Egyptian Monuments

" Egypt  "

Cultural Tourism

Cultural and archeological tourism are considered the traditional kind of tourism in Egypt.Egypt embraces several Pharaonic, Greek and Roman historic antiquities and museums.Culturual tourism has started since the discovery of ancient Egyptian antiquities and the decipher of the hieroglyhics.

Ever since, missions of archeology, explorers and authors of tourist books were very keen on visting Egypt and documenting its astonishing past and promising future.

 The important cultural tourism areas at Cairo&Giza,Alexandria,Upper Egypt, Sinai,Fayoum city,oasis and musuems as follows:

1-Cairo,Giza : Sud Al-kafara, Aon city,  Pyramid plateau, Sakara and, Dahshour.

2-Alexandria: El-aamoud Sawari, the Romantheatre, the Roman Baths, The Black Head temple, Qum Saqofa tomb.

3-UpperEgypt: 

 A.LuxorCity,karanak temple, Luxor temple, Happi temple, Valley of  kings, Valley of  Queens, Dir El medina, mummification Museum at Luxor. B.Aswan City,: Abu Simbel Museum the big&small,Philiea Island.Plants Island (EL Nabatat Island )

 C.Biliana City : Abidous

 D.Qina City : Nadra Museum 

 E. Menya City : El Amarma hill  

 F.Beni Suef City : Archaeological Modern area.Al- Ashmounin City, Tunna el-Gabl .

4- Fayoum City : Al-Lahoun Pyramid, Hawara Pyramid, Senosirt Obelisks& Madi city.

5-The Oasis:

A.El-kharagaoasis: Hipistemple, Elbagwattomb, El Queta temple, El Riyan Qasr , El Riyan temple, Qasr el Dine.

B.El-DakhlaOasis:Mot, Bashanditomb, Islamaic&Pharaonic Ballat Village, El  Haggar Monastry, Islamic Qasr Village.

C.Siwa Oasis: Juibter Amun temple ElGazina temple, theDead  Mountain, Tanoboaat(Prophecies )temple.

D. El Bahariya Oasis: It contains 268 sulpher& minerals springs.

E.ParisOasis:Doushtemple,ElFarafaraOasis,Itcontains ElFarafaraQasr,Abou ManakaraQasr . 

6-Museums: Egyptian Museum, Islamic Art, El-Gawhara Qasr, Greek Qasr, ElManial Qasr,  Mahmoud Mokhtar, Mohammed Mahmoudkhalil, Egyptian Coptic Art, Mahmoud Saied in Alexandria,  Maritimein Alexandria,  Aswan Museum in Aswan,  Agriculture Museum.

Milita at  El Alameen,  Mersa Matrouh, Nagi, Railways lines, Mansoura Museumlocatedat Luqman, Donshawi Musuemposts, El Shama (waxen) museum.  Also the Mummification Museum at the Pharoanic Village.  

