Photo of the Day...

Jebel Musa, Egypt. Photo by: Yaniv Elazari

Like what you see? Hit the "Follow" button and get on the Dirty Hippie Bus!

Destination of the Week...

When most people think of Egypt they think of pyramids and deserts- not picturesque coral reefs under clear blue waters. That is why Ras Abu Galum will change the way you think of Egypt. Established in 1992, Abu Galum is a 400 square kilometer (154 square miles) nature reserve on the East coast of south Sinai. It is home to protected coral reefs and mangroves that are filled with beautiful flora, including 44 plant species unique to the Gulf of Aqaba, and exotic wildlife. From ibex and foxes, to hyenas and dangerous snakes like Vipers and Black Cobras, any traveler is sure to discover something exciting. Abu Galum’s granite mountains end abruptly on the narrow coastal plain where you can find fresh water springs and coastal sand dunes, fronted by rich coral reef shelves and underwater canyons that offer outstanding snorkeling and diving. Many travelers book a Jeep Safari tour that also includes a trip to the Blue Hole in Sinai, a shoreline camel ride, and lunch hosted by the Bedouins, but some budget travelers decide to navigate on their own and save a few bucks, which also allows for a flexible schedule. Most backpackers take the camel/walking trail from Dahab, which is a long walk, but probably the best option, or you can make your way on the roads from Nuweiba. If you visit Abu Galum on your own and are too tired to make the trip back to Sinai, or wherever you departed from, you can negotiate a price to hire one of the nearby Bedouin huts. The huts usually offer no more than a mattress and shelter, but in the evening you’ll be able to stroll along the beach and stare into the star-filled sky. Make sure you look down from the bright moon though, because the sand is home to crabs, prawns and other sea creatures, so you’ll want to watch your step! No matter how your find you way to Ras Abu Galum, or how long you stay, you’ll never forget it!

Click here for Egypt visitor information!

Use our helpful links to plan your trip to Egypt!

Sound like a place you want to visit? Leave a COMMENT and tell everyone!

Hostel of the Week...

THE ARABIAN NIGHTS HOSTEL is a luxury hostel at budget accommodation prices. Located in old Islamic Cairo, the hostel is a short walk from all the Islamic monuments including, the vibrant Khan El Kahlily bazaar (the old market) and Azahar park (the best park in the Middle East and a great spot to chill.) Arabian Nights hostel has thirty air conditioned rooms, with private bath and satellite television. One of the bonuses to staying at Arabian Nights: they offer a lot of free stuff!!! Free Breakfast, Free Internet access, Free guided walking trip, Free Sufi dancing show on the rooftop every Sunday, *Free airport pickup, and a Free Night if you book a seven day stay. In addition, Arabian Nights Hostel has a helpful staff that can book you on a variety of tour packages and sleeping trains if you choose to expand your trip outside of Cairo.

Three reasons to stay at the ARABIAN NIGHTS HOSTEL:

1. Great location. The Arabian Nights hostel is just a short walk to markets and historical hot spots.

2. Free Stuff! What budget traveler doesn’t like free stuff? *Free pick up for double and triple room reservations over 2 nights. Free pick up for single room reservation over 3 nights.

3. The air-conditioned rooms. It is the Middle East. Air-Con is important and you’d be surprised how many accommodations don’t have it!

www.arabiannightshotel.com