Safaga City

Safaga

Safaga is one of the Al-Bahr Al-Ahmar (Red Sea) governorate towns on the Red Sea coast. The city has more than one name – Bur Safaga or Port Safaga. Safaga is one of the municipalities of the Egyptian Arab Republic. It was founded in 1911 AD and is administratively affiliated with the Red Sea Governorate. It rises twenty-three meters above sea level. The city is famous for its black sand that treats many diseases, such as joint diseases, skin diseases, rheumatism, and psoriasis.

Safaga offers a plethora of activities for tourists to indulge in. From exploring the magnificent reefs to kites and windsurfing to enjoying the endless stretches of black and gold dunes, there’s something for everyone here. The town is steeped in history, with the remnants of a Roman quarry just a day away.

Thanks to its perfect weather conditions and world-renowned water sports, Safaga has grown from a small port town to a top tourist destination on the Red Sea. Visitors can enjoy water activities like diving at the Abu Kafan Reef, the Panorama Reef, Ras Umm Hesiwa, and Sharm El-Naga or basking in the sun and sea.

The best time to visit Safaga is between February and June and September and November when temperatures range between 25 C and 30 C. However, those seeking a cure for diseases like psoriasis or rheumatoid arthritis should come during the hotter summer months when the water temperature peaks at approximately 28 C. The town’s environment, with its clean and healthy climate, highly saline waters, and black sand beaches, make it an ideal destination for wellness holidays.

Location of Safaga City

Safaga City stretches for about 70 kilometres along the shoreline of the Red Sea, Al-Bahr Al-Ahmar governorate. Port Safaga lies 180 kilometres from the nearest governorate (Qena) in the Nile Valley and 500 kilometres south of Cairo. At the same time, it is 80 kilometres from Al-Quseir in the south. The Red Sea coast borders it in the east and the Qena governorate in the west. Hurghada City neighbours it in the north.

History of Safaga

Safaga has profound history records compared to the neighbouring cities on the Red Sea coast. Historically, The Ptolemies founded this port town between 282 BC and 268 BC. The Greek Pharaoh Ptolemy II Philadelphus initially named Philotera in honour of his deceased sister.

The modern city’s history dates back to the early twentieth century AD and was discovered by the Englishman Craxon during the British occupation of Egypt as he sought to find minerals for commercial exploitation. The town is a specialist in diving training. It is the shortest route between Saudi Arabia and Egypt, as the cruise between Safaga port and Duba port takes eight hours, and it is the closest Red Sea city to the Nile Valley governorates. The town contains pharaonic monuments dating back four thousand years. The city is a vast seaport where vessels unload wheat, goods, and aluminium cargo.

Administrative Divisions of the City

Now, Safaga has the following four main areas:

  1. Sahel Hasheesh is the northern part of the city.
  2. Makadi Bay.
  3. Soma Bay.
  4. Also, Port Safaga is the city centre and the old part of the city. It is divided administratively into two main villages:
  5. Umm Al-Huwaitat Village is located on the southwestern side of the city, twenty-six kilometres from it. Mountains surround it, and many phosphate mines characterise it.
  6. Al-Nasr Village is located on the Safaga-Qena road, and most of its inhabitants are indigenous desert dwellers.

In addition to these three main divisions, Safaga has several suburbs. However, it has no villages like the cities located in the Nile Valley.

Makadi Bay District

The luxurious resort of Makadi  Bay sits in a stunning natural bay on the Red Sea coast. Indeed, this bay is one of the most exquisitely beautiful places to visit. Also, the place is famous for sandy beaches suitable for swimming and snorkelling. Hotels are studded with the site so that you can choose from over 20 hotel complexes located directly on the sandy beach. Makadi Bay district notably offers tranquillity and peace of mind to all tourists like no other town in Egypt. This area is a beautiful beach getaway destination on the Red Sea Riviera -one of the fantastic districts of Safaga city.

Safaga Attractions

Safaga City is an ideal resort to spend time in. It exists on the coast of the Red Sea, and a vast desert surrounds it. This city has yearlong sunshine, incredible beaches and crystal-like seawater. In addition, it has countless exciting attractions to explore.