Therapeutic Tourism Egypt is considered one of the richest environments of therapeutic value by virtue of its natural resources and  dry warm weather, Egypt is home to several unique  sulphurous and mineral springs:in addition to the miraculously healing ability of the black sand found in the city of Safga  .  Egypt is rich in its world class treatment  resorts due to its genuine natural resources such as its,dry and warm climate,and lots of mineral and sulfuric streams,black curative sands. Egypt has gained a valuable position on the tourist map; not only due to the fact that it contains a vast amount of historical monuments,but also because of the variety of options it presents to tourists . Due to Egypt’s magnificent resources it has become one of the world’s most famous destinations that offer natural medical treatment under the supervision of specialized doctors and their dedicated staff. Helwan The Helwan suburb is located about thirty kilometers away from Cairo,and to the east of the River Nile,Helwan is about forty meters above the sea level . Helwan climate is dry and moderate,humidity percentage is about 58%there are several sulphurous and mineral Springs,and a health center was founded there for the treatment of rheumatism and rheumatic pains . Treatment in Helwan dated back to 1899,then the baths were renewed in 1955, Helwan Center for the treatment of rheumatism and physical treatment was built on the Islamic style of architecture, the center includes 38 rooms for the treatment,rest rooms and places for patients to reside . The whole place is surrounded by fantastic gardens. Baharia Oasis Baharia oasis contains about four hundred warm and cold springs. Scientific research conducted at the Egyptian and foreign universities as well proved that the water from the Baharia Oasis is useful in the treatment of rheumatism, reheumatoid and various skin diseases .  Baharia Oasis is famous among European tourists;they come especially to have their treatment in the springs of Halfa and its warm water.(30 degrees Celsius,which sometimes rises to 40degrees Celsius) Beshmo is one of the famous archeological sites at the Baharia oasis due to the fact that it contains two water sources,one of which is hot and the other is cold,both run down the same  deep stony stream . Siwa Siwa is considered as being the most wonderful Oasis in the western desert.   It is considered as the Oasis of beauty, poetry and the paradise of artists. Sand dunes and palm and olivetrees are scattered in the Oasis in addition to a number of clear wells and springs. Siwa Oasis is located about 300 kilometers to the west of Mersa Matrouh.It is the best place for environmental treatment in Egypt. Siwa is famous for its moderate climate, pure air and blue clear sky. El Dakrror Mountain It is located to the south west of Siwa Oasis.The  people of Siwa believe that the mountain is sacred. There is a celebration that is held on a yearly basis in October after the Harvest Season ( The Valley Season ). The festival lasts for three days , all the inhabitants of the valley must participate in the festival . The mountain area is most famous for its treatment facilities that aid in curing rheumatism, joint pain and weakness. It is most famous for a treatment that involves the burial of the diseased body parts in hot sand for a certain period of time during the day. This particular treatment procedure gained a lot of popularity among Arabs and recently foreigners . Hot Springs Siwa Oasis has got many springs which are being used for therapeutic treatment purposes . The water of the hot springs is capable of curing a number of diseases such as psoriasis , rheumatism and some digestive system diseases . The most famous springs is the Kegar well , the temperature of its water is 67 degree Celisus . Scientific research proved that the water contains amounts of minerals similar to that found in the water of the springs of Carlo Vefari ( Czech ) the famous Health Center where tourists visit to have their treatment . The New Valley The New Valley Governorate is one of the biggest governorates in Egypt. Its area is about 37.6% of the whole area of Egypt . The Egyptian history is engraved in the New Valley .There are many monuments from the Ancient Egyptian civilization, Ptolomy era, the Roman era, the Coptic period and the Islamic period. People who live in the New Valley are very keen on maintaining their old traditions and customs, they are skilled at different domestic industries and handcrafts. The New Valley climate is dry,moderate and the sun is always shinning and the area is free from air pollution. The sandy area includes some of the most rare kinds of plants that are used as medicinal ingredients. There are also springs and natural water wells,their temperature is about 34 degree Celsius containing some useful minerals . El Kharga The Beaulac wellsThe Beaulac wells are located at about 1000 meters beneath the ground surface, with temperature about 28 degrees celsius. Scientific research proved that the water contains many useful minerals of great medical importance. Sand dunes scattered in the desert with soft sand can be used in the treatment of some diseases such as rheumatism,rheumatoid,joint pains,some sorts of inner bone inflammations;by using the method of burying the diseased parts in the sand for specific period of time . There is a rest house for the tourists visiting the area , an international health resort is currently under construction. The Beaulac wells are near the main road connecting El Kharga with Paris Village and Luxor. Nasser Wells The Nasser wells are comprised of three wells emerging from three different depths; their waters are collected in a swimming pool. The temperature of water is 28 degrees celsius all the year round. The swimming pool is used for the treatment of rheumatism, joint pains, skin inflammation diseases, kidney stones, renal calic and some digestive complications . The wells are surrounded  by a vast amount of beautiful gardens. A huge tent and a restaurant were set up to cater to the various tourists needs . El Dakhla Oasis Mut 3 wells Mut is the capital of the oasis. The wells are about 3 kilometers away from the town. The wells of self flow from a depth of 1224 meters under the ground surface. The temperature of the water is 43 degrees celsius. Scientific research proved that the water contains many dissolved minerals useful in the treatment of some diseases such as rheumatism,psoriasis and joint pains. In conjunction with the wells two swimming pools and a restaurant were built in order to cater to the needs of both adults and children.The area is also accessible by car.    Ein El Gabel well Ein El Gabel well is situated about 52 kilometers away from the town of Mut. The well has been recently discovered.  