The unique geographical location of Egypt, at the northeast corner of the African continent, where it joins with Asia, coupled with the fact that the Mediterranean Sea borders it to the north and the Red Sea to the east, endows it with a rich natural heritage.

Egypt is always associated with warm climatic conditions and arid landscapes. Still, very little light is thrown on the National Parks and nature preserves, covering almost 12% of the country’s land area. There are about thirty national parks in Egypt with diversified species of flora and fauna, some of which are native to Egypt and can only be seen in the country. The locals of Cairo‘s capital city also often flock to the national parks as they give them a breath of fresh air, away from the chaos of principal city life. One of the main tourist attractions in Egypt is the national parks and nature reserves that pull in crowds from all over the world.

In a bid to take action to conserve and preserve its biodiversity, flora, and fauna, Egypt passed Law 102/1983, which empowered the Prime Minister of the country to designate certain areas to be declared as protectorates. To date, 28 protectorates have been announced, ranging from coastal, wetlands, and geological and coastal protectorates.

List of National Parks of Egypt

Since prehistoric times, Egypt has relied upon its natural resources to sustain its civilisation. In the 21st century, biodiversity has become integral to the country’s health, well-being and prosperity. Egypt’s challenge is balancing the needs of a populous developing nation with protecting its biodiversity. Like the rest of the world, Egypt faces new and complex environmental challenges that climate change uncertainties will likely exacerbate. The increasing biodiversity loss and ongoing desertification reduce the nation’s biological productivity.

Egypt has made great strides in Protected Area management in the past twenty years – a relatively short period to establish a system entirely new to the country.

Wadi El Gemal National Park

Wadi El Gemal National Park is one of the national parks in Egypt. It is 7,450 square kilometres (2,880 sq mi) in size, including 4,770 square kilometres (1,840 sq mi) of land and 2,100 square kilometres (810 sq mi) of marine space. Approximately 17% of the marine life is native to the Red Sea. The coastal area features coral reefs with 450 species of coral and over 1200 species of fish. It also includes five islands, including Wadi El Gemal Island. These islands are a breeding ground for 13 bird species, and local sea grasses are essential food sources for the endangered dugong and green turtles.

The coast of Wadi el Gemal is partially rocky, with broad spots covered by mangroves, which are particularly widespread in the south of Egypt, where there is the largest mangrove forest in the entire Red Sea. The inland area has many animals, including the Dorcas gazelle and the Nubian Ibex. Various sandy beaches along the shores of Wadi El Gemal Park are also suitable for snorkelling and scuba diving.

Wadi El Gemal National Park enjoys stunning views year-round, with untouched marine life and a dense mangrove forest. There are several relaxation spots with Hankorab Beach’s crystal-clear waters and Qulaan’s beautiful scenery. For a deep dive into local culture, visitors see the Ababda House cultural museum and explore the ancient ruins at Sakit. Round off a trip with a visit to Abou Ghosoun and Hamata, where travellers can witness local tribeswomen produce unique handicrafts perfect for gifts!

The Protectorate is the site of prehistoric rock art and Ptolemaic and Roman ruins, and the mountain Mons Smaragdus is the site of small mining communities dating back to ancient Egypt. Wadi El Gemal is an IUCN Category II park established in 2003.

Nabq Protected Area

Covering 600 km², Nabq Protectorate offers access to the Red Sea, with many stunning coral reefs and an exciting array of marine life. Announced as a protectorate in 1992, this area’s desert topography features dense mangrove forests, hosting a diverse selection of rare birds and other animals. Nabq is home to the Grey Heron, the Steppe Eagle, and the Dugong. The 1956 Maria Schröder cargo shipwreck is a fascinating tour for history buffs.

Nabq Protected Area (NPA) is in Egypt, South Sinai Governorate. It was established by the Prime Ministerial Decree no.1511/1992. It was extended by Decree 33/1996, where the Dahab marine section was added to the protected area as a Dahab Environmentally Managed Area DEMA and finally having Nabq Managed Resource Protected Area, known shortly as (NMRPA).

Ras Muhammad National Park

The southernmost tip of the Sinai Peninsula, Ras Muhammad, is an 850 km² fossilised coral headland between the rich coral reefs of the Red Sea and the inland desert declared a protectorate in 1983. Ras Muhammad National Park enjoys unique ecological and geological features and a thriving mangrove forest, making it a popular destination for decades. Home to abundant wildlife such as the Sea Turtle, Clownfish, Giant Moray Eel, and the Sooty Falcon.

