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Abu Galoum the Lagoon. (1) |
On the east coast of Sinai on the
The whole area was announced a
protectorate due to its unique topography where mountains are so close to the sea and due
to its rich biodiversity. It has various environmental systems of coral reefs, aquatic
creatures, weeds, deserts, mountains and valleys with various birds and different wild
plants species.
It lies
between Neweba at north and Dahab at south, though nearer to Dahab.
Most divers,
as well as hikers go to Ras Abu-Galoum from Dahab (the blue hole). Camels carry the heavy
diving gears for divers, while-naturally- hikers walk. This particular narrow track is not
passable by any kind of cars. The journey takes from 1 & 1/2 hour to 2 hours whether
by foot or by camels till ras Abu-galoum itself.
Only 4
kilometers further to the north (by the sea shore) is another beautiful place of which
rare those who come from Dahab, would decide to take those extra few kilometers to visit
it. For divers make what they came for, which is obviously diving...while hikers need to
rest, freshen up, eat and drink, then all get ready for going back to Dahab in the
afternoon.
Unlike
Ras Abu-Galoum, which has this touristy and commercial flavor along with heavy camel
traffic, the place I’m talking about is very calm and so peaceful *lagoon* with simple
huts made mainly from reeds (bous) in which they are lined up right next to the water.
Instantly you’d discover that magical serenity that embraces the soul. A perfect place
for retreat I very well might say. It’s another Sinai-based ecolodge with less traffic
due to its not-easy-to-reach route.
There are only 2 Bedouin families there running the place. You can hire and sit in one of those simple huts and the whole place becomes yours. You can bring your own food & beverage supply, or ask them to prepare for you all what you need. It's up to you to choose. So, those who may decide to give this unique place a visit, you are not in need to carry your f & b supply in case you prefer to go light by your own even without a car.
There is no
electricity, only candle lights which some times you would prefer not to use for not to
spoil the night vision and for being always able to see those beautiful stars glittering
in the sky. You can see the lights of Dahab 15 kilometers to the south, as well the lights
of
How to go
there:
- If by 4x4,
you have no choice but to reach Newaba first. Then either you take the costal track from
(fishermen village) heading directly south for exactly 42 km, or, you take Wadi Risasa
which will lead you eventually to the costal track couple of kilometers to the north of
the lagoon. It's shorter a little bit, but a bit tricky. I took the costal track so that I
could watch the sea all the time.
There is
almost no getting-stuck on that solid track. Yet tough suspension and sufficient clearance
are a must. Bedouins do it with their pick-ups.
- If by sedan car or by bus, you can go to Dahab first. Then deal with the locals to get you (by their cars) to the blue hole. Then either you take camel or walk to ras Abu Galoum + 4km to the lagoon. You can also make it from Newaba.
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