There are no treatment facilities there yet, The water temperature is 54 degrees celisus. El Farafra Well 6 The well is situated about six kilometers to the west of Al Farafra. The water temperature is about 24 degrees celsius all the year round. A tourist village has been set up in the area.The village offers a variety of facilities including a swimming pool and a restaurant . The area is surrounded by white sand desert; tourists from all over the world are keen to visit the area.Farafra oasis is connected to the other oases by the main road . Herbal medicine The New Valley oasis contains a collection of plants and herbs that can be used in the treament of disiseases such as Catnip,dammsesa,Al Ashaar karkadeh. These herbs are used in the treatment of rheumatism. Catnip is mainly used to cure the digestive system diseases particularly  stomache aches. The Egleeg herb  (sugar palm ) is used in the treatment of diabetes patients.Handal  is bitter in taste but it greatly aids  in the relief of  joint pains. This is achieved  by heating the fruit and cutting it into two halves and placing it on the source of pain. Elephantine Island Sand from Elephantine Island is used for the burial treatment which involves burying the diseased body parts in the sand for a period of time to help in curing rheumatism and other related diseases.The treatment period starts from March till October every year. The environmental treatment center in Oberoi Hotel offers a variety of services.The Hotel employs a group of specialists that offer a variety of treatments and facilities such as Saunas and Turkish baths. Isis Island Resort Tourists come to Aswan islands to be treated from rheumatoid for about three weeks; the results were successful despite the primitive way of treatment. The Egyptian National Research Center made many scientific analysis and research with astonishing results that the black sand contain many minerals and some radioactive materials which have a great effect in treating rheumatoid. The therapeutic method used to treat rheumatoid consists of sand and water. It is particularly successful due to   of salt in sea water and the ultraviolet rays besides the usage of natural black sand. Abu Simbel The area is famous for the density of ultraviolet rays in its climate and the low humidity levels which make it possible for the treatment of chronic rheumatic pains, respiratory inflammation and several other diseases. Natural and environmental therapy Aswan is one of the most wonderful winter resorts in the world. The climate is moderate and dry suitable for the treatment method of burying the diseased parts in hot sand for a period of time. There are two treatment centers that use the method of burying the diseased parts of the body as a primary method of treatment . The body is buried into a mixture of sand and water to cure rheumatic pains. Some international health centers showed interest in studying  the climate of Aswan. The scientific studies proved that Aswan has got a high density of ultraviolet rays and a remarkable humidity proportion that help in curing different diseases. Herbal Treatment Nubians still believe in herbal medicine. Scientific studies proved the great effect of herbs in curing different diseases. Some of these herbs were mentioned in Dawood el Antaky’s  prescription (medical journal), The medical materials book by Ahmed Ibn Rasheed and the Law in medicine by Ibn Sina. Some of the herbs are still used in Nubia such as: Halfa Burr: Is used to treat common cold and renal calic. Dammsesa: Used in curing kidney ailments. Hargal: Used for treating digestion troubles. The Nubian environmental treatment( therapy ) Nubians used the method of burying the diseased parts in hot sand to enhance the blood circulation facilitating a speed recovery of joints pains. The treatment includes a variety of celebration songs and dances by the relatives of the patients to relieve  their pains and entertain them. The patients then are  wrapped in cloth to protect them from catching cold and hot drinks are served.Old people who are responsible for the treatment are experts in their field,they also use (Domera) which is similar to the new treatment known as pleoma to treat headache, tooth pain and muscles fraction. Scientific research has concluded that the success behind the treatments due to the hot sand that affects the nerve ends and the blood circulation . This treatment is similar to the newly invented therapy known as pilotherapy which depends on the hot mud or the hot sand with some radioactive materials in safe amounts to be absorbed through the skin because of its anti-inflammatory nature. The Domera is similar to the method known as pleoma which is used in international health centers by mixing the mud with natural and mineral water depending on the property of humid heat. The scientific research proved that the surface sand in Abu Simble contains useful radio – active elements that can help in curing some diseases. Scientific research centers proved the density of ultraviolet rays helps in curing some chronic rheumatic pains. Abu Simbel International Hospital It is an international specialized hospital equipped with the latest and modern equipment in different branches of medicine. The hospital presents services to a vast area from Abu Simble to the newly established Toushki area. The Red Sea Hurghada Hurghada is the capital city of the Red Sea Governorate, it is situated 295 kilometers to the south of Suez. It has a moderate climate in winter and summer. The sea water is clear, the coral reefs and its marine life make it a center of attraction to fans of diving and marine sport. Hurghada combines between using the sea water and the mud extracted from the coral reefs treatment. The sun is always shinning and the sand is full of useful minerals besides the mud from the mines. There is a variety of  hotels and tourist resorts. Safaga Safaga is the best place in the world for the treatment and therapy of psoriasis, it is surrounded by high mountains working as a natural fence against wind and sand storms. The climate is moderate and the concentration of the sun rays and the ultraviolet rays help in the treatment and therapy of psoriasis. The sea water is 35%saline,anyone swimming in the area will   find himself floating easily on water surface. The gravity is low which helps in treating some diseases such as the vesicular deficiency and a high flow of the blood to the limbs. Black Sand Scientific research results proved that40% of the sand in Safaga contains three radioactive minerals :Uranium,Thorium and Potassium which aid in the treatment of psoriasis,joint pains, and skin inflammation. The