Plizio Visual Lab

Gabal el-Dara

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Mountain

Weather…

Gabal el-Dara is a prominent mountain in the northern part of the Red Sea Hills, located near the coastal town of Ras Gharib. With an elevation of approximately 1,072 meters, it serves as a long-distance landmark in the otherwise flat coastal plain. Geologically, the mountain is part of the Precambrian basement complex, characterized by rugged rock faces and deep wadis. The area surrounding Gabal el-Dara is historically significant as it was traversed by ancient trade routes connecting the Nile Valley with the Red Sea ports. In the modern era, the region has gained importance due to oil extraction and wind energy farms, with the mountain looming over the industrial landscape. Despite the arid conditions, the valleys at the base of the mountain host specialized desert ecosystems with adapted plant life. For hikers, Gabal el-Dara features challenging routes rewarded with panoramic views of the Gulf of Suez.

Location: Egypt
Nearby: El Gouna (49 km)

📋 Practical info

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Getting there

The mountains are reached via coastal highways, from which one turns inland onto rustic, unpaved trails. For these final dusty kilometers, a sturdy car equipped with four-wheel drive is strongly recommended.

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Best season

The most pleasant and safest time for trekking tours is during the cooler winter months from November to March. In summer, the combination of merciless desert sun and coastal humidity creates an oppressive heat.

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Terrain & paths

The hiking area is characterized by rocky ridges and steep gullies offering wide views of the coastal plain. Hiking involves traversing loose gravel without clearly marked or formally maintained trails.

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What to bring

Hiking boots with excellent grip are indispensable to prevent slipping on the loose stones. In addition, wind-resistant clothing against coastal gusts and a generous personal water supply are highly important.

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Parking

Park the vehicle on solid, level ground near the foothills without blocking the unpaved access roads. Ensure that the car does not obstruct any local transit routes regularly used by Bedouin communities.

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Safety

The greatest risk of injury comes from falling on the loose rocks along the steep coastal slopes. Walk at a sensible pace, hydrate regularly, and always maintain your spatial orientation relative to the coastline.

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Time needed

Depending on which elevations are scaled, hikers generally spend three to six hours navigating this terrain. This allows enough time to reach the scenic viewpoints and make a careful, safe descent.