Today is a day of beauty and adventure. Hikers arrive in Hurghada at 7 AM at the designated meeting point to head in 4x4 cars to the trailhead to start the hike in the sweeping solitudes of the Plain of Monfia: a wide, sweeping plain that divides the eastern & western halves of the Red Sea Mountains. After crossing the Plain of Monfia, the trail enters the deep, shadowy gorge of Wadi Showug, which cuts down Jebel Shayib's north face. This is where we set camp. Toward nightfall, we light up a small fire to warm everybody up before we get into our sleeping bags. Hikers sleep at the foot of the mountain under the stars.
Hikers wake up early to climb the momentous Jebel Shayib as the sun rises over the waters of the Red Sea. After breakfast, we focus on the day’s twofold objective: getting up and down the high mountainsides of Jebel Shayib, carrying water and food, with camels unable to negotiate the mountain's tricky crags. Fun fact: Jebel Shayib means 'Old Man' in Arabic. The name is said to come from the light-colored granite of its summit block, which looks like the head of an old man with silvery hair. Jebel Shayib has several tricky sections, all of which must be passed on the way to reach the summit. Once we reach the higher of the two peaks of the mountain, we are officially at Egypt's highest mainland peak. High peaks tower up on every side, catching the morning clouds. But now our focus shifts to getting down this beautiful mountain. Descending all 2,187m of Jebel Shayib involves traversing high, sweeping mountainsides. After that long descent, hikers continue walking for 8km to reach the campsite to have lunch before returning to Hurghada in 4x4 cars.
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Accommodation

Like the bedouins who sleep under the stars in the desert, we will be camping in the wilderness in tents. Sleeping Bags A warm sleeping bag would be suitable for these destinations with comfort temperature of 0-5 degrees. We also recommend using a sleeping bag liner or just wearing more warm layers when sleeping for people who'd still feel cold. Sleeping bags can be big, bulky, and weighty, so get the smallest, lightest model you can. Remember, the weather in the desert is colder than what most people would expect, especially if they are not familiar with it.

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Weather

The weather is usually hot to moderate in the morning and cold to very cold at night, but it depends on the time of the year. Rain is also very likely during the winter months so make sure you pack enough rainproof gear. We will also check the weather forecast closer to the date of the trip and inform you in case of any changes.

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Food

All meals as specified in the itinerary will be freshly made from scratch at the campsite. Rest assured, we cater to all dietary needs (e.g. gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian, etc). As for snacks, it’s ideal to pack dried fruits, cereal bars, dates, nuts – all these natural goodies will maintain your energy consistently throughout the hike.

B

Overall Difficulty

B

Technical Skills

/5

Days

/5

Fitness level

/5

Altitude

Technical Skills

No experiences is needed: Anyone can join this trip.
Minimal experience: You should probably have some hiking experience to join this trip. It is advisable to have gone on a hike for at least 2 days prior to joining this trip.
Moderate experience: You should have some climbing experience to join this trip. It is advisable to have been on at least a 4-day climb before joining this trip.
Technical experience: You should have technical climbing experience before joining this trip. It is recommended that you have experience with crampons, skis, ropes and belays.
Advanced technical experience: You should have technical climbing experience to join this trip. Depending on the climb, you will need a specific set of skills.

fitness level

Occasional workout, no fixed routine.
Workout routine with at least 2-3 workouts a week, overall in good shape. Trekking days on this trip are around 3-4 hours long each day with little elevation.
Workout routine with at least 4-5 workouts a week, overall in great shape. Trekking days on this trip are around 4-5 hours long each day with moderate elevation.
Workout routine with at least 5 workouts a week. Trekking days on this trip are around 5-7 hours long each day with high elevation.
Specified workout routine with at least 5 workouts a week as well as technical training. Trekking days on this trip are 8 hours long each day with extreme elevation.

Altitude

1,500m - 2,999m
3,000m - 4,499m
4,500m - 5,999m
6,000m - 7,499m
7,500m - 8,999m

Climbing Days

0 - 4 Days
5 - 9 Days
10 - 12 Days
13 - 15 Days
16+ Days

PRICE

EGP3,000

best time to travel:

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
  • Ideal time to travel
  • Good time to travel
  • Unpredictable time
  • No trip

PRICE INCLUDES

    • Transportation from the meeting point in Hurghada and back in 4x4 cars
    • Meals as described in the itinerary
    • Bottled water 
    • Accommodation in tents 
    • Wild Guanabana leader to facilitate the journey
    • 4x4 support vehicles

PRICE EXCLUDES

    • Sleeping bag, mat, and personal items
    • Snacks 
    • Tips and gratuity