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Rock Climb, Hike and Snorkel in Egypt

Learn how to rock climb on an adventure-packed journey from the Sinai Desert to the Red Sea, wild camping under star-studded skies

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Trip Ref #10547

Rock Climb, Hike and Snorkel in Egypt

Learn how to rock climb on an adventure-packed journey from the Sinai Desert to the Red Sea, wild camping under star-studded skies

DURATION
6 nights
LOCATION
Egypt
ANNUAL LEAVE
5 days off work
SEASON
Oct-Apr
GROUP SIZE
Up to 14 people
MEETING POINT
Sharm El Sheikh International Airport
ACCOMMODATION
Classic

Hotel · Wild camping · Beach Hut

OVERALL RATING

5.0

Based on 7 reviews
DIFFICULTY
Moderate

No climbing, trekking or snorkelling experience is needed, just a sense of adventure and a moderate level of fitness.

Develop climbing skills in rosy granite canyons and hike through dramatic wadis and golden sand dunes

Snorkel the underwater paradise that is the Red Sea, including the spectacular coral reefs of Ras Abu Galum

Immerse yourself in a traditional nomadic lifestyle with Bedouin guides, wild camping among the vast desert

Explore Sinai further by combining with our adventure Nomadic Trek through Egypt's Sinai Desert

Day 1

Welcome to Egypt!

Your host will meet you on arrival at the airport in Sharm El-Sheikh and transfer you to your hotel in Dahab. Laid-back and low-rise, Dahab is Sinai's diving and adventure mecca, boasting golden beaches, a vibrant atmosphere and great local restaurants. Settle in, meet your fellow travellers and grab a bite in town if you wish. Then enjoy a good night's sleep and get ready for the epic desert adventure to come.

Day 2

Intro to rock climbing and snorkelling

Climbing

4hrs

Snorkelling

1-2hrs

This morning, you'll get set up with your kit before heading to the nearby Wadi Gnai by jeep. An accessible climbing paradise of glowing granite mountains dotted with acacia and date palm trees, you'll get to grips with the equipment and learn basic safety and climbing techniques. If you're a pro already, you'll get the chance to climb independently in the Camel Canyon (4b-7b single pitch). Finish off your morning with lunch in the wadi.

Head to Three Pools, a favourite local hangout, for snorkelling together with your guide on the outside of the reef table, swimming amongst the richly colourful marine life of the Red Sea. Back at the hotel, enjoy a bit of time to chill before joining your group again for dinner and a full briefing on tomorrow's activities.

Day 3

Rock climbing and desert camping in Wadi Hammam

Climbing

5hrs

Today you'll hit some new climbing routes in a more remote area of the Sinai Desert, building on your skills. Drive out of Dahab on a scenic and adventurous off-road transfer to Wadi Hammam, a beautiful rose granite canyon, to a climbing area with some shade and plenty of routes for both novices and more experienced climbers to progress along. At the end of your day, embrace the nomadic Bedouin lifestyle by helping your guides cook dinner on the fire, later falling asleep tucked into warm blankets or your sleeping bag, under the star-studded desert sky.

Day 4

Desert hike to Jebel Barqa

Hiking

5hrs · 20km · 350m up

Wake up to the smell of coffee and fresh bread cooked on the fire, then set off on a spectacular hike through the desert. Climb gently uphill leaving the canyon behind you, heading towards spectacular sandstone outcrops surrounded by soft golden sand. Bedouin guides and camels will carry your supplies and bags to the next camping spot near Jebel Barqa and Makhroum. On the coldest nights, there is also a shallow sandstone cave providing shelter for a cosy night in the wilderness. Dinner is served in the dunes, with the vastness and silence of the desert providing a dramatic backdrop.

Day 5

Sand dunes to coral reefs

Hiking

3hrs · 8km · 100 up · 300 down

Driving

2.5hrs

This morning, you'll explore more of this sandstone area on foot, visiting Jebel Makhroum and Mattamir, then onwards to the top of El Hadudeh dune, Sinai's largest sand dune. After lunch, enjoy a fun scramble down El Hadudeh, followed by a scenic leisurely walk through Wadi El Ajabi, before hopping in the support vehicles to drive to Ras Abu Galum. Time permitting, jump straight into the crystal clear waters for a quick dip. Enjoy a blissful night stargazing and camping in simple beach huts by the Red Sea.

