TRAVELSPECIAL
There ’ s no shortage of topside cultural or sporting experiences on offer for those looking for something other than obsessive undersea adventures . The desert is the perfect for star gazing and an astro tour will introduce you to local Bedouin , who will give you a guided tour of the night sky while drinking local tea . Local to the areas and a must do is a visit to Wadi El Gimal National Park , where you can see ancient roman ruins , emerald mines and local wildlife such as wild camels , chameleons and gazelles . Lunch is cooked fresh in the desert under an acacia tree , with traditional Bedouin bread baked in the sand . Quadbiking , camel riding , horse riding , kite surfing , the ways to enrich your world are many , varied and waiting for you .
It may be apparent in what I have written that my enthusiasm for Southern Egypt ’ s Red Sea has grown since my first visit in 2009 . And I am not alone , everyone I meet here has caught the bug ( and the ‘ Pharoah ’ s revenge ’ on one or two occasions ) and are returning again and again to this part of the world . Its charm , its people and its welcome will keep me coming back time and again . I have no doubt that it will win you over too .
Indian mackerel on Marsa Nakari house reef
Essentials
■ Getting there : EasyJet and Tui ( should ) offer direct flights from the UK to Hurghada International Airport . Egypt Air and Turkish Airlines will also bring you into Hurghada , via Cairo and Istanbul respectively . The drive down to Marsa Shagra is approximately three hours ; Marsa Nakari about four hours and Wadi Lahami is five hours .
■ Operators : We stayed with Red Sea Dive Safaris ( redsea-divingsafari . com ) which operates out of the UK through Oonasdivers ( oonasdivers . com ). Contact the wonderful Lydia Lodge and she ’ ll hook you up Lydia @ oonasdivers . com . Prices including flights will vary according to the vagaries of today ’ s travel market . If you can manage a two-week stay to take in all three of the resorts , I ’ d highly recommend it . Budget around £ 1,200 as a starting point and upwards depending on your choice of accommodation and diving package .
Unexpected moray encounter , Sha ’ ab Claudia
■ Top Tip : Buy an Orange Sim card on arrival at Hurghada if you need to stay connected during your stay . �
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