 Blue Lagoon in the Abū Gālūm Conservation Area | ||
| Abū Gālūm Sanctuary محمية أبو جالوم | ||
| Governorate | South Sinai | |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist information Tel | 20 (0)69 366 0668, 20 (0)69 366 0559 | |
no tourist info on Wikidata:  | ||
| location | ||
| ||
The Abu Galum Conservation Area, also Abu Gallum Protectorate, Abu Galoum, Abu Qalum, Arabic:محمية أبو جالوم, Is a nature reserve on the east coast of the South Sinai in Egypt. It extends on both sides of the cape 1 Raʾs Abū Gālūm, رأس أبو جالوم, Over an area of 458 square kilometers.
background
location
The nature reserve established in 1992 begins in the north at the 926 meter high 2 Gebel Suchn, جبل سخن, And ends after 25 kilometers about 6 kilometers north of Dahab. The western limit is the trunk road from Sharm esch-Sheikh to Ṭābā about 337 km² are on land, the remaining 121 km² protrude into the Gulf of Aqaba.
Flora and fauna
Coral reefs and lagoons with an extensive underwater fauna extend directly on the coast. Under water there are reef systems with cave systems that reach about 100 meters deep.
On land there are granite mountain and desert areas as well as sand dunes. There are 165 species of plants and various reptiles, mammals, and birds, including Nubian Ibex, Hyrax, Striped hyenas and Lumpy foxes, at home. Reptiles are quite dangerous Black desert cobras, Horn vipers and Arabian sand otters.
climate
The climate is warm and humid, which results from the high temperatures of the adjacent desert areas and the high evaporation rate of the Red Sea.
| Dahab | Jan | Feb | March | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mean highest air temperature in ° C | 20 | 21 | 24 | 28 | 32 | 35 | 38 | 40 | 34 | 31 | 27 | 21 | O | 29.3 |
| Mean lowest air temperature in ° C | 8 | 8 | 10 | 14 | 19 | 21 | 24 | 24 | 23 | 20 | 15 | 9 | O | 16.3 |
| Average water temperature in ° C | 19 | 20 | 20 | 21 | 23 | 25 | 29 | 29 | 28 | 25 | 23 | 19 | O | 23.4 |
| Relative humidity in% | 59 | 59 | 59 | 61 | 68 | 68 | 68 | 68 | 65 | 60 | 59 | 59 | O | 62.8 |
The water temperatures are between 19 ° C and 29 ° C, depending on the season. This temperature is also present at greater depths (30 m). Currents can also bring colder water with them. The salt content is very high at 4.1%.
getting there
You can get there via the Sharm esch-Sheikh – Ṭābā highway from Dahab, Nuweiba or Ṭābā respectively. It is possible to arrive with an all-terrain vehicle or with camels. The distance from the Blue Hole is approximately 8 kilometers and that of Nuweiba is 27 kilometers.
The visit is possible from sunrise to sunset.
Fees / permits
mobility
Most of the time, distances can only be covered on foot or by camel. The subsoil is mostly sandy or stony.
Tourist Attractions
The natural beauties can be explored on hikes and dives.
activities
water sports
There are several in the national park area Bays and Dive sites.
Diving centers in Dahab offer diving trips to Raʾs Abū Gālūm. In the area of the 3 Blue holes you come across a camp, from which the onward journey takes place with camels, which are also required for the transport of diving equipment. The dive site 4 Raʾs Abū Gālūm (South) can be reached after about 8 kilometers or 90 minutes. Lunch is served between dives. The return takes place around sunset.
It is located north of Ras Abu Galum 5 Blue Lagoon.
The diving area is further north 6 Raʾs el-Mamala, رأس المملة.
Trekking
The wadis are ideal for long walks. Possible destinations are the source 7 Biʾr (el-) ʿUqda, بئر عقدة, And that 8 Wadi Arasasa (Wadi Rsasa).
kitchen
Food and drinks must be brought along. Under no circumstances may waste be left lying around.
accommodation
Camping is possible in designated areas. There are various Bedouin accommodations (camps) in the village 1 Daheila.
There are the following camps here: 1 Sand Beach Camp, 2 Freedom Camp
, 3 Salem’s Paradise, 4 GEO tribe, 5 Al-Basha Camp and 6 Camp Khedr.
Further accommodations are available in the area of the Blue Lagoon.
The cost of the accommodation is around LE 200 per night, mostly with full board. The camps include Camel safaris in the mountains and to the dive sites are offered.
security
Practical advice
There are two visitor centers in the nature reserve.
trips
Excursions are after Nuweiba, Dahab, to the Catherine's Monastery and after Sharm esch-Sheikh possible.
Web links
- Abu Galum prospectus, Parks Egypt
