CAMEL SAFARIS

Since diving is the prime attraction in Dahab, some of the most popular activities are camel safaris, enabling divers to combine adventure with dives to barely accessible sites. During the summer, safaris into the mountains or desert can be unbearable due to the strength of the sun, so those along the coast are more favourable. Club Red organises camel-dive safaris to Gabr El Bint, Ras Abu Galum, Ras Mammla and Bir Largda. This does not mean that the camel dives with you, but rather that the transport to the remotest dive sites (inaccessible by truck), is by camel.

Everything is loaded onto the backs of these hardy beasts, including tanks, weight belts, kit, and on overnight trips, even a portable compressor.

These trips are spectacular with opportunities to dive at sites barely touched by other divers. The fish population is far more prolific away from the hubbub of the sites close to Dahab and most participants can boast sightings of large rays, sharks, Napoleons and giant morays on these trips.

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BOAT SAFARIS

SS Thistlegorm is one of the best wreck dives in the world. The WWII British supply ship was hit on October 6, 1941 by a German bomber. She now lies in 30m deep water in an upright position and stands 18m clear of the seabed. Despite the years, much of the cargo on board remains intact. It provides divers with an inexhaustible source of thrilling surprises and discoveries. Included amongst the historical cargo are rows of BSA motorcycles, Bedford trucks, machine gun shells and even a locomotive.Club Red has been operating boat diving Safaris to HMS Thistlegorm since 1997. Thistlegorm is an adventurous dive for experienced divers. A briefing is given the day before by our professional safari divemaster.

Itinerary:

Depart from Club Red Sea by minibus at 23:00. Travel by minibus for one hour to Sharm El Sheikh.
Take boat from Sharm El Sheikh at 04:00. (Boat equipped with shower, toilets and comfortable beds).
Experience the stunning sunrise.

Breakfast at 08.30.
First dive at 09.15. Explore Thistlegorm's exterior and balcony, descending to 30m.
Break with drinks in the sun.
The second dive is inside the wreck encountering bikes, cars and other historical artifacts (max. depth 20m).
Lunch on the way to Ras Mohamed National Park.
Third dive is from Anemone City to Shark Reef and Yolanda Reef, one of the most beautiful dives around the famous Ras Mohamed National Park.
Watch outstanding sunset on the 1 hour journey back to Sharm jetty.

Includes lunch and breakfast (large, tasty meals) and soft drinks all day. Full equipment.Transport from/to Club Red Sea. Three guided dives. National Park fee. Remember to bring sunscreen!!!

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JEEP SAFARIS

The Coloured Canyon

The Coloured Canyon is one of Sinai's most popular locations. As the name suggests, the multi-coloured stone is spectacular - and very popular with photographers. The canyon itself is a water-eroded, narrow and winding canyon. Also great for a long walk and a bit of rugged trekking.

The departure is in the early morning from your hotel in 4x4 landcruisers. After about two hours on the asphalt road you go off road to the Coloured Canyon, which is only reachable in 4x4 vehicles.

Upon arrival you will leave the cars and start a long and interesting walk through the canyon. To the left and to the right the rock formations are to be seen, and with a closer look even fossils are to be found in the walls.

The fossils and the bizarrely eroded rocky outcroppings leave no doubt that this canyon has had a past under sea level. Every step reveals new details and attracts the eye to incredible imposing geological formations, displaying wonderful shades of black, yellow, ochre and green. From time to time you will be walking though narrow passes and sliding a step down through a hole in the rock, which is considered a part of the fantastic experience. Your friendly guide is there to give a hand, and the trip can be performed both by elderly and youngsters. The end of the canyon meets with a large sandy valley and it is time to get back up to the cars, waiting in a Bedouin tent with cold soft drinks.
 

St. Catherine

The Monastery of St. Catherine is one of the best known monasteries in Egypt. It is right at the foot of Mount Moses and for thousands of years this has been sacred ground, destination of pilgrims from all over the world.

But who was St. Catherine?

The year was 294 AD when she was born in Alexandria and carried the Pagan name Dorothea. The name Catherine was given to her when she converted to Christianity.

It was in the rule of Emperor Maximinus, that Catherine succeeded in forcing some of the Roman aristocracy into Christianity. The Emperor even had to witness some of his own family converting before he demanded for her execution.
Why Sinai? The legend tells that the angels brought her body to the highest mountain peak of Sinai. This 2637m high mountain became Mount Catherine. Centuries after her death, in the time of the Roman Empress St. Helena, St. Catherine was seen in a vision on top of a neighbouring mountain, which by St. Helena was declared to be Mount Moses (2285m). In honour of St. Catherine a chapel was erected in the 4th century where she had appeared in her vision. This chapel is the most sacred part of the pilgrimage.

Christian hermits had in secrecy been living in this region since their escape from the Roman Empire. With their poor means from a long and troublesome journey through the desert, they managed to cultivate trees, plants, vegetables and fruit.

This is what St. Helena found, and marks the beginning of The Monastery of St. Catherine.
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