humidity is low and the ultraviolet rays help in curing different diseases. Why Safaga? The dry, moderate climate and the sun shinning all the year round make Safaga the best place in the world for the complete therapy of some incurable diseases. • Patients with history of heart, kidney and liver diseases are advised never to go places which are under the sea level for harmful effects on their health. • Safaga climate is suitable for these patients and causing no harm to their health. Mina Ville Tourist Village The Village is located in a fantastic place.The climate is dry,moderate which make the Village suitable place for therapy and entertainment. A branch of the Termal Health Center in Carlo Vefari in Czechoslovakia (one of the most famous health centers in the world ) a health center was opened inside the Village in 1999. The area of the center is 800 square meters and is surrounded by green land . The center includes medical clinics, ajacuzzi,sauna and rooms for electro therapy. There are massage roomsand a fully equipped gymnasium . The center is run by a group of specialists in all medical branches. The health centre offers a variety of therapy options such as  electro therapy, mineral water therapy,  wax therapy, paraffin therapy and natural treatment by inhaling pure oxygen. The Village presents different services to satisfy the visitors.Sports fans can enjoy the international diving center with the latest and modern diving devices,  a center for sailing boats marine trips to the nearby islands could be arranged,and there is a glass boat trip which facilitates enjoying the carol reefs without having to dive. Sports activities in the Village: * A swimming pool, jacuzzi, tennis courts, speed ball, safari,gymnazium, children garden with giant chess pieces. * A shopping mall, a communication center (international telephone and fax), a conference hall, exchange services, restaurants bars and discotheque . * The services offered at Mina Ville tourist village are of high standards equal to many services offered in similar places in the world.    Sinai The Sinai peninsula is situated to the north of the great crack. It is the geophysical crack between Asia and Africa.Taking the shape of an inverted triangle based on two angles on Suez bay and el-Akabaa bay,based on Rafaah,Port Said in the north and Ras Mohammed in the south . Sinai is the land of civilizations,the land of religions, the eastern gate to Egypt through which passed Prophets, saints travelers and invaders. Sinai is a unique place combining all kinds of tourism: religious, cultural, history, sports, treatment and entertainment . Sinai offers its visitor a variety of options to enjoy Egypt’s tourism diversity. There are many natural wells and hot springs such as the Pharoah bath and Moses bath . These baths have great effect in the treatment of some incurable diseases, besides the dry , moderate climate of the area. Southern Sinai Sharm El Sheikh It is about 336 kilometers from Suez and 53 kilometers away from Ras Mohammad and is situated on the Akabba bay. It is a summer resort as well as being a winter resort . The Pharoah bath The Pharoah bath is located on the Suez bay about 250 kilometers away from Cairo . It consists of a group of natural hot springs, the water temperature is 27 degrees celsius , the water flows directly from the mountain forming a natural lake with 100 meters length along the sea shore. The mountain above contains a stone tunnel used a natural hot sauna because of the hot water springs from inside the mountain.Scientific research proved the importance of the water in treating some diseases such as rheumatism and rheumatoid,kidney diseases,lung inflammation,skin diseases . The climate is moderate and dry, there are vast areas of hot sand which can be used for the treatment of different diseases. There is a health resort being constructed in the area .It is the  first of its kind in Egypt and the Middle East for environmental and natural treatment. The resort is in Ras Mallab area on the Suez bay about 70 kilometers away from Abu Redees airport. The location is centered among Ancient Egyptian monuments. Moses bath A wonderful oasis covered in palm trees around a natural hot spring, its water has ability of healing wounds especially of diabetic patients,it affects the body weakness and regulates the high blood presure.Moses bath is 100 kilometers away from Sharm el Sheikh. Moses bath resort: The Moses resort contains a specialized hospital (under construction) and a rest house for the employees at South Sinai Governorate. Environmental tourism Many people with little knowledge of Egypt and less interest in exploring this ancient land visualize it to be a desert. It is the vision portrayed in their minds if they casually run across a photo of the great pyramids in a magazine. However, most people with only a casual interest in Egypt at least recognize the duality of the land, a prospective that was not lost on the ancient Egyptians. To these people, the landscape is a contrast between the lush Nile Valley and the harsh sand of the desert to either side of the Valley. Still others, including Egyptians themselves, become aware that Egypt is much more diverse than deserts surrounding the fertile Nile Valley, though few of us have actually had the opportunity to seek out these various habitats where one may very well freeze to death under a blanket of snow in the high Sinai mountains, view tropical birds and a marshy lake district, or explore the rich pristine coral reefs and marine life of Egypt’s coastal waters. Yet many of these areas are but a stone’s throw away from the ancient monuments and the sandy beaches that are so popular among tourists. Perhaps this is why, since the early 1980’s that the Egyptian government has been so intent on establishing Nature Reserves. or as they are often referred to in Egypt. Protected Areas. Today, there are some 21 national parks in Egypt, of which perhaps the best known and one of the oldest is at Ras Mohamed on the tip of the Sinai Peninsula. Only established in 1983, this is actually a marine reserve that is, to the outside world, most familiar to scuba divers. Here, one finds mangrove trees, along with some 200 species of coral, around 1,000 species of fish, along with various birds such as Osprey and White-eyed gulls, but also endangered turtle populations and even threatened mammals such as the Dorcas Gazelle. And while many thousands of people bake on the beaches of Sharm el-Sheikh, famous as a city of peace, only a few people visit Ras Mohamed, which is only a short drive south. Other more recently established reserves may, however, be more interesting to the land lovers among us, as well as being very convenient to