Day 6

Ras Abu Galum and Blue Lagoon

Hiking

3hrs · 12km

Snorkelling

3hrs

Spend a full day exploring the coastline and waters of Ras Abu Galum, a bedouin settlement wedged between soaring desert mountains and the beautiful coral reef in a protected area of the Gulf of Aqaba. Enjoy a morning snorkelling the stunning coral reef and relaxing in Bedouin beach cafes or take an optional walk to the Blue Lagoon, a stunning and remote spot famed for its stunning water. In the afternoon, head out on a hike or camel ride to the famed Blue Hole, one of the most famous snorkelling and diving sites in the world. Back in Dahab, tonight's farewell Bedouin dinner will be a social and hearty affair.

Day 7

Goodbye Egypt!

After an action-packed week, today is all about chilling and soaking up the sun on Dahab beach. Alternatively, make the most of your day with some extra snorkelling or soothe your muscles with a local massage. Travel back to Sharm El Sheikh late afternoon for goodbyes and flights home (or, you may wish to extend your stay - this adventure mecca is known for its diving, bouldering and other activities).

Included

Guides

Expert, English-speaking Bedouin guides

Accommodation

3 nights in a hotel, 2 nights wild camping and 1 night in a simple beach hut

Meals

All breakfasts, 5 lunches and 5 dinners

Transfers

Airport transfers and everything in between

Porterage

Camels and jeeps to carry your overnight luggage and supplies on the desert safari

Equipment

All snorkelling and climbing equipment, plus carpets for wild camping in the desert

Not Included

Flights to and from the meeting point

Travel insurance

Personal expenses

Tips for your guides

Some meals as described

Visas where required

Day 1

Hotel · Twin share

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 2

Hotel · Twin share

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 3 – Day 4

Wild camping · Bivvy

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 5

Beach Hut · Bivvy

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 6

Hotel · Twin share

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 7

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 safari, 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 activities. 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?

Dahab

You'll stay at the comfortable, locally owned Dahab Hotel, which has an outdoor pool, a Bedouin-style lounge café and air-conditioned rooms with sea views. The hotel is located in a beautiful, quiet and central part of town, just a few steps away from the Red Sea. Everything is within walking distance, making it an ideal base at the start and end of your trip.

Sinai Desert

For two nights, you will be sleeping out in the desert 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 the wilderness, under warm blankets or in your sleeping bag.

Red Sea

One night will be spent in the Bedouin settlement of Ras Abu Galum, right on the shore of the spectacular Red Sea. Here, you can choose to either sleep on the beach under the stars or stay in one of the primitive huts where the trickle of water and limited connectivity will take you back to basics. This is a chance to truly disconnect, where you'll be lulled to sleep by the sound of the waves.

Upgrades

For solo travellers looking for their own space, an optional private room can be booked during the nights in Dahab for an extra charge, See Optional Extras for the price. Please request this at the time of booking as this is subject to availability.

The Area

map

Logistics

Starts

Sharm El Sheikh International Airport

Arrive any time

Ends

Sharm El Sheikh International Airport

Depart any time

Transfers

Private transfers between the airport and Dahab 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.

For those wanting to extend their trip, extra nights can be arranged with your host at an extra cost. Please see Optional Extras for more information.

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.

Enjoy 12.5% Off Outdoor Gear

In need of a few more items? All bookings receive a 12.5% discount to use at Cotswold Outdoor, Snow + Rock and Runner's Need.

What's included?

  • Carpets and warm blankets (if requested) for wild camping in the desert
  • All group cooking equipment, cups and utensils
  • Rock climbing equipment (including shoes if you don’t have your own)
  • Snorkelling equipment

What do I need to bring?

