Multi-day camel treks with Bedouin guides through the dramatic South Sinai mountains, sleeping in Bedouin camps under the stars and visiting desert oases. Short 2-hour camel rides available at Giza and Aswan for a taste of the experience.
Camel trekking through the South Sinai highlands with Bedouin guides is one of Egypt's most authentic cultural and landscape experiences, following ancient trading and pilgrimage routes through a mountainous desert of extraordinary geological drama. The St. Katherine Protectorate, a UNESCO-listed natural area covering 4,350 square kilometres, provides the primary trekking zone: a granite massif of peaks ranging from 2,000 to 2,637 metres traversed by Bedouin camel paths that have been in active use for millennia.
Multi-day treks are typically arranged in Dahab, St. Katherine village, or Nuweiba through licensed Bedouin outfitters who supply the camels, guide, cook, camping equipment, and all meals. Standard routes include the three-day circuit from St. Katherine to the Abu Giffa canyon, the five-day Abu Tarfah plateau route, and the week-long full traverse to Nuweiba on the Gulf of Aqaba coast. Accommodation is in Bedouin-style open-sided huts at desert campsites or under blankets in the open canyon. Nights in the mountains are cold from October through March, with temperatures dropping to near freezing at elevations above 2,000 metres.
Participants share the trail with the camels rather than riding for the full duration: trekkers walk sections of steep rocky terrain where camels carry packs, then ride across open wadis and plateau approaches. The split is typically 40–60% walking depending on route difficulty. No previous riding experience is required, as the camels are led rather than independently directed; participants are instructed in basic mount and dismount technique at the outset. Basic fitness sufficient for four to six hours of walking per day is expected.
Single-day camel rides of two to four hours are available at Giza and Aswan through licensed stable operators for visitors who cannot commit to a multi-day trek, priced at approximately EGP 600–1,200 per ride. These shorter rides provide an introduction to the animal and the landscape but differ significantly from the wilderness multi-day experience available in Sinai.
Activity facts
- Where
- South Sinai mountains, St. Katherine Protectorate, Sinai Peninsula, Egypt
Highlights
- Multi-day wilderness treks through St. Katherine Protectorate on ancient Bedouin pilgrimage routes through pink granite peaks
- Overnight desert camping in granite canyons under skies remote from city light — extraordinary star field visibility
- Mixed walking and riding itinerary through Abu Giffa canyon and high plateau approaches with camel-carried luggage
- Culturally immersive experience guided by indigenous South Sinai Bedouin communities with generations of local knowledge
- Short two- to four-hour camel rides at Giza or Aswan available for visitors unable to commit to a multi-day trek
Tips for visiting
- Bring layered clothing: Sinai nights drop sharply below 10°C at altitude from October to April even when days are warm.
- Arrange a multi-day trek directly with a Bedouin outfitter in St. Katherine village to reduce intermediary fees and ensure revenue reaches local guides.
- Confirm the guide holds a St. Katherine Protectorate overnight camping permit — this is legally required for camping within the protected area.
- Padded cycling shorts or riding tights significantly reduce saddle soreness on longer camel rides; ask the outfitter about hire availability.
- Water purification tablets or a filter bottle are recommended for multi-day routes where spring water supplements carried supplies.
Frequently asked questions
Is camel trekking suitable for people with no riding experience?
Yes. South Sinai camels used for trekking are led by Bedouin guides on long rope leads, particularly on steep or rocky ground. Participants are briefed on how to sit and balance before mounting, and no riding ability is required.
What should I pack for a multi-day Sinai camel trek?
A sleeping bag rated to 0°C (even for October departures), warm underlayers, sun protection, sturdy closed-toe shoes or hiking boots, a small day pack, and personal medications. Outfitters provide camping equipment, blankets, and all food.
Can I summit Mount Catherine or Mount Sinai on the same itinerary?
Yes — many five- to seven-day itineraries include summit hikes to both peaks. Mount Sinai (Jebel Musa, 2,285m) is popular as an overnight ascent; Mount Catherine (2,637m) requires a full day and guide assistance on the upper section.
How much should I tip the Bedouin guide and cook?
A standard tip for a three-day trek is EGP 300–500 per guide per group per day, divided according to group size. The cook is typically tipped separately at EGP 100–200 per day of the itinerary.