our sightseeing intenerates. For example, many excursions into the Sinai visit the world famous St. Catherine’s Monastery and Mount Sinai, but few realize that they are amidst one of Egypt’s most recently established nationalparks, covering some 5750 square kilometers. Established in 1996, this park covers much of the central part of South Sinai where rugged mountains surge above an alien landscape and were 80% of the rocks are over 600 million years old. Besides visiting the Christian monuments, tourists also have the opportunity to explore this rich habitat on nature treks where one may venture upon the Innes Cobra which is considered to be very vulnerable to extinction, Geckos, Agamids, Skinks, Rodents, Hedgehogs, Hares, Red foxes, Wild cat, the Sinai Leopard, Rock hyrax, the Nubian ibex and Dorcas gazelles. The St. Catherine’s reserve abuts several others, including the Nabg Protected Area which is very diverse, including excellent reefs but also considerable flora along with a rich bird population and many types of land mammals. Another nearby park is at Ras Abu Galum which covers some 500 square kilometers and is among the most picturesque protected areas in Egypt. It encompasses high deserts with a climate not unlike that of the Mediterranean providing a varied ecosystem where exists some 44 species of plants that are completely unique to this area. There are actually several other Protected Areas in the Sinai, including one at Taba which includes mountain passes, caves and a network of valleys, and those in the Northern Sinai that have been known to some birding enthusiasts for many years, including Zaranik on the eastern shores of Lake Bardawil abutting the Mediterranean Sea where millions of birds settle for rest along their migratory routes and at Ahrash near El Arish which is densely covered with numerous acacia and camphor trees. Other parks, along the Mediterranean Sea heading west onto mainland Egypt include the Petrified Forest Protected Area, with its unique dunes, the Ashtum El Gamil Protected Area on the eastern edge of the Delta where a typical Mediterranean climate allows a variety of plants together with another rich population of birds and freshwater fish. Alexandria, the ancient city which is growing in popularity for tourists due to the ancient discoveries in its bays and the new library that also houses a museum, sits between a two nature reserves at Lake Burullus to the east and one of Egypt’s oldest reserves, Omayed, established in 1981. Both of these coastal regions include considerable bird life, along with various mammals and interesting geological features. Heading south out of the Egyptian Nile Delta, and only eight kilometers form the great pyramid, one encounters the El Hassana Dome where rare plants unique to this area may be discovered, along with geological features that appear as an open museum, displaying the record of ancient life, its environment and climate during the late cretaceous age. Further south, in the Fayoum just south ofCairo we find the Lake Qarun ProtectedArea, which are wetlands of international importance. This amazing area must surely attack future tourists, as it has in the past, for here one finds all manner of plants, but also a huge diversity of birds, fresh water fish and one of the most extensive and notable fossil fields in the world, along with a number of ancient Egyptian monuments. Just below (south) of Lake Qarun is the Wadi EI Rayan Protected Area. It consists of an Upper Lake and a Lower Lake, separated by a water fall, and includes sulfur springs and extensive dune formations. Here we find the 11 species of reptiles, 9 species of mammals, including the endangered Slender homed Gazella, 13 species of resident birds and 26 varieties of migratory birds. On the Eastern side of the Nile across from the Lake Qarun and Wadi El Rayan protected areas, and just below the Petrified forest is Wadi Digla, This valley starts as small tributaries where rainfall pours on the hills surrounding the valley. This habitat supports along with birds, 20 different types of reptiles and perhaps even a few deer, together with 64 kinds of plants. South of Wadi Digla is the Sannur Cave Protected Area. where ongoing alabaster drilling operations created 54 big cavities leading to a cave at the bottom that extends 700 meters with a width of 15 meters. Here,  just southeast of the city of Beni-Suef, several of the quarries are of very ancient origin. The next National Park south is the Wadi El Assuti protected area which functions as a gene reserve for the breeding of animals and wild plants that are endangered. This is the last of the southern parks for some distance, other than the Nile Islands. However, there are three others that either abut, or are near the southern border of Egypt. Clustered fairly close together mostly on the east side of Lake Nasser, they include the Saluga and Ghazal, Wadi Alagi and Elba Protected Areas. Saluga and Ghazal are two islands situated about three kilometers north of the AswanDam. This area provides wildlife that once inhabited the land now under water from several projects a chance of survival along with a habitat for about 60 kinds of rare birds that are in universal danger of extinction. Wadi Alaqi is formed by a dry river bed running some 275 kilometers in length where a number of rare species of mammals, bird and reptiles, together with invertebrates may be found. The Elba Protected Area, established in 1985, borders the Red Sea and includes a complex ecosystem consisting of 22 islands, coral reefs, coastal sand dunes, wetlands, desert plains and coastal mountains rising to some 1437 meters. At the top of Jabal (mount) Elba, a "mist oasis" exists where precipitation creates a unique and rare ecosystem not found elsewhere in Egypt. Here, an almost limitless expanse of flora and fauna includes forty species of birds as well as the endangered Dugong. Finally, there are the Nile Islands, which are considered nature reserves. There are about 144 of these that exist from Aswan up into the Delta region and provide shelter to all manner of birds, fish and reptiles. It can be expected that more Protected Areas will be established in Egypt, but the current variety of these parks may provide interesting side trips to the causal tourists, and will be of extreme interest to nature lovers of all ages. They actually do not constitute a new type of tourism, for there have been a few visitors exploring these regions for many years, particularly the birding enthusiasts. What they provide to others, is a bit more variety in a land that invites the world to see its antiquities and culture of all periods, and visit its wonderful sea resorts along the mainland coast and in the Sinai.

