Publications

Discover Sinai: A guide to the natural, cultural and historical faces of South Sinai 


2009

“This is the most complete catalogue of attractions available about the region, with descriptions, almost 400 color photos, over 60 maps and relevant information so you can plan a trip and discover Sinai for yourself. There is also a comprehensive section on flora and fauna, as well as a dictionary based on the local dialect.”


• Download full guide FREE
(discoversinai.pdf 12.9 MB)
complete version: places of interest, Fauna and Flora, dictionary

• Download dictionary only FREE
(dictionary.pdf 0.29 MB)
black-and-white, easy and cheap to print/photocopy


Sinai Trekking And Safari: the complete route guide with GPS waypoints

2013, 2016

Whether planning a tour on foot, camel back or by 4×4, you have all the essential information with over 100 maps, PLUS you can download all the GPS waypoints or view the routes – with photos – in Google Earth and Google Maps. The guide also contains other vital information; notes on culture, history and nature; illustrations; a catalogue of places of interest; and a part with a comprehensive list of useful Arabic words and expressions for trekkers.


Bedouin Life in Sinai, Egypt: traditions, modernity and ecotourism

2019

The book presents an overall picture of the ancient customs of the Bedouin people of the Middle East but mainly focuses on the contemporary life of the tribes of South Sinai, Egypt, of which tourism is an important part. It also looks at development in Sinai and the efforts to make it sustainable, as well as how the Bedouin fit - and could fit - in it. The book also has a personal aspect, as the author had lived the larger part of a decade with the Bedouin in St. Catherine and worked, or was involved in other ways, with several projects during the years between 2005 and 2016. The book contains over 150 photos (black-and-white), most taken in this period, but also some rare historic ones. They give the topics a visual dimension and pay tribute to the people of Sinai.


The Sinai Bedouin: a photographic journey

2011

The Sinai is a barren and inhospitable – but very diverse and stunningly beautiful – desert wilderness inhabited by nomadic Arab tribes, the Bedouin. Most of them are from the Arabian Peninsula originally, arriving in several waves before and after the Arab conquest. The Bedouin are now at a crossroad. This little ebook shows glimpses of their life and natural environment through 40 images. 



A walk in Sinai: St. Katherine to Al Galt Al-Azraq

by Zalat S. & Gilbert F.

1998

Probably the the first trekking guide to the Sinai as such, this lovely book describes a popular circuit to some of the highlights of the High Mountain Region. There is also an imformative section about the flora and fauna of Sinai.



Gardens in a sacred landscape: Bedouin heritage and natural history in the high mountains of Sinai

by Zalat S. & Gilbert F.
Illustrated by Ahmed Gheith

2008

This beautifully illustrated book describes the unique environment and the natural history of St. Katherine in Sinai from the perspective of its inhabitants—the Gabaliya Bedouin. This book introduces—from their own observations—the gardens and the unique culture and heritage of the Gabaliya, the vegetables and fruits they grow, and the mammals, birds, lizards, and insects associated with their gardens and environment in this remarkable landscape. The book is fully illustrated with photographs and watercolor paintings.



Wandering through Wadis: A nature-lover’s guide to the flora of South Sinai

by Bernadette Simpson

2013

A field guide to the plants growing in the mountain wadis and coastal plains of South Sinai. Perfect for the nature-lover or hobbyist interested in identifying the various plants encountered while trekking, hiking, or camel riding in the Sinai desert. For each of the 104 plants in the directory, you will find the Common English and Arabic names, general description and information, photographs, and practical and traditional Bedouin uses.



Eight Years Wandering In The High Mountains Of Sinai Peninsula: A Tale Of Two Maps

by Ahmed Shams

2011

This book is the first complete geo-based account about the High Mountains of Sinai Peninsula.A series of seventeen expeditions (Phase I: 2000-2008) were conducted to study the geography and human occupation development, providing exclusive highly detailed maps. Since March 2010 (Phase II: 2010-2013), the study is undergoing an extensive analysis/modeling process, supervised/sponsored by IMT Institute for Advanced Studies; scientifically cooperating with the European Research Academy ‘EURAC’, towards a global perspective.It is a multidisciplinary geographical account which focuses on a local Bedouin community which inhabits a transitional mountain area of a rich and complex context, reflecting the socioeconomic and geopolitical paradoxes of the Middle East, the decade prior the revolutions of the Arab Spring. It presents a complete image for the local aspects in a keystone Arab state; a state of a significant share: ‘the Egyptian National Reforms Revolution of January 25, 2011 CE’.

