Nestled in the heart of the Sinai Peninsula, Saint Catherine, Egypt is the country’s hiking paradise. The mountainous town offers adventurous trails, a rich history, and picturesque landscapes. So, if you’re a hiking enthusiast and outdoor lover, you should definitely include this heavenly destination in your Egypt itinerary. Read along as I put together a full hiking guide for the best trails to explore in Saint Catherine, Egypt.

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About Saint Catherine, Egypt

Saint Catherine is a mountainous Bedouin town in the heart of South Sinai, Egypt. The town isn’t just nature’s work of art or a hiking haven – it also has a rich history and sacred significance for all three Abrahamic religions. It’s believed that the Biblical story of the Burning Bush had taken place there. The town is also home to Mount Sinai, locally known as Jebel Mousa, the second-highest mountain in Egypt, and where Moses is believed to have received the 10 commandments. Not just that, but Saint Catherine is also home to the Jebeliya tribe, a Bedouin community with a mindblowing history worth reading about. 

The Best Hiking Trails in Saint Catherine, Egypt

From the highest mountains in the country to vast rugged valleys and canyons, Saint Catherine, Egypt offers a diverse range of trails for every adventurer. Feel free to mix and match any of the following hikes if you have the time to go on a multi-day trek. Just consult with your guide first about which routes go best with one another. 

P.S.: The following durations are approximate estimates for active hiking, covering both the ascent and descent. Keep in mind that factors such as time spent at the summit, break frequency, and individual fitness levels can influence these times.

Mountain Hikes in Saint Catherine, Egypt

#1 Mount Catherine

The highest mountain in Egypt, Mount Catherine, is a popular choice amongst Saint Catherine’s visitors for obvious reasons. Standing at 2,642 meters (8,668 ft), Mount Catherine offers a challenging yet rewarding hike to the country’s highest peak. The views from up there are absolutely breathtaking!

• Elevation: 2,642 m (8,668 ft)
• Approximate duration: 8-9 hours
• Difficulty level: Challenging 

#2 Mount Sinai

Another popular choice is hands down Mount Sinai, one of the tallest mountains in Egypt at 2,285 meters (7,497 ft). Locally referred to as Jebel Moussa, Mount Sinai is also a popular pilgrimage site, as it’s believed to be where Moses received the Ten Commandments. As you make your way down, you can also visit the famed St. Catherine Monastery at its base and see the site of the Burning Bush.

The Mount Sinai hike is the dearest to my heart because this was my first-ever hike – this was where I fell in love with hiking! Hiking Mount Sinai can be beginner-friendly if you’re physically active; however, the final 750 steps toward the summit are a bit challenging. But don’t fret – it’s totally worth every second of it! The sunrise and sunset views from up there are incredible!

• Elevation: 2,285 m (7,497 ft)
• Approximate duration: 4-5 hours
• Difficulty level: Moderate

#3 Mount Abbas

Coming in third place in terms of altitude is none other than Mount Abbas. It may not be as popular as Mount Sinai and Mount Catherine, but it sure has an interesting history as well. 

Abbas Pasha, former Wali of Egypt, had suffered from asthma, and doctors at the time had advised him to spend time somewhere with dry weather. To test the weather conditions, he ordered his people to place a piece of meat on several peaks to see how fast each would go bad. This experiment helped him choose this mountain to build a castle on the summit for him to stay for a while. However, the construction was stopped upon the death of Abbas Pasha and there’s nothing left up there but ruins, great views, and a great story to tell. 

Also, this was where I first witnessed snow in Egypt!

• Elevation: 2,383 m (7,818 ft)
• Approximate duration: 5.5-6 hours
• Difficulty level: Moderate

#4 Mount Safsafa

Located near Mount Sinai, Mount Safsafa offers a quieter alternative to the Mount Sinai hike if you’re seeking solitude. The hike is paved with stunning rock formations, which also means a lot of scrambling is involved, so you’ve got to be prepared for that. 