Egypt has a wide range of beaches situated on the Mediterreanean and the Red Sea that extend to over 3,000 km.The Red Sea has serene waters,colored coral reefs,rare fish and beautiful mountains.  

The Akba Gulf beaches also provide facilities for practicing sea sports .

Safaga tops the Red Sea zone with its beautiful location on the Suez Gulf .

Last but not least,Sharm el-Sheikh,Hurghada,Dahab,Ras Sidr,Mars Alam,Safaga and the northern coast of the Mediterranean are major tourist’s destinations of the recreational tourism.

Ras Mohamed Park

Location: Gulf of Aqaba Area: 480 km2 Boundaries: The boundaries of this National Park extend from a point opposite the Qad Ibn Haddan lighthouse on the Gulf of Suez to the southern boundary of the Nabq Protected area on the Gulf of Suez. The area includes the island of Tiran and all shorelines fronting the Sharm el Sheikh tourism development area.  Type: Marine Reserve  Year of establishment: 1983  Objective: Protection of marine and terrestrial wildlife  Management: The Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency (EEAA).  Geographical aspects: Ras Mohammed is the headland at the southern most tip of the Sinai Peninsula, overlooking the juncture of the Gulf of Suez and the Gulf of Aqaba. The islands Tiran and Sanafir . Littoral habitats include a mangrove community, salt marshes, inter-tidal flats, a diversity of shoreline configurations and coral reef ecosystems that are internationally recognized as some of the world’s best. In addition a diversity of desert habitats such as mountains and "wadis", gravel plains and sand dunes.  Flora:  Sea-grass beds and mangrove trees.  Fauna: There are  more than 200 species of corals, species,125 of which are soft corals There are around 1000 species of fish, 40 species of star fish, 25 species of sea urchins, more than a 100 species of mollusc and 150 species of crustaceans. Ras Mohammed is important as a bottleneck for migratory soaring birds. The majority of the world populations of white stork Ciconia pass through this area. The islands of Tiran and Sanafir hold important breeding populations of the threatened and endemic White-eyed Gull Larus leucophthalamus and Osprey Pandion haliaetus. The island of Tiran has one of the largest recorded Osprey populations in the Red Sea. The threatened Green Turtle Chelonia mydas and Hawksbill Turtle Eretmochelys imbricata occur off Ras Mohammed regularly. The threatened mammal species include the Dorcas Gazelle, "Gazella dorcas", Nubian Ibex Capra, "ibex nubiana". Tourist attractions: Tourism in Southern Sinai is inherently linked to resources of the area. The Protected areas program seeks to establish equilibrium between development activities, tourism and the natural resource conservation measures needed to achieve sustainable economic development. Due to Ras Mohamed’s geographical position, divers find almost permanent strong currents  all  year long, which help attract larger fish. Beautiful beaches, extraordinary coral reefs and exciting dive sites make Ras Mohamed National Park a worthwhile visit. Unique Coral Reef ecosystem: Coral reef ecosystems found in the National Park are recognized internationally as among the world’s best. This recognition is based primarily on the diversity of flora and fauna, clear warm water devoid of pollutants, their proximity to shorelines and their spectacular vertical profile. The reef exists as an explosion of color and life in stark contrast to the seemingly barren desert adjacent to it. In reality, the desert is rich in fauna, mainly nocturnal. These ecosystems are intrinsically linked and thus must be managed as a single unit. The National Park offers outstanding coral reef and nature viewing experiences to the visitor. The Eel Garden, named for its population of garden eels at 20m, also provides excellent and calm conditions. The Main Beach, often crowded, remains one of the best locations to see vertical coral walls. Access is restricted to the left side of the bay. The Old Quay, often calm but having more turbid water, has some of the best shallow water reef structure. Marsa Bareika, newly opened with superior corals, calm water and excellent beaches. Mangrove Channel - Hidden Bay are the best locations to view resident or migratory birds such as Herons, White Stark, Osprey, etc.

