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Hiking in the Coloured Canyon

  • Sharm el-Sheik, Sinai Peninsula, Egypt

Last updated: 28 April, 2024

This 40m-deep canyon beguiles with undulating layers of ochre, gold, crimson, and mauve. It was formed over millions of years by the erosive forces of wind and water on sandstone and limestone; the colours come from the crystallisation of different minerals.

Day tours from Sharm el-Sheik will involve a 2-hour drive through the desert, then 2-3 hours of hiking through the most appealing parts of the landscape.

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St Catherine’s Monastery

  • Sharm el-Sheik, Sinai Peninsula, Egypt

Aerial view of the Monastery of St. Catherine, the oldest Christian Monastery located on the slopes of Mount Horeb, Sinai Peninsula in Egypt.

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St Catherine’s Monastery

At the base of Mount Sinai, set amid a dramatic and harsh desert landscape, is the Greek Orthodox monastery of St. Catherine. A UNESCO World Heritage site, this remarkable monastery was built by order of Emperor Justinian I (527-565) to protect the biblical ‘Burning Bush’, where Moses received his instructions to lead the Israelites out of Egypt in Canaan. The living bush in the grounds – now surrounded by a protective fence – is apparently the original.

The monastery is one of the oldest working Christian monasteries in the world, and it is still used by a religious community. It remains a holy pilgrimage site.

Adult price: £2

Good for age: 18+

Duration: 3-5 hours

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Logistics

Price from: £25
Minimum age: 0
Age suitable: 13+
When: All year around
Duration: 3-5 hours

Getting there & doing it

The canyon is a 2-hour drive through the desert from Sharm el-Sheikh. There are numerous guided tours, which will also often include a stop in Dahab. It’s not advisable to go there independently.

The hiking can involve some steep climbs and narrow passages, so ensure you wear comfortable hiking shoes and bring plenty of water and sun protection. For the adventurous, overnight camping trips under starlit skies can also be arranged.

When to do it

Tours run all year round, seven days a week.

Early morning or late afternoon visits offer the best light to accentuate the canyon’s vibrant colours, and avoid the oppressive daytime heat.

As with all visits to Sharm, July and August are extremely hot, and April can be one of the windiest months, so avoid these months if possible.

Who to go with: organised tours

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