Plizio Visual Lab

Gabal el-Suqur

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Mountain

Weather…

Gabal el-Suqur, known as the "Mountain of the Falcons," is an impressive elevation within the Red Sea Hills range in Egypt. Its name reflects the region's significance as a hunting and nesting ground for various species of birds of prey that utilize the thermal currents of the desert slopes. Geologically, the mountain is defined by steep granite walls and deeply cut canyons formed over millions of years by rare but intense rainfall. The landscape is extremely arid, yet it shelters specialized desert plants in protected microclimates. Historically, the area around Gabal el-Suqur served as a transit zone for nomadic Bedouin tribes who possessed knowledge of the hidden water sources in the surrounding wadis. Today, the mountain is a point of interest for nature observers and hikers seeking the profound silence of the desert. The reddish hue of the rock provides a fascinating play of colors, particularly at sunrise and sunset, attracting photographers from around the globe.

Location: Egypt
Nearby: Qus (82 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Mar, Apr, Nov.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	14	16	20	25	29	32	33	33	31	27	21	16
Rain mm	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	0

📋 Practical info

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Getting there

To access this Red Sea Mountain elevation, travelers generally coordinate with local guides from coastal settlements. A robust four-wheel drive vehicle is absolutely necessary to safely traverse the uneven, sandy, and rough approach routes.

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Best season

The most comfortable timeframe for exploration is between November and March, when the scorching daytime temperatures subside. Summer excursions are extremely dangerous due to the intense, relentless heat in the completely unshaded desert landscape.

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Terrain & paths

The landscape is characterized by sharp rock formations, loose scree slopes, and deep wadis without clear signage. It requires a solid sense of balance and great endurance, as the ground can be very uneven and treacherous in places.

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What to bring

Visitors should pack plenty of water, a reliable GPS, emergency communication equipment, and a comprehensive first aid kit. Appropriate desert attire, a wide-brimmed hat, and sturdy hiking shoes are mandatory for both comfort and overall safety.

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Parking

Parking is completely informal and usually determined by the guide at the point where further vehicle travel is no longer possible. Vehicles are typically left in sheltered wadi bends, taking care to avoid areas prone to sudden flash floods.

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Safety

Flash floods can occur unexpectedly in narrow valleys during rare rain events, while extreme heat and getting lost remain constant risks. Always register your travel plans with local authorities and never venture into the mountains completely alone.

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Time needed

Depending on the specific route chosen, a thorough exploration of the surrounding terrain can take anywhere from a full day to an overnight camping trip. Even just reaching the foothills and hiking a short distance typically takes several hours.