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Bird Watching Adventure – Egypt's Wetlands and Sinai
11 Days / 10 Nights | Cairo, Zaranik Reserve, Sinai
Program Overview
Egypt's rich and varied landscape provides an ideal habitat for birdwatching enthusiasts. From lush Nile Valley wetlands to the desert oases of Sinai, this journey explores Egypt's endemic and migratory birdlife across diverse ecosystems, combined with cultural and historical discoveries.
🛬 Day 1: Arrival in Cairo
- Upon your arrival at Cairo International Airport, our representative will meet and assist you through customs.
- Transfer to your hotel in Cairo by an air-conditioned vehicle for check-in.
- Overnight in Cairo.
Day 2: Cairo's Ancient Wonders
- After breakfast, embark on a full-day tour exploring Cairo's most iconic landmarks:
- Visit the Great Pyramids of Giza: Cheops, Chephren, and Mykerinos.
- Admire the majestic Sphinx, guarding the pyramid complex.
- Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
- Visit the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities, home to the world's largest collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts, including the treasures of Tutankhamun.
- Return to the hotel. Overnight in Cairo.
Days 3–6: Cairo – Zaranik Nature Reserve
- After an early breakfast, depart for Zaranik Protected Area in North Sinai, recognized internationally as a critical habitat for migratory birds since the 1970s.
- Over 270 bird species have been recorded here.
- Enjoy birdwatching sessions across the lagoons, wetlands, and coastal areas.
- A day trip will be organized to El-Arish, including a visit to the gardens of the Intercontinental Hotel, a historical birdwatching spot.
- Accommodation: Three nights at a tented eco-camp in Zaranik, including meals.
Day 6: Zaranik – Sarabit El Khadem (South Sinai)
- After breakfast, depart towards the southwestern Sinai Peninsula:
- Visit Sarabit El Khadem, an ancient turquoise mining site.
- Explore the Temple of Hathor perched atop a rocky plateau, featuring inscriptions from Egypt's Middle and Old Kingdoms.
- Discover the ancient mining inscriptions and camp remains.
- Overnight in a tented camp near Sarabit El Khadem.
Day 7: Sarabit El Khadem – St. Catherine
- After breakfast, drive through Wadi Mukattab ("Valley of Inscriptions"), known for ancient Nabataean and early Arabic graffiti carved into the rock walls.
- Continue to St. Catherine.
- Optional sunset or midnight hike up Mount Moses (Mount Sinai, 2,285 meters), traditionally believed to be where Moses received the Ten Commandments.
- Witness the unforgettable sunrise over the Sinai mountains.
- Overnight in Wadi Seadoud area (basic tented camp).
Day 8: St. Catherine – Taba
- Morning visit to the Monastery of St. Catherine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the oldest working monasteries in the world.
- After the visit, drive toward Taba:
- Enjoy views of Pharaoh's Island (Coral Island), famous for its medieval fortress.
- Witness the Gulf of Aqaba, where Egypt, Israel, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia meet.
- Short stop in Dahab before heading south.
- Overnight camp near Ras Mohammed area.
Day 9: Ras Mohamed National Park
- Spend a full day exploring Ras Mohamed National Park, Egypt's first national park, renowned for:
- Coral reefs and vibrant marine life
- Opportunities for birdwatching, snorkeling, diving, and other water activities
- Stunning coastal landscapes and mangrove forests
- Overnight camp in Ras Mohamed area.
Day 10: Return to Cairo
- After breakfast, transfer back to Cairo.
- Check-in at your hotel for a final night in the capital.
- Overnight in Cairo.
🛫 Day 11: Departure
- Transfer to Cairo International Airport for your outbound flight.
Package Includes
- Transportation:
- 4WD Toyota Land Cruisers, air-conditioned, max 5 guests per vehicle (all window seats).
- Leading vehicle equipped with GPS, maps, first aid kit, cool box, and satellite phone.
- Accommodation:
- 3 nights in tented camps in Zaranik (full board)
- 1 night in Sarabit El Khadem camp (full board)
- 1 night in Wadi Seadoud camp (full board)
- 2 nights in Ras Mohamed area camp (full board)
- 2 nights in Cairo (half board) at Oasis Hotel ****
- Meals:
- Daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner from Day 2 to Day 9.
- One soft drink per meal from Day 2 to Day 7.
- Mineral water and snacks provided in vehicles during excursions.
- Excursions:
- Entrance fees to all mentioned sites.
- Birdwatching activities at Zaranik, El-Arish, and Ras Mohamed.
- Professional Polish-speaking guide.
- Professional desert drivers and camp setup teams.
❌ Package Excludes
- Personal expenses (laundry, calls, etc.)
- International and domestic flights
- Meals not mentioned
- Alcoholic beverages
- Tips for guides and drivers
- Airport transfers (can be arranged separately)
Seasonal Notes
- Autumn migration (September–November): Best for observing large flocks of migratory birds, especially waders and waterbirds at Zaranik.
- Winter (December–February): Peak season for seeing Sinai endemic birds like the Sinai Rosefinch at St. Catherine.
- Spring migration (March–May): Another excellent period, particularly along coastal zones like Taba and Ras Mohamed.
