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Welcome to Sheikh Sina

Sheikh Sina, a Bedouin run trekking company, strives to offer the best hiking and trekking experience in the South Sinai Mountains. We remain sensitive to the local environment and its people by promoting responsible travel in protected areas that have been selected as World Heritage sights by UNESCO.

Bedouin owned, working with 8 tribes
Building on 30 years of experience in tour operations
Specialized in treks to remote, unexplored areas
Proud to share local knowledge of the environment and its history

Sheikh Sina was founded by an EU initiative intended to equip Bedouin guides with hospitality management and language skills. The overall aim of the project is to improve mountain tourism operations in South Sinai by raising the quality of the already existing mountain hikes. Safety is of utmost importance, as are a stress on lowered environmental impacts. We also take the empowerment of local guides seriously and make sure that they are securing livelihoods through Sheikh Sina. Hikers will have a rich experience interacting with the Bedouin guides and experiencing South Sinai nature.

Currently there are native English, German and French speaking tour leaders working alongside the Bedouin guides.

The initiative also assists in building several Ecolodges in the South Sinai region.

Sights

The treks offer spectacular mountain views and well deserved relaxation at the various garden oases along the way. These gardens offer the opportunity to take a break and sample the delicious fruit in season. Tucked away in a network of valleys or wadis these green areas have been cultivated by Bedouins for centuries. As the trek progresses, the hiker will encounter diverse terrain, ancient ruins, various rock formations and the beautiful colors accompanying them. The rich variety of plant and animal life will also be of interest. The chance to experience this desert world and unique Bedouin way of life should not be missed.

Sheikh Sina currently offers treks in three regions, the Galt Region, the Umm Shomar Region and the Ain Hodra Region. The Wadi Feiran Region, with its important sights is coming soon!


Galt District The Galt Region is located in the center of in the central Sinai mountain range where Egypt's highest peaks are concentrated. In 2002 this area was nominated as a World Heritage Sight. It is characterized by sharp mountaintops and smooth granite massifs, a labyrinth of dry riverbeds dotted with green orchards and gardens, huge rock formations, granite water pools and narrow canyons. This region includes Sinai’s highest, Mt. Catherine at 2642m, along with other impressive peaks. Scattered throughout the region are several water pools large enough to swim in, Galt el Azraq and Kharazet el Shaq to name but a few . >>> more

Treks in the Galt Region:
arrow Wadi Jibal - Galt el Azraq Trek (3 days)
arrow Mt. Catherine - Galt el Azraq Trek (5 days)
arrow Mt. Abbas Basha - Kharazet el Shaq Trek (3 days)
arrow Mt. Abbas Basha - Kharazet el Shaq Trek (5 days)
arrow Full Galt Region trek (10 days)

 

Ain Hodra Variety is at the core of the Ain Hodra Region treks. Hikers choosing this program will walk through remote deserts expanses, over massive sand dunes, wind through hidden canyons, bask in the shade of age old oases, and have the chance to ride camels on the long wadi stretches that link these marvelous attractions. From beautiful sandstone formations, to massive granite peaks, to open sandy plateaus this hike offers a great overview of South Sinai’s unique geological make-up. The reward for tired legs is always a dip in the red sea, whether in one of the remote Nuweiba beach camps or in Ras Abu Galum, just north of Dahab. >>> more

Treks in the Ain Hodra Region:
arrow Il Bregar Trek (3 days)
arrow Ain Hodra - Nuweiba Trek (5 days)
arrow Jebel Birga Trek (3 days)
arrow Ain Hodra - Ras Abu Galum Trek (5 days)
arrow Nuweiba - Ras Abu Galum Trek (10 days)


 

Umm Shomar Jebel Umm Shomar, the second highest peak in Sinai (2586 m), stands on the Eastern perimeter of the high mountain range. From its peak, the entire southern horn of the peninsula can be seen on one side, and the high mountains on the other. The area is characterized by a complex system of long wadis - dried out river beds, leading down to the sea - carved out by regular flashfloods. Along the way are lush oases with date palms supporting small Bedouin settlements. The Byzantine ruins in the area, including the deserted Monasteries of Antush and Rimhan, are not to be missed. >>> more

Treks in the Umm Shomar Region:
arrow Wadi Rahaba - Umm Shomar Trek (3 days)
arrow Wadi Rahaba - Umm Shomar Trek (5 days)
arrow Wadi Rumhan - Wadi Isla Trek (3 days)
arrow Mt. Abu Masaud - Wadi Isla Trek (5 days)
arrow Full Umm Shomar Region Trek (10 days)


 

Wadi Feiran Region Wadi Feiran, the largest oasis in South Sinai lies at the foot of majestic Mt. Serbal, originally thought as the biblical Mt. Sinai. Although it is not the highest mountain in Sinai, it seems bigger than any other mountain as it stands in the midst of smaller mountains and hills, close to the coast of the Gulf of Suez.

North of Wadi Feiran there are vast sandy desert plains with significant archeological and natural sights, such as the Valley of the Inscriptions, the turquoise mines of the pharaos, the pharaonic temples at Serabit el Khadim, and the Forest of Pillars at Mt. Foqa.  >>> more

Programs in the Wadi Feiran Region:
arrow Mt. Serbal Trek (3 days)
arrow Sheikh Awad - Mt. Serbal Trek (5 days)
arrow Serabit el Khadem - Mt. Foga 4WD Add-Onn Program (2 days)


 

Mt. Sabbah 

COMING SOON: Mt. Sabbah is the last mighty mountain to the South, from which you can see both the Gulf of Suez and the Gulf of Aqaba. This trek leads from St. Catherine towards the tip of the peninsula through long sandy wadis, passing lush oases, before climbing the challanging peak.

arrow See trek in images


glyphThe treks involve approximately 6-7 hours of moderate walking every day, with a rest for lunch. In the summer months, an early start and long rests in the midday heat is in order, while in the winter, camp is folded later with a shorter break for lunch. All the equipment and food is carried by camel to the camp site each night, the hiker need only carry a daypack with water, some snacks and small personal belongings. (see packing checklist for further details)

Special Programs and Events

Marathon Des Sables Training Holiday
We will be offering a 9-day training plan that can be designed to suit your needs. Whether you are tapering your training intensity down for the final event, in full swing or only just starting your training regime. See details

Exodus revisited (3 days)
Take a walk through history and experience the rich spiritual heritage of the area. From the village of St. Catherine, at the base of Mt. Sinai, stops will be made at the various churches and monasteries that have peppered these mountains since the Byzantine era.
Over the course of these three days, most of the book of Exodus will be revisited. The drama that unfolded in Sinai over 3000 years ago, when Moses and the Israelites wandered through the desert, will be recreated. See details

 
   
 
  Financed by SSRDP and the European Union. Copyright © 2007. Sheikh Sina Bedouin Treks.
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