
Nomadic Trek Through Egypt's Sinai Desert
Follow ancient trails with Bedouin nomads for a wild expedition through the valleys and mountains of the Sinai Peninsula
What's Included?
Activities & Certified Guides
All itinerary activities with expert, English-speaking Bedouin guidesAll accommodation
5 nights wild camping and 2 nights in a hotelMeals
All your meals are included throughoutTransfers & Porterage
Airport and local transfers; camels to carry your overnight luggage and supplies during the trekEquipment
Carpets will be provided for wild camping in the desertSmall Like-minded Groups
Solo-friendly by design, join our small n’ sociable groups of up to 14 like-minded, active and outdoorsy people…
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What's it like?






























Hike through the desert landscape via boulder-strewn wadis, dramatic switchbacks, remote ravines and lush oases
Scramble to the jagged summit of Jebel Um Shomer (2587m) for spectacular vistas across arid peaks and the Red Sea
Learn the traditional desert way of life from nomadic Bedouins, cooking over fire and sleeping under the Milky Way
Explore Sinai further by combining with our adventure Rock Climbing, Hiking and Snorkelling in Egypt
Key Information
Day 1
Welcome to Egypt!

Your host will meet you at Sharm El Sheikh airport and transfer you to Sharks Bay Umbi, a relaxed family owned hotel from where you can enjoy your first glimpse of the Red Sea. If you are arriving early, you can arrange an optional visit to Nabq Protected Reserve – the world’s northernmost mangrove area, the edges of which can be explored with careful wading. Kick off your adventure with a group dinner and welcome briefing, then enjoy a good night's sleep and get ready for the epic desert expedition to come.
Day 2
Into the desert

Hiking
After breakfast, pack the supply vehicles and head into the Sinai Desert. Travel off-road by Jeep to Ein Um Saieda to meet your friendly Bedouin team, and help load the support camels with water and the rest of the equipment. Then, you’re off! Follow an undulating path through El Homer to the top of Om Rajoum, where you can rest for a bit and soak up the views. Descend to Naqb Al Jamoose via a zig-zagging trail which connects two very distinct sections of the desert. Finish your hike through a beautiful section of soft sand. Camp in Wadi Isla during the longer summer days, or at Am Saqr during shorter winter days, enjoying your first night in the desert wilderness under a star-studded sky.
Day 3
Trek Wadi Rimhan

Hiking
Today's hike is all about Wadi Rimhan. At times tracking a steep ravine, at others a gentler path, this wadi (valley) ascends from Aqsuraya to the base of Um Shomer. Its position means that it catches any rainfall off most of Um Shomer and surrounding peaks, so despite just two or three rainfalls annually, this is as lush as it gets in the desert. Wind your way through Tarfa trees as the camels munch on grasses, stopping for lunch in Zalaga. Reach Crum Nassir late afternoon, an old Bedouin stone house and garden that will become your base for the next two nights. Help your Bedouin guides set up the camp and cook dinner, then get some rest – as tomorrow's summit challenge awaits.
Day 4
Summit Jebel Um Shomer (2587m)

Hiking
If scrambling is your thing, today is your day! At 2587m, Um Shomer's jagged summit towers over a rugged wilderness of peaks, wadis and ravines. Until the 19th century, it was believed to be Sinai's highest mountain and as such, it became a prestigious goal for lots of European mountaineers (today, it is officially recognised to be the second-highest peak in Egypt, after Jebel Katherina). Start hiking early with a steep and challenging scramble, using your hands for balance. At the top, you'll be rewarded with epic views over the Gulf of Suez to mainland Egypt, as well as across the Red Sea continental divide. Descend back to camp and tuck into a delicious meal before curling up in your sleeping bag, gazing up at the Milky Way above.
Day 5
Telah Braika gorge and the Rahaba plain

Hiking
Rise early and catch the spectacular sunrise from Crum Nassir while sipping on coffee. After breakfast, begin with a gradual ascent that criss-crosses the long Telah Braika gorge. Up and down, through sun and shade, over sand and rock - this beautiful hike is the perfect tonic after yesterday’s challenging climb. Enjoy a break in an olive tree garden planted by monks before hiking along the Rahaba plain - halfway between plateau and valley, it is lined by shallow peaks on each side. After days of complete isolation and remoteness, you may bump into a few locals along the way, before turning into El Waara, where you'll be welcomed to the guests' quarters in the home of a local family. Warm up with a crackling fire and some authentic Bedouin hospitality.
Day 6
Naqb El Ahemar: the Red Passage

