02
Desert Dawn
El Nawamis Sunrise Expedition
Watch golden dunes glow beneath the first morning light over Bedouin tea, then journey through Al Makhroum and the coloured peaks of Gabal Alwan to the ancient stone tombs of El Nawamis.
South Sinai · Egypt
Above the Clouds
Mount St Catherine Sunrise Journey
The Journey
Set out under starlight and climb the granite path toward Egypt's highest peak. As dawn breaks, the whole of the Sinai range unfolds beneath you — silent, vast, and impossibly still.
What to expect
The climb begins in darkness. With a Bedouin guide who knows every turn of the path, we move slowly up the granite toward Egypt’s highest peak — the cold, clear air and a sky thick with stars the only company. Near the summit we stop, wrap up warm, and wait.
Then the horizon catches fire. Dawn spreads across the whole Sinai range, peak after peak lifting out of the dark. The descent is gentler and unhurried, ending at the ancient walls of Saint Catherine’s Monastery before the long, quiet drive home.
This is a demanding night — a real climb in the cold — but the reward is one of the most extraordinary sunrises on earth.
Glimpses
From the journey
The day
Hour by hour
22:00
Departure from Dahab
We set off in the evening and drive deep into the mountains, leaving the coast and its lights behind.
23:45
Arrival at the base of Moses Mountain
We leave the vehicle and make our way to the foot of the ancient stone steps.
00:30
Begin the ascent
We start the climb up the 750 ancient mountain steps toward the viewing platform at the summit.
03:30
Arrive at the viewing platform
Time to recover from the climb, breathe the cold, clear air, and wait for the sun to rise below you.
06:00
Sunrise, then the descent
As the sun clears the horizon and lights the range, we begin the walk back down the mountain path.
07:30
Explore Saint Catherine's Monastery
A short visit to the ancient monastery before we make our way back toward Dahab.
08:30
Begin the return to Dahab
The quiet drive home — tired, but seeing Sinai with new eyes.
Details
What's included
Included
- —Private transportation from Dahab
- —Experienced local and Bedouin mountain guide
- —Foreign tourist entry permits
- —Monastery entry permits
- —Bottled water and fresh fruit
Not included
- ×Food (available on request)
- ×Tips/gratuities for guides and drivers
- ×Activities or services not listed in the itinerary
Pricing
From $59 per person
2 – 3 guests$100 per person
4 – 5 guests$83 per person
6 – 7 guests$71 per person
8 – 9 guests$59 per person
Before you go
Good to know
- — Comfortable clothes in layers — it is cold at the summit — and sturdy shoes suitable for hiking
- — A small backpack for water, snacks, and personal items, plus a camera or phone
- — Please follow your guide's safety instructions at all times
- — Leave no trace — please take all belongings and waste with you
- — Please respect local customs and the historical sites we visit
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03
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04
Desert Farm Tour
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A hidden, self-sufficient desert farm, a jeep safari into the surreal Lost Canyon, and the day closing on a golden Sinai sunset.