Marsā ʿAlam - Marsā ʿAlam

View of the Marsā ʿAlam settlement
Marsā ʿAlam · ‏مرسى علم‎
GovernorateRed Sea
Residents
1.918 (2006)
height
18 m
no tourist info on Wikidata: Add tourist information
location
Location map of Egypt
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Marsā ʿAlam

The egyptian Town Marsa Alam (Arabic:مرسى علم‎, Marsā ʿAlam) and its surroundings are a major resort on the coast of Red sea and part of the Red Sea Riviera.

background

The small town of Marsā ʿAlam is located on the Egyptian and African coast of the Red Sea, about 275 kilometers south of Hurghada and 215 kilometers south of Safāgā. The city is located at the intersection of coastal highway 24 and the road to Edfuwhich was completed in July 2007.[1] In 2006 there were 1,918 inhabitants in the small town.[2]

The former Bedouin and fishing village in which predominantly Ababda nomadsthat to the Bedjah belong, live, has now developed into a small town with around 2,000 inhabitants. There is also an Egyptian Navy base nearby.

With the opening of the international Marsa Alam Airport In 2001 tourism was also revived in the south of the Red Sea coast.

The area around the city has been inhabited since prehistoric times. In 1936 the German orientalist found Hans Alexander Winkler (1900–1945) numerous rock carvings such as giraffes, gazelles, elephants, ostriches and depictions of boats. Winkler's research was continued by Czech Egyptologist Pavel Červíček.

The valley that connects Edfu with Marsā ʿAlam was already used for gold mining in Pharaonic times. The most important testimony is the temple of the Egyptian king Seti I., the second ruler of the 19th dynasty, who lived from 1290–1279 BC. Ruled in el-Kanāʾis in Wādī Miyāh (also Wadi Mia). In Roman times mines for the extraction of emeralds, gemstones, gold, copper and lead were established and exploited near Marsā ʿAlam. Gold extraction from quartz stone continued until the beginning of the 20th century.

getting there

City map of Marsā ʿAlam

By plane

Distances
Cairo731 km
Hurghada273 km
Safaga213 km
el-Quseir133 km
Port Ghalib60 km
Ḥamāṭa110 km
Berenike160 km
esch-Schalātīn245 km

Marsa Alam owns the 1 Marsa Alam International AirportWebsite of this institutionMarsa Alam International Airport in the Wikipedia encyclopediaMarsa Alam International Airport in the Wikimedia Commons media directoryMarsa Alam International Airport (Q123222) in the Wikidata database(IATA: RMF). It is located 60 kilometers northwest of Marsa Alam bei Port Ghalib. It is served by many charter airlines. Has due to low passenger numbers EgyptAir but the regular service stopped. The airport is served by Condor from Germany.

In the street

The trunk road 24 runs directly through the city. The hotels are also close to this street. North of Marsā ʿAlam, the branches off in a westerly direction 2 Highway 212 to Edfu(25 ° 4 ′ 11 ″ N.34 ° 53 '24 "E), Edfu – Marsa Alam Road, Arabic:طريق إدفو مرسى علم‎, Ṭarīq Idfū Marsā ʿAlam, from.

In the place branches off 3 25 ° 3 '55 "N.34 ° 53 ′ 30 ″ E the two-lane main road in the area of ​​the main mosque.

By bus

The 4 Bus station(25 ° 4 ′ 4 ″ N.34 ° 53 ′ 15 ″ E), ‏موقف الاتوبيس‎, Mauqif al-Utūbīs, is located in the northwest of the small town on the south side of the road leading to Edfu. Buses run over five times a day el-Quṣeir and Hurghada from and to Cairo, as well as twice in the morning after Edfu and twice a day after ash-shalātīn.

The connection to and from Cairo from Orabco starts and ends in the main street of the small town. The bus leaves Marsā ʿAlam at 6:00 p.m. The tickets are purchased from High Bus Transport Co.,هاي باص, Tel. 20 (0) 106 930 8125, (0) 121 212 9949, sold.

There are also service taxis to Hurghada, Edfu and esch-Schalātīn. The bus stop is next to the bus station.

By boat

Marsa Alam has one 5 Marina(25 ° 4 ′ 51 ″ N.34 ° 53 ′ 30 ″ E) with 70 berths for yachts with a maximum length of 40 meters and a maximum draft of 5 meters.

mobility

Due to the small size of the small town, almost all facilities can be reached on foot.

