Setting out on a camel tour through Egypt’s Sinai Desert offers a rare chance to step back in time and experience the landscape much as Bedouin tribes have for centuries. While we haven’t personally taken this exact trip, the detailed itinerary and glowing review paint a vivid picture of what travelers can expect. This journey promises breathtaking views, meaningful cultural encounters, and a real sense of adventure—perfect for those craving an authentic desert experience.
What we love about this tour is how it combines adventure with cultural discovery. First, the intimate connection with Bedouin traditions—riding camels across rugged terrain, visiting ancient inscriptions and sites. Second, the stunning scenery—from colorful canyons to towering sand dunes and serene oasis spots. Third, the flexibility—you can choose to do part of the tour or all six days, tailoring it to your physical fitness and time constraints. On the downside, the price might be a consideration for some, but for the experience offered, it’s well worth it. This tour seems best suited for travelers who enjoy outdoor adventures, history, and culture.
Key Points
- Authentic Bedouin Experience: Travel by camel, sleep under the stars, and visit ancient sites.
- Stunning Scenery: Expect a variety of landscapes including canyons, valleys, and sand dunes.
- Guided by Knowledgeable Local Guides: Guides share insights about history, culture, and geography.
- Flexible Tour Options: Choose to do part of the trip if pressed for time or physical fitness.
- All-Inclusive Pricing: Includes most meals, camping gear, and transportation, offering good value.
- Physical Requirement: Moderate fitness level needed; the terrain involves some hiking and scrambling.
An In-Depth Look at the Sinai Camel Tour
The 6-day Sinai Camel Tour from Dahab offers a compelling blend of adventure, culture, and natural beauty. Priced at $720 per person, it’s a substantial investment but one that provides a comprehensive insight into the Sinai’s rugged landscapes and Bedouin life. The tour is operated by King Safari Dahab St. Catherine/Mt. Sinai Trip and includes pickup, guiding, meals, and camping gear, making it an all-inclusive experience designed for travelers ready to embrace the desert’s wild side.
Looking for more options in Dahab? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.
Day 1: Wadi Gazallah and Salama Canyon
Your adventure kicks off with a hotel pickup at 8 am, followed by a one-hour drive south to Wadi Gazallah, where the camels await. The first ride lasts about 1.5 hours, leading you into Salama Canyon, famously called the Small Colored Canyon. The canyon’s flowing, multicolored rock formations make for a surreal landscape, perfect for photography and appreciating natural artistry. The hike in the canyon takes roughly 30 minutes, during which you’ll marvel at its flowing shapes and vivid hues.
Lunch is enjoyed in this scenic setting, after which the group rides to Wadi el Disco for dinner and overnight camping. This position is strategic—it puts you amidst stunning desert scenery, with the stars as your roof. The journey begins with a gentle introduction to desert life, guided by experienced Bedouin guides who seem to know every twist and turn of Sinai’s wilderness.
Day 2: Melehis Oasis and Surroundings
After breakfast, a one-hour camel ride takes you to Melehis Canyon, where you dismount and hike down into the oasis area, famed for its spring-fed waters. The oasis itself is a lush pocket in the arid landscape, offering a peaceful respite. Here, you’ll enjoy lunch before riding back to Wadi el Disco for a second night under the desert sky.
This stop is particularly special because it showcases Sinai’s hidden green corners. The guides often share stories of Bedouin life, and you’ll see how these water sources sustain the small communities and wildlife.
Day 3: Nagb el Hamidad and Ain Khudra Oasis
Day three introduces Nagb el Hamidad, a narrow canyon you’ll reach after a 30-minute ride, followed by a 20-minute scramble to explore its mysterious, winding interior. The adventure continues at Ain Khudra Oasis, believed by some to be the biblical Hazeroth. The oasis features a spring, date palms, and a tranquil atmosphere. Spending the night here, you’ll sleep in a tent or Bedouin-style accommodation, surrounded by ancient landscapes.
Day 4: White Canyon and Naomis Village
The White Canyon hike is a highlight, descending into its stunning white limestone walls and following its course until reaching the Rock of Inscriptions, over 2000 years old. After a half-hour camel ride, you arrive at Naomis Village, where you’ll have lunch, visit the 5000-year-old tomb (one of the earliest structures in the region), and experience Bedouin hospitality first-hand. Dinner and overnight are spent in the village, deepening your understanding of Sinai’s rich history.
Day 5: Arada Valley and the Double Canyon
Today’s adventure involves riding to Arada Valley, stopping for tea, and then visiting ancient inscriptions etched into desert rocks—more than 2000 years old. The Double Canyon hike involves some scrambling but rewards with breathtaking views and a sense of achievement. The group then returns to Arada Valley, where dinner is served, and you settle in for another night amid the natural and historical wonders of Sinai.
