Mount Sinai / St Catherine’s Monastery

Standing at 2,285m (7,497ft) Mount Sinai is mentioned in Jewish, Christian and Islamic religions as the site where Moses was handed the 10 Commandments and the location of the Burning Bush.

Getting to the top is the main objective for most and can take anywhere from 45mins to 3hrs depending on your pace.  It’s a well marked path but you will still need a sturdy pair of shoes/trainers plus warm clothing.  It’s cold at the top so dress warm, in winter it can be sub-zero.

If you’re going for the sunrise over the Sinai peninsular you’ll be climbing in the dark so be careful, but remember to look up, with no cities for miles around the crisp clear air of the desert make it perfect for star gazing.

Takes cash, Egyptian pounds preferably, as you can buy local hand made Bedouin craft goods and if your legs are not up to the climb you can hire a camel – though you’ll still need to walk the final 750 steps.  Just below the summit at Elijah’s Hollow or the Seven Elders of Israel, there is a tea house where you can catch your breath before the final push to the summit.

On the way up you’ll pass St Catherine’s Monastery one of the longest-running monasteries in the world (1,700 years) and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  You may even be lucky enough to see a pilgrim candle lit procession.

It’s a 2hr drive from Dahab (3hrs from Sharm el Sheikh), if you want to see the sunrise you’ll be leaving late evening and climbing in the early hours of the morning.  Divers will need to make sure their last dive is at least 18hrs before they depart Dahab.