Wadi El Gemal - Hamata Reserve Area

Date of announcement : 2003 Area : 7450 km2 Type : Desert protected area Distance from Cairo : 850 km Location of Wadi El Gemal - Hamata Reserve Area  The Reserve Area encompasses the segment of the Red Sea coastal plain and mountains extending roughly between 24°51’N in the north and 24°06’N in the south; and between the Red Sea shoreline in the east to about 34°28’E in the west (the Sheikh Shazli road). The Reserve area also encompasses a section of the marine environment including the islands of Hamata and Wadi El Gemal Island. Description of Wadi El Gemal - Hamata reserve Area The Reserve area includes marine and terrestrial components. The terrestrial component encompasses roughly a 50 X 50 km segment of the Red Sea hills and coastal desert. Wadi El Gemal and its delta are the central theme of the reserve area and the area encompasses the entire watershed of the wadi. However, the reserve area takes in other adjacent desert and marine habitats, which complement the wadi, both ecologically and functionally (i.e. in terms of representing a meaningful management unit). Wadi El Gemal is the third largest wadi in the Eastern Desert draining into the Red Sea, and one of the best vegetated, with an estimated watershed area of some 1,840 km² (GEF 1998). The wadi watershed includes the northern flanks of Gebel Hamata in the south, as well as the southern flanks of Gebel Nugrus in the north. Several other important wadis are encompassed in the Reserve area such as Wadi Abu Ghosoun, Wadi El Ringa and Wadi El Rada. Several important peaks are included such as Gebel Hamata Gebel Nugrus, Gebel Hafafit, Gebel Hamamid, Gebel Sartut and Gebel Sikeit. The shores of the region are heterogeneous in nature encompassing rocky, sandy and muddy beaches. The coastline has several important landmarks such as the headlands of Ras Baghdadi and Ras Hankorab, and Sarm El Luli bay. The marine component of the protected area encompasses a strip of marine waters of an average width of 15 km. This component includes all the important coral reefs in the region, as well as four marine islands (the Hamata archipelago and Wadi El Gemal Island). Petrified Forest Reserve  The forest reserve is situated in the northeastern corner of Egypt at the borders gate with the dunes expansion that rise up to 60 meters above sea level. It is heavily covered by high density of acacia trees, bushes and pastoral plants that all work for fixation of the dumes to conserve important environmental feature of the Mediterranean coast which was exposed to developmental projects that transfigured its natural components. The acacia high density helps increase water in the soil that preserves the subterranean water and its natural qualities. It also forms a sort of tourist attraction activity in the region due to its natural resources. The site is one of the sources that the state aims at its conservation and protection for its significance and richness in the wildlife, animal and plant domains. Taba Protected Area Situation: Taba reserve is situated in the southwest of Taba,  with an area of 3590 square kilometers. Importance: Taba reserve includes geological formation caves mountainous passages and network of valleys. The region embraces some natural springs surrounded by plantation gardens visited by Bedouins. Merits:Taba reserve is characterized by rich diversity of rare animals and plants that are almost extinct . It is a habitat of 25 kinds of mammals, 50 kinds of rare resident birds and 24 kinds of reptiles. As for plants, there are 480 kinds of extinct kinds. It is also characterized by the existence of antiquity dating back to 5000 years ago, rare wildlife and traditional heritage of resident Bedouins.

Mosques:Mosque of Amr Ibn El-Aas, El-Hussein Mosque, Sayyida Zeinab Mosque, Al Shafai mosque, Al-Azhar Mosque, Sultan Hassan Mosque, Ahmed Ibn Toulun Mosque,el HakemBiamr Allah, Mohammad Ali Mosque,El Rifai,El Nour mosque,El Mahamal Road SinaiIslamic,Fortresses:Salah El Din Citadel, katabi Citadel,El Akaba Citadel,El Goundi,El Tore,el Arish,Nubaia in Sinai 

Egypt is famous for its deserts and mountains that offer an adventurous experience to most interested locals and a large number of tourists.Tourists are usually escorted by a tour guide who sets up a tent,a bonfire and arranges a couple of  bedouine activities that the tourists participate in,such as dancing,milking a cow or a goat,henna application and much more.Tourists are  also offered traditional bedouin meals.

One of the most famous places a tourist would enjoy a safari at is the St.Catherine mountain.

There are several other Safari destinations in Egypt such as Mersa Alam,Safaga,Ain Sukhana, Sinai,Sharm el-Sheikh etc.

Sports tourism is considered a significant means of tourism attraction, thus adding further pleasure to all tourists. The most important sporting tourist sites are: al-Gezira Horse Riding Club, Golf Club, Shooting Club and the sports clubs in the Red Sea area and the water sports clubs in Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh.

