Holidaymakers visiting Egypt will find that its deserts in particular offer many opportunities for action and adventure. The sand-based activities on offer are guarenteed to thrill tourists of all types, ranging from visiting ancient cultural sites to tearing around at high speeds on a quad bike, enjoying the scenery while camel trekking or even having a meal under the stars. The seaside resort of Sharm el Sheikh may seem an unlikely place to start, but with the Red Sea on one side and the vast expanse of the Sinai Desert on the other, it is a great place to get the best of both worlds while on holiday. There are numerous facilities on offer in the town, including a wide selection of restaurants, bars and shops, while the many Sharm el Sheikh hotels provide the perfect base for getting in on all the action.

Culture

St Catherine’s Monastery and Mount Sinai, both located in the Sinai Desert, are two of the most significant religious sites in Egypt Between them, these sites are where Moses first saw the burning bush – near the monastery – and then received the Ten Commandments – after journeying up Mount Sinai. Visitors today can retrace Moses’ steps, either on foot themselves or with the help of a local camel.

Thrills

There are plenty of exciting activities awaiting holidaymakers on the sands just outside Sharm el Sheikh. It is easy and cheap to book a quad bike or a horse ride for an afternoon of fun. For a more authentic desert experience, a camel trek through the Sinai Desert’s secret valleys and picturesque oases is a must, with natural wonders such as the Coloured Canyon and, of course, Mount Sinai itself awaiting visitors.

Resort centre

Sharm el Sheikh town itself, of course, has plenty to offer holidaymakers. Hanging out in Sharm el Sheikh’s resort centre is always a treat with the many lively and reasonably priced restaurants, cafes, clubs, and shops. Most guides and merchants can be talked down in price, and there is plenty of good quality accommodation to be found, from guest houses to all inclusive Sharm el Sheikh hotels.

Excursions

Sharm el Sheikh can also be used as a base to enjoy Egypt’s desert attractions further afield.Holidaymakers can book one of the many day trips or overnight trips available to see the renowned sites of central Egypt, from the Great Temple of Giza in Cairo to the Valley of the Kings in Luxor. This can be done by selecting a ready made tour package, or for the more independently minded there are plenty of Egypt hotels in prime spots near the major sites that can be booked as part of an overnight adventure.