National parks in Egypt
The climate in Egypt is very dry; rain is rare in most parts of the country. Only around the Mediterranean coast and the Red Sea does it occasionally rain, on a maximum of 30 days per year.
For flora and fauna, these are difficult living conditions, yet there is a unique plant and animal world in Egypt. The land of the pyramids has three national parks, all of which are located in the southeast of the country, on the Red Sea.
The Wadi al Gamal National Park
With an area of just under 7,500 km², the Wadi al Gamal National Park is Egypt's smallest park, and it is also the newest national park. About 50 kilometers from the small town of Marsa Alam, the protected area was designated a national park in 2003. Despite its small size, the park is characterized by its diverse fauna and flora. The area extends from the Red Sea about 100 kilometers inland. While the eastern part of the Wadi al Gamal National Park is dominated by rifs, consisting of granite-basalt rocks, the western edge features high rock and mountain formations. At 2,187 meters, Gebel Shayib al-Banat is the highest elevation in the national park. Small river courses, so-called wadis, run through the nature reserve. Most animals and plants live on the river and coastal strips. Some endangered animal species live in the park. In addition to Thomson's and Grant's gazelles, the dorcas gazelle is also among them. The slate falcons are also on the list of endangered animal species, the world's largest colony of which is located on Wadi el Gamal Island. Visitors are not allowed to enter the park without a ranger.
The Ras Mohammed National Park
Just a stone's throw from the popular holiday destination Sharm El-Sheikh is the Ras Mohammed National Park. This nature reserve is Egypt's oldest national park, having been established almost 30 years ago in 1983. Geographically, the park is located at the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula. Officially, the area is called Ras Mohammed Marine Protected Area; it is a popular destination for divers. Among the park's most popular reefs are Shark Reef and Yolanda Reef, as well as Jackfish Alley. The two reefs are characterized by a unique coral world and a high population of different fish species. In Jackfish Alley, divers occasionally encounter sleeping sharks; jackfish and tuna can also be found there.
The Gebel Elba National Park
Named after Mount Elba, the Gebel Elba National Park is the country's largest national park, encompassing an area of 35,600 km². The park is known for being home to Egypt's only natural forest and the unique flora and fauna found nowhere else in Egypt.
In addition to various gazelle species, herds of African wild asses and antelopes live in the area, which is located in the Hala'ib Triangle. Around 100 different bird, reptile, and mammal species live in the Gebel Elba National Park, which has long been inhabited by Bedouin tribes. The Bedouins organize tours through the park and cultivate it. They are known for their cultural peculiarities, which they occasionally present to tourists. The park should not be entered without a local guide, as the vast terrain can easily cause you to lose your bearings.
