Rock climbing is one of the new adventure activities around Dahab. The magnificent mountains of the Sinai desert offer some great possibilities for sports climbing, bouldering and trad climbing.
Two main areas are Wadi Qunai and the high mountains around St Catherine. Wadi Qunai is a place for sport climbing and bouldering in the south of Dahab’s centre. The mountains around St Catherine are a two hours drive away and great for trad climbing. The climbing season is from October to April.
There are different routes for all levels of climbers. Rocks consist of primarily hard sandstone or dry granite. Climbing can be arranged by several companies in Dahab who are specialised in organising climbing activities in the area.
As with the windsurfing, the windy conditions in Dahab make it an ideal spot for beginners and experienced surfers alike. No surprise that kitesurfing gained more and more popularity during the past years. It is one of the coolest fun activities to enjoy the stunning scenery, the beautiful landscape, and turquoise waters.
Around the area of the Lagoon you will find a selection of multinational kiteschools who teach the fascinating sport or rent the needed equipment.
WHY NOT GIVING IT A SHOT ON THE DAY BEFORE YOUR FLIGHT TO OFF-GAS IN A FUN WAY AND GET TANNED!
One of the most popular activities in Dahab is windsurfing. Its beautiful landscape where golden mountains meet the sea is a unique background for any surfer. The “Lagoon”, a large bay located in the south of Dahab, is known among surfers as it offers as many as three perfect surfing spots in one.
From the flat-water area for beginners to the outer spot behind the sandbank with a strong wind blowing from the sea, the lagoon has plenty to offer. Dahab has an impressive wind record with around 300 days of wind per year between force 4 and 7. Many international competitions are held in the town every year.
You will find multiple multinational surfing centres around the lagoon which provide courses and equipment.
Dahab, a mecca for divers & windsurfers.
Enjoy a night under the stars on one of our most popular nighttime excursions for couples, friends and families. Whether you’d like to experience the warm hospitality of the Bedouins as a family or have a romantic serene evening under the stars, this is a great alternative to a typical night out.
SPEND AN EVENING OUT IN THE DESERT: ONE OF OUR MOST POPULAR TRIPS!
The tour leaves Dahab by jeep between 16:00 and 19:00 (or by camel between 15:00 and 18:00) in the evening. Departure time depends on sunset times. You will then travel to the mountains where you will enjoy a Bedouin-style BBQ and a relaxed evening under the stars.
You will be back in your hotel between 21:00 and 24:00.
You can choose your mode of transport either travelling there and back by Jeep or Camel or travel one way by jeep and the other way by camel.
No trip to Dahab is complete without experiencing a ride on a camel. Known as the ship of the desert, Bedouins will help you get the most out of this traditional and fun way to travel. Camel trips can be arranged for a couple of hours, 1 day, 3 days or more (for the very adventurous!).
THE SHIP OF THE DESERT
Head into the desert with the Bedouins, passing through the stunning, beautiful desert areas, through wadi’s (valleys) and coloured canyons. You will also get to pass through and visit the scattered Bedouin tribes. See them going about their daily business, grazing their sheep or goats. One of the most popular camel trips from Dahab is the trek from the Blue Hole to Ras Abu Galum. The ride is approximately 1.5 hours, taking you along the beautiful mountainous coastline of the Red Sea.
HORSE BACK RIDING
Another animal to help you enjoy the beauty of the Sinai is the horse. Whether you are an experienced rider or new to this pastime, there are horses and trips to suit all abilities.
You can choose how long you ride for – a 1-hour ride will take you to the beach and into one of the local Wadis. Any rides between 2 and 5 hours will take you further inland to see the picturesque mountains.
3 PLACES IN ONE TRIP
A full day trip leaving Dahab at 8 am and arriving back around 6 pm. This is the chance to experience the beautiful Coloured and White Canyons, and the Oasis of Ein Khudra.
