Egypt’s Best Camping Spots
The world population is expected to hit 10 billion people by 2050, limiting natural resources more than ever. Statistics show that as our numbers grow, natural landscapes will only shrink.
In Egypt, there are thousands of miles of pristine landscapes that still remain untouched by the hands of humans. Enjoying such natural beauty while it lasts is something that should be on every person’s to-do list.
Going camping is a wholesome experience that brings you closer to appreciating nature’s sanctity all the while learning about yourself.
Here is our pick of the best camping places around Egypt.
Fjord Bay
Nestled between the azure-blue waters of the Red Sea and the high-peaked mountains, the Fjord Bay is one of the most beautiful natural scenes in all of Egypt.
Campers can spend their day chilling on the gold sandy beach or go on a hike for a daring experience. Not only that but it also has one of the most underrated diving spots in all of Egypt with breathtaking corals.
Wadi Degla
On the outskirts of Cairo, minutes from Maadi, the Wadi Degla Nature Protectorate is a getaway for those of you unable to travel to distant locations.
With nothing but sleepy hills and awe-inducing landscapes, there is nothing but serenity and peace of mind at this place. At Wadi Degla, campers can enjoy a myriad of activities from jogging and mountain climbing to BBQing.
At night, if you are lucky enough, you may come across one of Wadi Degla’s many foxes and have a firsthand encounter with nature.
Ras Abu Gallum
Located along the coast from the Blue Hole, the Ras Abu Gallum Nature Protectorate is one of the most secluded places in Egypt, with nothing but sea, mountains, and stars. It’s very difficult to find phone signal there, so say goodbye to your social media, sit tight, and enjoy the beauty for your whole stay.
In Ras Abu Gallum there are numerous huts and camps belonging to the local Bedouin where you can stay. However, an even better idea would be to bring your own sleeping bag and doze off to the sound of waves and an unforgettable view of a star-studded night sky.
Ras Abu Gallum is also home to Egypt’s Blue Lagoon, one of Dahab’s best kept secrets, away from all the hotels and unsustainable tourism. The Blue Lagoon is a piece of heaven on Earth with calm turquoise waters and gravel beaches made of thousands of colors.
The White Desert
Located north of Qasr Al-Farafra, the White Desert is a magical place to visit. Once experienced, many of its travelers find it difficult to leave such a mesmerizing place. It is one of the more recently declared nature reserves.
In the White Desert, a traveler can find a myriad of other-worldly land formations that were sculpted over thousands of years by the desert’s harsh winds. With weird shapes that are ever-changing, one can find chalk-white rock formations of ‘mushrooms’, ‘tents’, ‘crickets’, and even ‘ice-cream cones’ to name a few.
Siwa Oasis
South of Marsa Matruh, between the Great Sand Sea and the Qattara Depression, lies one of the most beautiful of Egypt’s destinations, Siwa. It is indeed one of the most secluded areas of the country.
Siwa Oasis is well-known for its limestone cliffs and the ruins of the mud castle that was once called Shali. A few miles from the ancient fort lies the remains of the Temple of Ammon, where the oracle crowned Alexander as king of Egypt and son of Ammun.
The beautiful city has a market that has many handmade wonders, as well as the world-renowned Siwan dates and olives.
Wadi Al-Hitan
In 2005, Wadi Al-Hitan was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site for its natural beauty as well as scientific significance. Each year, thousands of tourists and scientists come from all over the world to marvel at this tiny, secluded paradise. From starry nights to hiking, the protected area has something for everyone.
Millions of years ago, the area that now comprises Wadi Al-Hitan Nature Protectorate used to be a prehistoric sea with a myriad of marine life, all of which is extinct now. Today, Wadi Al-Hitan is renowned across the globe for the many unique whale fossils it possesses, offering key insights into the evolution of whales from land-dwelling mammals to marine-living animals.
Ras Muhammed
Considered to be one of the world’s best diving spots, Ras Muhammed is Egypt’s oldest nature reserve. The national park is located at the tip of the Sinai Peninsula between the coral reefs of the Red Sea and the inland desert.
The biodiversity of Ras Muhammed is nothing short of staggering with innumerable coral reefs, marine invertebrate species, and dolphins further offshore.
Wadi El Gemal
Situated on the Red Sea, near Hamata in Marsa Allam, Wadi El Gemal National Protectorate is one of the most underrated destinations in Egypt. It’s almost a literal heaven on Earth and a landscape where wildlife roams freely without any human disturbances.
It’s the perfect place if you’re looking for quiet evenings, starry nights, and a completely harmonious bond with nature.
With more than 450 species of corals and over 1,200 species of fish, this destination is teeming with marine wildlife. Not only that but on any random day by the beach, you can still find endangered animals like ibex and gazelles roaming around.
