But the country can also surprise you with its diverse natural wonders. You can experience desert and mangrove ecosystems. You can also observe unique desert and riverine fauna. You can enjoy desert adventures and stargazing as well.
Egypt is enticing for history buffs as well as nature lovers. The country is not just a destination for pyramid enthusiasts. Nature and adventure lovers visit Egypt to experience its unique landscapes and ecosystems. In 2024, the country attracted more than 15.5 million international tourists.
Once you gain entry with a tourist visa in Egypt, you might be overwhelmed by the various destination options you have. This blog will serve as a guide to visiting the country as a nature lover. Keep reading to learn about key spots and tourist activities.
Why Egypt is a Hidden Gem for Nature Lovers
The diverse and unique ecosystems make the country a hidden gem for nature lovers. Egypt's natural beauty is not just about its expansive desert. The country is also rich in vibrant coastal areas and riverine biodiversity. You will find Egypt ideal for ecotourism, stargazing, and wildlife spotting.
Over 90% of Egypt is desert with unique arid vegetation and animals. The coastlines of the Red Sea are known for diverse ocean life and reefs. Egypt also has it’s the Nile River as its lifeline, which sustains diverse ecosystems, fertile lands, and oases.
Nature enthusiasts also have the option to observe marine life, desert animals, and migratory birds. The clear desert skies of Egypt further create ideal conditions for stargazing. Let’s check out five different types of tours in Egypt for nature lovers.
The Red Sea: A Divers’ and Snorkelers’ Paradise
The Red Sea is a utopia for divers and snorkelers. It is particularly appealing to people who love coral reefs and marine life.
|
Best Spots |
Features |
Key Highlights |
Top Activities |
|
Sharm el-Sheikh |
Coral reefs and clear waters |
Ras Mohamed Nature Reserve |
Coral reef diving and snorkeling |
|
Hurghada |
Popular for beginner divers |
Giftun Island and Mahmya Island |
Sustainable marine safaris and snorkeling tours |
|
Marsa Alam |
Sea turtles, dolphins, and dugongs |
Abu Dabbab Bay, Sataya Reef, and Marsa Shagra |
House reef diving and snorkeling |
You should take water transport to move between Sharm el-Sheik and Hurghada. It will take approximately 2.5 hours, while road trips take much longer. But take a car or a taxi to travel from Hurghada to Marsa Alam. It will be a trip for around 3 hours.
Exploring Egypt’s Islands & Coastal Reserves
The island and coastal areas present diverse natural attractions. You can explore protected marine areas and mangrove ecosystems. You can also enjoy watching migratory birds and marine wildlife.
Giftun Island (Hurghada)
Giftun Island, located in the Red Sea, is popular for its pristine beaches. You will find diverse ocean life and vibrant coral reefs, thanks to its status as a protected marine area. And the island is also a major diving and snorkeling destination.
You should head to Orange Beach. It is located within the natural park on Giftun Island. You will find the beach to be a great spot for water activities and relaxation. The view of the beach represents Egypt's natural beauty very appropriately.
Wadi El Gemal National Park
You can travel from Giftun Island to Wadi El Gemal by road. The park is appealing because of its mangrove biosphere and wildlife. You can experience diverse reef fish in the park. And tourists also feel amazed by the sight of wild camels! The park also offers excellent opportunities for birdwatching. Various desert and coastal bird species will grab your attention.
Oases & Desert Landscapes: Beauty Beyond the Sand
The western desert of Egypt features unique landscapes and stunning oases. Therapeutic hot springs and surreal rock formations offer the ideal conditions for relaxation and exploration.
Siwa Oasis
The oasis is popular for its lush palm groves. You will also enjoy spending time in the hot springs on the oasis. You can also explore traditional villages to escape from typical tourist spots. And if you love salt lakes, you will find some on the Siwa Oasis. Book your stays in ecological lodges to feel like living in nature.