Zaranik Protectorate

On the northern coast of the Sinai Peninsula lies the beautiful Zaranik Protectorate. This unique lagoon is a favourite location for migrating water birds. This amazing lagoon contains small inlets supporting dense vegetation. Bordering the eastern end of Lake Bardawil, the Zaraniq Lagoon is a migratory haven for threatened bird species like the Corncrake and Pallid Harriers. Endowed protected status in 1985, this 230 km ² lagoon also hosts small populations of the endangered Egyptian Tortoise and the Loggerhead Turtle species.

El Ahrash Protectorate

The Ahrash Protectorate sits along the Mediterranean coastline, distinguished by 60 m-high dunes and plenty of vegetation, including herbs, grasses, and Acacia trees. Due to its high coastal dunes and fragile ecosystem, the government declared this area a protected area in 1985. Local Bedouin communities cultivate this area to feed their livestock and stabilise sand in this desert landscape.

Elba National Park

Nestled between two tropical and arid regions, Elba Protectorate is known for its unique location and microclimate. Home to rare bird species and sub-Saharan mammals like the Zoril and the Aardwolf, this massive 35,600 km ² Protectorate hosts exceptional biodiversity. The area’s main attraction, Gebel Elba, or Mt. Elba, measures approximately 1,437m high and enjoys plenty of mountainous precipitation. In turn, this moisture-rich region flourishes with rich flora and fauna.

El Omayed Biosphere Reserve

A vast coastal desert along the Mediterranean Sea, the Omayed Biosphere Reserve is renowned for having Egypt’s richest flora. Half of this 700 km² reserve is dedicated to small-scale farming, with the rest free for activities and exploration. Endowed with protected status in 1986 for its diverse collection of flora and fauna and later designated by UNESCO as a Biosphere Reserve, El Omayed attracts biologists and geologists alike for the area’s unique research opportunities. The topography of this region includes coastal dunes, limestone ridges, depressions, and an inland plateau.

Saluga and Ghazal Protectorate

Endowed protected status in 1986, this wetland landscape boasts exceptional natural heritage. The last remnants of Nilotic vegetation, which dominated the Nile Valley for centuries, are preserved here in the Saluga and Ghazal Protectorate, located in the Aswan Governorate. These two small granite islands house over 94 species of flora, including five different kinds of Acacia tree species. This rich vegetation also provides a welcome refuge for wintering birds like the Pintail and the Grey Heron.

Saint Katherine Protectorate

The religious and cultural history of the Saint Katherine Protectorate is revered across all Abrahamic traditions. Inhabited by Greek Orthodox monks, Saint Catherine Monastery is the oldest continuously active monastery in the world. The peak of Mount Moussa, long a pilgrimage site for many, remains a popular destination for visitors today for its vital cultural and religious significance. The level of biodiversity covering almost 4,300 km ² in St. Katherine is incredible, as the Sinai Wild Rose and Acacia Tree flourish there. Also, the Sinai Blue Baton Butterfly, the world’s tiniest butterfly, and the Caracal and Striped Hyena can be spotted roaming freely around the region. The St. Katherine area was declared a protectorate in 1988

Ashtum El Gamil Protectorate

The Ashtum El Gamil Protectorate is located on the eastern sandbar dividing Lake Manzala from the Mediterranean Sea. It was given its status mainly to protect the resident fish species that regularly pass in and out of the lake. The 180 km ² area is one of the essential wetland landscapes for wintering birds, hosting up to 250,000 birds annually. Among these bird species are the Wigeon and the Ferruginous Duck. The Ashtum El Gamil Protectorate also provides food, shelter, and a sustainable reproductive habitat for a range of resident fish.

Lake Qarun Protectorate

Almost half of Egypt’s 431 bird species have been sighted and recorded at one point or other at Lake Qarun, a vital wintering destination for migrating water birds and every birdwatcher’s dream come true! Known for its natural and cultural heritage, Lake Qarun Protectorate spans 1,385 km ² and is home to several Pharaonic, Roman, and Coptic archaeological sites. Here, visitors can glimpse the Flamingo and the White Pelican. Also, they visit the Jebel Qatrani Open Air Museum, located at Qatrani Mountain! This area was announced as a protectorate in 1989.