The road to the Coloured Canyon winds through magnificent mountains and bold, rugged rock-formations. Then, by a cluster of date palms, it turns onto a gravel road for about 15 minutes leading to the summit. As you descend into the canyon don’t forget to look around and above you. In some places, the rocks radiate crystalline colours, in others, they have a smooth velvety appearance.
The trip is a fairly easy hike except for one or two obstacles. At one point, you have to slide through a vent, where the two sides of the Canyon nearly touch. On the other side the Canyon floor gradually starts to rise again before the second obstacle appears. To overcome it you swing yourself around a big rock and slide the two metres down, or simply jump over it. An adventure you will never forget.
WHITE CANYON & EIN KHUDRA OASIS
Although smaller than the Coloured Canyon, the White Canyon is still a very impressive sight. Created through mountains of sandstone and limestone. As you exit the Canyon, the Ein Khudra oasis will appear in sight.
Coloured Canyon
Tucked away between yellowish sandstone cliffs is one of Sinai’s most scenic oasis where gushing fresh water springs nourish date palm gardens in the seemingly barren desert.
Historically, Ein Khudra was an important stopover for pilgrims traveling from St Catherine to Jerusalem. On the nearby Rock of Inscriptions, writings and drawings prove that Nabateans, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines and Christians passed through this way.
Mount Sinai is both the name of a collection of peaks, sometimes referred to as the Holy Mountains, and the biblical name of the peak on which Moses received the Ten Commandments.
The 2285 meter mountain has 3,750 steps hewn out of stone by monks of St. Catherine’s Monastery. The Monastery is the oldest continuously inhabited monastery in the World. It is open daily from 9 am (closed Fridays and Sundays) and is the home to a descendant of the famous burning bush through which God spoke to Moses.
THE TRIP
Leaving Dahab at 11 pm, the trip takes approximately 2 hours. There are 2 paths leading to the top: a climb of 3,000 steps or the easier but longer camel path. Both lead to an area known as Elija’s Basin.
It is then just 750 steps to the top. It is a nice overnight hike that takes around 3 hours. Once at the peak, find a spot to sit back and wait for the beautiful sunrise over the mountain range.
A stunning sight and well worth the effort of the climb! After descending, there is time for you to look around the Monastery before heading back to Dahab, arriving around midday.
A POSITIVE SIGNAL
The Dahab Community Market was established in March 2011 as a response from the local residents to do something positive for tourism during the revolution. The market has continued every Friday since and features a variety of sellers every week. (Closed at the moment due to COVID-19 regulations)
It is a perfect chance to meet Dahabians, and it has become a popular local social event amongst other activities as much as it is a market. At the Friday Market, you find some of the best locally produced foods, crafts, second-hand items and much more.
The market is a keen supporter of local community initiatives like Animal Welfare Dahab and helps to support the local Bedouin community.
Dahab’s Friday market takes place at Sheikh Salem House in the Eel Garden area of Dahab. It is easy to find; just follow the beach walkway in a north direction towards Assalah. Once you have come to Eel Garden, continue for another 2 minutes until the promenade comes to an end. The market is just at the end of the walkway, about 8 minutes from the Lighthouse area in Dahab.
HOMEMADE FOOD IN DAHAB
The Dahab Community Market is an event you don’t want to miss if you love fresh homemade food. You’ll find lined-up stalls with a big selection of mouth-watering delicacies. All lovingly prepared by Dahab’s talented hobbyist cooks originating from many countries around the globe. Sweet treats, fresh artisan bread, amazing cakes, cookies, hand-rolled sushi, hand-stuffed mashi, pizza, salads … and so much more.
The Community market is the best place to enjoy lunch together with friends and keep the kitchen clean on Fridays!
Opening Hours: Summer 2-5 pm, Winter 12 am-4 pm on Friday afternoons.
Dahab is a fantastic base for exploring the South Sinai, and for combining diving with great trips & excursions.
