Dahab, south sinai
Everything you need to know before you book your flight. I don’t think you’ll ever get a detailed guide like this.
Let’s start.
Historical background
Dahab is the town of magic, located in South of Sinai, Egypt. It’s known for it’s holy history, and it’s sacred value as it’s been mentioned in the Holy books of all religions. The famous Prophet identified with this place is the messenger Moses, whom was sent to the Pharoah, the King of Egypt, to free the children of Isreal from slavery and false religion.
Why should you visit Dahab?
Dahab is a small bedouin town, in the middle of the desert, surrounded by mighty mountains and the breath taking water of the Red Sea. It’s full of artists, musicians, healers, travellers from around the world, and beautiful souls. It’s easy to socialise and make friends, meet like minded people.
People come from all around the world to visit, for many reasons; for its ancient history, for its weather, and its insanely breath taking Red Sea. Or to run away from all the chaos. It’s one of the most peaceful places in the world which magnetises freedom, and shines a lot of wisdom. If you’re on a spiritual journey, or going through a rough spiritual awakening, this is the place to be. This land holds miraculous healing energy that this is one of the best parking spots for self-discovery. This land is a teacher.
What is there to do?
Diving:
Dahab is the one of the most famous places in the world to go diving. Dahab is full of diving centres. The most popular places to dive are in the Blue Hole, and in the Light House. You will be accompanied by professional divers who will instruct you through the process.
For you to dive freely, you need a license, so if you have a licence that is valid, don’t forget to bring it. If you don’t have a license and this is something you’d be interested in, there are courses that you can take at the diving centre with qualified instructors.
Snorkelling
Snorkelling is so fun. The Red Sea is known for its beauty, its corals and fish. You will see all sorts of fish, I’ve lost count of them; and you”ll be fascinated by the amount of a colour there is under the sea. It’s literally a different world. If you’re hesitant to try diving, snorkelling is a good way to start.
Star gazing
Because Dahab isn’t a modern town (there isn’t much artificial light) the stars are so vibrant at night. Star gazing can be done by the beach, but mostly recommended on the mountains. It’s unbelievably breath taking.
Hiking
There are endless mountains you can hike on. There are so people there that do hiking trips, just ask and you’ll find what you want. If you want a proper hike, Mount Sinai trip is worth the try.
Mount Sinai, which is located in Saint Catherine, almost an hour away from Dahab. This trip is recommended around winter, and autumn time, although many people do the trip during summer too, it depends how much heat you can handle. It’s a 7 hour round trip: 3.5 hours going up, and 2 hours going back down, and the 1 hour rest at the top of the mountain where you can see the sunrise. There are resting places on the way up with refreshments and snacks to eat. On the way up, there’s an option of doing the trip on the back of a camel. I personally loved it on the way up, I definately had to take a camel because I got tired. I recommend taking the trip during the night. You will see stars you’ve probably never seen in your life.
The trip requires:
proper hiking shoes,
a small back pack (not hand held because you’ll get tired.)
Gloves/ warm clothing (if coming during early spring, autumn or winter As you go higher into the mountains it gets cold)
Quad Biking
Go quad biking in the middle of the desert. Take a ride up the to the mountains to finish off with some tasty Bedouin tea. On the way you’ll enjoy a view of blueness from above, that stretches as far as your eyes will see.
Fishing
If you love fishing, oh boy this is the place to be. There are local fishing equipment shops, or bring your own gear. You can fish anywhere really. It’s Gods sea. You can easily make friends and arrange a fishing trip into the sea. Or you can fish by the shore.
Wind kite surfing
Now, I haven’t personally tried kite surfing but I love to watch surfers. I can spend all day watching surfers mesmerised by their talent and the beauty of the colourful kites waving in the sky. The best location for wind kite surfing is the Laguna and the Blue Lagoon. But you can really surf anywhere.
Live shows
Live shows are ongoing in Dahab everyday. In cafes and restaurants with live music bands, in the mountains a range of live shows from belly dancing to fire shows. So be ready for splendid evenings.
Blue Hole
Blue hole is one of the most famous places in the world to dive. It’s divers favourite diving spot. It’s surrounded by Bedouin cafes and seatings. You can spend the day there swimming, and snorkelling. The view of the corals under the sea are unbelievably breath taking. I saw a fish once, I never knew existed. It had the weirdest looking face ever.
