National park · Egypt
Wadi El Gemal National Parkمحمية وادي الجمال الوطنية
Visit Wadi El Gemal on a guided desert expedition from Marsa Alam (≈80 km (50 mi) to the main entrance, 4WD required) in October–April; pay the entry fee at the gate (amount check), and explore the valleys, springs and coastal mangroves with a Bedouin guide — this is not a self‑guided hiking park.Visit Wadi El Gemal on a guided desert expedition from Marsa Alam (≈50 mi (80 km) to the main entrance, 4WD required) in October–April; pay the entry fee at the gate (amount check), and explore the valleys, springs and coastal mangroves with a Bedouin guide — this is not a self‑guided hiking park.
- Source checked
- A source and a date are on record: we read it from an official or published page. Not yet confirmed on the ground.
- Field checked
- Someone checked it on the ground, with the date shown.
- Plan calculated
- Worked out by Voykit from its own data (times, distances, budgets). A calculation, not a measurement.
Unknown times stay unknown. How we verify
More
Map to the park
Add your hotel to get directions from it. · stays in this browser; shared with the pocket card.
Area
7,450 km² (2,876 sq mi)2,876 sq mi (7,450 km²)
approximate
Established
1980
Best months
Mar–Apr, Oct–Nov
UNESCO
None
Rules in force · 11Nine African countries on this site have no trip line bec…
- Africa ↗When a route touches a yellow-fever country — even a transit of 12 hours or more — keep the original yellow card (ICVP) in your hand luggage; health desks and airlines can refuse boarding or entry without it.
- Africa ↗Nine African countries on this site have no trip line because governments advise against travel; several others have no-go regions. Read your government's advice for every country on the route before paying deposits.
- North Africa ↗Plan links between North African countries by air or by ferry via Europe; the only regularly usable land borders for visitors are Tunisia–Algeria and Morocco–Mauritania via Western Sahara.
- North Africa ↗Book Saharan nights (dunes, desert camps, oasis tours) between October and April; from May to September desert day temperatures regularly exceed 40 °C and many tours stop.
- Egypt ↗Check visa rules for your passport on the official Egypt e-visa portal before flying; visa on arrival availability depends on nationality and can change.
- Egypt ↗Drones need prior permission and are routinely confiscated on arrival; leave them at home.
- Egypt ↗Do not photograph military sites, police, bridges or government buildings; some museums and tombs charge for or ban photography.
- Egypt ↗During Ramadan, avoid eating, drinking or smoking in public in daylight; hotels and tourist restaurants still serve.
- Red Sea Coast ↗Reefs are offshore; you need a boat or a shore-entry site, not just a hotel beach.
- Red Sea Coast ↗Sinai-only stamp does not cover this coast; you need a full Egypt visa or visa on arrival (check current rules).
- Red Sea Coast ↗Bring EGP cash for taxis, tips and small shops; ATMs exist in Hurghada and Marsa Alam but are thinner in between.
At a glance
- Country
- Egypt
- Area
- 7,450 km² (2,876 sq mi)2,876 sq mi (7,450 km²)
- Approximately 7,450 km² covering desert, mountains and coastal mangroves (check).
- Established
- 1980
- Best months
- Mar–Apr, Oct–Nov
- Permits
- For some areas
Wadi El Gemal National Park protects a vast desert‑mountain landscape on Egypt’s Red Sea coast, featuring basalt peaks, springs, mangrove bays and archaeological sites, while supporting endangered wildlife such as Nubian ibex and Egyptian vulture and the traditional Bedouin way of life.
Decide
Why go, which months, and what lives here when
At a glance
Status
- No UNESCO listing; national park since 1980.
Size and age
7,450 km² (2,876 sq mi)2,876 sq mi (7,450 km²) · national park since 1980
Approximately 7,450 km² covering desert, mountains and coastal mangroves (check).
Why go
- Desert landscape with basalt mountains, springs and mangrove bays.
- Rare wildlife such as Nubian ibex and Egyptian vulture, plus Bedouin culture.
