Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt

Sharm, as it is called, is a resort city located on the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula along the Red Sea. It is known for its beaches, casinos, coral reefs and shopping.  We explored the Sinai desert in 4 wheel drive Jeeps, stopping at the Nabq National Park, the Wadi Karayza, and a Bedouin camp.

Nabq Park has a mangrove "forest" that is able to grow vegetation in the salty water.  The park is acres of sand dunes, turquoise water of the Red Sea, and has a ship wreck near the coral reef.  This is said to be a great location for snorkeling.  Next we drove for 40 minutes through the open canyon called Wadi Karayza, which is flat, sandy, and has little vegetation.  We stopped to see an acacia tree, which has long, sharp thorns and is able to survive on little water.  The crown of thorns that Jesus wore while being crucified was made from this tree. Finally, we stopped at a Bedouin camp in the desert for sweet habak tea and freshly grilled flat bread.  Young boys brought their one-hump camels (dromedaries) out for us to ride.  You really have to hold on and lean back when the camels stand up and sit down!   We were entertained by a female belly dancer and a male who twirled a cape while dancing.  A really enriching cultural experience in the Sinai desert.

Sand and mangrove plants at Nabq National Park

ship wreck off the reef at Nabq Park

Desert terrain at Nabq Park

stopping in Wadi Karayza to look at the acacia tree

One-hump camel (Dromedary)

Grilling flat bread at the Bedouin camp

male dancer twirling fabric

watching entertainment at the Bedouin camp

belly dancer

at the Bedouin camp

Bedouin kids hamming it up for the camera

Bedouin home in the desert -- notice the satellite dish!