If you are looking for a place to experience the best of Egypt’s natural and cultural heritage, look no further than Ras Mohammed National Park. Located at the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, this park is Egypt’s first and most famous marine reserve, home to some of the most diverse and stunning coral reefs, landscapes, and wildlife in the world.
Whether you want to dive into the underwater wonders, explore the ancient and modern history, or simply enjoy the breathtaking views, Ras Mohammed National Park has something for everyone. In this article, we will guide you through everything you need to know about this amazing park, from its attractions and activities, to its practical information and tips. By the end of this article, you will be ready to plan your trip and experience the beauty and adventure of Ras Mohammed National Park.
Why Visit Ras Mohammed National Park?
There are many reasons why Ras Mohammed National Park is a must-see destination for tourists, but here are some of the main ones:
Unique Flora and Fauna
Ras Mohammed National Park is a biodiversity hotspot, hosting more than 1000 species of fish, 220 species of coral, and 150 species of crustaceans, as well as many other marine and terrestrial animals and plants. Some of the rare and endemic species that can be found in the park include the dugong, the green turtle, the white-tip reef shark, the red sea anemonefish, the giant moray eel, the desert fox, the ibex, and the osprey. The park is also a birdwatcher’s paradise, with more than 200 species of migratory and resident birds, such as the flamingo, the pelican, the tern, and the heron.
Spectacular Scenery
Ras Mohammed National Park offers some of the most stunning views and landscapes in Egypt, thanks to its unique location and geology. The park is situated at the junction of two gulfs and three tectonic plates, creating a variety of natural features and phenomena, such as the gate of Allah, the magic lake, the salt lake, the earthquake cracks, the mangrove forest, the shark observatory, and the eel garden. Each of these features has its own charm and story, and you can admire them from different perspectives, such as from the shore, from the water, or from the air.
Rich History
Ras Mohammed National Park has a rich and diverse history and culture, dating back to ancient times. The park was once a sacred site for the ancient Egyptians, who believed that it was the place where the sun god Ra was born. The park also witnessed many historical events and battles, such as the Suez Crisis, the Six-Day War, and the Yom Kippur War, leaving behind many relics and monuments, such as the shipwrecks, the fortresses, and the tombs. The park also reflects the modern history and culture of Egypt, as it was designated as the country’s first marine reserve in 1983, and has since been a model for conservation and education.
Diving and Snorkelling
Ras Mohammed National Park is a diver’s and snorkeller’s dream, as it boasts some of the best and most diverse diving and snorkelling sites and experiences in the world. The park has more than 20 diving and snorkelling sites, each with its own characteristics and attractions, such as the Yolanda Reef, the Jackfish Alley, the Shark Reef, the Ras Ghozlani, the Ras Za’atar, and the Thistlegorm Wreck. You can explore the coral gardens, the caves, the walls, the pinnacles, and the wrecks, and encounter a variety of marine life, such as the dolphins, the sharks, the rays, the turtles, the octopuses, and the nudibranchs. Whether you are a beginner or an expert, you will find a site and an experience that suits your level and interest.
How to Plan Your Visit to Ras Mohammed National Park?
Now that you know why you should visit Ras Mohammed National Park, here are some practical and useful information and tips on how to prepare and enjoy your visit:
How to Get There
There are different ways to get to Ras Mohammed National Park, depending on your preference and budget. The most common and convenient way is to take a car, a bus, or a boat from Sharm El Sheikh, the nearest city and tourist hub. You can also take a plane from Cairo or other major cities in Egypt, and land at the Sharm El Sheikh International Airport, which is about 20 km away from the park. Alternatively, you can take a ferry from Hurghada or other ports on the Red Sea coast, and arrive at the Sharm El Sheikh Marina, which is about 25 km away from the park.
When to Go
The best time to visit Ras Mohammed National Park is from October to May, when the weather is mild and pleasant, and the water is clear and calm. The average temperature during this period is around 25°C, and the average visibility is around 30 m. However, you can also visit the park during the summer months, from June to September, when the weather is hot and dry, and the water is warm and inviting. The average temperature during this period is around 35°C, and the average visibility is around 20 m. The park is open all year round, from 6 am to 6 pm, but the best time of the day to visit is in the morning or in the afternoon, when the sun is not too strong and the crowds are not too large.
What to Bring
There are some essential items and equipment that you need to bring or rent for your visit to Ras Mohammed National Park, such as:
Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, and water: To protect yourself from the sun and the heat, and to stay hydrated
Snacks and drinks: To keep your energy and mood up, and to enjoy a picnic at the park
Camera and binoculars: To capture the amazing views and wildlife, and to observe them from a distance
Diving or snorkelling gear: To explore the underwater wonders, and to have a comfortable and safe experience
Camping gear: To spend a night at the park, and to have a cozy and memorable experience
What to Wear
The appropriate clothing and footwear that you need to wear for your visit to Ras Mohammed National Park depend on the season and the activity that you choose, but in general, you should wear:
Light and breathable clothes: To keep yourself cool and comfortable, and to avoid overheating
Swimsuit and cover-up: To enjoy the water activities, and to respect the local culture and customs
Sandals or flip-flops: To walk on the sandy and rocky terrain, and to avoid injuries
Wetsuit and booties: To dive or snorkel in the water, and to protect yourself from the cold and the coral
What to Do
There are many activities and experiences that you can enjoy at Ras Mohammed National Park, depending on your preference and passion, such as:
Diving or snorkelling: To discover the coral reefs, the marine life, and the shipwrecks, and to have an exhilarating and unforgettable experience
Camping: To spend a night under the stars, and to have a peaceful and romantic experience
Wildlife watching: To observe the birds, the mammals, and the reptiles, and to have a fascinating and educational experience
Hiking: To explore the park’s trails, and to have a scenic and adventurous experience
What to Avoid
There are some potential risks and dangers that you need to be aware of and avoid at Ras Mohammed National Park, such as:
Currents and tides: To avoid getting swept away or stranded, and to have a safe and enjoyable experience
Jellyfish and coral: To avoid getting stung or cut, and to have a painless and pleasant experience
Coral damage and littering: To avoid harming the environment and the wildlife, and to have a responsible and respectful experience
Ras Mohammed National Park is a place where you can experience the best of Egypt’s natural and cultural heritage, and have a fun and memorable trip. Whether you want to dive into the underwater wonders, explore the ancient and modern history, or simply enjoy the breathtaking views, Ras Mohammed National Park has something for everyone.
If you are ready to plan your trip and experience the beauty and adventure of Ras Mohammed National Park, you can visit the park’s official website, or contact one of the many travel agencies or tour operators that offer packages and services for the park.
Thank you for reading this article, and we hope you have a great time at Ras Mohammed National Park. If you have any feedback or questions, please feel free to share them with us.