Ras Abu Galuum
Yes, Dahab is tranquil and peaceful, but if you want deadly peaceful, like no interruption whatsoever, no city like noice, Ras Abu Galuum is the place. It’s a huge desert land by the a few steps away from the sea with a series of camps beside each other. Now these camps are primitive life. They’re literally huts, with bedding on the floor. Weirdly enough the way the huts are built protect the inside from the desertly heat. There are no fans or AC. But in all honesty, when I’m there, i feel like i have everything in the world.
Blue lagoon
The Blue Lagoon is paradise. Waking up to a view of mountains and a sea like that is insanely beautiful. It’s literally the most magical sea you’ll come across. The vibe in the Blue Lagoon is on a different level. The concept is exactly like Abu Galuum. A series of camps, with a primitive lifestyle. I personally preferred the Blue Lagoon to Abu Galuum due to the sea.
It’s the perfect place to detox from social media, people, and discover who you really are. Yoga in front of the sea is icing on the cake.
To get to the Blue Lagoon, you’d need to take a car to the Blue Hole, then get on a boat to Abu Galuum and from Abu Galuum get another car to the Blue Lagoon.
There are walking options from Dahab to Abu Galuum to Blue Lagoon, but that’s if you’re willing to do a 4 hour hike.
What you need to know before you go to Abu Galuum and Blue Lagoon
You can spend the day there, or you can spend as many nights as you like. Usually the camps have options of all-inclusive in terms of food, and half board (breakfast and dinner). All camps vary in prices and in food options.
Food is very clean and healthy.
Toilet and shower facilities are shared.
If you’re staying a few days, it is recommended you take your own snacks, coffee, and water. They do have these things there, but it will cut your cost drastically as there are no shops there and you’ll be buying directly from the camp which will be double in price.
I wouldn’t rely on on connection. It yo-yos.
I would take mosquito spray with me to prevent any mosquito bites.
Due to copyright I cannot include photos from other peoples sites, but search the camps to get an idea of what things look like.
Climate
It’s literally sunny all year round however from May to September temperatures which are considered summer, range between 23 to 40 degrees. July and August are the hottest.
It’s perfect during winter. in winter, the coldest month is January and it’s around 19 degrees during daytime. The wind is great for surfing.
What are the prices like?
Prices are decent. The prices below are an approximation, as prices do change according to season. However, always ask a local, to get an idea of the original prices, because some places do judge a book by its cover.
Snorkelling rental:
If you want to do snorkelling throughout your entire stay, I would recommend buying and not renting as it will come out cheaper. Buying the snorkelling it ranges between 150-250L.E depending on what type you get.
Rentals cost 30L.E to use for the whole day. So if you want to try it once it’s recommended to rent.
Diving:
Depending on what season you come in and which diving centre you decide to go to, prices start from 400L.E to a maximum of 800L.E. Prices for courses start from 2000L.E, and the certification lasts for a year.
Mount Sinai:
The trip from Dahab to Saint Catherine and back, with the tour guide starts from 300 L.E per person
The camel ride costs between 250-300L.E depending on the season.
Food
Food options are endless. There are Vegan options, and vegan alternatives. Most coffee shops do oat and coconut milk.
Fitness
There is a local gym you can go to. There are many fitness and yoga instructors outside of the gym. They do yoga one to one and with groups. How do you find them? Just ask. Dahab is that type of place. You’ll see instructors advertising their work in local cafes etc. Don’t worry you won’t feel lost.
Clothing
You don’t really need to take much clothes with you. Dahab is famous with its comfy Bedouin style Aladdin trousers and flowy tops. When i go to Dahab I don’t take any clothes with me tbh. The clothes are affordable. So don’t overthink the clothes part. If you’re big and tall bring what you need. My partner struggled a little bit to find his size.
Is it safe?
TOTALLY!
Media shows what serves the media.
People from around the world visit Dahab; of all nationalities visiting and living in the heart of it. British, Asians, Russians, Ukrainians, Lithuanian, German, American, Egyptians, Israelis; all in harmony and peace. Majority of people here understand and speak English, as well as other European languages.
I hope this was informative. I wish you a safe and enjoyable trip. Come and say hello if you see and recognise me.
Love, freedom, and peace.
