The Red Sea Governorate is Egypt's premier coastal destination, stretching over 1,200km along the Red Sea coast and offering world-class diving, pristine coral reefs, and luxury beach resorts. From the bustling resort hub of Hurghada to the unspoiled shores of Marsa Alam, this governorate combines natural wonders with modern amenities. The region attracts millions of visitors annually seeking underwater adventures, desert safaris, and sun-soaked relaxation.
Top trails
Routes worth lacing up your boots for.
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1
St. Anthony's Monastery Cave Hike
A 2km hike up a well-marked trail from St. Anthony's Monastery to the cave of St. Anthony himself, high on the cliff face of the Red Sea Mountains where the saint lived as a hermit for decades. The trail rises steeply through dramatic limestone cliff scenery with sweeping views over the desert and the monastery below. The cave is a powerful place of pilgrimage and one of the most atmospherically memorable short hikes in Egypt.
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2
Wadi Hammamat Desert Walk
A walking exploration of Wadi Hammamat, the ancient desert road used by pharaonic expeditions to quarry stone and access the Red Sea coast. The wadi contains thousands of ancient inscriptions and petroglyphs ranging from Pre-Dynastic animal carvings to hieroglyphic texts of pharaohs. Walking the wadi floor beneath towering black basalt cliffs is an extraordinary time-travel experience.
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3
Gebel El Zeit Mountain Trail
Gebel El Zeit (Oil Mountain) is a dramatic isolated massif rising from the Red Sea coast north of Hurghada, notable as the site of ancient Egyptian bitumen quarries and one of the most important pre-Dynastic sites on the Red Sea. The mountain offers demanding hiking on unmarked trails through extraordinary geological scenery, with views stretching over the gulf of Suez. The summit hike rewards with panoramic views over the Red Sea.
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4
Wadi El Gemal Desert Walks
The Wadi El Gemal National Park offers several walking routes through its desert wadis, ancient emerald mining sites, and mangrove channels. The Bedouin guides based at Hamata village are extraordinarily knowledgeable about desert plants, wildlife, and the history of the ancient mining routes. Half-day and full-day desert walks are available.
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5
Red Sea Mountains Sunset Hike
A popular guided desert safari hike organized by several Hurghada operators into the Eastern Desert mountains 30-40km west of Hurghada. The walk takes you through dramatic wadi scenery, stopping to watch the sunset paint the mountains in extraordinary colors. Traditional Bedouin tea and dinner under the stars are included in most tour packages.
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6
Wadi Lahami Ancient Mines Trail
A guided walk to ancient emerald mines in the hills above Wadi Lahami, where pharaohs and later Roman emperors sourced precious beryl and emerald stones. The trail passes through dramatic desert wadi scenery, ancient mining shafts, and rubble heaps containing fragments of beryl crystals. The Lahami Bay Resort provides the most accessible base for this hike.
Trail difficulty levels
Pick a route that matches your fitness and experience.
Mostly flat, well-marked paths. Suitable for families and casual walkers.
Some elevation gain, longer distances. Requires basic fitness.
Significant climbs and exposure. Requires good fitness and route-finding.
Technical terrain, scrambling, or alpine conditions. Experience essential.
Local hazards
What to watch out for on the trail.
Sudden weather changes — always carry rain gear and warm layers.
Wildlife encounters — make noise on the trail and store food properly.
Trail conditions can deteriorate after rain — check recent reports before setting out.