Planning your big trip to Egypt? Well, if you have enough time after your Indiana Jones epic adventure, then you should include an off the beaten path part in your Egypt itinerary. And what’s better than heading to the golden land of Sinai to do so?

The Sinai Peninsula is the Asian part of Egypt, and South Sinai is known for its countless gems. Whether you’re a nature lover, a hardcore adventurer, or a foodie, South Sinai has something to offer you for sure. If you’re following me on Instagram, then you’ve probably come across my recent South Sinai solo road trip. I got lots of messages and questions about that trip, and here I am, finally revealing my complete itinerary. So, buckle up!

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First, do you need to rent a car?

An Off the Beaten Path Egypt Itinerary

I’ll be sharing with you the itinerary I covered on my last trip below, and afterwards, I’ll add a couple of extra stops you might want to make if you have more time.

Ras Muhammed

This national park/nature reserve is a heavenly spot (especially for divers and snorkelers) that is surely underrated when it comes to spending the night. Ras Muhammed’s visitors are usually tourists coming from Sharm El Sheikh for a day trip, but did you know it had campsites too? Well, that’s what I did there, I went camping on my first night!

I stayed at the first campsite on the left, called Geme’a. It’s a quiet campsite run by a friendly bedouin called Mohsen. You can bring your own tent, but if you don’t have one, don’t worry; Mohsen will have your back covered (literally). He can offer your a really cozy tent with a a mattress, clean sheets, and a blanket. I already had my own tent, but he was so sweet that he had one set up for me anyway.

As soon as I arrived, I took a dip in the pristine waters of the Red Sea. Soon after, Mohsen had prepared a hearty bedouin meal for me to enjoy. I then went back to enjoy the sunset and one of the most impeccable views I had ever witnessed.

Afterwards, it was time for a stargazing session; if you’re camping solo as I did, this would be your main activity for the rest of the night. It’s only you, the milky way, the sound of the waves, and (heads up) potential crabs and snails. Of course, the campsite provided me with a box of candles and a kilim (bedouin rug) to lay on. Anyhow, I took this opportunity to practice my night photography skills.

This whole stay, including breakfast the following morning, cost me EGP 450 only (EGP 400 after sweet Mohsen gave me a discount). That’s, of course, in addition to the national park’s entry ticket which cost EGP 50. This covered my entry, the parking ticket, and the fee for staying overnight.

Nabq

After having breakfast, I headed to my next stop, Nabq, another nature reserve that’s always been on my bucket list. Located in Sharm El Sheikh, which is pretty close to Ras Muhammed, this place is a true hidden gem.

There are several beaches you can enjoy there, as well as a cafeteria. The highlight though would have to be Rowaisseia Mangrove beach. Yes, mangroves, in Egypt! The scenic spot also views the famed Maria Schroder shipwreck, which makes it a perfect spot for photographers.

As for the adventurous ones, I can’t miss mentioning Nabq Adventures Camp, the only camp of its kind in the nature reserve. The wonderful pace doesn’t just offer lavish cabins, overlooking mangrove trees, but also a variety of fun activities. Kayaking, check; sand boarding, check; desert safari, check. I was lucky enough to run into the camp’s owner who showed me around and generously hosted me for lunch.

This camp is top-notch and highly recommended for solo travelers and groups of friends alike, whether you’re there for a day-use or to spend the weekend. And the cherry on top? It’s pet-friendly! You just need to inform them in advance if you’re bringing your furry buddy along as an extra charge may apply.

P.S: The entry ticket to the nature reserve itself cost me EGP 40.

Nuweiba

I then headed to Nuweiba, the furthest point on my itinerary, and arrived right on time for the most magical sunset (not even exaggerating) I’ve ever seen. The Sinai mountains adorning the crystal clear Red Sea and the setting sun throwing all sorts of shades on the water is a view that screams serenity. This was the perfect spot for me to hit pause, relax, and unwind.

If you’re spending some time in Nuweiba, then you need to carefully pick the right camp. You need to choose somewhere that fits your vibe. I stayed at Dayra Camp, which turned out to be the right choice for me and luckily, did not disappoint one bit. Two nights at a front-row hut with a rooftop on the Red Sea, including breakfast and dinner, cost me EGP 800 only.

Booking.com

When in Nuweiba, you can go and explore the desert and go on hiking excursions if you wish, which is also a great way to unwind. From the Colored Canyon to Wadi El Weshwashi, Nuweiba’s nature will surprise you.

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Relevant Read:

• Dayra Camp: An Astonishing Paradise by the Red Sea

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Dahab

Even though Dahab was before Nuweiba on the road, I decided to make this my final stop on my way back home. On one hand, I made my ride back one hour shorter (trust me, it mattered), and on another, Dahab to me is home away from home, so it made perfect sense to say goodbye to Sinai there (sounds cheesy, I know).

This time, however, I didn’t do much in Dahab. I only stayed a couple of nights there to visit some friends and pay my favorite restaurants a visit (God, I had missed the food there). But, if you’re planning to go to Dahab anytime soon, then you definitely want to check out my complete unconventional guide to the beach town.

Other Recommendations for Your Egypt Itinerary

Saint Catherine

If you have enough time, then your Egypt itinerary must involve Saint Catherine. If you’re a mountain lover and an avid hiker, then to you, this would be paradise; double that if you’re a history buff. From the 3-peak challenge to the Biblical sites, learn more about Saint Catherine and the Jebeliya people here.

Ras Sudr

Being only two hours and a half away from my Cairo, Ras Sudr would make a great first stop or the last stop to take a break from driving back. I was meant to include it in my itinerary on my last trip, but since I planned it all last minute, I couldn’t find available bookings. Ras Sudr is a super popular destination amongst Cairenes, in particular, mainly because of its proximity to the capital. So, make sure to ALWAYS plan ahead and book your accommodation there in advance.

Booking.com

But that’s not the only reason behind its popularity; Ras Sudr is considered the number 1 kitesurfing hub in Egypt. So, whether you’d want to practice some brilliant tricks or take a course, there are lots of centers there such as 360 Sudr and Soul Kitesurfing.

An Overview of the Map

I put together this unusual Egypt itinerary on a map for you below so you’d better visualize it. Feel free to add or remove stops and take different routes; it’s easily customizable!

Breakdown of Costs for 5 Days

• Gas: EGP 793 (That’s around 2.5 full tanks)
• Tolls: EGP 68 (One way: EGP 10 at Suez toll gate + EGP 20 at South Sinai toll gate + EGP at Sharm El Sheikh toll gate)
• Nature reserves’ tickets: EGP 90 (EGP 50 at Ras Muhammed + EGP 40 at Nabq)
• Accommodation: EGP 2,400 (EGP 400 at Ras Muhammed + EGP 400/night in Nuweiba + EGP 600/night in Dahab) – That includes some meals (breakfast and dinner in Ras Muhammed and Nuweiba and breakfast in Dahab)
• Extra meals + extra activities + miscellaneous expenses: variable

Need help planning your trip to Egypt? Click here to learn more about my travel planning services.

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Don’t Forget Your Travel Insurance!

Travel (solo or not) isn’t always rainbows and butterflies – things might go down south sometimes. You might fall ill or lose your luggage, and that’s when you’ll thank me for having your back covered with travel insurance.

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You might also like:

• Epic Things to Do in Dahab: Your Unconventional Guide
• How to Prep for an Adventurous Solo Road Trip
• Road Trip Essentials You Should Pack

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