Ras Abu Galum

What is Ras Abu Galum?

Ras Abu Galum is a protected stretch of coast, mountains and wadis north of Dahab, set aside in 1992, where the only settlement is a small Bedouin village and a handful of simple camps. There is no coastal road, so the shore beyond the Blue Hole stays quiet: pebble beaches, fringing reefs and red granite mountains dropping almost straight into the sea.

The coast belongs to the territory of the Mzeina Bedouin, and visiting is as much about tea in a palm-frond hut as it is about the reefs. Our Dahab guide explains the town you will set out from.

How do you get there?

There are three ways in: walk along the coastal path from the Blue Hole, ride a camel the same way, or take a boat.

Times are approximate and depend on your pace and the sea. Many people walk or ride one way and take the boat the other, which also gives a view of the mountains from the water. The path climbs over rocky headlands north of the Blue Hole before following the shore, so wear sturdy shoes, not flip-flops. Camels and boats are arranged with Bedouin operators at the Blue Hole or through your hotel or dive centre; agree the price, and whether it is one way or return, before setting off. Our camel riding guide covers animal welfare and etiquette.

What is there to do?

Snorkel, swim, eat and do very little: Ras Abu Galum is about slowing down rather than ticking sights.

• Snorkelling: the fringing reef begins steps from the camps, with coral gardens and few other swimmers. Ask your host where the easy entries are.
• Diving: dive centres in Dahab run trips to sites along this coast, usually with gear carried by camel or boat.
• Walking: short hikes up the wadis behind the beach, with a Bedouin guide.
• Meals: fresh fish, rice, salad and bread cooked at the camp, with sweet tea all day.

A typical day trip from Dahab

Leave Dahab early, be on the path by about 8am, spend the middle of the day snorkelling and eating at a camp, and come back by boat in the afternoon.

1. 7.30am: taxi or dive-centre transfer to the Blue Hole, about 15–20 minutes.
2. 8am: start the walk or camel ride north along the coast while it is cool.
3. 10am: arrive at a camp for tea, then snorkel the reef in front of it.
4. 1pm: lunch of grilled fish or vegetables, then rest in the shade.
5. 3pm: boat or camel back to the Blue Hole, with time for a final snorkel there.

Divers often do the same day as a dive safari, with two shore dives along the protected coast.

Staying overnight at a Bedouin camp

An overnight stay means a simple hut of palm fronds or stone on the beach, a mattress, blankets and a shared toilet, with dinner and breakfast cooked by your hosts. Electricity is limited, mobile coverage patchy and hot showers not guaranteed, but the stars above the Gulf of Aqaba are superb on a moonless night.

Bring a head torch, warm layers for the evening between November and March, cash, and any snacks you want. Camps are basic; this is part of the appeal. For more on dark-sky nights, see stargazing in Egypt, and for Bedouin customs, our Bedouin culture guide.

Respectful visiting

You are a guest in a Bedouin community: dress modestly away from the water, ask before photographing people, and take all rubbish back to Dahab. A protectorate fee may be charged; agree prices for camels, boats and meals in advance. Do not touch or stand on the reef, and use reef-safe sunscreen.

Travel advice for Sinai differs by area and can change, so check Smartraveller or SafeTravel before booking.

When to go

Spring and autumn are ideal; summer walks are hot and should start at dawn. From June to September temperatures often exceed 35°C and the coastal path has no shade. In winter, days are pleasant at about 20–23°C but nights in the huts can be cool, and the boat may not run if the wind is up.