Egypt Sinai Desert Camel Trek

Sinai Peninsula, Egypt · Egypt

Moderate7 daysAfrica~£800 est.

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Overview

The high Sinai around St Catherine is Bedouin country, and a week's camel-supported trek with Jebeleya guides moves at the desert's own pace: walking the cool hours, brewing sweet tea in wadi shade at noon, and sleeping in the open under a starfield with zero light pollution. The route weaves between granite massifs to climax on Mount Sinai at 2,285 metres, climbed in darkness to reach the summit chapel for sunrise — the 3,750 Steps of Repentance are steeper but far quieter than the camel path. At the mountain's foot, St Catherine's Monastery has been continuously inhabited since the sixth century; its icon collection and the Burning Bush enclosure justify a full afternoon. The catch is the temperature swing: days stay warm even in winter, but high-desert nights drop towards freezing and almost everyone under-packs insulation. October–November and February–April are ideal; midsummer is punishing. Access is via Sharm el Sheikh with a road transfer to St Catherine village. Trekking here is remarkably good value — Bedouin cooperatives run all-inclusive camel treks for £70–100 a day, so £800 covers the week. Check current government travel advice for South Sinai before booking; the St Catherine area sits well away from the northern no-go zones, but it deserves a look.