Getaway Gems

Change of scenery

By Farah Amin

Ras Abu Galum, Sinai

Situated between Dahab and Nuweiba, Abu Galum is a 400km square on the coast of South Sinai and is a Managed Resource Protected Area and is considered one of the most picturesque locations in Egypt.

The wildlife reserve is home to one of the world’s most unique and mostly undisturbed coral reef with a high diversity of reef fish, as well as spectacular granite mountains, sinuous valleys, fresh water springs and coastal sand.

The Fjord Bay, Taba

Located 15 kilometers South of Taba, The Fjord is a spectacular spot for diving housed by stunningly beautiful bay with amazing coral reefs and breath-taking scenery. For hardcore divers, there is the Fjord Hole, a site 16 meters in depth that is reached by following the huge coral bed, and goes even deeper to 24 meters concealing the amazing marine life down under.

Pharoh’s Island, Taba

Overflowing with pristine nature, Taba also has historic relevance in the Pharoh’s Island. 7 km South of Taba belongs a tiny turquoise islet known as the Pharoh Island and where sits an ancient fortress of the restored Castle of Salah El Din. Built by the Crusaders in 1115 and captured by Salah El din in 1170 as a bulwark against fear over Crisader penetration south from Palestine. Over the last six years, the citadel and island were closed to tourists in order to decrease the amount of seawater flooding the citadel, cement wave breakers were constructed in the sea around the citadel. The external walls were made stronger and other structures repaired.

In addition to the attraction of the spectacular backdrop of the citadel, the Pharoh Island makes for a great day trip with its crystalline waters and corals for snorkeling and swimming

Qulaan Islands, Wadi El Gemal, Hamata

Located in the south of Egypt, and 180 km south of Marsa Alam, in the protected area of the National Park of Wadi El Gemal, Hamata.

This is quite a magical part of Egypt that would leave you in disbelief that it’s in the same country as Cairo. Adequate in rare wildlife under the sea, and dolphins along with islands where you would fin mangrove trees, long stretches of white sand beaches and birds soaring up above.

Qulaan Islands stretches over a bay that is divided into four pieces of land with mangrove trees all around. This setting creates a sustainable eco-system for the wildlife under the sea and the birds that come to feed.

Hamata attracts avid scuba divers and snorkelers where there is plenty to feast their eyes on, beneath the crystal clear blue waters or the Red Sea.

Guidescertified divers are usually present to take you around the area and show you the most beautiful spots. If you’re more into the relaxation route, available are luxury boats at the Hamata Marina that take you to Qualaan, as there is no place to stay on the islands or bay, where you have the choice of spending the night on the boat itself.

The same boats could take you on a tour to theSatayh dolphin reef near the area in Fury Shoal reefs, where it stretches over six kilometers and is shaped like a boomerang where you could also watch the dolphins and sea mammals.