Bahariya Oasis
You can travel from Siwa to Bahariya Oasis by road. The oasis is particularly appealing for its many hot springs. You will find a picturesque view of olive and date groves. The oasis is an entry point to the stunning White Desert. So, you can also book 4x4 eco-tours covering the Bhariya oasis as well as the Black and White Desert.
White Desert
The desert is recognized for its unique landscape. You will find formations of chalk rock that are sculpted by eroding wind. The sculpted shapes often resemble animals, mushrooms, and alien figures. You can also enjoy spending a night camping under the stars to experience pure tranquility. It is a paradise for nature photographers. White Desert is also the place where you can engage in sandboarding.
Fayoum Oasis
Take a road trip from the White Desert to Fayoum Oasis. It is located closest to Cairo. The oasis is recognized for its tranquil lakes and fertile lands. The famous Wadi El Rayan waterfalls are also located in the oasis. You can also go through a remarkable collection of fossilized whale skeletons in the Valley of the Whales.
Wildlife Watching in Egypt
Egypt offers the opportunity to view diverse wildlife. From desert species to migratory avifauna, it is a paradise for bird watchers and photographers.
Nile Valley Birds
Birds like egrets, kingfishers, and herons can be commonly spotted along the banks of the Nile River. Not only birds, but you can also spot crocodiles and hippos. Want to experience wildlife along the river? Book a Nile cruise.
Desert Animals
You can spot a number of different animal species in the desert landscapes of Egypt. The national parks in Wadi El Rayan and the White Desert are two good places to get started. If you’re lucky, you may cross paths with fennec foxes and Dorcas gazelles.
Lake Nasser Birds
Lake Nasser is particularly popular for birdwatching. It has also earned its status as an Important Bird Area (IBA). You will have the opportunity to observe bird species like herons, storks, and waterfowl.
You can also photograph native species like the Egyptian goose and hoopoe. Endemic species like the Sinai rosefinch can also be spotted during winter months.
Zaranik Reserve Birds
The area is a major way station for migratory birds. It is a stop mainly for birds moving between Africa and Eurasia. You will find bird species like flamingos, herons, eagles, kites, terns, vultures, and pelicans. You will also have the chance to observe turtles and other reptiles.
Stargazing & Silence: Sinai’s Spiritual Side
Desert landscape and clear skies create the ideal conditions for stargazing.
Mount Sinai
The mountain has a biblical significance as Moses received the Ten Commandments there. It is a great spot for sunrise hikes. You can test yourself with the task of climbing 750 steps to the summit. And the skies remain clear above the lightless desert. So, head to Mount Sinai for stargazing. You can also engage in quad biking.
Saint Catherine's Monastery
The monastery also has religious significance. It is among the world’s earliest Christian monasteries that is still inhabited. The monastery sits at a high altitude under clear skies and is away from light pollution. So, it is an ideal spot for amateur stargazers as well as qualified astronomers.
Eco-Friendly Travel Tips for Egypt
As a nature lover, you might want to make your travel as eco-friendly as you can. So, here are some tips for you.
- Book your stay in eco-lodges. Consider the ones who are certified for eco-friendliness.
- Hire nature guides. You will be informed about the good practices for keeping local ecosystems safe as you travel.
- Avoid touching corals. Also, make sure you are not interrupting wildlife activities.
- Support community-based tourism when you visit remote places like deserts and oases. You will help contribute to the economic growth of the locals.
- Minimize the use of plastic during your tour. Try to create as little waste as possible. And dispose of your waste responsibly, and only in designated spots.
Ready To Visit Egypt?
If you have already decided on the places to visit and activities to try in Egypt, you should start preparing for your trip. Citizens of 75 countries can apply for an Egypt visa online. Visit a reputable e-visa portal. Submit a filled-out application form along with a copy of the passport's bio page. And receive your digital visa in your email. So, apply for an Egypt e-visa now.
Check your eligibility for Online Egypt Visa and apply for Egypt e-Visa 5 (five) days in advance of your flight. Citizens of many countries including Czech citizens, Brazilian citizens, Croatian citizens, Georgian citizens and Greek citizens can apply online for Egypt e-Visa.