Wadi El Rayan Protectorate

Wadi El Rayan Protectorate features a notable UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring over a million-year-old whale fossils. Announced as a protectorate in 1989 and spanning over 1,700 km ², the mountains in this area make for great hikes and clear, expansive skies perfect for birdwatching and stargazing. This area features an array of wildlife, ranging from Ruppell’s Sand Fox to the rare Sandgrouse. Surrounded by cascading dunes, the Magic Lake here is peacefully picturesque. A stay at any of the nearby ecolodges provides a welcome escape from the bustle of neighbouring Cairo.

Wadi El Alaqi Protectorate

What an exciting array of animal species! Covering 30,000 km ², the massive Wadi Al Alaqi Protectorate lies between the western Red Sea mountains and the Nile Valley. With unique geological features and vital ecological importance, the Wadi Al Alaqi Protectorate hosts plenty of Nile Tamarix plants and serves as a wetland for wintering wildfowl. Declared a protected area in 1989, this Park is also home to the Nubian Wild Donkey, the Nile Crocodile, the Nile Monitor, and the Soft-Shelled Turtle.

Wadi El Assiuti Protectorate

Running through the Eastern Desert’s limestone plateau and passing through the Nile Valley, Wadi El Assiuti is a largely undisturbed protected park, covering 35 km ² of rich vegetation and wildlife. An arid area with limited water supplies, Wadi El Asyuti, carries unique ecological significance because it allows for the survival of endangered wildlife species like the Nubian Ibex and the Caracal and reptiles like the Spiny Agama.

El Hassana Dome Protectorate

The geological result of tectonic shifts and contortions occurred around 135 million years ago. The Hassana Dome Protectorate stands alone on a plateau just north of Cairo. As sightseers observe this domed structure, keep an eye out for texture inconsistencies that reveal the impact of these contortions on the rock and are visible along its surface. Although in a pretty arid region, the Protectorate supports some vegetation, lizards, and the famous White-crowned Black Wheatear species. This rock structure also houses several exceptional marine fossils.

Abu Galum Protectorate

Abu Galum National Park stretched over 500 km² and was declared a protectorate in 1992. Home to the globally renowned Blue Hole and Three Pools dive sites, Abu Galum is a tourist favourite, mainly because of its proximity to Dahab. This region boasts a collection of coral reefs unlike anywhere else. It also houses the infamous Blue Lagoon, a stunning natural saltwater pool surrounded by climbable mountaintops. With foxes, vultures, and ibexes, Abu Galum’s rugged terrain provides the ideal environment for a lively collection of wildlife. The surrounding mountains also have various other reptiles, birds, and fish species such as the Sinai Agama, Grey Heron and the Giant Moray Eel.

Taba Protectorate

The northernmost protected area in the Sinai Peninsula, Taba Protectorate, covers 3,595 km² and is characterised by steep-walled valleys and exceptionally high mountaintops. Long considered by experts to be one of the most well-preserved regions in Southern Sinai, Taba National Park is home to the infamous Nubian Ibex. Declared a protected area in 1998, Taba also boasts an incredible selection of wildlife, including 24 reptilian species and up to 480 different kinds of plants. Nawamis, one of the world’s oldest stone-roofed buildings, can be found here – just a taste of what Taba offers! Visit Taba for an unmissable experience of traditional Bedouin heritage and the opportunity to roam around several cultural and archaeological sites.

Lake Burullus Protectorate

Located east of the Rosetta branch of the Nile River, the Lake Burullus Protectorate stretches over 460 km², making it the second-largest lake in Egypt. Containing around 50 small islands and one sea-bound connection, water salinity in Lake Burullus can be pretty high in some parts. With abundant aquatic vegetation, Lake Burullus was declared a protected area in 1998 and is also an essential wetland for wintering waterfowl like the Wigeon and Ferruginous Duck species.

Nile Islands Protectorate

The Nile Islands Protectorate comprises 127 islands scattered along the river, which support an attractive habitat for wintering Fowl and Wading birds. Seasonal changes in this area cause water levels to rise, which leads to mudflats and sandy banks. These topographical changes foster rich bird habitats and support various amphibian and freshwater invertebrate species to thrive.