Hiking
Today, your life as an honourary Bedouin is filled with immense variety and wonder. After a breakfast of farashay - local Bedouin bread - enjoy a later start, giving the sun time to warm the landscape after a cool night. Follow remote walking trails, heading southeast through the valleys and peaks that eventually feed into Wadi Kidd. Traverse the astonishing switchbacks of Naqb El Ahemar (the Red Passage) which enable the camels to bypass massive boulders which block the middle of the wadi. Rain can alter the trail here, so the exact route may vary between the distances described. Marvel at the way the camels and their guides tackle this vast and challenging landscape, before setting camp on the soft sand of Ahssy Marziga.
Day 7
Ein Kidd Oasis

Hiking
Many of the old Bedouin routes through the Sinai move from oasis to oasis, seeking shade and fresh water. Your final and gentle hike follows the nomads' trails as you head south towards the sea. Then magically, after five days surrounded only by the remote Sinai wilderness and arid desertscape, walk into Ein Kidd. Hidden from view until the very last corner, you'll be amazed by the sight of a lush palm tree oasis. Take time to explore it while your guides prepare a final open air-lunch, before saying your goodbyes to the Bedouin team and meet the vehicles for a drive to Sharm El Sheik. Celebrate the end of this memorable desert adventure with your fellow travellers, and take time to slowly readjust to city life and the comfort of a hot shower and comfy bed.
Day 8
Sun, sea and coral reefs

After six days in the remote Sinai desert, today is all about chilling and soaking up the sun on the hotel's tranquil private beach. You can also head out to the reef for some snorkelling or soothe your muscles with a massage. Travel back to Sharm El Sheikh Airport late afternoon for goodbyes and flights home (or, you may wish to extend your stay here or in Dahab, an adventure mecca known for its diving, rock climbing and other activities).
The Area
Logistics
Starts
Sharm El Sheikh International Airport
Arrive any time
Ends
Sharm El Sheikh International Airport
Depart any time
Transfers
Private airport transfers are included for any time (and day) you choose to arrive or depart. Please provide your flight information upon booking so that your host can book these services prior to the trip.
Travel options
There are direct flights to Sharm El Sheik International airport from major airports across the UK (usually scheduled weekly, Friday to Sunday) as well as from Europe.
Day 1
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 2 – Day 4
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 5
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 6
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 7
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 8
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
What is the food like?

Traditional Egyptian meals are usually mezze-style, with several kinds of hot and cold dishes made with beans, eggs, cheese, salads or vegetable dishes and bread. During the desert expedition, your Bedouin guides will prepare all meals on fire and you are invited to help out - this is a great opportunity to learn some of their traditional desert wilderness skills. Breakfast will include jams, pitta bread, cheese, teas and coffees etc, while main meals are fragrant veggie stews, eaten with rice, pasta or mopped up with Bedouin bread - all hearty, healthy food freshly cooked on the fire, to fuel you up for the daily hikes. Bedouin tea and coffee are also included throughout your time in the desert.
Vegetarian and vegan meals are possible, but a gluten-free diet will be more difficult to accommodate due to the importance of bread in Bedouin cuisine, so please some bring some extra snacks with you. Please make any specific requests on your passenger info form.
What is the accommodation like?

Sharm El Sheikh
Your first and final nights will be spent at the comfortable Sharks Bay Umbi on the shores of the Red Sea. The peaceful hotel offers traditional Bedouin style and warm hospitality - a sanctuary away from the big resorts. Rooms come with private bathrooms, air-conditioning and a TV. The hotel also has a great seafood restaurant veranda right by the beach.

Sinai Desert
For four nights during the desert expedition, you will be sleeping out under the stars exactly as Bedouins do, for an incredible and unforgettable wild camping experience. Don't expect a standard campsite with toilets and tents: you'll be sleeping in complete wilderness, tucked into your sleeping bag or under warm blankets. Your guide will give you a full briefing on the etiquette and practicalities of outdoor toileting. For more information on this, please see our FAQs below.
On Day 5, you will be hosted by a local Bedouin family in the guests' quarters of an old stone building. Although basic, this is a more comfortable setting to face the cold desert night in El Waara and provides an opportunity to recharge your camera and batteries.
Upgrades
For solo travellers looking for their own space, an optional private room can be booked during the first and final nights, for an extra charge. See Optional Extras for the price. Please request this at the time of booking, as this is subject to availability.
This trip has been rated as Challenging
Overall, this is a moderate to challenging trek - although most of the hikes are not demanding, there may be some challenging elements, either due to the extreme weather conditions (hot during the day and cold at night), the remoteness of the desert and lack of facilities, or the long days.
No technical experience is required, but a good level of fitness and stamina is needed, and a bit of experience scrambling would come in handy. The day on which you summit Um Shomer is challenging as it includes scrambling and a significant elevation gain of over 900m. Trails on this hike are rocky, rough and steep, and although they are rarely exposed there is the occasional tricky section to tackle before you get to the top.
You should have a strong sense of adventure for this expedition, particularly as the wild camping in the desert will be a true wilderness experience with little comfort and very basic conditions (no toilets, electricity or tented camp).
What will I need to carry?
You'll need to have a larger soft duffle bag suitable for all your belongings which will be transported for you by camels and Jeeps, and a small daypack to carry personal items each day. Please don't pack more than you would want to carry yourself - 15kg is the limit for the kitbag and any extra weight (such as spare clothes) can be left with your host at the beginning of the adventure if needed. Bags with wheels/hard suitcases are not suitable for the camels. On Day 4, the camels won't climb to the summit of Um Shomer, so you will need to carry a little extra weight (water and food) on that hike.
This trip runs between October and April, when the daytime temperatures are lower and more pleasant for trekking (usually ranging from 18 to 30°C). Your guides will also schedule the hikes to avoid the hottest hours of the day, and will seek shade during lunch breaks. Nights can get very cold in the desert, with temperatures sometimes plummeting down to 0°C from the end of November through to the end of February. Cosy blankets are provided but a good sleeping bag is very important (3 or 4 season sleeping bag depending on the time of year - please see the kit list for more details). Be prepared to wear a beanie and warm thermals at night and this will be enough to make your experience safe and comfortable.
Great immersive experience
Well organised by Said and Tanis and the bedouins who were very helpful. Great views and walks. You feel very immersed in the culture and lifestyle of the bedouins. Sleeping in the desert was a unique experience!