Bird Species Observation Table (Linked to Program Sites and Best Times)
| Location | Common Bird Species | Best Time for Observation |
|---|---|---|
| Zaranik Protected Area |
- Greater Flamingo - Little Stint - Eurasian Spoonbill - Slender-billed Gull - Kentish Plover - White Pelican |
September to March (peak migration: October-November) |
| El-Arish Gardens |
- Hoopoe - White-spectacled Bulbul - Crested Lark - Collared Dove |
October to April |
| Sarabit El Khadem (Sinai Desert) |
- Desert Lark - White-crowned Wheatear - Brown-necked Raven - Sand Partridge |
October to March (cooler desert climate) |
| St. Catherine Mountains |
- Sinai Rosefinch (endemic) - Tristram's Grackle - Mourning Wheatear - Desert Wheatear |
October to March (migration and breeding seasons overlap) |
| Pharaoh's Island (Taba) |
- White-eyed Gull (endemic to Red Sea) - Osprey - Western Reef Heron |
October to May |
| Ras Mohamed National Park |
- Sooty Gull - Caspian Tern - Osprey - White-eyed Gull - Pink-backed Pelican |
September to May (best coastal birding) |
Detailed Birdwatching Table for Egypt's Wetlands & Sinai Journey
| Bird Species | Description | Habitat / Location | Best Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Greater Flamingo | Large, tall wading bird with pink plumage and long legs; feeds by filtering water. | Shallow lagoons at Zaranik | October–March |
| Little Stint | Tiny wader bird, brownish-grey above and white below; very agile at mudflats. | Mudflats and shores at Zaranik | September–November |
| Eurasian Spoonbill | Medium-large white bird with a long, flat spoon-shaped bill; graceful in shallow water. | Lagoons at Zaranik | October–March |
| Slender-billed Gull | Slender-looking gull with a pale grey back and distinctive long black-tipped bill. | Coastal areas of Zaranik and El-Arish | October–April |
| Kentish Plover | Small plover with sandy-brown upperparts and white underparts; quick runner on the shore. | Sandflats and wetlands at Zaranik | September–November |
| White Pelican | Very large white bird with a yellow-orange bill pouch; seen in large flocks during migration. | Lagoons and wetlands (Zaranik) | October–March |
| Hoopoe | Medium-sized bird with distinctive crown of feathers; orange-brown body with black-and-white wings. | Gardens and farms in El-Arish | October–April |
| White-spectacled Bulbul | Small bird with a dark head, yellow vent, and a white eye-ring; very vocal. | Gardens of El-Arish | October–April |
| Crested Lark | Brown bird with a small crest; often found singing while perched on stones. | Open fields and gardens in El-Arish | October–April |
| Collared Dove | Pale dove with a distinctive black neck collar; common in towns and gardens. | Urban and rural areas (El-Arish) | All year |
| Desert Lark | Sandy-colored bird perfectly camouflaged with desert rocks; melodious singer. | Rocky desert at Sarabit El Khadem | October–March |
| White-crowned Wheatear | Small black bird with a striking white crown and rump; often seen on rocks. | Desert rocks near Sarabit El Khadem | October–March |
| Brown-necked Raven | Large raven with a brownish neck and glossy black plumage; intelligent scavenger. | Deserts and wadis (Sarabit) | All year |
| Sand Partridge | Plump desert bird with sandy coloration; prefers rocky hillsides and wadis. | Rocky plateaus at Sarabit El Khadem | October–March |
| Sinai Rosefinch (Endemic) | Small pinkish finch, males more brightly colored; Egypt's only endemic bird. | High mountains of St. Catherine | October–March (especially winter) |
| Tristram's Grackle | Shiny black bird with orange wing patches; gregarious and noisy. | Monastery area and rocky mountains | October–March |
| Mourning Wheatear | Black and white desert bird with a sad, whistling song. | Rocky deserts around St. Catherine | October–March |
| Desert Wheatear | Sandy desert bird with black face mask and tail pattern. | Sandy and rocky deserts (Sinai) | October–March |
| White-eyed Gull (Endemic to Red Sea) | Medium-sized gull with dark plumage and a distinctive white eye-ring. | Coastal waters of Taba and Ras Mohamed | October–May |
| Osprey | Large raptor specializing in catching fish; nests near coasts. | Pharaoh's Island and Ras Mohamed | October–May |
| Western Reef Heron | Elegant heron, either dark grey or white morph; hunts fish in shallow waters. | Coral reefs and shores near Taba | October–May |
| Sooty Gull | Dark gull with white underparts; breeds along Red Sea coasts. | Ras Mohamed coasts | September–May |
| Caspian Tern | Large white seabird with a thick red bill; powerful flier often seen fishing. | Ras Mohamed beaches and shores | September–May |
| Pink-backed Pelican | Smaller pelican with greyish plumage and pinkish tinge on back; prefers lagoons. | Mangroves and coastal lagoons at Ras Mohamed | September–April |
Quick Summary for Best Viewing
- Wetlands Migration Peak: October–November
- Desert Birding Prime Season: October–March
- Coastal Birdwatching: September–May