Egypt is always associated with hot weather conditions and dry landscapes but very little information is provided about the National Parks and nature reserves that encompass nearly 12% of the country’s land area. There are approximately thirty national parks in Egypt with diverse varieties of plants and animals, some of which are indigenous to Egypt and can only be observed within the country. The inhabitants of the capital city of Cairo also frequently visit the National Parks as it offers them a refreshing break from the chaos of city life. One of the main tourist attractions in Egypt are the national parks and nature reserves that attract crowds from all over the globe.
Top 7 National Parks In Egypt
Discover the finest national parks in Egypt that will provide you with an exhilarating experience that will stay with you forever!
1. Gebel Elba National Park
Situated in the South-eastern region of Egypt, the Gebel Elba National Park is one of the top 5 National Parks in Egypt and offers breathtaking vistas of mountains, valleys, and hills that adorn the National Park. On one side of the park, you will witness the Elba Mountain standing tall, surrounded by a series of valleys, while on the other side, the Red Sea hills separate the Red Sea coast from the main Elba Mountains. Moving on to the Gebel Elba National Park, which spans over fifty square kilometers to the north of Shalateen and approximately 250 kilometers south of Marsa Alam, a well-known area in Egypt. The Elba park boasts diverse ecosystems, ranging from coastal plains, marshes, mangroves, and coral reefs to elevated mountainous regions, valleys, and sand dunes. This versatile ecosystem is also home to around 458 plant species, 86 different types of coral, 104 fish species, 26 mammals, and 60 bird species. You will have the opportunity to encounter a variety of wildlife such as ibexes, Barbary sheep, gazelles, the Aardwolf, the Striped Polecat, the Egyptian leopard, eagles, falcons, the Egyptian vulture, as well as the Bearded Vulture.
Location: The National Park is situated approximately 250 kilometers away from Marsa Allam.Timings of the Gabal Elba National Park: The Gebel Elba National Park is open from 7am to 4pm every day of the week.
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2. Wadi El Gemal National Park
The Wadi el Gemal National Park is situated in the Red Sea area of Egypt, about forty kilometers away from Marsa Alam. Spread over an expansive area of 7000 square kilometers, which comprises both land and sea, the park provides an opportunity to witness its coral reefs that line the beaches in the region, while the rugged mountains present a contrasting view to the beaches. The Wadi el Gemal National Park offers a wide range of activities, from bird watching to hiking to guided tours on bicycles. Surrounded by mangroves and acacia trees on all sides, Wadi el Gemal is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including the Nubian Ibex, wild foxes, gazelles, and migratory birds. Another fascinating activity at Wadi is exploring the world’s oldest emerald mine, while also learning about the survival techniques of the local Bedouin community. If you’re seeking a place for snorkeling experiences, visit Wadi El Gemal Island, where you can snorkel alongside turtles and dugongs.
Location: The Wadi el Gemal National Park is situated on the Red Sea coast, in the southern part of Marsa Alam.Opening Hours of the Wadi el Gemal National Park: The Wadi el Gemal National Park is open to visitors from 9am to 5pm.Official Website:
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3. Ras Mohammed National Park
Declared as a protected area in Egypt in 1983, the Ras Mohammed National Park is situated in the southernmost region of the Sinai Peninsula, offering a panoramic view of the Gulf of Suez and Aqaba. The Ras Mohammed National Park is located just twenty kilometers from Sharm but is a bit distant from Cairo, around 446 kilometers away. The national park is renowned for its diverse marine life, with over 1500 species, making it one of the most popular destinations for snorkeling and diving. While the park’s coral reefs are internationally famous, they form only half of the park’s beauty, with the other half consisting of mountains, plains, valleys, and sand dunes.
Position: The Ras Mohammed National Park is located on the southern side of the Sinai Peninsula.Hours of Operation: The Ras Mohammed National Park: The park is open from 7am to 4pm every day of the week.
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4. Wadi El Rayan National Park
The Wadi El Rayan National Park is the home of the largest waterfalls in Egypt that flow in and out through the lake region at Wadi El Rayan. You will discover a great number of thermal springs and oasis that are frequented by a variety of animals in the area and from the surrounding areas of the national park. You will witness a plethora of migratory birds, reptiles, and even two species of the gazelle that are at risk of extinction in the park. A variety of trees and plants can be observed in this region, particularly the acacia tree.
Position: The natural reserve is situated in Fayoum, Egypt.Hours of Operation: The Wadi El Rayan National Park: The park is open from 7am to 5pm every day of the week.
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5. Wadi El Hitan National Park
The Wadi El Hitan National Park is one of the most renowned national parks of Egypt and falls within the top 5 National Parks in Egypt. It is situated in the ‘Whale Valley’ nature preserve, which is named so due to the existence of the fossils of whales in this region. These ancient whale fossils have made the Wadi El Hitan National Park a significant contributor to research in this field, leading to its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005.
Position: The national park is positioned in Giza, Egypt.Hours of Operation: The Wadi El Rayan National Park: The park is open from 7am to 5:30pm every day of the week.
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