Abu Galum Protected Area
Nature
Mountains plunge straight into the sea in this roadless protectorate north of Dahab, reached on foot, by camel or by boat from the Blue Hole.
- Arabic name
- محمية أبو جالوم
- Type
- Protected area
- Governorate
- South Sinai
- Area
- 426 km²
- Protected since
- 1992
- Nearest city guide
- Dahab
- Official website
- eeaa.gov.eg
Abu Galum begins just north of Dahab’s Blue Hole and runs up the Gulf of Aqaba towards Nuweiba. No road follows the shore, so this is one of the few places on the Sinai coast where you arrive under your own steam and find little more than palm-thatched Bedouin huts and a long, empty beach.
Landscape and wildlife
Granite and metamorphic mountains rise almost from the waterline, cut by wadis that hold acacia trees and seasonal pools. The protectorate shelters more than 160 recorded plant species, some found nowhere else in Egypt, along with Nubian ibex, hyraxes and red foxes. Underwater, the reefs drop steeply and are in excellent condition because of the limited access.
What to do
- Hike or ride a camel from the Blue Hole along the coastal path to Ras Abu Galum (about 1.5 to 2 hours on foot).
- Snorkel or dive the Bells, the Canyon and the reefs north of the Blue Hole.
- Stay overnight in a simple Bedouin camp, where the nights are dark and quiet.
Getting there and best time
Taxis run from Dahab to the Blue Hole car park; from there you walk, hire a camel, or take a boat organised in Dahab. Carry water and sun protection. Spring (March to May) and autumn (October and November) are ideal; summer midday heat can be severe on the trail.
Entry fee: a small protectorate charge is collected at the Blue Hole area (last checked October 2026).
Last checked October 2026. Entry fees and access rules change; check with the Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency or a local operator before you go. Sources: eeaa.gov.eg, en.wikipedia.org.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get to Abu Galum?
No road follows the coast. Take a taxi from Dahab to the Blue Hole car park, then walk or ride a camel to Ras Abu Galum (about 1.5 to 2 hours on foot), or take a boat organised in Dahab.
What can I do there?
Snorkel or dive the Bells, the Canyon and the reefs north of the Blue Hole, hike the coastal path, and stay overnight in a simple Bedouin camp.
What wildlife lives there?
More than 160 plant species, some found nowhere else in Egypt, along with Nubian ibex, hyraxes and red foxes. The reefs are in excellent condition because access is limited.
When should I go?
March to May and October to November are ideal. Summer midday heat on the trail can be severe, so carry water and sun protection.
Is there a fee?
A small protectorate charge is collected at the Blue Hole area.