Tourist Attractions

Mosque in Marsa Alam

There are no sights in the small town, apart from the mosques and the local market.

  • 1  Mosque of the Islamic community (‏مسجد المركز الإسلامي‎, Masǧid al-Markaz al-Islāmī (Mosque of the Islamic District)) (25 ° 3 '54 "N.34 ° 53 ′ 28 ″ E)
  • 2  Suq mosque (‏مسجد السوق التجاري‎, Masǧid as-Sūq at-Tiǧārī (Mosque of the Trade Market)) (25 ° 3 '50 "N.34 ° 53 '8 "E)

activities

water sports

As in other resorts on the Red Sea, the main activities are of course swimming, diving, snorkeling and kiting. Other water sport activities such as banana boat rides are also available. Right on the beach there are reefs almost everywhere that have to be overcome before you can swim.

In addition to the hotel's own beaches, there is also one in the north of Marsā ʿAlam 1 public beach.

There are some reefs where dolphins and manatees can be seen. Coral reefs are still largely intact along the entire coast. The most important snorkeling and diving areas include:

Coral reef north of Marsa Alam
Manatee on the ocean floor

Local diving areas

  • 3 Schaʿb Marsā ʿAlam, Arabic:شعب مرسى علم: This is the “house reef” of the city, about three and a half kilometers from the coast.
  • 4 Daedalus Reef (Abū el-Kīzān, Arabic:أبو الكيزان): The reef, 100 kilometers east of Marsā ʿAlam, with its strong currents, is usually approached by safari ships. Different species of mackerel, tuna, moray eels, little bass and the occasional hammerhead shark can be seen.

Diving areas north of Marsā ʿAlam

  • 5 Elphinstone Reef: Reef diving area 27 kilometers north of Marsā ʿAlam, accessible by day boats or on liveaboards.
  • 6 Abū Dabbāb, Arabic:أبو دباب: The bay and reef group, 31 kilometers north-northwest of Marsā ʿAlam, can be reached on day trips. A manatee (Arabic Dugong) and sea turtles can be observed.
  • 7 Marsa Murena, also Marsa Murein: The reef diving area with fire corals located in a bay is 42 kilometers north-northwest of Marsā ʿAlam. There is a chance to spot sharks here.

Diving areas south of Marsā ʿAlam

  • 8 Dolphin House (Samadai Reef, Schaʿb Samadai): The reef, 32 kilometers southeast of Marsā ʿAlam, can be reached on day trips or liveaboards. The observable animals include (of course) around 150 spinner dolphins. However, the number is limited to 100 divers and 120 snorkelers per day.
  • 9 Sharm el-LūlīSharm el-Lūlī (Q102309044) in the Wikidata database, Arabic:شرم اللولي: Bay 56 kilometers south-southeast of Marsā ʿAlam.
  • 10 Gazāʾir Qulʿān, Arabic:جزائر قلعان: The archipelago north of Marsā ʿAlam, 93 kilometers southeast of Ḥamāṭa consists inter alia consists of the islands Ǧazīrat Shawārīṭ, Ǧazīrat Suyūl and Ǧazīrat Maḥābīs and is named after the Wādī Qulʿān.
  • 11 Dolphin reef (Schaʿb Satāyā, Arabic:شعب ستايا): The reef, located 129 kilometers southeast of Marsā ʿAlam, is on the southeastern tip of the reef diving area Fury Shoal and is suitable for diving and snorkeling. Can be reached on long day trips or liveaboards.
  • 12 St. John's: Collective term for a group of small reefs 210 kilometers south-southeast of Marsā ʿAlam, which are usually visited as part of a diving safari. More famous reefs include the Habili Ali Reef with its sea fans, the Gray Reefs with the occasional shark, the Habili Gafaar with its soft corals, which are inhabited by snappers, butterfly fish and barracudas, and St. John's Cave.

The one 140 kilometers south of Marsa Alam Wadi Lahami Lagoon (see below Ḥamāṭa) is not only suitable for diving but also for kite surfing.

Fun sport

Quad biking tours are offered.

Desert tours

There are several ways to explore the desert: by camels or jeeps, or on foot.

further activities

There is one in the northwest of the city, primarily for Egyptian youth 2 youth Center, Arabic:مركز شباب‎, Markaz Shabab.

shop

Souvenirs can mainly be bought in the hotels. There are more shops on the city's main street and in the local market. The shops on the main street are mainly geared towards tourists.

