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The Sinai desert splits the two continents of Africa and Asia.

Nestled on the shores of the Red Sea in the Gulf of Aqaba, Dahab, named after the Arabic word for gold, borders the Gulf of Aqaba, and is an hour’s drive through spectacular desert from the airport in the more commercial resort of Sharm el-Sheikh.

 

But the vibe in Dahab is very different. The village is a small, vibrant mix of cultures populated with white-robed Bedouin and their brightly adorned camels, the women swathed in black and the children, multicoloured and mischievous, are always ready to strike up a deal for a bracelet or two.Egyptian traders and shopkeepers sell their crafts, food and wares to the growing number of holiday makers who are enjoying Dahab’s friendly, personal vibe.

 

The bars and cafes almost hover over the water of the bay, where there are plenty of places to eat and relax after a day at play round the pool or in the sea. If you feel like a party, there are a few lively bars in town worth a visit that can keep you up all night.

 

Dahab is famous for its abundance of marine life and cooling summer winds. It is one of the Red Sea´s oldest scuba diving resorts and hosts some of the most spectacular and challenging dive sites in Egypt. It is now just as popular as a budget holiday resort location for those who simply want to relax and get some sun, however with camel safaris, snorkelling trips, and desert excursions to name a few days out, there’s plenty to keep you occupied too. All in all, Dahab is the perfect place for a Red Sea beach, water sports or diving holiday.

 

Its charm revolves around a blend of local and western cultures and has a way of making everyone feel at home. Bedouin culture.  The rugged landscape is home to the Bedu who for generations have thrived here. The local tribe are called ‘Muzeina’ and are still very much a part of Dahab. They contribute greatly to the laid back vibe and style that makes Dahab a unique resort, very different to the larger, more crowded destinations of Sharm and Hurgada.

 

Bedouin culture is still very much in evidence in Dahab. Here you walk side by side with them, the men white robed, the women swathed in black and the children, multicoloured and mischievous, are always ready to strike up a good deal for a bracelet or two. Their culture is very different to the dominant Arab Muslim religion. Traditionally the Bedouin (whose name means ‘Owner of Herds’), identify themselves with the biblical Ishmael.

 

As a minority, the Bedouin tribes manage their land and existence in a relatively self-controlled and independent way, holding on with tenacity to their ancient customs and colourful dress, the galibia. For countless years they have been proud people with their own strict codes of conduct and hospitality. Whilst in Dahab you should take part in a traditional dinner in the Sinai Mountains. A Bedouin meal under the stars, with music and song, is an unforgettable trip.

 

Dahab offers the chance to experience real culture that only the Sinai can offer. Relax and experience the unique tranquillity of the desert and the welcoming hospitality of the native Bedouin as well as the abundant and vibrant aquatic world of the Red Sea.

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Temperature

 

Dahab temperature varies from 21°C in winter to 39°C in summer, which means that even in winter you can dive, snorkel and swim. The water temperature is varying from 20°C in winterto around 28°C in summer and there is hardly ever any rain, as the Sinai has a desert climate.

 

The summer is hot and dry and you will hardly see any clouds, but the low humidity and the gentle Dahab breeze make the heat bearable. During the summer it is important to drink lots of water to avoid dehydration.

 

The winter months between December & March have a very comfortable climate, but the temperature at night can drop quite a bit and it might be windy, so it is essential to bring some warmer clothes to layer even if you might not need them during the day.

 

WATER                  HIGH TEMP DAY       LOW TEMP NIGHT  BLUE SKY               

20°C                       22°C                          13°C                          87%

21°C                       23°C                          14°C                          89%

22°C                       25°C                          16°C                          90%

23°C                       30°C                          20°C                          90%

24°C                       34°C                          24°C                          91%

25°C                       37°C                          26°C                          99%

26°C                       38°C                          27°C                          99%

27°C                       37°C                          28°C                          99%

27°C                       36°C                          26°C                          99%

26°C                       31°C                          23°C                          95%

24°C                       27°C                          19°C                          90%

23°C                       23°C                          15°C                          83%

 

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Travel Tips

 

Flights to Dahab

You can fly direct to Sharm el Sheikh International Airport & we recommend

www.skyscanner.com for a very good overview of flights from the UK and Europe. You can even include a trip to the Pyramids by taking a stop over in Cairo. A transfer in your own private air-conditioned taxi from Sharm airport will take approx one hour. A private airport transfer can be organised by us, just supply us with your flight number and arrival / departure time.

Please contact us to check the current transfer prices.

 

Other carriers include:

From the UK: Easy Jet, Egypt Air (2x 23kg free baggage!) Pegasus and Turkish Airlines

 

From Germany: Condor, Air Berlin, Sun Express, Tui Fly, Egypt Air (2x 23kg free baggage!) Pegasus and Turkish Airlines.

 

Fit to Dive

To be able to participate in diving activities you will need to fill out a medical questionnaire before you start any course. If you answer a “YES” to any of the questions you will require a medical examination. This can be done at the Dahab recompression chamber, but it is best to get yourself checked by a diving physician before you come to Dahab. It’s down to the individual to take responsibility for their own health issues.

 

Regular entry requirements

Visas

British passport holders travelling to Egypt normally need a visa.

You can get a visa before you travel from the official Visa2Egypt portal or your nearest Egyptian consulate. Tourist visas granted using the e-visa system are valid for a maximum of 3 months. It is advisable to get a visa before you travel, particularly if travelling for work or business.

If you wish to get a visa on arrival, you can do so at approved bank kiosks within airport arrival halls, before reaching immigration counters. The visa fee is US$25, payable in in pounds sterling, US dollars or euros. Visas granted on arrival are valid for a maximum of 30 days. There’s no need to buy a visa from an agent. In many cases agents will charge more than US$25 for a visa. If you’re harassed by an agent, report the incident to the tourist police in the airport terminal.

 

If you’re travelling to Sharm el Sheikh, Dahab, Nuweiba and Taba resorts for up to 15 days, you will receive a free entry permission stamp upon arrival. If you intend to travel out of these areas or stay longer than 15 days, you must get a visa.

If you have travelled to one of the South Sinai Red Sea resorts, entered without a visa and your plans have changed, you can normally purchase a visa at Sharm el Sheikh airport to allow you to travel elsewhere.

 

The recommended vaccinations have been the same for over 20 years but may change.

None are compulsory but the following are advisable:

 

Triple vaccine for TETANUS, DIPTHERIA & POLIO, (boosters every 10yrs) After five of these one doesn’t normally have to have any more boosters unless in a high risk job / environment; check with your Dr.

 

*TYPHOID (boosters every 3yrs) *HEPATITIS A; boosters last up to 25 yrs after initial course.

 

There is no malaria in the Sinai region.

 

Illness

If you are feeling unwell please let our representative Amr know and he will arrange for a doctor to come and see you (24 hrs). There are excellent doctors and dentists in Dahab, they are not too expensive and will give you a receipt to claim on your insurance.

 

Water

Dehydration is common. It is exacerbated by caffeine and alcohol. It is wise to drink as much water as you can comfortably manage! The recommended daily water intake is 2-3 large bottles and 4-6 bottles for divers. Please do not drink the tap water!

 

 

 

 

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