Excursión al amanecer del Monte Sinaí y al monasterio de Santa Catalina desde Dahab

Everything great . Picked up on time, all very nice and helpful. Catherine Monastery very nice. Must have seen

We took this tour on October 18, 2025, and it was undoubtedly the worst experience of our stay in Egypt. Being athletes, we thought that climbing Mount Sinai would be a beautiful physical challenge and a memorable spiritual experience... it wasn’t the case. The departure takes place at 10:30 p.m., in an air-conditioned minibus with about ten people. So far, everything seemed to be going well. However, the driver collected all the passports without explanation, keeping them for about ten minutes before returning them only at the beginning of the hike — a very unreassuring practice. Upon arrival, before getting out of the vehicle, several people rush to the bus to sell flashlights, gloves and ponchos. Not surprising in Egypt, but it sets the tone for the future: everything is done to make you consume. The walk starts around 12:30 am, with an English-speaking guide. We were well equipped, as recommended. However, the climb is interrupted by stops every ten minutes, not to admire the scenery, but to stop in huts where you are encouraged to buy hot drinks and snacks at exorbitant prices. Hiking is very easy, so these incessant breaks have no point. Another disappointment: no explanation or historical or cultural information was given by the guide, despite this emblematic place. Finally, arrived at what, according to the guide, will be the last stop at a cahute around 4am, they told us to rest for 30 minutes. Sunrise is at 6:40 am, so we had to wait 2:40 am to see the sunrise. After these 30 minutes, the guide specifies that it is time to climb to the top of the mountain, that is 5 minutes of walking. However, warm clothes are not enough to withstand the cold. They were smart to bring us to the top to wait 2h40 motionless in the cold, RENTING us blankets at $4 per person. We also had the possibility to enter a cahute, at the price of 200LE. If you do not want to pay, they will leave you IN THE COLD and WITHOUT cover. I would also like to point out that the toilets are ALL paid for, even for women with periods. On the contrary, they force you to pay. The panorama is beautiful, but the management of the excursion, the abusive commercial practices and the total lack of cultural support completely spoil the experience. We strongly discourage this excursion to anyone wishing to live an authentic and respectful moment of the place.

Driver speaks little English and his driving was a bit reckless. There was a mistake in the booking - We booked the 10.30pm tour, but were expected by tour operator to be picked up at 10pm. They realized the mistake upon correction and were happy to resume picking us up at 10.30pm. They were able to change pick up point last minute when we were running late. Mountain guide doesn’t speak English at all. No explanation to the hike nor monastery. They didn’t tell us how long we could spend in monastery. While we were still wandering inside, the guide went to look for us to tell us it was time to leave. The hike was cold, so wear enough to keep yourself warm. Otherwise you could always get something - buying a poncho before the hike or renting a blanket up in the mountain. Sunrise scene is undoubtably beautiful!

Very poor guide with no almost English and no information at all about the monastery. I had booked on the basis that the guide would have English.

Amazing experience. Well supported by staff. Enjoyed every moment. Beautiful journey with Viator that made it possible for solo traveller to get this experience at reasonable price along with more people coming from several places. Absolutely beautiful place and well organised by Viator. I was skeptical before booking due to bad experience with some local company. But this went perfect by all meansz

Everything is conform to what is said, the experience is really great. It is an easy hiking so no worry for the difficulty!

Incredible view from the summit. The hike is long and a bit challenging in the dark. Bring or buy a flashlight.