The starkly beautiful Ras Abu Galum Protectorate covers 400 sq km of coastline between Dahab and Nuweiba, mixing coastal mountains, narrow valleys, dunes and fine-gravel beaches with several diving and snorkelling sites. Scientists describe the area as a floristic frontier, where a tropical climate influences conditions. With its 165 plant species, including 44 found nowhere else in Sinai and its wealth of mammals and reptiles, this environmentally significant area is fascinating.
Location of Abu Galum Protectorate
Abu Galum Protectorate is located north of the Nabq Protected Area, along the Gulf of Aqaba, stretching up to Dahab and Nuweiba, covering an area of 400 km² of the eastern coast of Sinai.
Declaration of Abu Galum Protectorate
The Ras Abu Galum Protectorate is near Taba and was declared a reserve in 1992 primarily for protecting mangroves and coral reefs. The National Park of Abu Galum lies north of the Nabq Protectorate along the Gulf of Aqaba. The land area covered by Abu Galum is about 400 square km.
Characteristics
The Abu Galum Protectorate is a narrow coastal plain with high coastal mountains, and the area plays a significant role in regulating land use. The many channels are home to more than 165 plant species, including the medicinal plant Batheran, used to treat abdominal colic. The wildlife in the area includes the Hyrax, the Rupell’s Fox and the Striped Hyena. Also, ten species of snakes and lizards can be seen in this protectorate, three of which are highly dangerous: the Black Cobra, the Horned Viper and the Burton Carpet Viper. Visitors are always advised to avoid the sandy areas with vegetation, and a local Bedouin guide must always accompany you when visiting this area.
Local Community
Bedouins of the Mizena tribe live within the Abu Galum Protectorate confines, fishing here as they have done for centuries. Although the protectorate administration now regulates fishing activities.
Tourist Destination
The importance of the Abu Galum Protectorate can be seen in the existence of a unique topography in the area. Here you can see the mountains near the beaches. The varied terrains include coral reefs, sea herbs, sea creatures, lagoons, mountains and a desert environmental system, meaning almost everything is in one place. The valleys and mountains here are home to many birds, wild animals, and plants, which have helped turn this protectorate into a significant tourist attraction in Egypt. Also, there are diving plans, safari, and animal and bird-watching programs for newbies here. The reserve has more than 165 species of plants, of which 44 are restricted to just this habitat. The reserve is also known for the underwater cave system, which lies at a depth of more than 100 m. The system is hazardous and unstable. Thus, management of this area is crucial to ensure the continuous flow of tourists to the place.
The protectorate is the best-kept secret of Sinai and depicts a picturesque protected area of Egypt. Its spectacular granite mountains ending abruptly on a narrow coastal plain fronted by rich coral reefs make it a worthwhile visit.
Dahab travel agencies offer camel, jeep and walking excursions to Ras Abu Galum Protectorate. Hiking into the reserve by following the path from the Blue Hole is also popular. The track winds along the shoreline to Ras Abu Galum village and El Omeyid village (one hour), where camping overnight in a hut is possible.
There are several walking trails in the Abu Galum National Park. Bedouin guides and camels can be hired at either Ras Abu Gallum village or, if coming from the Nuweiba side, through the ranger house at the edge of Wadi Rasasah. Popular destinations within the protectorate include Bir El Oghda, a now-deserted Bedouin village, and Bir Sugheir, a water source at the edge of the National Park.
Access
Visitors can reach Abu Galum Protectorate by car from Taba, Dahab or Sharm El Sheikh. Also, they can choose to trek from the Blue Hole Camp at Dahab, which can take around an hour for the journey. Also available is a camel ride to Abu Galum, which can be rented along with a local guide from the Blue Hole. If thinking about driving to Abu Gallum from Dahab, the road trip may take two hours.