BAGS

  • Soft overnight duffel bag or rucksack (max 15 kg)
  • Daypack (20-30 litres)

CLOTHES

  • Warm clothing for cold desert nights, but lighter clothes for warm-hot daytime trekking
  • Warm jacket
  • Warm hat and light gloves or mittens
  • Light-weight, breathable hiking shirts and trousers
  • Stretchy clothing for climbing
  • Climbing shoes (these can also be hired locally up to EU size 48/ UK size 12)
  • Broken-in hiking shoes
  • Sun protection (hat/scarf, sunglasses, sun block)
  • Swimwear for snorkelling
  • Underwear and socks
  • Something to sleep in
  • Sandals

SLEEPING

  • Cotton or silk sleeping bag liner
  • Sleeping bag (3 season)
  • Travel pillow or pillowcase
  • Thermarest or sleeping mat

OTHER

  • Universal travel plug adapter
  • Power bank or solar charger
  • Passports (and visas)
  • Travel insurance documents
  • Ear plugs
  • Insect repellent
  • Suncream, lip balm and moisturiser due to the hot, dry climate
  • Personal first-aid kit (inc. blister treatment)
  • Personal items (biodegradable toiletries, sanitary wear etc)
  • Toilet kit (toilet paper, biodegradable bags to carry paper out to dispose of)
  • Quick-dry towel
  • Alcohol hand-gel
  • Headtorch or torch
  • Reusable water bottle x1 litre
  • Biodegradable wet-wipes
  • Energy bars and snacks - read our article on Best Hiking Snacks
  • Water purification tablets/treatment system
*Requests for optional extras can be made after booking on your “My Bookings” page

Additional Night in Dahab Twin/Double Room

Payable Before Departure

Additional Night in Dahab Twin/Double Room

Additional Night in Dahab Single Room

Payable Before Departure

Additional Night in Dahab Single Room

Optional Private Room Upgrade (for 3 nights)

Payable Before Departure

Optional Private Room Upgrade (for 3 nights)

- Marcus(October 2023)

Absolutely fantastic experience, with the most stunning views and landscapes. The locals were extremely kind and helpful, and our team of guides and activities staff were amazing and always went above and beyond to ensure the experience was the best it could possibly could be. i DEFINITELY recommend this trip of a life time.

- Kathryn(October 2023)

This incredible trip was packed full of adventure, amazing scenery, delicious Bedouin food and run by a fantastic guide who was unbelievably knowledgeable and so welcoming.

I had never climbed before and was a little apprehensive, but I needn't have been! I would definitely encourage anyone to give it a go - it was so much fun and a great sense of achievement when I finally got to the top :D

The coral reefs were stunning, and the hikes were hot and challenging but enjoyable. The trip went above and beyond expectations and I've come home feeling refreshed from such a rich and unique experience with great people. Highly recommend it to anyone

- Sophie(October 2023)

Fantastic experience that would be impossible to replicate without the local network MBA and desert divers leverage. Lovely and insightful guides, interesting activities and a great introduction to Bedouin culture. A decent balance between activities and downtime so you can take in the gorgeous spots you're in and flexibility to do as much little snorkelling / climbing as you like.

- Isla(March 2023)

What an incredible experience! From start to finish the trip was well organised and full of adventure. Our hosts made our group feel very welcome and we were so well looked after - there was always tea on the go.

The climbing was amazing! Well planned routes of different grades meant there were options for all levels - some of our group hadn’t climbed before and others had a bit more experience. The climbing team were encouraging and gave direction where it was needed. We all loved it and kept climbing until and even after it was dark.

The hike took us across vast and ever-changing terrain, including the summit of Sinai’s largest sand dune. Our guide, Fraig, was brilliant. We got a real insight into the Bedouin culture and no shortage of facts about their history and the Sinai landscape. Camping under the stars was spectacular - the Milky Way and so many constellations clearly visible.

Snorkelling was something else - the reef is beautiful! We were swimming amongst the most amazing sea life. It was quite surreal.

I would highly recommend this trip! An adventure of a lifetime and so far removed from the daily hustle and bustle most of us are used to. It was an experience I’ll never forget.

- Michael(March 2023)

What an incredible experience! We really felt part of their world with beautiful food and wonderful company. All the activities were safely put together and as someone with no experience in any of them I’d encourage anyone to give it a go.