When to go
- JanGo
- FebGo
- MarBest
- AprBest
- MayCaution
- JunCaution
- JulAvoid
- AugAvoid
- SepCaution
- OctBest
- NovBest
- DecGo
- JanCool, dry (check)
- FebMild, dry (check)
- MarSpring, comfortable (check)
- AprWarm, good for desert travel (check)
- MayHeat rising (check)
- JunVery hot (check)
- JulExtreme heat (check)
- AugPeak summer heat (check)
- SepStill hot (check)
- OctCooler, ideal (check)
- NovCool and dry (check)
- DecMild, low crowds (check)
Wildlife and nature calendar
| What | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nubian ibexAll year | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Egyptian vultureAll year | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Arabian sand catAll year | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
Arrive & move
Getting in, how the park is divided, and where things are
Show 3 sectionsHideHow to get there, Zones and sectors, Sketch map
How to get there
From Marsa Alam
4WD hire or guided tour; about 80 km (50 mi) to the main entrance on desert road.4WD hire or guided tour; about 50 mi (80 km) to the main entrance on desert road.
2–3 h (check)
Open the page →
From Hurghada
4WD via road about 400 km (249 mi); often arranged with local operators.4WD via road about 249 mi (400 km); often arranged with local operators.
6–7 h (check)
Open the page →
Zones and sectors
| Zone | What is there | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Wadi el‑Gemal main valley | 65 km (40 mi) desert valley with springs and archaeological sites.40 mi (65 km) desert valley with springs and archaeological sites. | Open to hikers with a park permit. |
| Coastal mangrove bays | Mangrove stands and small islands along the Red Sea coast. | Accessible by 4WD to beach launch points. |
| Archaeological zone | Roman and Ptolemaic sites along the ancient Berenike road. | Visitable on foot from the main valley. |
Sketch map
Take the points offline
3 points as a GPX waypoint file, plus a plain-text list of coordinates. Save it while you have signal: maps apps show the points without a connection.
Coordinates are approximate centre of the park; exact gate location varies.
See & do
Caves, trails and wildlife, with how hard each is and whether it needs booking
Show Top experiencesHide
Top experiences
Practical
Fees, permits, rules, where to sleep and what can go wrong
Show 8 sectionsHideEntry fees and permits, Park rules, Where to stay, Safety, Accessibility, Visiting lightly, Questions people ask, Related
Entry fees and permits
| Item | Range | Per | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Park entry fee | Free | person | Amount not published; pay at the gate (check). |
Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.
Park entry permit or guide
Park rules
- Motorbikes and quads
- Not permitted anywhere in the park.
- Guides
- Strongly recommended for any desert travel; the park is remote and unmarked (check).
- Camping
- No formal campsites; open‑air camping is possible with a guide and minimal impact (check).
- Fire
- Open fires prohibited; use portable stoves (check).
- Litter
- Carry out all waste.
Where to stay
Near the park
Fustat Wadi El Gemal eco‑lodge
Simple rooms, solar power, basic meals.
Near the park
Shams Alam Resort
Hotel with more amenities, located north of the park administration.
Safety
Heat and dehydration high
Remote desert medium
Sandstorms medium
How much daylight do you have?
Time out
Finding the local time zone…
Times are local to the spot (zone loading). The half-hour margin is our rule of thumb, not an official figure; light fades earlier in forest or under cloud. Carry a headlamp on any route that could run late.
Accessibility
- 4WD vehicle required; tracks are rough and not wheelchair‑friendly.
Visiting lightly
- Support Bedouin guides and buy food locally.
- Do not disturb wildlife; keep distance from ibex and birds.
- Leave no trace; pack out all rubbish.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to enter Wadi El Gemal National Park?
The entry fee is set by the park authority and must be paid at the gate; the exact amount is not published online (check).
What are the best hikes in Wadi El Gemal National Park?
The main 65‑km Wadi el‑Gemal valley is a guided desert expedition, not a marked hiking trail. Shorter walks to springs such as Biʾr Wādī Laḥmī are also popular.
When is the best time to visit Wadi El Gemal National Park?
October to April offers cooler temperatures and lower risk of extreme heat; avoid July–August.
Can I camp in the park?
There are no official campsites; open‑air camping is possible with a guide and must follow strict low‑impact rules (check).
Do I need a guide for the valley trek?
A guide is strongly recommended for safety, navigation and to arrange water and fuel stops.
Deep dive
Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go
Show the detailsHide
Sources
Ask about Wadi El Gemal National Park
Loading…
Was this useful?