Image credit: By Mohammed Moussa – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=28338950
The most popular ways to see the wonders of Egypt are via 4×4 vehicles or on the back of a camel. But here on Trek Seek, we know that there’s no better way than going wherever your feet take you, when navigating this African country’s magnificent terrain. If you’re up for a hike, here are some of the best Egyptian trails you can try.
The Blue Lagoon Hike
With the Sinai Mountains to your left and the vivid colors of the Red Sea to your right, this hike takes you through one of the most beautiful paths in the world. Start your short journey at the Blue Hole, whose underwater beauty has made it a world-famous diving spot. Once you get to the Blue Lagoon, you can take a dip in the relaxing waters, learn how to kitesurf, or just have some Bedouin tea as the sun sets in one of the lagoon’s camps.
The Colored Canyon
At 800 meters long, the Sinai Peninsula’s Colored Canyon gets its name from the various hues of red, brown, green, blue, purple, orange, and yellow that swirl and run through its walls. The Culture Trip provides a scientific explanation for these otherworldly works of art: they are a result of the area’s geological history. The canyon’s sandstone, granite, and limestone walls were once part of the Red Sea, whose receding tides led to the enamoring swirls that the canyon is famous for today. Try not to get too hypnotized by the colors, and watch your step!
Image credit: By Christian Müller, Sickte, Deutschland – privates Foto, Copyrighted free use, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=23275924
The Valley of the Whales
This UNESCO World Heritage Site gets its name from its fossils, which shed light on the evolutionary history of the whale. Also known as Wadi El-Hitan and located in the Fayoum Oasis, the Valley of the Whales is also known as one of the easiest hikes in Egypt. Nearby activities include sand boarding on the dunes, kayaking at the nearby waters, horse riding, or simply stargazing on a clear night.
Image credit: By Mohammed ali Moussa – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=32505618
Mount Catherine at the Sinai Trail
This trail forms just a part of what National Geographic calls the number one new trail in the world: the 137-mile long Sinai Trail. If you’re not up for that long distance hike, you can just take the Mount Catherine trail, which starts at Saint Catherine. From there, it’s a 15-mile high-altitude hike towards the final point at Saint Catherine’s Monastery. Along the way, you’ll get to see sights like the Abbas Basha castle ruins, gorgeous mountain passes, and even natural pools of blue water amid the surrounding rocks.
Image credit: By Mohammed Moussa – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=35232442
Wadi Delga Protectorate
This hiking spot features wildlife such as deer, red foxes, and mountain rabbits as you cross a valley bordered by limestone rocks that were formed over the years by rainwater. Despite its secluded feel, the Wadi Delga Protectorate is actually conveniently located near other famous tourist spots. It’s a mere 5 minutes away from the hustle and bustle of Maadi, and just 40 minutes from the Giza Pyramid complex, which is without a doubt Egypt’s most famous landmark. The pyramids are so iconic that beyond their usual depiction in movies and at entertainment hubs like the Vegas Strip, they’ve begun showing up in various unconventional mainstream forms of modern media, as well as digital games. Pyramid Quest for Immortality hosted on Foxy Bingo shows the landmark in all its glory, symbolizing the significance of the Ancient Egyptian era even today. This just goes to show how monumental these ancient structures have become, both literally and figuratively. What’s more, you can check them out yourself once you’re done hiking Wadi Delga.