You need to go on this adventure!
This has been one of my favourite adventures ever. The trip has been spectacularly planned by Said and Tanis, each day is unique with stunning views and excellent food. Fresh bread three times a day is something I am really going to miss. Said is a gifted guide to talk through the history of the area and how the Bedouin live in the Sinai. Climbing Um Shomer was incredible and the view at the top was breath taking (fresh coffee and bread at top was also a brilliant surprise!). Ein Kidd oasis on the final day was the highlight of a great trip and felt like Eden. I cannot recommend this trip enough. But please do bring thermals and warm layers. It is very cold at night and you will be thankful for multiple hats and gloves to wear in your sleeping bag. I also brought walking poles which helped in the sand and rocky routes.
Awesome!
What a fantastic trip! The scenery was stunning, Said the leader was excellent in every way and the support team of bedouin super well organised and slick. Enjoyed every minute of the walks, the delicious bedouin tea breaks, tasty food and evenings around the fire. Fantastic way to see in the New Year!

New Year 2025
🤩 fair to say this was one of the best experiences, treks, hikes, new years eves I have ever had. What an absolute blast. Said and his trusty Crew and Camels , cooked amazing healthy meals, brought us to new heights and showed me places that only a few have been to with a teapot that was never empty. Thank you to the rest of the group for sharing the laughs and making new long lasting memories



Perfectly formed adventure through secret Sinai!
I had an unforgettable time in the Sinai desert: sleeping under the stars and waking up to the sunrise, eating delicious veggie-friendly food three times a day (plus tea breaks), chatting into the night making new friends around the campfire, accompanied by the music of our Bedouin guides and many games of UNO and the camel poo game (ask Said. . . ). We didn’t see a single other tourist for five days - this, combined with the digital detox that is the Egyptian wilderness, made for a simultaneously peaceful and energetic week amongst unexpectedly jaw-dropping scenery. The itinerary has been impeccably put together by Tanis and Said who, as well as being local experts, are incredibly welcoming, knowledgeable and professional hosts, going out of their way to make sure everyone feels looked after. I could write thousands more words to describe this experience, but they wouldn’t do it justice – just go and see for yourself!
Go on this trip!
This trip was a truly extraordinary and unforgettable experience. I didn't want it to end! Our guides, Tanis and Said, are such generous, humble, wonderful people who really care about your experience and welfare. There was a perfect balance of relaxation and active challenge - each day was special for different reasons. The food that our guides cooked for us was authentic and delicious, and I felt so well looked after. The service that MBA provide from start to finish made the trip seamless and so easy - MBA organised absolutely everything, so I could totally switch off and there was zero hassle. If you love stripping it back and being fully immersed in the outdoors, this is the trip for you and I would fully recommend it!





Best trip I’ve been on!
This truly was a unique, enriching experience, and not something I’d likely forget anytime soon. The landscape was incredible, harsh at times, but held intrigue around every corner. Our Bedouin guides were incredibly warm and generous, showing us their home and teaching us the ways of the Sinai desert. Said and Tanis taught us the significance of the indigenous plants, where they grow and how to use them.
The trekking itself was varied, climbing Um Shomer was at times challenging but at every step of the way we were in good hands. Looking back, this was some of the most enjoyable technical hiking I’ve done.
Once the evening sets in the desert can be frigid, but the provided blankets, radiant campfire and copious amounts of bedouin tea kept us in great spirits. Not to mention the poetry, music and dancing.
This is pretty much authentic as it gets, do not miss out and book!

