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Nabq Protected Area

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Animal habitat
—°6
Nabq Protected Area (Egypt)

Weather…

The Nabq Protected Area stretches along the coast of the Gulf of Aqaba and is home to the northernmost mangrove forests in Africa. This ecologically valuable zone encompasses marine areas with intact coral reefs as well as desert terraces and mountain massifs. The mangroves of Nabq serve as an important nursery for fish and provide good nesting sites for numerous bird species, such as spoonbills and herons. The local Bedouin community is actively involved in protecting the area, practicing sustainable fishing and low-impact tourism. A special feature is the wide sand dunes that border directly onto the deep blue sea, forming an impressive coastal landscape. Nabq is also known for its botanical diversity, including the toothbrush tree, which grows in the park's dry wadis. It is a place where the desert and the sea form a harmonious unity.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Feb, Mar, Dec.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C181922252932333332282420
Rain mm224100000221

📋 Practical info

📅
Best season
The best time is the Egyptian winter from October to April, when temperatures are pleasant and mangroves are full of birds. In summer (May to September) it is very hot, but the underwater world is clearer.
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Best time of day
Early morning, before the heat, birds in the mangroves are most active and the light is optimal for photos. Late afternoon, turtles come to the beaches to nest - keep distance.
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Etiquette
Do not enter the mangroves - they protect the coast and are habitat for juvenile fish. Snorkel only in designated zones to avoid damaging the coral reefs.
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What to bring
Snorkeling gear (mask, snorkel, fins) is a must for the lagoons. Light, long-sleeved swimwear protects from sunburn and jellyfish.
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Getting there
The protected area is located south of Sharm El Sheikh and is reachable by taxi or as part of a guided tour. Part of it is accessible only by off-road vehicles - book in advance.
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What to expect
The mangroves are dense - birds are numerous but often well camouflaged. Snorkel slowly and patiently along the reefs to discover the colorful underwater world.

Geography

Coordinates
28.10000, 34.40000

Facts

  • Nabq is home to the northernmost mangroves in Africa.
  • The protected area was officially established in 1992.
  • The total area spans approximately 600 square kilometers.
  • There are over 134 different plant species found here.
  • Rare birds like the osprey nest within the mangroves.
  • The area also encompasses significant coral reef systems.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Gulf of AqabaGulf of Aqaba14 km · NWExplore →
Sharm El SheikhSharm El Sheikh19 km · SWExplore →
Port of Sharm El-SheikhPort of Sharm El-Sheikh25 km · SWExplore →
Ras MohammedRas Mohammed37 km · SWExplore →
DahabDahab39 km · EExplore →
Sindalah IslandSindalah Island40 km · NExplore →
Sinai MountainsSinai Mountains62 km · SEExplore →
Saint Catherine's MonasterySaint Catherine's Monastery63 km · SEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Nabq Protected Area (6)

Sea Beach Aqua Park🎡 recreation

A sprawling water park in Nabq Bay featuring numerous slides and pools for families.

Natsional'nyi park Nabk📍 landmark

A coastal protected area famous for its northernmost mangrove forests and species-rich coral reefs.

Dolphina🎡 recreation

A theme park in Nabq offering dolphin shows and opportunities for visitors to swim with the animals.

Coral Sea Holiday Village📍 landmark

A large beachfront resort offering panoramic views of Tiran Island and the Red Sea.

aqua park🎡 recreation

A family-friendly leisure complex in Nabq featuring various water attractions and play areas.

🕒 24/7

Taj Mahal📍 landmark

A well-known entertainment venue noted for its grand, Indian-inspired architecture with domes.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is special about the Nabq Protected Area?
It hosts the northernmost mangrove forests in the world and has rich marine biodiversity.
Can you snorkel in the Nabq area?
Yes, the coral reefs are more pristine than in tourist centers. Bring your own equipment.
Is a 4x4 vehicle required?
For many tracks in the reserve, a 4x4 is highly recommended to safely navigate through the sand.
Are there entrance fees?
Yes, visitors must pay a fee at the entrance, which goes towards environmental protection.
Which animals can be observed there?
In addition to fish and birds like the osprey, you might see gazelles and desert foxes with luck.
Nabq Protected Area: where is it located?
Nabq Protected Area is located in Egypt.
Nabq Protected Area: what is there to see?
Highlights include Sea Beach Aqua Park, Natsional'nyi park Nabk, Dolphina.
Nabq Protected Area: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Feb, Mar, Dec.
Nabq Protected Area: why is it worth visiting?
The Nabq Protected Area stretches along the coast of the Gulf of Aqaba and is home to the northernmost mangrove forests in Africa.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nearby cities

Arish — Nabq Protected Area (Egypt)
Arish
The largest city on the Sinai Peninsula on the Mediterranean coast.
Sharm El Sheikh — Nabq Protected Area (Egypt)
Sharm El Sheikh
An internationally renowned resort at the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula.
Ras Mohammed — Nabq Protected Area (Egypt)
Ras Mohammed
Ras Mohammed National Park is a world-renowned diving destination located at the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, famed for its prist…
Dahab — Nabq Protected Area (Egypt)
Dahab
A laid-back Bedouin village turned backpacker paradise.
Sindalah Island — Nabq Protected Area (Egypt)
Sindalah Island
Sindalah is NEOM’s first luxury island destination in the Red Sea, an exclusive hub for yachting and high-end living.

History & landmarks

Saint Catherine's Monastery — Nabq Protected Area (Egypt)
Saint Catherine's Monastery
An Eastern Orthodox monastery situated on the Sinai Peninsula, at the mouth of a gorge at the foot of Mount Sinai.

More places

Gulf of Aqaba — Nabq Protected Area (Egypt)
Gulf of Aqaba
An inlet of the Red Sea.
Sinai Mountains — Nabq Protected Area (Egypt)
Sinai Mountains
A mountain range on the Sinai Peninsula.
Mount Sinai — Nabq Protected Area (Egypt)
Mount Sinai
A mountain of great religious significance.
Mount Catherine — Nabq Protected Area (Egypt)
Mount Catherine
The highest mountain in Egypt.
Sinai Camel Pastures — Nabq Protected Area (Egypt)
Sinai Camel Pastures
Traditional grazing areas of the Bedouin.
Taba Protected Area — Nabq Protected Area (Egypt)
Taba Protected Area
Mountainous protected area with rare desert flora.
🗺️
Maghara Coal Mine
A significant coal mine on the Sinai Peninsula.
🗺️
Port of Arish
A port on the Mediterranean coast of the Sinai Peninsula.