• Elevation: 2,168 m (7,113 ft)
• Approximate duration: 5.5-6.5 hours
• Difficulty level: Moderate

#5 Mount Bab El Donia

“Bab El Donia” is Arabic for “Gate of the World”. As the name suggests, this mountain brings its hikers magical views and scenic trails, offering them a truly exceptional and memorable experience.  

• Elevation: 2,090 m (6,857 ft)
• Approximate duration: 2.5-3 days
• Difficulty level: Moderate 

#6 Mount El Banat

This one may be named after a spooky legend, but the folk tale behind it is what attracts its visitors the most, believe it or not. The mountain was named Jebel El Banat, which means “the girls’ mountain” in Arabic, after a local legend. The legend says that 3 young women braided their hair together at the summit and sought refuge in the slopes to escape an arranged marriage.

• Elevation: 1,780 m (5,840 ft)
• Approximate duration: 7-8 hours
• Difficulty level: Moderate

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Other Hikes in Saint Catherine, Egypt

Beyond its majestic mountains, Saint Catherine, Egypt is also home to an abundance of stunning landscapes, including valleys, canyons, and plateaus. You can explore the following places on standalone hikes or incorporate them into your mountain hikes as alternative routes. Either way, I promise you the journey will be rewarding. 

#1 Wadi Tlah 

This vast valley surrounded by marvelous granite cliffs offers a cinematic view of the desert landscape. On this picturesque trail, you may stumble upon occasional wildlife and wonderful acacia trees, adding to the whole experience.

• Elevation: 1,500 m (4,921 ft)
• Approximate duration: 3.5-4 hours
• Difficulty level: Easy

#2 Wadi El Arbae’in

Wadi El Arbae’in, which is Arabic for “Valley of the 40”, is the perfect fusion of adventure and cultural exploration. The hike through history will take you through a rugged terrain with occasional lush vegetation and natural springs, depending on the season. During the hike, you will also pass by local Bedouin gardens and landmarks of historical significance. If you’d like to take an alternative route to Mount Sinai, this is a great option.

P.S.: This trail will be closed until further notice.

#3 Darb Ahmar

Darb Ahmar, which literally translates to “Red Path” in Arabic, is a fun choice if you’d like to take a non-traditional route to Mount Catherine. It’s a longer and more challenging route, as it involves a lot of scrambling; however, this means it’s more adventurous. It’s also a very scenic trail, so I highly recommend it. 

• Elevation: 2,318 m (7,605 ft)
• Approximate duration: 7-8 hours
• Difficulty level: Challenging

#4 Farsh Elias

Farsh Elias, or Elijah’s Plateau, is known for its tranquility and panoramic views. It’s an ideal spot to rest and recharge on multi-day hikes, or for a chill day hike just to connect with nature.

• Elevation: 1,900 m (6,234 ft)
• Approximate duration (from Far’a trail): 5-6 hours
• Approximate duration (from St. Catherine Monastery trail): 3.5-4 hours
• Difficulty level (from Far’a trail): Moderate
• Difficulty level (from St. Catherine Monastery trail): Easy

#5 Farsh El Loza

If you’re looking for a laid-back hike with lots of hidden gems and scenic views, Farsh El Loza would be perfect. From almond trees, which the plateau was named after, to small churches hidden in the mountains, the hike to Farsh El Loza is loaded with surprises. I remember stumbling upon a small cute church called “El Keneesa El Madsousa” which translates to “the tucked church”, and behind it was this breathtaking natural pool!

• Elevation: 1,920 m (6,299 ft)
• Approximate duration: 5.5-6.5 hours
• Difficulty level: Moderate

FUN FACT: Did you know that Saint Catherine, Egypt is famous for its almonds? Not just that, but also for honey and olive oil! These 3 things are the best souvenirs you can get from there.