For ideas, see our list of the top tourist attractions and places to visit in Safaga:

  • Utopia Island.
  • Dolphinarium.
  • Sharm El-Naga is considered one of the most popular diving sites. It is characterised by many fiery coral reefs and a shallow helicopter situated only four meters. Various fish, seashells, octopus, coral reef fish species, and Sharm El Naga Beach also distinguish it.
  • Clay Bay. Safaga Seaport is located on the western coast of the Red Sea and is affiliated with the General Authority of Red Sea Ports. It is a natural bay two hundred and twenty-five miles south of Hurghada, with 57 square kilometres and a water area of 56.5 square kilometres. World II: The Allied forces used the port.

At the same time, its closeness to Hurghada makes it possible to visit the nearby attractions located in this place. The following list provides an idea about these attractions:

  • Abdulmoneim Riadh Mosque.
  • El-Mina Grand Mosque.
  • Church of St. Mary.
  • Hurghada Marina Boulevard.
  • Fish Market.
  • Fruit Market.
  • Marine Port.
  • Giftun Islands.
  • Hurghada Grand Aquarium.
  • Jungle Aqua Park.
  • Sand City.
  • Mini Egypt.
  • Hard Rock Café.
  • Also, Little Buddha.

Mini Egypt Park

Mini Egypt Park offers a different experience compared to a traditional museum. It is a fantastic trip for our foreign guests, which works as a live catalogue for them to recognise the tourist attractions in Egypt, making it easier to choose where to go.

Dolphin World

Dolphin World is the unique family entertainment and the most beloved Red Sea Riviera. Watch in wonder as the dolphins dance, sing, juggle, play ball, jump and even paint—an interactive show of these fantastic animals’ outstanding skills.

Safaga Activities

Safaga is famous for its coral reefs, islands and entertainment. Generally, many tourists visit it annually to enjoy snorkelling and diving. For the sake of the sea and sun, trips head from Safaga to various tourist destinations. Also, these trips go far to Cairo and Luxor. On the other hand, these trips arrive from Hurghada and Marsa Alam.

So, here is a comprehensive list of the activities and things to do in Safaga, Egypt. For your convenience, we have grouped these entries into the following five basic categories:

  • History Related/Sightseeing in Safaga.
  • Snorkelling in Safaga.
  • Diving in Safaga.
  • Sea-Related Activities.
  • Water Sports/Water-Related Activities.
  • Also, Fun and Entertainment in Safaga.

History-Related and Sightseeing Activities in Safaga

Safaga is located 516 km from Cairo and 246 km from Luxor. This unique location makes it possible to do some history-related activities and sightseeing tours. Also, it enables tourists to visit the monuments and attractions in Luxor, Sohag, El-Minya, Qena, Aswan, Cairo, Giza, Alexandria and so on.

The following is a list of cultural, religious and historic site tours you can choose. This list provides both the destination and the means of transportation you can use to get to the place:

  1. Individual Trip to Luxor from Hurghada.
  2. Excursion to Cairo-Giza from Hurghada.
  3. Individual Trip to El-Minya from Hurghada.
  4. Trip to Monastery of St. Anthony from Hurghada.
  5. Take a Private Trip to Cairo from Hurghada by plane.
  6. Individual Trip to Abydos – Sohag from Hurghada.
  7. Excursion Luxor- Valley of the Kings from Hurghada.
  8. Individual Trip to Abydos – Dendera from Hurghada.
  9. Two-Day Trip to Cairo from Hurghada – Old Cairo.
  10. Individual trip to Dendera – Luxor from Hurghada.
  11. Bus Trip to Cairo-Alexandria from Hurghada.
  12. Personal Excursion Cairo from Hurghada.
  13. Day Trip to Dendera – Luxor from Hurghada.
  14. Also, Trip to Luxor – Valley of Queens by Bus from Hurghada.

Snorkelling Activities in Safaga

Snorkelling is a popular recreational activity in Egypt, particularly at the tropical resort of Safaga. It appeals to all ages because of the little effort needed. The primary appeal to this activity is the opportunity to observe underwater life in a natural setting without the complicated equipment and training required for scuba diving.

