Randonnée d'une demi-journée à Marsa Alam : randonnée à distance dans le désert de Wadi Naeba

I had this morning to do something. The booking was swift and in the morning the guide and a Bedouin driver picked me up and we drove about 30 minutes up the Wadi. We then started hiking with the intention of finding water. The guide pointed out signs for water underground and after about 1h 30min we found a source of fresh water and a oasis, which unfortunately was almost dried out. At the oasis the car was waiting and we went back to the hotel Wadi Sabarah lodge. A worthwhile 3h spent in the desert and I also learnt something.

I thoroughly enjoyed this desert excursion & wished I had been able to fit in another longer journey. I joined a few other adventurous spirits along with our fantastic guides Yoahnna & Adam. Their love of the desert and its history, inhabitants, & lifeforms are very much present in what they share. It is a beautiful walk, with a great viewpoint, and a fun and informative unfolding of the secrets of the water source. There is much more life than one thinks in the desert. Thank you!

After a short drive, we began the tour in one wadi and crossed over the hills into the next wadis. We joined the tour with Yohanna, it was really nice and informative. it was a truly unique desert experience. We saw new types of fauna, stunning mountainous terrain, and even spotted lizards and an ibex! The drive back took us along another wadi with beautiful rock formations and fascinating geological features. It took from 8am to 2pm (including a tea break and a nice rest on top a hill) Tip: wear good sneakers since some parts are a bit of a scramble

It’s one thing to go on excursions, and a whole different experience when the operator itself is great company. I did two trips with Emperor Adventure during my short stay in Marsa Alam. The first was a trek through Wadi Nabea, and the second a tour of Wadi El Gemal. As a solo traveller, I was hesitant to book at first since the company had so few reviews, but then I realized they were affiliated with the Wadi Sabrah lodge, which maintains a beautiful botanical garden on its property, as well as the reputed Emperor Diver center. I truly love the desert and was happy to find their tours, which seemed to primarily promote knowledge of the land and avoid gimmicks such as camel rides and belly dancing. A huge thanks to Asala, who coordinated everything for me on short notice and was so much fun to spend time with in Wadi Naeba, Osama for “clearing the path for us” (haha). I have an issue with heights, and should mention that 99% of the trek was really OK for me. Word of advice: bring snacks with you, the ride back to the hotel will seem very long otherwise and it will help you better enjoy the gabana (Bedouin coffee)

Great excursion !!! Very good guide, good explanation in a very beautiful landscape. Fully recommended to enjoy the Egyptian desert in Marsa Alam

New Year’s Day hike to get 2026 off to a good start and it didn’t disappoint. Stunning desert scenery, a good hike and expert guiding on everything from plant and animal life to ancient trade routes and Bedouin tribes.