duration: 9 Days
Grade 5: difficult
Route:
Hurghada - Djebel Shaueb al Banat - Beir Umm Enab - Djebel Doukhan - Mons Porphyrites - Wady Qena - Al Naggaat - Djebel Abul Hassan - Beir al Basha - Mons Claudianus - Safaga - Hurgahda
This itinerary is a hard-core expedition and offers challenge to both navigation and type of terrain. Unlike the Western Desert , the Eastern Desert is characterized by very rough and treacherous terrain confused wadi networks, and high mountains. The aim of this expedition is to climb a number of the highest peaks in the Eastern Desert , explore the ancient Roman Quarries and discover new rock art engravings. The Eastern Desert is inhabited by Bedouins who are divided into three major tribes: the Ababda, the Maaza, and the Amariin. The Bedouins of the Eastern Desert are true surviving nomads. During the expedition we will learn their survival techniques, their continuous fight for existence against a merciless environment and an indifferent government, we will also learn about their rich, thousands years old culture.
Those travelers who do not want to limb the peaks are welcome to stay at camp.
Detailed Program
Day 1 Hurghada
Meet at hotel in Hurghada and depart east towards the Red Sea Mountain Range..
Day 2 Jebel Shaueb
We will arrive at the foot of Djebel Shaeb al Banat, a 2180m high mountain pinkish in colour and an impressive mountain amid dark, almost black mountain range.
Day 3 Climb Jebel Shaueb al Banat
Wake up at predawn and prepare to climb Mountain Shaeb al Banat, it will take at least 6 hours to climb and will test the endurance and perseverance of the climbers.
Day 4 Umm Enab – Jebel Doukhan
Depart Shaeb al Banat to Umm Enab water hole, a fresh and sweet water spring. Then we head to Djebel Doukhan where the ancient Roman quarry for the imperial porphyry is located.
Day 5 Climb Jebel Doukhan
We will climb Djebel al Doukhan.
Day 6 Wadi Qena
We head towards Wadi Qena, a wide wadi with grazing bushes and we might be fortunate to see some of the few gazelles still surviving in the Egyptian wilderness.
Day 7 Wadi Naggat - Mons Claudianus
Reach Wadi Naggat, and then head towards Mons Claudianus, the Roman ancient quarry for granodiorite.
Day 8 Beir al Pasha
Drive to the Maaza settlement at Beir al Pasha and enjoy a day of socializing with the Bedouins.
Day 9 Safaga - Hurghada
Arrive at Safaga and drive to Hurgahda.