Please read through the following list of sea activities and trips in Safaga:

Diving Activities in Safaga

Diving is one of Safaga’s popular sea activities for enjoying marine life. Therefore, it lets you fully explore and experience the exquisiteness of the Red Sea. Also, the city offers tourists several exciting options to do such an activity. These options vary widely in the destination they head to and the location where they take place. For example, diving can take place on the beach or open sea. On the other hand, divers practise it in various sea sites with a colourful marine world.

If you’re looking for a great excursion in Safaga, diving is a fantastic option. Among the numerous diving spots available, some of the most recommended ones are Rau Abu Soma, Bay’s Breaker’s, the Reeb’a, Tobia Kebir, Tobia Soraya, Gamul Soraya, Gamul Kebir, Panorama Reef, The Middle Reef, Abu Kafan, Barakuda Lotus Bay, Aquastars Diving Center, ABC Dream Diving, and Freedom Divers. These spots offer beautiful and safe diving experiences, making them a must-visit for any diving enthusiast.

For more details about diving in the open sea, you can check the following activity:

Fishing Activities

Fishing is one of the satisfying hobbies and activities tourists practice in Safaga. This recreational sports activity is primarily for pleasure or competition purposes. Generally, The most common form of recreational fishing uses a rod, reel, line and hooks. It also uses various baits or lures, such as artificial flies. Angling is catching or attempting to catch fish with a theme.

In Safaga, the most familiar type of angling is the one that uses line and hook. The one that uses rod and reel is more professional and comes second.

Fishing trip in Hurghada. The following fishing activities you can enjoy in Safaga:

Sea-Related Activities in Safaga

Safaga offers tourists who enjoy watching coral reefs and fish without getting their feet into the water.

Water Sports Activities in Safaga

We focus on the water sports you can do on the sea. We classify the other types of water sports under different categories on our site.

Safaga offers a wide range of water sports to tourists holidaying. In general, tourists can enjoy this activity in all Safaga hotels. Parasailing is the most fun activity for tourists:

Desert Safari Activities

Desert Safari is one exciting activity you should add to your plan list if you stay in Safaga. This safari activity combines all the fun and adventures you can enjoy in the desert. Desert safari trips range widely from simple camel rides to buggy driving. Hurghada offers some safari activities, e.g. camel riding, horse riding, quad biking, jeep riding, and buggy.

The following types of desert safari activities you can enjoy while holidaying in Safaga:

  1. Quad Biking in Hurghada.
  2. Jeep Safari in Hurghada.
  3. Also, Camel and Buggy Riding in Hurghada.

Horse Riding Activities in Safaga

Horse riding is a favourite sport and activity in Safaga. For pleasure, the city offers you two options for horse riding. Equally, it provides this recreational activity in seaside and desert environments. These two options vary according to where you can do the horse riding. Some tourists prefer to practise this sport by the sea and ride a horse in the ocean. However, other tourists enjoy that sport in a land environment – the desert.

If you like to enjoy horse riding in Hurghada, you can check out the following activity:

City Touring Activities in Safaga

The city tour involves discovering the attractions and places around you. Indeed, tourists can do such an enjoyable activity in Safaga. This resort offers you many attractions and places to visit. These attractions are all of the modern styles.

Generally, city tours head to the most famous attractions in Hurghada. These attractions are the marine platforms, the old marine port, the Coptic Church, and Muslim mosques. Also, these city tours get to the fruit and fish markets.

The following are the city touring activities you can do starting from Safaga:

Beauty and Wellness Activities

Safaga offers excellent solutions to all those who want to care for their health. Of course, this city has spas where tourists can enjoy body care procedures for a fortune. The following link will guide you to one of them:

Entertainment and Fun Activities in Safaga

Safaga is a fun city. Indeed, this city has many entertainment activities to provide for you. Of course, you can find several aqua parks, aquariums, dolphinariums, and other places to see. The following is one of the best solutions Safaga offers:

The following is a sample of the activities you can enjoy while holidaying in Safaga:

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1 thought on “Safaga

  1. Another of the famous cities of Egypt. So many trips can be done from here. As well as keeping this city as a base. Its closeness to the main cities of Cairo and Hurghada is the reason for its immense popularity as a criss cross-city during certain trips as well. So do visit Safaga and enjoy!

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