Discover the secrets
of the desert with our safaris with the Bedouin Mozzina Tribe of South
Sinai. See natures art work of amazing landscapes, rock formations and
plants and wildlife. Learn how the nomadic tribes survive in the desert
in remote places, and more about their culture and history. There are
many places to visit (see land safaris and dive safari pages for more
information).
All our safaris have all been developed with the ethos of ethical and sustainable tourism, and we provide guidance and instruction on conservation.
We are just adding to finishing touches to our downloadable safari guide, with all the best places to visit, more information and prices. Check back here soon!
Sheikhs Special Safaris work across the usual tribal boundaries and have been developed with several Bedouin Sheikhs in the Sinai region. These safaris are special because for the first time areas of Sinai which have not been part of the "usual touristic trail" are being made availible in a unique safaris developed under partnership between the Sheikhs in Sinai.
These safaris will fully support sustainable and responsible tourism in South Sinai. Using local Bedouin guides from these specific areas of Sinai, these will be not only safaris that will directly support local communities but will provide an awesome experience like nothing that has ever been under taken before.
Bookings will only be possible via one of the Sheikhs Special Safaris agents ensuring that profits go directly to the families of the areas to be visited. Numbers of visitors will be limited on these safaris, to ensure that the areas beauty and natural resources are preserved and respected.
The tribes we work with during these trips are Jebileya, Mozina, Al eegat and Tarabin. We can offer you off the beaten track adventures in the South Sinai area only. Advanced booking is essential, so let us know duration and some Sinai places of interest well in advance and we can come up with a special package for your travels.
Nomads of the desert safaris are for people who want to experience the silence of the desert. These safaris are to remote desert areas where the general tourist trails do not go. What is more the purpose of the nomads safaris to to take you to experience solitude of the desert and to escape hectic lives. Go to places where there is no electric, no mobile phone reception just peace in some of Sinai's most magnificent natural landscapes.
Hidden valleys with secret gardens, pools, oases and villages. South Sinai is home to much more life than you would expect.
On
our overnight safaris we use Bedouin tents made of goat and or camel hair,
these are communal sleeping areas usually big enough to accommodate whole
groups or families. In some safari places (Ras Abu Gallum, Wadi Gnay and
more) private tents or hooshas have been built that sleep 2 - 3 persons.
If you have specific requirements please let us know as we can cater to
individual requests - e:g private tents in most locations but we might
need advance notice.
Once
you leave Dahab Town, and go into the desert you can say goodbye in most
instances (except for a few areas like Wadi Gnay and St Catherine) to
running water and toilets. These are back to basic safaris where guests
can stay in the style of the Bedouin in a natural way. Do not let this
put you off, this all adds to the unique experience of the safari. To
live in a natural way is an enlightening experience and will make the
safari more enjoyable. Your comfort is our priority, so If you do have
any concerns or special requests we will do our best to help.
With a wide choice of destinations to visit - see Land Safaris or Diving Safaris for a listing of places to visit. Safaris can be developed according to you interests. From day trips to 14 day tours of Sinai, we can offer packages to suit the needs of the individual and your holiday itinerary. Using experienced local Bedouin guides along with any other language guides required for European, Russian or other languages we can provide you with a wonderful insight into desert life, Sinai's history and the life of the Sinai Bedouins.
Take a look at
the Safari places and see what interests you, then let us know your requirements.
Day Safaris, Overnight and 2-4 days safaris can be organised upon arrival.
Longer Safaris 5 days or more will require 2 weeks before your arrival date to plan and organise. We will email you back some suggested itineraries and prices.
The other thing we do on your behalf is to help you organise your holiday time in a way that makes the best of your time and your energy. Some people want to cover a lot of Sinai or Egypt in a few days or a few weeks. We know the best ways to avoid the crowds and also the best ways to get around and durations. So if you need any advice on travel in South Sinai or Egypt ask us.
Note that to visit most of the places listed below you will require a 'regular egyptian visa' which can be obtained upon request at Sharm El Sheikh Airport. If you do not ask at the airport, you will be issued with the free visa for for Aqaba coast Taba to Sharm El Sheikh only which will not cover you if you want to go further into the interior of Sinai (Beyond St Catherines Monastery or beyond Sharm El Sheikh a full visa is required).
In Winter from December - Mid February some Safaris will not be possible due to the overnight temperatures falling to sometimes minus 5C. Overnight safaris can still take place in coastal areas and areas that are close to or around sea level. During the day the average temperatures are still around 21C, however at night time can get to around 5C.
We can provide ample blankets but it worth bringing a sleeping bag if you have one. Overnight trips to St Catherine's and Mount Sinai are possible but there is the possibility of snow or even ice during January.
Many safaris will require an amount of walking each day and require participants to be fairly fit - in particular is the Mount Sinai and St Catherine Trip. Please contact us for more detailed information on the ascent and descent if you have concerns.
Overnight Safaris may require you to bring some special items with you (e.g. torch, sleeping bag etc depending on the season), so that you can prepare we can provide you with a list of suggested items along with your quotation before you confirm your booking.
We are serious about protecting the environment and all participants on our safaris will receive a full and detailed briefing on protecting our wonderful natural habitat. We always clear rubbish and anyone else's thats been left behind after any safari or excursion.
To arrange an itinerary and for prices please contact us with your preferences.
© Sheikh Salem House November 2009