  • 1  Panorama Center (‏بانوراما سنتر‎, Bānūrāmā Sintr). The mall is at the east end on the south side of the main street.(25 ° 3 '53 "N.34 ° 53 '24 "E)
  • 2  Local market (‏السوق التجاري‎, as-Sūq at-Tiǧārī (the trading market)). Fruit, vegetables, spices, textiles and everyday goods are sold here. There are also several restaurants here.(25 ° 3 '47 "N.34 ° 53 ′ 6 ″ E)

kitchen

In the following only restaurants directly in Marsa Alam are mentioned. Hotel restaurants are named or described under the respective hotels.

Restaurants

  • 4  Coshary Elslam (‏كشري ومشويات السلام‎, Kusharī wa-Maschwīyāt as-Salām). Mobile: 20 (0)101 439 7868. Kuschari, grilled dishes.(25 ° 3 '48 "N.34 ° 53 '10 "E)Last change: Jan. 2016 (information may be out of date)
  • 6  Mashrabia restaurant (‏مطعم المشربية‎, Maṭʿam al-Mashrabiya). Mobile: 20 (0)128 224 9078.Mashrabia Restaurant on Facebook.Egyptian cuisine and grill, fast service.Open: 10 a.m. to 3 a.m.(25 ° 3 '50 "N.34 ° 53 ′ 16 ″ E)Last change: Jan. 2016 (information may be out of date)
  • 7  Pizza subscription el Maganen (‏فطاطري أبو المجانين‎, Faṭāṭrī Abū al-Maǧānīn). Mobile: 20 (0)100 286 2471. Pizza restaurant in the local market.(25 ° 3 '47 "N.34 ° 53 ′ 7 ″ E)Last change: Jan. 2016 (information may be out of date)

Cafes

  • 8  AlJames Cafe (‏كافية الجيمس‎, Kāfē al-Ǧēms). Mobile: 20 (0)100 048 7010, (0)127 549 9686. Coffee, espresso, tea, juices, soft drinks, pudding and Schischa are offered. Free WiFi.Open: 7 a.m. to 2 a.m. daily.(25 ° 3 '53 "N.34 ° 53 '23 "E)Last change: Jan. 2016 (information may be out of date)

nightlife

The nightlife practically only takes place in the hotel's own bars or events.

Accommodation in Marsā ʿAlam

Hotel map of Marsā ʿAlam

The hotels are on one 120 kilometers long coastline. In the city or in the immediate vicinity are the Moon Resort, the Riff Villa Samak Hotel and the Samady Hotel.

Rental apartments

Apartments can also be rented on site. The monthly rent for a 2-room apartment is around LE 150–200 (as of 12/2015).

Accommodation between Port Ghālib and Marsā ʿAlam

The more northerly located hotels are in the articles Coraya Bay and Port Ghalib listed.

Cheap

medium

Upscale

4 star hotels

  • 21  Moon Resort (also Le Mirage Moon Resort). Tel.: 20 (0)65 372 0510, (0)65 372 0514, (0)65 372 0515, Fax: 20 (0)65 (0)65 372 0506, Email: . The simple 4-star all-inclusive hotel, located 2.5 kilometers north of the city of Marsā ʿAlam and opened in 2005, has 118 rooms, including single and double rooms, suites and family rooms, as well as a main restaurant, an Italian restaurant and a bar , Pool bar and beach bar, disco, pool, kids club, a small fitness room, a souvenir shop and a hairdresser. The stony beach belonging to the hotel can be reached via the coastal road. Free WiFi is available in the lobby area. A kite center and a diving center are connected to the hotel. The 3 Moon Resort Diving Center(25 ° 5 ′ 7 ″ N.34 ° 52 '59 "E) offers diving courses and equipment rental. Excursions are among others. to Elphinstone, Sharm el-Lūlī, Gazāʾir Qulʿān, Abū Dabbāb, Dolphin House, Satāyā and the wreck of the Hamada. 10 dives cost 210 € (as of 1/2015).(25 ° 5 '8 "N.34 ° 52 '58 "E.)Last change: Jan. 2016 (information may be out of date)

