Although for many foreigners from around the world a trip to Egypt means a visit to the Giza Pyramids and a few ancient Egyptian temples in Luxor and Aswan, there's so much more to visiting Egypt than that. Often ignored in travel agencies' tour packages are Egypt's many nature reserves.
Egypt had declared more than 20 protected areas since the 1980s in hope of protecting its fragile ecosystems. The protectorates are home to different forms of biodiversity, ranging from the Red Sea's coral reefs to the Sinai mountains to the heat-ridden deserts. These seven protected areas are some of Egypt's most beautiful nature reserves.
1. Ras Muhammed National Park
Ras Muhammed National Park, Egypt's oldest and most well-known nature reserve, was established as a protected area in 1983 by the Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency. It lies in the southern extreme of the Sinai Peninsula and is a well-known diving destination as it is home to more than 220 species of coral and more than 1,000 species of fish.
2. St. Catherine Protected Area
Although many people visit the famous St. Catherine Monastery and climb Egypt's highest mountains, Mount Sinai and Mount Catherine, most are unaware that both are part of a nature reserve. The protectorate was established in 1996 to conserve the mountainous area of central south Sinai as it contains some of the world's oldest rock formations going back 600 million years ago, as well as a variety of plant species.
3. Abu Galum Protected Area
Located in South Sinai and established in 1992, this incredibly beautiful protectorate is home to breathtaking granite mountains, rich coral reefs, fresh water springs, coastal sand dunes and over 160 plant species. Away from the noise of resort cities such as Sharm El-Sheikh, it is areas like Abu Galum that give travelers the chance to experience the true beauty and serenity of Egypt's Red Sea coast.
4. White Desert Protected Area
The White Desert is a national park located 45 kilometeres north of the town of Farafra in the Farafra Oasis in Egypt's Western Desert. The protectorate is home to rock colored from snow-white to cream color and massive chalk rock formations. The fascinating protectorate and its remoteness draws travelers who seek quiet and adventure.
5. Nabq Protected Area
Established in 1992 and located 35 kilometers north of Sharm El Sheikh in Sinai, this protectorate is the largest coastal Protected area on the Gulf of Aqaba. With an area of over 600 square kilometers, it is home to over 160 plant species and extremely rich coral reefs. In addition to its biological diversity, Nabq is a region that has breathtaking natural beauty, it is even considered by some to be the most beautiful area on Egypt's Red Sea coast.
6. Wadi El-Ryan Protected Area
Located in Egypt's Western desert about 80 kilometers west of the Nile, this protectorate is home to Egypt's largest waterfalls, as well as many sand dunes which make it an exciting destination for any adventurer looking for a great camping destination.
7. Lake Qarun Protected Area
Lake Qarun lies in El Fayoum just an hour away from Cairo and was established in 1983. Over 80 species of birds have been spotted in the protectorate as thousands of migrant birds escaping Europe's cold take it as their home. In addition to the diversity of birds, it is also home to rare fossils, geological formations and ancient Egyptian monuments.