• Available from Amazon.com


Mount Sinai

by Joseph J. Hobbs

1995

This study of the Egyptian mountain widely believed to be Mount Sinai examines its geographical features, sacred sites, and the effects of rising tourism. Hobbs describes all Christian and Muslim sacred sites around the mountain. He also views Mount Sinai from the perspectives of the Jabaliya Bedouins and the monks of the St. Katherine Monastery, both of whom have inhabited in the region for centuries. He concludes his account with the international debate over whether to build a cable car on Mount Sinai and with an unflinching description of the negative impact of tourism on the delicate desert environment. His book raises important, troubling questions for everyone concerned about the fate of the earth's wild and sacred places.

• Available from Amazon.com


A Culture of Desert Survival: Bedouin Proverbs from Sinai and the Negev


by Clinton Bailey

2004

Gathered over 30 years by author Bailey (Bedoin Poetry), these one-line adages reflect the communal knowledge accumulated by Bedouins over centuries of nomadic living. From camel care to the art of hospitality, the proverbs were screened for their authenticity; Bailey omitted any that appear to come from non-Bedouin (i.e. sedentary Arabs) sources, including those whose logic goes contrary to desert life. The proverbs are translated by Bailey from the Arabic and are accompanied by illuminating explanations on their meaning, context and usage.

• Available from Amazon.com

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Geographical features: Jidda / Dyke (Dike)

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Originally posted on February 7, 2015 The whole southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula is a mountainous area, while the High Mountain Region proper, sometimes called the Central High Mountains, is the area in the middle around the town of St. Katherine. (See Google Earth screenshots below.) Up to 80% of the massif is granite of different types formed as far back as 600 million years, but there are also mountains that are made of newer, about 10 million year-old black volcanic rock. Sandstone and limestone are found north of the mountainous tip, forming surrealistic rock formations, sandy plains and eroded layered plateaus. In the mountainous area red granite and black volcanic mountains are often found together, as we can see with the Jebel Safsafa-Mt. Sinai, the Jebel Raba-Jebel Ahmar-Mt. Katharina or the Jebel Abu Mahashur-Jebel Abbas Basha ranges. In each case much of the mass of the mountains is made of hard and smooth red granite, but the famous peaks are actually softer crumbling bl...
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Top 10 Tourist Attractions in South Sinai

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Originally posted on November 16, 2015 South Sinai features more attractions than most people think, and not all is under water. Known mostly for its Red Sea resorts, coral reefs and great diving, there is a lot to see in the interior too. Following are the 10 best known tourist attractions, the must-see places in South Sinai. 1. Ras Mohamed National Park Located near the resort city of Sharm el Sheikh, Ras Mohamed was the first National Park in the Sinai. It is famous for its underwater life and coral reefs, and so is usually visited for snorkeling and scuba diving, either by car or boat. It is a pleasant spot even if you are not into water sports. It is the southernmost point of the Sinai Peninsula and there are a number of beaches in little cute bays, as well as lookout points. Most tour operators organise programs to Ras Mohamed. >>> See photos 2. Blue Hole The Blue Hole is one of the most famous diving spots in Sinai, found near Dahab. It is submarine sinkhole, around 130...
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Garden of Ramadan Abu Sayyed

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Very easy to reach from the town of St. Katherine, it lies just below the holy peaks of Mt. Sinai on one side and of Mt. Katherine on the other side. Mt. Sinai can be reached different ways, and the full day program is definitelly recommended. There is an ancient small Orthodox monastery next to the garden, with a big stone-walled orchard, olive groves, tall cypress trees. The rock of Moses is also in the same valley. Ramadan, the owner of the garden, sometimes plays the traditional stringed intrument, the simsimiyya. He also breeds Rock Hyraxes, a cute hairy mountain creature. The terraced garden has many secluded areas away from Ramadan's family tent, with stone rooms for winter use and shady-windy open arishas for summer. There are clean toilets and showers. There are many fruit trees, vegetables, herbs, all grown organically. The garden is ideal for individuals and smaller groups who want to relax on holy land but don't want to - or unable to - walk too much or too hard. ...
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