We gather up early in Hurghada at 7 AM at the designated meeting point to head in 4x4 cars to the trailhead, on the northernmost section of the RSMT, below Jebel Abu Dukhaan, where our adventure begins. Jebel Abu Dukhaan is home to the 2000-year-old Roman town of Mons Porphyrites. 'Mons' means mountain in Latin & 'Porphyrites' is 'porphyry', a rare kind of dark purple stone. This was the 'Mountain of Porphyry'. Thousands of tons of stone were quarried here over 5 centuries. The trail continues from the north to the south, over rugged passes, until we reach El Radda Plain, where we set camp under the stars to get ready for an early rise.
Today's hike is considerably shorter than yesterday's. We start off by heading westward toward The Plain of Monfia: a wide, sweeping plain that divides the eastern & western halves of the Red Sea Mountains. On our way, we pass along the shadowy gorge of Wadi Showug, which cuts down Jebel Shayib's north face. We set camp at The Plains of Monfia for the night.
After an early rise, we leave The Plains of Monfia in the direction of Wadi Faalig, on an ancient path that connects them both. Wadi Faalig is in fact a pair of wide, sweeping wadis that are very different from the mountain scenery characterizing every other spot we've passed through. Big mountains are still found here: the sawtooth peaks of Jebel Um Araaka tower high over this region, along with the teeth and pinnacles of Jebel Kalahaya, where we head on our last day. Our hike continues until we reach Wadi Abu Eren: a wild, rugged wadi, running around the lower crags of Jebel Shayib. This is where we set camp.
On our last day, we head in the direction of a valley called Wadi Kalahaya. We have lunch there before getting picked up by 4x4 cars to head back to Hurghada.
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Accommodation

Like the bedouins who sleep under the stars in the desert, we will be camping in the wilderness in tents. A warm sleeping bag would be suitable for these destinations with comfort temperature of 0-5 degrees. We also recommend using a sleeping bag liner or just wearing more warm layers when sleeping for people who'd still feel cold. Sleeping bags can be big, bulky, and weighty, so get the smallest, lightest model you can. Remember, the weather in the desert is colder than what most people would expect, especially if they are not familiar with it.

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Weather

The weather is usually hot to moderate in the morning and cold to very cold at night, but it depends on the time of the year. Rain is also very likely during the winter months so make sure you pack enough rainproof gear. We will also check the weather forecast closer to the date of the trip and inform you in case of any changes.

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Food

All meals as specified in the itinerary will be freshly made from scratch at the campsite. Rest assured, we cater to all dietary needs (e.g. gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian, etc). As for snacks, it’s ideal to pack dried fruits, cereal bars, dates, nuts – all these natural goodies will maintain your energy consistently throughout the hike.

PRICE

EGP4,800

best time to travel:

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
  • Ideal time to travel
  • Good time to travel
  • Unpredictable time
  • No trip

PRICE INCLUDES

    • Transportation from the meeting point in Hurghada and back in 4x4 cars
    • Meals as described in the itinerary
    • Bottled water 
    • Accommodation in tents 
    • Wild Guanabana leader to facilitate the journey
    • 4x4 support vehicles

PRICE EXCLUDES

    • Sleeping bag, mat, and personal items
    • Snacks 
    • Tips and gratuity