As you drive from Marsa Alam airport to your hotel,  and gaze out at the mountains and vast expanse of Sahara on one side and the sparkling blue waters of the Red Sea on the other, you could be forgiven for thinking that Marsa Alam offered a simple choice between diving or relaxing by the beach or pool.  However, you can do far more.

For those who want to do something every day of the week here's a plan -


DAY ONE - DIVING OR SNORKELLING.

Go diving or snorkelling - we recommend  Elphinstone where the reef wall plunges seventy metres and harbours sharks, mostly curious but harmless, and many exotic fish species. There's also the shallower sandier Marsa Abu Dabab,  easier for the novice diver,  and still offering the possibility of close-up encounters with dolphins or the dugong "sea cow".  For the real dolphin enthusiast there's also Samadai Reef ( known as "Dolphin House" ) where a large group of spinner dolphins have made this particular reef their home.

But remember that on any single day you can't guarantee to get up close and personal so the more time you can set aside for diving excursions the better.  And if you loath friendly dolphins and are more of an adrelinin junky,  what about exploring one of the local shipwrecks or underwater caves ?  

Ask your hotel or tour operator if you wish to book a diving excursion.   For more information you can also check out our diving page.



DAY TWO - FISHING OR KITE SURFING.

What about some deep sea fishing ?  You stand a good chance of getting a good catch in these fish rich seas.  Board a luxury yacht and take lessons in fishing for lobster, tuna, barracuda or even reef sharks.   

If you have more than a few hours, the extra time can reap dividends, especially if you can afford a sleep on board trip.  This enables you the time to explore the most rewarding fishing grounds. 

Try to go on a trip where the number of other tourists is strictly limited as you'll benefit more from the individual help and tuition of a professional.   For more detailed information consult our fishing page.
 
Or if you want to get fit quickly and need something a bit more adventurous than the hotel gym how about some kite surfing at the legendary shallow lagoon at Wadi Lahami, 140km south of Marsa Alam.  Unusually for Marsa Alam the sand is soft and coral free and with a maximum depth of 70cm across most of the lagoon it's possible to wade out a considerable distance.  

There is an outer coral reef at the point at which the lagoon meets the sea.  While beginners stick to the lagoon,  experts can enjoy the open seas beyond the reef.  The strong thermal winds provide ideal conditions.

For more details on the kite surfing here check out oonasdivers.com or if you wish to book a seven day kite surfing safari contact them directly. 

When last checked in the summer of 2008 their prices for a seven day kite safari including meet and greet at Marsa Alam airport, accomodation in a tent and full board varied from £180 low season to £215 high season. 


DAY THREE - A CHOICE OF DESERT SAFARIS.

Ever fancied a desert safari on a quad bike ?  It looks fun when you watch a group race off across the desert, leaving a trail of dust behind them and believe me it's much better to be part of it.  But, before you go, shed all your best clothes and anything that might be endangered on a bumpy and very dusty ride.  Consider using sunglasses and a head scarf which helps to  protect your face from the sun and dust.

OR  if you fancy a slower but quieter pace go for a horse or camel safari.  Don't forget to have your camera ready for the dramatic sun sets dropping down below the rugged mountain horizon.  Then, on the way back you can enjoy the truly magnificent night skies. 

Or if you want to strike fast and deep into the Sahara to explore the mountain valleys - how about a jeep safari ?  Don't forget to pack a barbie or at least a lunch box !  Oh, and plenty of drinks.  

Ask the driver if you can visit a bedouin village or travel to Wadi Hammamat to view the ancient rock inscriptions and mines that run along the dry river valley that once formed part of a trading route which connected Luxor via the Silk Route to Asia. 

Alternatively if you are a nature lover you might want to explore the amazing landscapes and wildlife of the Gebel Elba Nationa Park which lies 250km south of Marsa Alam between the small  town of Berenice and Egypt's border with Sudan.

This mountainous area harbours a suprising variety of bird species including the Sooty Falcon, the Crowned Sandgrouse and the Pharaoh Eagle Owl. 

Its' highest peaks, including Gebel Elba (1,435m), form a 'mist oasis'.  The surrounding cloud that shrouds the mountain tops creates a moisture laden dew. The reason for the relative abundance of local flaura and wildlife. 

The area is also the homeland of the Bashari pastoral nomads whose numbers have been declining due to a recent drought.  They live in semi-circular wooden structures patched over with hides and cloth and are renown for their skill as desert trackers and camel breeders.

Before you set out you should check whether access will be allowed as police are currently extra sensitive about the safety of tourists in remote border areas.

An easier to reach alternative is the Wadi el Gimal (Valley of the Camels ) National Park,   with its' many mangrove and thorny acacia trees, one of the last places in Egypt you can still find wild gazelle.  Covering over 6000 square kilometres, it has several entrances, but the main one is situated close to the Shams Alam resort about 30 minutes south from Marsa Alam.

Also within the park are the ancient Emerald mining villages of Mons Smaragdus, more popularly known as Cleopatra's Mines.  However, while there is a good possibility that the mines were already working during her reign, the oldest datable item found there is a Roman coin from the reign of Emperor Nero in the first century AD. You can still explore the old villages, the connecting pathways and even the remains of the mine shafts.   You can find out more about safaris in the Wadi Gimal National Park at wadielgemal.com

Otherwise, most of the above safaris can be arranged via the reception of most good Marsa Alam hotels.  Remember these places are remote so always take a professional guide with you. 


