Wadi El Gemal National Park: Egypt’s Natural Treasure on the Red Sea

Wadi El Gemal National Park (“Valley of the Camels”) is one of Egypt’s largest and most impressive protected areas, a place where desert meets the sea in unforgettable harmony. Located along the Red Sea coast just south of Marsa Alam, this national park covers an expansive area of 7,450 square kilometers—including 4,770 km² of stunning desert landscapes and 2,100 km² of pristine marine habitats.

Marine Wonderland

The coastal waters of Wadi El Gemal are a diver’s paradise, home to vivid coral reefs boasting over 450 coral species. The underwater world here is alive with giant clams, sponges, crustaceans, and over 1200 fish species. Expect to spot dazzling creatures such as:

Blue-spotted fantail rays

Emperor angelfish

Parrotfish

Giant moray eels

Redmouth groupers

Red Sea bannerfish

Clearfin lionfish

Sohal surgeonfish

Surge wrasse

White-spotted puffer

Yellowmargin triggerfish

A unique point: Almost 20% of marine species here are endemic to the Red Sea, making every snorkeling or dive trip a potential encounter with rare wildlife.

Islands and Wildlife

The park also includes five picturesque islands, with Wadi El Gemal Island at its heart. These islands serve as vital breeding grounds for birds such as African spoonbills, Caspian terns, desert wheatears, striated herons, and western reef herons. The seagrass beds found around these islands support endangered residents like dugong and green sea turtles—a powerful sign of the area’s conservation importance.

Mangroves flourish in the southern part of the park, creating the largest mangrove forest along the Egyptian Red Sea coast. These habitats support juvenile fish and birds and help stabilize vulnerable shorelines.

Desert Mystique

Venture inland, and you’ll discover a world of desert-adapted animals—aoudad (Barbary sheep), Nubian ibex, Dorcas gazelle, jerboa, and more. The area’s rugged mountains and broad valleys offer habitat to wildlife rarely seen elsewhere. Beyond nature, the desert holds echoes of ancient civilizations:

Prehistoric rock art offers a glimpse into human history from thousands of years ago.

Ptolemaic and Roman ruins,

The legendary Mons Smaragdus, once famous for emerald mining and ancient trade routes.

Visitor Experience and Conservation

Founded in 2003, Wadi El Gemal National Park is classified as an IUCN Category II protected area, meaning its main goal is to conserve large-scale ecosystems while welcoming responsible ecotourism.

Visitors can hike, bird-watch, camp, snorkel, dive, or simply relax on quiet, undeveloped beaches knowing their adventure helps support the conservation of Egypt’s unique natural heritage. The park’s blend of marine and terrestrial wonders makes it a “bucket list” destination for divers, photographers, and anyone passionate about nature.

Discover Wadi El Gemal National Park and immerse yourself in Egypt’s wild heart—where coral reefs, mangroves, desert wildlife, and echoes of ancient history come together under endless blue skies. Perfect for sustainable travel, family adventure, and those craving real reconnection with the land and sea.