Ras Mohamed National Park Half-Day Tour by Bus Sharm El Sheikh

Ras Mohamed National Park

Ras Mohamed is the headland where the Sinai Peninsula ends, about twenty kilometres from Sharm El Sheikh, and it was declared a national park in 1983. Its protected land and sea cover desert, cliffs, salt marshes, mangrove and coral reefs, which makes it one of the most important natural areas in Egypt.

People often ask whether Ras Mohamed is worth visiting, and the answer is yes: it is a wild landscape just outside a busy resort. The best time to visit is the morning, when the light is soft and the temperature is lower, which is when this half-day tour operates. The drive from Sharm El Sheikh takes about forty minutes, so the park makes an easy half-day outing even if you have only one morning free.

Allah's Gate

Allah's Gate is a natural gateway-shaped rock formation on the park coast, where pale limestone cliffs meet the sea. It is a favourite viewpoint and a classic photograph for visitors, especially with the turquoise water in the background.

The name comes from the Arabic Bab Allah, the gate of God. Stand at the viewpoint for the panorama, and ask the guide where the best angle is for pictures. Remember that the ground near the cliff edges is rough, so wear closed shoes. A short walk from the parking area brings you to the viewpoint, and the guide will point out the best spot for photographs while the group waits its turn.

Mangrove Rock

The mangroves at Ras Mohamed are among the most northerly in the Red Sea. The grey-green trees grow in salt water, and their roots form a nursery for small fish, crabs and young sharks in the shallows. A stop at Mangrove Rock lets you see these trees close to the sea.

The guide explains why the mangrove is protected and how it supports birdlife, including herons and ospreys that visit the park. Please stay on the path and do not break any branches or collect shells. Look closely at the roots and you may spot small crabs and fish, and with luck a heron standing still at the water's edge.

The Magic Lake

The Magic Lake, sometimes called the Hidden Lake, is a sheltered saltwater lagoon that is joined to the sea by an underground channel. Its water is calm, clear and very blue, and it is a good place to swim and snorkel even if you are not a confident swimmer.

The tour allows time at the lake for swimming and snorkelling, so bring swimwear and a towel. Snorkelling equipment is optional and can be rented, and the certified guide stays near the group. The lake is also a pleasant place to rest after the drive. The water is salty and buoyant, so floating is easy, and the quiet setting is a welcome change after the road and the viewpoints.

The Earthquake Crack

The Earthquake Crack is a deep fissure in the desert ground, created by movements of the earth's crust where Africa and Arabia pull apart. It is a rare chance to see a geological feature up close, and the guide explains how it formed and why the region is so active.

The crack is fenced for safety, so you can look from the edge. It is an easy stop on the route, and with the cliffs of the park behind it, it gives a good sense of the scale of the landscape. Photographers like the crack in the late morning, when the sun lights the walls, and the stop is short, so keep your camera ready.