Most people don’t think of Egypt when they think of hiking. But they should.
Beyond the pyramids and the Nile, there’s a whole other Egypt. One where you walk for hours through silence. One where the stars feel close enough to touch. One where the only light at night comes from the fire in front of you. That’s what overnight hiking in Sinai is about. And one of the most special trails is Wadi Gebal.
It’s not a tourist spot. It’s not on the maps. And that’s exactly why it’s worth doing.
What and Where is Wadi Gebal?
Wadi Gebal is a mountain valley deep in the Sinai region, near St. Catherine. It’s part of the high mountains of Egypt, and the area is full of Bedouin stories, ancient gardens, wild herbs, and giant granite walls. The name literally means “Valley of Mountains,” and once you’re walking through it, you’ll get why.
This is not a casual one-hour hike. This is a three-day hiking experience with two nights sleeping in the wild. You walk roughly 40 kilometers in total, guided by local Bedouins who’ve been crossing these mountains their whole lives.
What the Days Look Like
The hike starts from St. Catherine. You walk through Abo Jiffy, pass Ein Skeya, and reach El Zawatin Garden before setting up camp at a place called Secret Garden. It’s quiet. You eat by the fire. You sleep in a traditional bedouin hut.
The second day is tougher. You hike up to the summit of Masabi Mountain, a hidden peak that barely anyone knows about. From there, it’s endless views in every direction. You keep walking through remote valleys, ending the day at another quiet garden to sleep.
The third day is a lighter one. You walk back to the starting point through open desert, legs tired, head clear, shoes dusty.
What Makes This Trip Different
It’s not just the landscape, even though it’s stunning. It’s the silence. The stillness. The space to breathe and think. You won’t hear music, horns, or notifications. You’ll hear the wind, the crunch of gravel, and the voice of your guide telling you stories from a world that still moves slowly.
You’ll share meals prepared the traditional way. You’ll drink mountain tea with wild herbs. You’ll hear stories passed down from one generation to the next.
It’s a full reset. Physically and mentally.
Who This Is For
Not for the lazy. Not for the luxury-seeking. Not for anyone who panics when there’s no Wi-Fi.
It’s for people who want real connection. With nature. With movement. With themselves. It’s for people who want to challenge themselves a little, to push their comfort zone just enough to feel proud at the end.
Fitness-wise, you don’t need to be an athlete, but you should be okay with walking for hours. Bring a good pair of shoes, a sleeping bag, and layers. The temperature drops hard at night.
Why Now?
Because hardly anyone talks about this kind of Egypt.
Because your body probably needs a break from screens.
Because the most beautiful parts of this country can’t be reached by car.
Because sometimes, you just need to walk it out.