How to Book Hikes in Saint Catherine, Egypt

When booking a hike, choosing the right operator is crucial, especially when hiking in Egypt. The trails here can be pretty complicated, and the South Sinai desert can feel a bit maze-like, that’s why it’s best to hire a Bedouin guide. And since outdoor safety should be your number one priority when hiking, it’s also important to choose a trusted experienced guide.

Why Travel With Sinai Hikes?

To those traveling to Saint Catherine, Egypt I highly recommend booking with Sinai Hikes, a local team of expert Bedouin guides that organizes hiking trips around Sinai. Here are a bunch of reasons why I think they’re the best in the business:

• As I previously mentioned, nobody knows the desert better than the Bedouins, and Sinai Hikes’ guides are all from the Jebeliya tribe. Born and raised in Saint Catherine, Egypt, the Jebeliya people know the terrains there like the back of their hand.
• Since they live in the mountains, the Sinai Hikes team has extensive outdoor safety knowledge.
• Immersive authentic experiences are guaranteed. Hiking with Sinai Hikes offers a great chance to take a closer look at the authentic Bedouin culture. The guides will always have interesting stories to tell, and you’ll get to witness their traditions and unrivaled hospitality firsthand. 
• You’d help support and empower the local community. It’s worth mentioning that Sinai Hikes stresses the importance of paying their team members and service providers fair wages. This is their way of guaranteeing premium quality service and their act of rebellion against the exploitation of workers in the region.
• Their trips are solo travel-friendly and customizable. You can join one of their pre-planned hiking groups or you could have them customize a trip, tailored to your needs and interests, from scratch.
• As they’re part of the local Bedouin community, they’re committed to preserving Sinai’s nature by sticking to ethical outdoor practices. 

Important Things to Consider Before Your Trip to Saint Catherine, Egypt

Physical Fitness

Assess your fitness level and pick trails that match your physical capabilities. If you’re opting for a multi-day trek or an advanced hike, make sure you train and prepare for it in advance.

Weather Conditions

Saint Catherine, Egypt is known for its unique high-altitude desert climate, which sets it apart from other destinations in the region. The town is situated at an elevation of approximately 1,586 meters (5,203 ft) above sea level, meaning that it enjoys cooler temperatures, especially in winter. In fact, it’s the only place in Egypt that witnesses snow and hail every single year – usually around December or January. 

That said, it’s important to check the weather forecast in advance and plan accordingly. Be prepared for warm days and cold nights, especially when packing.

Packing the Right Gear

Aside from packing the appropriate clothes (and layers) for Saint Catherine’s unique climate, it’s also important to pack the right gear. Choose the right hiking shoes for the terrains you’ll be hiking, and don’t forget other essentials like a headlamp, sun protection, high-energy snacks, and so on. 

Be Ready to Adapt

Since we’ve already established that the climate is unique in Saint Catherine, Egypt, you also need to know that it can be pretty unpredictable, especially in winter. That’s why you need to be ready to adapt and keep an open mind towards making last-minute changes in your itinerary if necessary. 

On my last multi-day trek in Saint Catherine, I remember we had to make some last-minute changes due to extreme weather conditions for our own safety. We ended up having a wonderful time regardless as we got to see other beautiful places otherwise we wouldn’t have seen.  

Respect the Environment

Saint Catherine, Egypt is considered a natural protectorate, and even if it wasn’t, it’s important that you respect Mother Nature. Follow the 7 Principles of Leave No Trace; avoid littering; don’t take anything with you, and be respectful of local wildlife and sacred sites.

To wrap it up…

Hiking in Saint Catherine, Egypt is not just about breathtaking vistas and adventurous terrains – the ancient town takes you on a historical journey. Every trail and every corner tells a different story, offering you a fully immersive experience and an unforgettable trip.

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You might also like:

• The Ultimate Outdoor Safety Guide for Hikers
• The Ultimate Hiking Packing List: Must-Have Gear and Essentials

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