DAY FOUR - A NIGHT OUT IN PORT GHALIB.

What about a night out in Port Ghalib marina, soon to be one of the biggest marina developments on the Red Sea,  with its' many bistros, restaurants and bars ?   Try some Egyptian food - grilled lamb kebabs or the freshest seafood - and grab a table with a sea view.  

But shopping in Port Ghalib ?  Better hold off !

Don't listen to the advice in the First Choice magazine ( November 2008 ) which describes Port Ghalib as a "bargain hunter's treasure trove"  - it's one of the most expensive real estate developments in Egypt - and it's highly unlikely that you'll find simple handicrafts here at a cheap price.  Don't be fooled either by the usual salesman's line that "only here can you buy the genuine products."  Save your shopping for day five in El Quseir unless you've got money to burn.


DAY FIVE -

SIGHTSEEING AND
RETAIL THERAPY IN EL QUSEIR

Now it's time for a day shopping in the historic city of El Quseir with its'  Ottoman fort and many small shops and bazars ?  It's just a short drive away ( 15 minutes to a little over an hour depending on where in the Marsa Alam area your hotel is. ) 

First, explore the sixteenth century Ottoman fort which was occupied  by the French in 1799, under Napoleon, who fortified it with the cannons which you see on the ramparts.   Despite these, it was seized by the British a few years later. 

( See our history with photos of El Quseir Fort )

Afterwards, if you still have time, wander down to the small port, bordered by shuttered and balconied houses.  It may look modest but it has a long history. Queen Hatshepsut launched her campaign against the legendary "Land of Punt" ( possibly Yemen ) from here. Centuries later, after the Arab conquest, it remained the largest port on the Red Sea and until the 1840s it was the port of choice for pilgrims travelling from North Africa to Mecca. 

Then head for El Quseir's main attraction.  Shopping in the souk. Here, you can often find cheaper prices for papyrus, alabaster, perfumes, shishas, silver and other goods than you can in the hotel shops.  It's simple economics.  The bazaars here pay a lower rent.  Unlike in your hotel, however, you can't subsequently  make a complaint to the GM, if the goods are of questionable quality.  So think carefully and choose wisely.   

Also please bear in mind that  if you are taken to a shop by someone else,  whether your tour rep or a local  "guide", a large part of your money may end up as a commission payment.   I'm not saying that there are never exceptions to this rule, but they are few so just take care !

If you are looking for perfumes you can't do better than visit the Perfume shop at Dreams Beach Hotel (26km south of El Quseir) where the seller has a reputation Egypt wide as probably the most knowledgeable in the business.  Unlike many other shops the perfumes we sampled here were pure and not mixed with parafin.  Just tell security at the gate you wish to visit the perfume shop.  It's normally open from 1pm to around    11pm. 


DAY SIX -  THE ANCIENT CITY OF LUXOR

It's all to easy to forget that you are only a few hours drive from perhaps the most famous capital of the ancient world - Thebes - or Luxor as it has become known in more recent times.  If you are an early riser ( or even better if you can afford a two day trip ) then this excursion can be well worth the effort. 

Luxor has so many temples and historic monuments that it is virtually one enormous open air museum of  Pharaonic Egypt.  But it also has more to offer.  Here you can engage with local Egyptian town life, watch the hussle and bustle of the souks from the comfort of a roadside cafe or drift down the Nile in a felucca enjoying the cool breeze of the late afternoon as the sun sets. 

However, and here we differ from the glossy tourist brochures,  we should warn you of some of the possible problems.   Please read our Luxor precautions page. -  


DAY SEVEN -

HIT THE BEACH AND THEN
RELAX IN AN EGYPTIAN SPA.

Finally, hit the beach for some well deserved R&R.   Lie on a sun lounger with your favourite book, stroll along the beach and watch out for unusual sea and bird life or swim or snorkell from the end of your hotel's marina/jetty.   Profit from your advantage in having the world's warmest sea  ( measured by average temperature ) on your door step.

Most hotels also organize plenty of activities. You can join in various pool games, watch a comedy act in the hotel theatre or rediscover the art of table tennis or volley ball.  And if you want to impress your friends on your return how about  looking for interesting souvenirs in the adjacent shops

If you still think something is still missing - what about a visit to your hotel's health club.  Pamper yourself with a beauty or massage programme or just chill out in the sauna or hammam ( steam room ).   

The hammam is a Middle Eastern tradition which grew from the Islamic ritual of washing prior to prayer but is equally enjoyed by anyone who likes a good soak and  scrub.  For the latter a rough mit is used which enables you to shed all your loose dead skin. 

If you're not sure about the quality of the Health Club in your hotel - there have been some dire reports of the odd rotten apple on Trip Advisor -why not take a short trip to the health club at Al Nada Resort ( some 20km south of the airport ), which though a small and modest spa by European standards, has built up an enviable reputation as the favourite R&R destination for visiting Egyptian VIPs.   For an appointment ring  + 20 184 332 337 or use our Contact Us page and mark Forward to Al Nada Health Club.

Need a taxi ?

Taxi drivers will often take advantage if you're stuck at the airport.  Best to book in advance.

If you need a cheap limousine, taxi service, minibus or car rental at any time phone Seifein Shafik on + 20 184 332 337 ( outside Egypt ) or 0184 332 337 ( inside Egypt ).

He has many types of car as well as people carriers available in Marsa Alam, Hurghada, Luxor, Cairo and Sharm El Sheikh.