- Jack(March 2023)

An incredible trip with incredible people. The planning of the trip was seamless from start to finish. Food was plentiful and the hotel was clean and comfy. The climbing was a particular highlight, the routes were very well laid out and varied with a great mix for all abilities. Thoroughly recommend this trip!

- Jeannie(March 2023)

Awesome adventure in the desert. Varied multi activity. Climbing in the wadis, hiking in the desert and snorkelling on a stunning coral reef coastline. Sleeping under the stars. Highly recommend this trip.

We've crunched the numbers to work out the total carbon footprint of this trip, and plant enough trees to suck 2x as much back out the atmosphere.

What's the number?
It works out on average at 249kg of CO2 emissions per person, including all local transport, accommodation, food, activities, guides, staff and office operations.

The only thing it doesn’t include right now is flights and travel to the destination. We do make an overall estimate across all our customers separately, but as we don’t book flights, have customers from all corners of the world, and no way of reliably knowing their travel plans, we simply can’t include an individual number in the figure on display here. We’ve got a goal for 2023 to fix that, so that when you book, there is a way to measure and mitigate the carbon emitted by your flight too.

But what does the number mean?
Yep, hard to picture eh? To give you an idea:

  • Driving 1000miles/1609km would be approx. 281kg of CO2 in an average car (or 140.5kg per person if there was 2 of you in it).
  • A return economy class flight London - New York would be approx. 1,619kg (1.66 tonnes) per person.
  • 10 trees in a temperate forest are estimated to remove approx. 250kg of CO2 from the air in a period of 5-10 years.

What are we doing about it?
Our trips are relatively low-carbon by design, and we're working with all our hosts to develop long term carbon reduction plans. For every person booked with us since 2016 we’re planting enough trees to suck at least 2x more carbon out the atmosphere than is emitted by their trips. All native trees, as part of amazing projects that are re-foresting degraded land, tackling the biodiversity crisis and supporting local communities at the same time. We go further than that too, also funding re-wilding projects worldwide to help protect important keystone species from extinction. See the reforestation and re-wilding schemes we support. See our carbon action plan.

Want to know more?
Amazingly, no international travel company has ever publicly published their carbon measurements before, as far as we know. We believe that must change, quickly. So we’re openly sharing the method we used in the hope that other companies will be able to more easily follow suit and build on what we've done so far. You'll find it all here.

This is very much an introductory trip, so you don't need any previous experience of rock climbing, hiking or snorkelling, although you should be comfortable in the water and able to swim. You'll be fully guided by professional, qualified guides throughout the activities. Climbing will be tailored to your experience, so absolute beginners are very welcome, as are those who have already have experience. The sites where you'll climb offer routes for all grades, so there really is something for everyone. You should have a reasonable level of fitness and sense of adventure for this trip, especially as the wild camping in the desert will be a true wilderness experience with little comfort and very basic conditions (no toilets or tented camp).

All activities are also totally optional - so if you decide that snorkelling or climbing isn't for you, this is of course absolutely fine, you are on holiday after all!

Sure can! Over 70% of our travellers travel solo, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.

Tips are not included in the trip cost. These are entirely at your discretion and the amount should be reflective of your perception of service and quality - a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.

Water will be provided throughout the trek and carried by camels and jeeps. This will be boiled where necessary, but we do suggest bringing water purification tablets or a different purification system for extra safety. We do encourage you to bring a refillable bottle to avoid plastic waste. Please find more info here

This trip runs between October and April, when the daytime temperatures are lower and more pleasant for climbing and trekking (usually ranging 18-30 °C). Your guides will also schedule the activities to avoid the hottest hours of the day, and will seek shade during lunch breaks. Nights can get pretty cold in the desert, with temperatures plummeting to 10°C or lower, but blankets and a 3-season sleeping bag will be enough to make your experience safe and comfortable.

As you will be starting end ending your trip in Dahab, you can leave any extra luggage at the hotel if needed.

We recommend checking out the country specific information here and also talking to a travel nurse.

No. 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 then a small daysack to carry personal items during 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 in the hotel storage in Dahab. Bags with wheels/hard suitcases are not suitable for the camels.

