South Sinai is Egypt's premier resort governorate, encompassing the tip of the Sinai Peninsula between the Gulf of Suez and the Gulf of Aqaba. Home to world-class diving at Sharm el-Sheikh, biblical pilgrimages to Mount Sinai, and the laid-back beach culture of Dahab, it offers one of the most diverse adventure and relaxation destinations in the Middle East.
Top trails
Routes worth lacing up your boots for.
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1
Mount Sinai Summit Trail (Camel Path)
The main route to the summit of Mount Sinai (2,285 m), the Camel Path follows a broad, well-worn trail used by camels for the first two-thirds of the ascent before the final climb via the Steps of Repentance (750 stone steps) to the summit chapel. The trail is walked at night by most visitors to reach the summit for sunrise.
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2
Mount Sinai - Steps of Repentance (Direct Route)
A direct ascent from St. Catherine's Monastery via 3,750 stone steps carved by a local monk as an act of penance. The route is steep and relentless—no camel option—but more dramatic than the Camel Path and offers excellent solitude before dawn.
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3
Mount Catherine (Gebel Katerina)
A full-day ascent of Egypt's highest mountain at 2,642 m, Mount Catherine rewards with supreme isolation and views that on a clear day extend from the Red Sea to the Israeli Negev desert. Far fewer visitors climb Catherine than Sinai, making it a more adventurous and rewarding experience.
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4
Colored Canyon Hike
A stunning walk through narrow sandstone and limestone slot canyons near Nuweiba, the Colored Canyon trail winds through multicolored geological layers of yellow, red, purple, and white mineral deposits. Some scrambling over boulders required.
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5
White Canyon Hike
A narrower, less-visited canyon near Nuweiba with dramatic bleached-white limestone walls and some impressive natural arches. Often combined with the Colored Canyon for a full canyon day.
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6
Wadi Mandar Trek
A dramatic full-day hike through the Wadi Mandar canyon system near St. Catherine, passing towering granite walls, ancient Bedouin rock inscriptions, desert springs, and rare endemic plant species. A Bedouin guide is essential.
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7
Abu Gallum Coast Trek
A spectacular coastal hike from Dahab north through the Ras Abu Gallum Protectorate to secluded beaches accessible only on foot or by camel. The trail hugs the Gulf of Aqaba coastline through protected desert landscape with some of the best snorkeling beaches in the Dahab area.
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8
Ain Khudra Desert Safari
A desert oasis experience combining a 4x4 drive through the Sinai interior with a walk through the Ain Khudra oasis—a hidden paradise of palm trees, wild herbs, and a freshwater spring surrounded by dramatic rock formations. Overnight camping under the stars is the perfect ending.
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.