5 star hotels

Accommodation south of Marsā ʿAlam

Cheap

Upscale

4 star hotels

5 star hotels

  • 39  Labranda Gemma Premium Resort (formerly Eden Village Gemma Beach, Gemma Resort), Dorry Bay. Mobile: (0)100 222 9912, (0)100 222 9915, Fax: 20 (0)100 222 9912, Email: . 5-star hotel with 270 large rooms with balcony or terrace, some of them handicapped accessible, two restaurants (Terra d'Oriente (main restaurant), La Mia Africa (à la carte restaurant)), three bars (pool bar, beach Bar, Maia Bar, Club House), seven pools, including two children's pools, mini football field, beach volleyball court, two tennis courts, spa (sauna, steam bath, jacuzzi, wellness treatments), banquet and conference rooms for up to 260 people. Attached is the diving center Blue Submarine Divers Diving Center. WLAN in the lobby or for a fee. All inclusive.Accepted payment methods: Visa, Mastercard, Amexco.(24 ° 53 ′ 50 ″ N.34 ° 58 ′ 49 ″ E)last change: Sep. 2017 (information may be out of date)

Learn

There is one in Marsā ʿAlam 1 Al-Azhar Institute(25 ° 3 '50 "N.34 ° 53 '11 "E), ‏المعهد الازهري‎, Maʿhad al-Azharī.

climate

Marsa Alam has a mild to warm climate all year round. There are strong winds in winter.

El-QuseirJanFebMarchAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec  
Mean highest air temperature in ° C222324273032333332292523O27.8
Average air temperature in ° C181820242629303028262219O24.2
Mean lowest air temperature in ° C141416202325262625221816O20.4
Precipitation in mm000000000111Σ3

health

Marsā ʿAlam has a 2 public hospital(25 ° 4 ′ 9 ″ N.34 ° 53 '40 "E) and a 3 Polyclinic(25 ° 3 ′ 41 ″ N.34 ° 53 '23 "E). In addition, in Marsa Alam, on the way to Marsa Alam airport, there is a decompression chamber for treatment of decompression sicknesses in Marsa Shagra Village, Tel. 20 (0) 122 445 5127, (0) 122 165 3806.

There are pharmacies on the main street of the small town.

Practical advice

Currency Exchange

The only bank with an ATM is in the Kahramana Hotel.

Gas stations

There is one southeast of the branch to Edfu 6 Gas station(25 ° 4 ′ 6 ″ N.34 ° 53 ′ 31 ″ E). There are other petrol stations about a kilometer further north (7 25 ° 4 ′ 18 ″ N.34 ° 53 '32 "E.) and in the south of the city (8 25 ° 3 ′ 13 ″ N.34 ° 54 ′ 1 ″ E).

Public administration

The 4 City administration(25 ° 3 '58 "N.34 ° 53 '47 "E.) is located in the east of the city.

Post office

The post office, Arabic:البريد المصري‎, Al-Barīd al-Maṣrī, Tel. (0) 65 372 0130, is located near the city administration.

trips

Is worth seeing Port Ghalib. The city artificially created by a Kuwaiti sheikh was brand new in May 2008, but still uninhabited. Very nice harbor and charming 5-star hotels. Pedestrian zone with various shops. Harbor quay with various bars and restaurants.

In the south of Marsā ʿAlam are the Wādī-el-Gimāl-Ḥamāṭa National Park and the ʿElba sanctuary. The village is about 245 kilometers away esch-Schalātīn, in which a camel market is held every day.

The city is also easy to get to Edfu with the Temple of Horus from Greek times. The ancient settlement is on the way to Edfu el-Kanāʾis with the temple of Seti ’I.

literature

  • Winkler, Hans A [Lexander]: Rock drawings of Southern Upper Egypt. London: The Egypt Exploration Society; Oxford University Press, 1938, Archaeological survey of Egypt. 2 volumes.
  • Červíček, Pavel: Rock pictures of Upper Egypt and Nubia. Napoli, Roma: Intercontinentalia, Herder, 1986, Annali: Supplemento / Istituto Universitario Orientale di Napoli; 46.
  • Rohl, David M. (Ed.): The followers of Horus: Eastern Desert survey report. Basingstoke: Institute for the Study of Interdisciplinary Sciences, 2000, ISBN 978-0-9513811-3-7 .

Web links

Individual evidence

  1. ↑July 16, 2007: Egypt: Road from Marsa Alam to Edfu completed
  2. ↑Population according to the 2006 Egyptian census, accessed June 4, 2014.
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