Day 6: Saffra Sand Dune and Return to Dahab
The final day begins with a two-hour camel ride to Saffra Sand Dune, an iconic spot for panoramic views of Sinai’s landscape. Climbing the dune gives you an unrivaled perspective on the vast, textured desert below. After lunch, you’ll ride back to Arada Valley and meet the vehicle, heading back to Dahab with memories of a journey that combines adventure, history, and natural beauty.
What Makes This Tour Stand Out?
Guides and Local Knowledge: The reviews commend guides like Joseph, Annet, and the Bedouin helpers for their friendliness and depth of knowledge. These guides are key to understanding Sinai’s history and culture, turning simple sightseeing into meaningful stories.
Stunning Views and Unique Landscapes: Expect an ever-changing palette of colors—from the reds and oranges of canyons to the stark whites of limestone formations and the soft hues of desert sands. The camel rides, especially to Saffra Dune, offer some of the best panoramas Sinai has to offer.
Authentic Cultural Encounters: Staying in Bedouin villages, sleeping under open skies, and exploring ancient inscriptions provide a genuine taste of Sinai’s Bedouin traditions and history.
Value for the Price: With most meals, camping gear, guide services, and transport included, the $720 price holds good value—especially considering the extensive itinerary and the remote wilderness areas visited. The tour’s flexibility, allowing shorter options, makes it accessible for different schedules and fitness levels.
Authentic Experience of Sinai’s Wilderness: The combination of hiking, camel riding, and camping under starry nights creates a memorable, immersive experience. It’s not just sightseeing—it’s living the desert adventure.
Practical Details and Tips
- Physical Fitness: Moderate fitness is required—some hiking, scrambling, and camel riding over uneven terrain.
- Inclusions: Camping mattresses, blankets, meals, water, and guided excursions make this a worry-free experience.
- Not Included: Personal expenses and tips are not included, so budget accordingly.
- Group Size: The tour caters to a maximum of 12 travelers, ensuring a personal experience.
- Timing: The tour starts promptly at 8 am, emphasizing punctuality for the best experience.
Who Should Consider This Tour?
This Sinai camel adventure is ideal for travelers seeking authentic culture combined with outdoor adventure. It suits those comfortable with a moderate physical activity level and interested in history, geology, or Bedouin traditions. It’s also a great choice for adventurous families or groups of friends eager to explore Sinai’s wild beauty in a responsible, guided setting.
While the price might seem high, the extensive itinerary and inclusions justify it for those valuing immersive experiences and expert guidance in remote environments. If you’re after a structured, meaningful desert journey with plenty of photo opportunities, this tour ticks many boxes.
FAQ
Is pickup offered for this tour? Yes, pickup from your hotel in Dahab is included, making logistics simple.
Can I book just part of the tour? Yes, you can opt for fewer days, and the price will be adjusted accordingly.
What’s the recommended fitness level? A moderate level of physical fitness is suggested, as the tour involves hiking, scrambling, and camel riding.
Are meals included? Most meals are included—five breakfasts, five dinners, and six lunches—covering the essentials for the journey.
Do I need my own camping gear? No, camping mattresses and blankets are provided, so you just need to bring your essentials and a sense of adventure.
What kind of scenery will I see? Expect a variety of landscapes, including colorful canyons, oasis spots, sand dunes, and ancient inscriptions.
How long are the camel rides? Rides range from about 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the day’s activities.
Is there free cancellation? Yes, cancellations up to 24 hours before the start are fully refundable.
What is the tour’s group size? The maximum number of travelers is 12, ensuring a more intimate experience.
Final Thoughts
This Sinai camel tour from Dahab offers a well-rounded adventure filled with natural beauty, ancient history, and Bedouin culture. It’s an excellent choice for travelers who want more than just sightseeing—who crave an authentic, immersive desert experience. From stunning canyon vistas to centuries-old inscriptions, every day reveals new layers of Sinai’s rugged charm.
While it requires some physical effort, the guides’ expertise and the thoughtfully curated itinerary make it accessible and rewarding. If you’re ready for a genuine desert adventure that combines scenic wonders with cultural insights, this tour could be the highlight of your Egypt trip.
In summary, this tour provides remarkable value for those seeking authentic Sinai experiences, guided by knowledgeable locals in a small group. It’s perfect for adventure lovers, history buffs, and those yearning to connect with Bedouin traditions amid some of Egypt’s most breathtaking landscapes.