This is a new and very special kind of tourism that attracts important tourists. Egypt offers golf amateurs a chance to practice their favourite sport at distinguished courts located in unique tourist areas as Luxor, Sharm el-Sheikh and Hurghada.

Egypt has more than fifteen golf courts now, Ten of these are entitled PGA, the matter which qualified Egypt to be chosen by the International Organization of the Golf Trips in 2006 to host the Italy championship finals held on Stella De Mary Courts in al Ein el Sokhna with the participation of the private sector. The Egyptian and Italian Media praised the preparations of the finals in an Egyptian atmosphere and according to international standards.

Conference tourism represents a significant type of tourism that involves high tourism revenues and provides a great opportunity to highlight the Egyptian tourist attraction through every international rally .

Cairo International Conference Center is a major illustrious façade for such type of tourism as the center is well equipped with the state-of-the-art technical facilities.

Recently,Egypt has hosted the first international bourse of tourism named Mediterranean Bourse. Due to the great demand for international conferences and exhibitions, 12,000 m2 were added to the Cairo International Conference Centre.

Lake Qaroun Protected Area

Area: 230 km²

Type: Wetland of International Importance

Geographical aspects: The Lake is in the Fayoum Province, 40 km in length, 5.7 km in width and 34 to 43 m below sea level with a mean depth of 4.2 m. Groundwater appears to be continuously seeping from a number of sub-surface springs at the lake bottom. A gently sloping sand-plain extends from the lakeshore northwards and upwards to reach sea level at 7 km north of the shoreline. The lake is an important archeological site because of the presence of marine, fluvial and continental environment all in one area with a unique collection of fossil fauna and flora that goes back to some 40 million years.

Flora: Occasional and sparse vegetation of mostly Tamarix nilotica, Nitraria retusa and Alhagi maurorum are found. Some salt-marsh vegetation is present due to the brackish water from the main drainage canals.

Fauna: Lake Qaroun is well known for wetland of international importance for waterbirds. The internationally important concentrations are Black-necked Grebe Podiceps nigricollis, Shoveler Anas clypeata and Slender-billed Gull Larus genei. The internationally important Little Tern Sterna albiforns breeds here. The lake produces an average of 900 tons of fish and shrimps once a year.

Flamingo The Golden Horn is one of the most wonderful islets in the reserve. The 376-feddan-islet serves as the most convenient spots for bird reproduction, specifically the flamingo. Despite its scanty size (only one sq. km), the importance of Hamour islet rests in its favorable climate for reproduction of both resident and migrant birds, as the islet rises a little above the lake water level.

The biological diversity of the reserves are very important when one considers that 88 species of birds have been spotted here. In addition, there are rare kinds of ducks, eagles, falcons, hornbills, macaws, swans and parakeets. Many wild plants are also to be found. The lake houses more than 10 kinds of fish, including garfish, eel, cod, muskellunge, halibut, striped bass and shrimps. The reserve also offers shelter to five kinds of mammals including Egyptian hyena, red fox, beaver, kudu and gnu. Moreover, the reserve houses rare kinds of reptiles including the Egyptian Cobra, red-spotted and coral snake. All these make Lake Qaroun one of the richest nature reserves nearby Cairo.

Lake Qaroun nature reserve, the oldest in the world, is distinguished by its matchless environmental and natural assets. Within this reserve that comprises 1155 sq. km of land and 230 sq. km of water, both the old and modern civilizations have converged. Lake Qaroun is a safe haven and warm cradle for thousands of migrant birds fleeing the severe cold of Europe. It is also the incubator and the happy nest that embraces infant birds on the lake islets during reproduction time. Various kinds of fish live in the lake waters, while many species of mammals, reptiles and birds live in this wonderful reserve. Moreover, the reserve abounds in rare fossils, archaeological and geological formations.

Lake Qaroun was declared a nature reserve by the virtue of the Prime Minister decision No 348 in 1989 with a view to protecting and conserving the biological, archaeological and geological diversity of the area. Being a damp land area, special attention was required to maintain it.

The reserve contains several monuments including As-Sagha (goldsmiths) palace that lies at the northern part, dating back to the Pharaonic Middle Kingdom. It looks like a small temple made of rosy stone with seven compartments. Three km away from As-Sagha palace there lies Abu Lifa Monastery that was built in the monastic era on an elevated spot in the bosom of a mountain to keep monks secure from Roman oppression. Greek monuments include relics of the old town of Skitnopius, once the departure point for the south desert-bound trade caravans.

Fossils, many of which are kept at the Agriculture Museum in Cairo include those of a strange animal, found to have lived in Mount Qatrani. A carcass of the extinct mammal, which lived in this area some 35 million years ago, was exclusively discovered in Lake Qaroun. The second important fossil in the reserve is ape Egpotothyx, the oldest ape in the world dating back 32 million years ago. This animal is the connecting link between apes of old and modern ages.