Wadi Degla Protectorate

The Wadi Degla Protectorate is renowned for its spectacular limestone terrain, including deep, winding canyons formed by ancient river floodwaters. Declared as a protectorate in 1999, this 60 km² protectorate runs northwest to the Nile Valley and South of Cairo. The valley enjoys a natural solid heritage and is home to several marine fossils that date back to the Eocene epoch. With vegetation during rainy seasons and a reasonable amount of wildlife, Wadi Degla Protectorate is home to some unique bat species.

Siwa Protectorate

Siwa was declared a protectorate in 2002, with a well-preserved natural ecosystem and expansive landscapes. This region is every explorer’s dream come true, spanning around 7800 km² of pristine desert landscape. Particular points of interest in Siwa Oasis include the elevated Shali Fortress, which provides stunning views over the surrounding areas and carries vital historical and cultural significance. The Dorcas Gazelle can be seen leaping across the desert landscape in the surrounding areas. Shyata Lake, a salt lake in the middle of this grand oasis and an occasional pit stop for migratory flamingo birds is also not to be missed inside the protected area.

White Desert National Park

Travellers roam the pristine Crystal Mountain and explore the White Desert National Park landscape’s uninhabited oases and mini-depressions. Spanning over 3,000 km², this area is a sure-fire hit for geologists, ecologists, naturalists, artists, or curious adventurers looking to be wowed by the White Desert’s unusual landscape formations. Announced as a protectorate in 2002, this arid landscape is home to several unique animal, reptile and bird species, such as the Fennec Fox, the Saharan Horned Viper and the Sooty Falcon.

Red Sea Northern Islands Protectorate

The islands scattered along the northern Red Sea coastline are vital to Egypt’s environmental mosaic. In addition to supporting flourishing mangrove clusters, these islands are an important breeding site for birds and endangered Sea Turtles. Underwater seagrass beds feed Green Turtles, and the surrounding coral life hosts dolphins and several other fish species. With this in mind, explorers can understand why the Red Sea Northern Islands are a magnet for thousands of diving enthusiasts worldwide. Visit this area to explore a wide range of endangered flora and fauna and maybe even spot dolphins playing in offshore waters!

El Gilf El Kebir National Park

Spanning 48,523 km², the Gilf El Kebir National Park is one of the world’s largest conserved areas and Egypt’s largest protected site. Despite this area’s exceptionally arid climate, it hosts plants and animals from surrounding landscapes, including the Egyptian Gecko and various insectivorous birds. Visitors will also find the famous Cave of Swimmers, which contains wall drawings and carvings estimated to have been made around 8,000 years ago in the Neolithic era! Despite relatively low biodiversity, Gilk El Kebir’s few surviving elements make this an extremely fragile and sensitive ecosystem.

El Dababya Protectorate

Only recently declared a natural reserve in 2007, the Dababya Protectorate is located just south of the historic city of Luxor. With a particularly unique geological makeup, the Dababya Protectorate contains features from the modern Paleocene and Eocene epochs, commonly estimated to have been between 56 and 33 million years ago. Even though remnants from these eras exist in various places worldwide, the overlap between the two is rarely found in a single area, rendering Dababya an extraordinary place to visit.

El Sallum Protectorate

The Gulf of Sallum is a marine protected area on the western edge of Egypt’s Mediterranean coast and close to the Libyan border. Considered one of the most pristine areas along Egypt’s northern coastline, the Sallum Protectorate is characterised by abundant biodiversity and a unique cultural identity. With sandy white dunes cascading down to clear blue waters, the Sallum Protectorate is as photogenic as it comes!

El Wahat El Bahariya Protectorate

Endowed with protected status in 2010, El Wahat El Bahariya acts as a bridge between Siwa in the North and the White Desert in the South, spanning an area of approximately 2,000 km². Here, scientists discovered fossils from the world’s second-largest dinosaur, still there today! Some flora and fauna can be found here, among which is the Olive Tree, considered a tend dinosaur fossil.

Mount Kamel Meteorite Protectorate

Forged by the fall of a meteor, this pelvic-shaped crater is around 45 meters wide and 16 meters deep. With remnants from an asteroid region between Mars and Jupiter, the Mount Kamel Meteorite Protectorate is an area of rich astronomical heritage and, therefore, significant for those studying the components characterising meteorite formations. Researchers flock to Mount Kamel Meteorite to explore the elements found in the Earth’s core and many other planets in our solar system.