During snorkelling and climbing, you will be accompanied by expert local guides who are qualified to teach and guide these activities. Out in the desert, you'll join a team of Bedouin guides who were born and raised in the area and know how to guide you through the remote places and desert environment safely and expertly. One of the unexpected highlights of the trip is watching how the Bedouins move through the desert, organise camps and cook according to ancient traditions. This is an incredible opportunity to fully immerse yourself in the local culture and get to learn survival skills from the Sinai’s original desert people.

This trip includes two nights of wild camping under the stars – your Bedouin team will set up the cooking area and make a fire at each location. Sleeping will be under warm blankets or in your sleeping bag, with no tents or shelters. Washing will be predominantly done with wet wipes - there won’t be showers until you reach Dahab. For toilets, you can find a convenient boulder or dig a small hole, as the exceedingly dry temperatures of the desert disintegrate waste rapidly.

You can hire the climbing shoes locally or buy your own. If you decide them to purchase them prior to the trip, these can be bought for approx. £30 from Decathlon or similar. You should buy those that fit comfortably in the shop: don't follow advice for them to be extra tight or a smaller shoe size than you would normally wear, because your feet will swell with the heat in Egypt anyway so finding a pair that fit like normal shoes and no tighter is important.

No, there are no departures scheduled over Ramadan as this trip relies on local Bedouin guides who will not be available to guide during this period.

This is not compulsory but for extra comfort we recommend you pack a 3-season sleeping bag (-10 C comfort rating), a sleeping mat and if you wish, a camping pillow.

Please note that there is no phone signal throughout the desert safari. Please let your loved ones know so that they don’t worry. You can give them this number for emergency calls +20 1004040181.

Yes, however you may bring your own snorkel and mask if you prefer.

Dahab is an amazing adventure destination and your local host is a true activity specialist, offering a wide range of extra optional tours such as bouldering, climbing, diving and mountain climbing. Just reach out to them prior to your trip and they'll be happy to provide any information and arrange extra services for you. If you wish to extend your trip in Cairo & the pyramids, the easiest is to fly from Sharm El Sheikh to Cairo (1 hr). There is also a bus which connects Dahab and Cairo 4 times daily and takes approx. 9 hours (go-bus.com / bluebus.com).

In Egypt, it is a legal requirement for all hotels and tourism operators to take a copy of guests' passports (or local ID for domestic travellers), which they must submit to the tourist police. In addition, your host must submit a copy of your passport to the National Park authorities for permission to travel in the area visited on this trip. The application for this permission must be completed at least a day in advance, so your host asks for these in advance of travel to ensure trip preparations are complete in time for your arrival. Passport scan copies held by Much Better Adventures are deleted after your trip has finished.

Our recommended travel insurance provider is Campbell Irvine.

Travel insurance is compulsory for all of our adventures and you are required to provide your policy information before departing.

Your insurance should include adequate protection for overseas medical treatment, evacuation/repatriation, your baggage and equipment and the specific activities involved on your adventure. We also strongly recommend it includes cancellation and curtailment insurance, should you be unable to join your trip for specific reasons such as illness.

We fully endorse Campbell Irvine as their insurance offers all of the above, so get in touch with them or call on 020 7938 1734 to get your insurance sorted. We suggest that you book travel insurance as soon as you book your adventure, just to cover you for any last-minute life changes. We know you’re an active lot and injuries do happen!

We automatically convert prices from the local currency that a host receives to your chosen currency. We update our exchange rates on a daily basis so this does mean that prices displayed on the site are subject to currency fluctuations, which is why you may see them change over time.

If you wish to change the currency you pay in, head to the bottom of the page.

All of our group adventures are specially designed for adults to enjoy (18+) as we want these adventures to bring together outdoorsy people who are truly like-minded. Children can be accommodated on some private departures.

You're in good company. Our adventures are typically made up of a mix of solo travellers and small groups of two or three friends who simply love adventure, pushing themselves and meeting awesome like-minded people. See here for more info about our lovely bunch of Much Better Adventurers.

Want to book a private trip? Just tap ‘Private Group’ in the dates and prices tab.

Your trip is led by carefully curated local hosts and expert guides. See here for more info about the guides we work with.

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