North Sinai

NORTH SINAI

It lies at the north of Sinai, overlooking the Mediterranean Sea and Aqaba Gulf and cover~ the area between Balouza (west) to Rafah (east).

So it has long beautiful beaches such as El Arish, Romana and Rafah beaches. The coastline is known for its abundant olive and palm trees. North Sinai was a historical theatre through the different eras.

The Holy Family Road

It lies at the north o Horus Road, and it witnessed the journey of the Holy Family from Palestine to Egypt and back to Palestine after the ‘death of the Roman Emperor Herods.

El Mahmal Road

It lies in the center of Sinai, and the Pilgrims usually took it on their way to Saudi Arabia.

The Horus Military Road

The Horus Road, named after the god Horus and used in Pharaonic times as a military road and trade route nuns for l4Okms across the north coast of Sinai what is today the town of al-Qantara Sharq (Qantara East of the Suez Canal, and Rafah on the Egyptian-Israeli border. A relief of the New Kingdom pharaoh Seti I suggests that 11 forts were originally built on the road, although excavations have so far unveiled only four. As well as fortresses there were fortified towns, as well as temples, monasteries and mosques erected in the Pharaonic, Greco-Roman, Coptic and Islamic eras.

This was Egypt’s northeast gate. ay, and was used in military campaigns from the time of the pharaohs to the two world wars. Along this road Hyksos, Assyrian, Persian invaders found their way into Egypt, and were eventually driven out. Finally the conquering Arabs swept along this path.

El Arish

It is the capital of North Sinai Governorate, and is situated at Horn Road it is distinguished by its clear blue water, widespread, fruitful pair’ y wood on its coast and its soft, white sand. It has a yacht marina and a coal airport. Shady Palm lined beaches, Mediterranean waves and the glowing colors of Bedouin crafts mark tins northern sea resort town Here you will find good restaurants, hotels and several resort complexes There is a Pharaonic fortress at El-Arish that was rebuilt by the Ottomans in 1560, restored by Bonaparte’s troops in 1799, and destroyed by British bomb , during World War I In addition you will have a rare find in the permanent exhibition of the arts and traditions of the Bedouins near the zoological gardens on the edge of the town.

EI Arish is far off the beaten track in Egypt and so it gets a reduced number of tourists each year. But it is Sinai’s main Mediterranean Sea resort and the capital of the North Sinai governorate. El Arish main attraction consists of its shady palm lined beaches and the clear waters of the Mediterranean sea

Rafah

The Second city of the governorate 50 km from Arish and 369 km from Cairo, It is the only eastern outlet of the Egyptian international boundaries or the coast of the Mediterranean Sea. Twenty-seven miles ‘n El Arish is the border town of Rafah Notable is the changing geography, where rainfall begins to be remarkably heavier and so vegetation begins to be far lusher, There are several Bedouin markets about, and apparently local leaders are attempting to introduce the area to tourism The town marks the Egyptian border with the Gaza Strip.

Farma

It has witnessed some events of the story of Cleopatra. It has some historical monuments, but most of the city had drowned in mud and the efforts are done to save it

AL Sheikh Zueid

AI-Sheikh Zuweid located between Al-Arish and Rafah on the Mediterranean coast, it consists of chalets and a camping site.

Rummana

Rumana located on the Mediterranean coast, it is characterized by its tranquility and scenery

Nakhil city

Nakhil city built by Sultan El Ghouri in 1516 AD to safeguard the pilgrim Route

Bir Al Adb

Bir Al Adb An important city located halfway between Qantara East and Al Arish

Zaranik

Area: Covers about 250 Km2 (68% water surface and 32% sand dunes)

Altitude: 0-30 meters above sea level.

Type: Wetland Site of International Importance Year of establishment: 1985

Objective: Protecting the migratory birds Management: Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency

Flora: 17 species have been recorded on foreshore and islands mainly:

Halocnemon, Strobilaceum, Arthrocnemon glaucoma, Juncos subulatus, Zygophyllom album, Nitraria retusa, Stipagrostis scoparia: and Ruppia: maritime.

Fauna: 244 species of birds have been recorded at Bardaweel lagoon. Hundreds of thousand migratory birds pass through during Autumn, including Greater flamingos Phoenicopterus ruber: (13100), white pelican

Pelicans onocrotalus:

(5620), little bittern Lxobrychus minutes: (2564), night hems Nycticorax nyticorox: (5487), garganyAnas querquedula: (221616), avocet Recurvirostra avosetta: (6828), little slint Calidris minute: (15503), little tern Sterna albifrons: (12433), white winged black tern Chlldonias leucopterus: (18436), 24 species of predatory birds have been recorded in spring time (more than 130000) mainly black kite Milvus migrans, griffon vultore Gyps fulvus, short toed eagle Citraetus gallicus, buzzard Buteo, long legged buzzard Buteo rufinus, steppe eagle Aquila mipalensis, bouted eagle Hieaaetus pennatus, golden eagle Aquila chrysaetos, kestrel Falcotinnumclus.

Lake of Bardawil

Lake Bardawil on the northern coast of the Sinai has traditionally been one of Egypt’s most famous bird watching regions. Located near Al-Arish, the lake is on a very important migration route, particularly for water birds, listing this site during the fall migration season may yield very interesting results. Here one finds herons and ducks (particularly Garganeys) as they pass through by the thousands, as do shorebirds such as Sander lings Little Stints, Dunlins and Avocets, Flamingos are relatively common on both Lake Bardawil and Lake Malaha.

Ain Um Ahmed

One of the most precious and lush desert locales in the Sinai is Em UmmAhmed. Translated from Arabic, Em 11mm Ahmed means “spring of the mother of Ahmed” This oasis spans along a wadi filled with life. The abundance of fruit trees bearing lemons, olives, figs and dates is overwhelming in this remote location in time desert, A complete vegetable garden with tomatoes, basil and mint is witness to the abundance of water.

The oasis is bursting with flora, fauna and birds The spring and bountiful water supply are a welcome relief for all desert travelers, The oasis of Em Un”mAhmed is inhabited by local Bedouins, who are always interested in seeing a visitor, have a tea and show off this amazing location. It is advisable to take a guide from either Nuweiba or Dahab to Em Ahmed, as there are many interesting spots to check out along the way.




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