Coastal limestone ridges and dunes west of Alexandria that fill with wildflowers after winter rain, one of Egypt's earliest biosphere reserves.
- Arabic name
- محمية العميد
- Type
- Protected area
- Governorate
- Matrouh
- Area
- 87 km²
- Protected since
- 1986 (UNESCO Biosphere Reserve since 1981)
- Nearest city guide
- North Coast and El Alamein
- Official website
- eeaa.gov.eg
El Omayed lies on the north-western coast about 80 km west of Alexandria, inland from the resort strip that leads to El Alamein. It protects a typical slice of the Mediterranean coastal desert: white oolitic limestone ridges, sand dunes, salt marshes and gently sloping inland plains.
Plants and wildlife
Rainfall here is low but reliable compared with most of Egypt, and after winter showers the ridges and plains are carpeted with annual flowers and aromatic shrubs. Researchers have recorded well over 200 plant species, many of them used locally for grazing and medicine. Jerboas, gerbils, hares, lizards and migrating birds share the habitat with the Awlad Ali Bedouin, whose herding traditions are part of the reserve’s management.
What to do
- Walk the ridges in spring for the wildflower season.
- Combine a visit with the war memorials of El Alamein, about 25 km further west.
- Learn about traditional rain-fed farming of figs and olives.
Getting there and best time
The reserve is reached from the international coastal road between Alexandria and El Alamein, with El Alamein International Airport and Borg El Arab Airport both within easy driving distance. There is little visitor infrastructure, so go with a local guide. February to April is the best period, when plants flower and temperatures are mild.
Entry fee: not confirmed (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
What is special about El Omayed?
It protects Mediterranean coastal desert of limestone ridges, dunes and salt marshes, where well over 200 plant species have been recorded. It has been a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve since 1981.
When is the wildflower season?
February to April, after winter rain, when ridges and plains are carpeted with annual flowers and aromatic shrubs and temperatures are mild.
How do I get there?
It is about 80 km west of Alexandria, reached from the international coastal road towards El Alamein. Borg El Arab and El Alamein airports are within driving distance.
Do I need a guide?
There is little visitor infrastructure, so go with a local guide. Visits combine well with the El Alamein war memorials about 25 km west.
Is there an entry fee?
No fee has been confirmed; check with the Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency (eeaa.gov.eg) or a licensed local operator before you go.
