Three days into the Sinai desert to a mountain plateau where ancient Egyptians mined turquoise for the goddess Hathor — and where, in one small mine shaft, someone scratched the first letters of the alphabet the world still uses today. Led by Joseph and Annet together, with over 30 years of Sinai guiding and nearly 20 years living in Dahab between them.
Day 1 — Inscriptions, ancient mines & into camp
Pickup from Dahab, then inland by 4x4 to Wadi Mukattab's ancient rock inscriptions and the pharaonic mining site of Wadi Maghara, complete with hieroglyphic inscriptions carved by ancient Egyptian expeditions. Fresh desert lunch, a stop at the volcanic rock formations of Jebel el Foga, then into our desert camp — tents or rooms, proper toilets and showers, set naturally at the foot of the mountain.
Day 2 — Serabit el-Khadim & the birthplace of the alphabet
An early hike up to the plateau of Serabit el-Khadim, home to a temple dedicated to Hathor, goddess of mining and turquoise. A full day among the temple ruins and ancient mine shafts — including one small, easily overlooked inscription that ranks among the earliest known alphabetic writing on Earth, ancestor to the Latin, Greek and Arabic alphabets. Lunch on the mountain, then the descent via the ancient route of Rod el-Air back to camp.
It's one of the least-known truly world-significant sites in Sinai — and we take the time it deserves.
Day 3 — Wadi Nasb & the road home
A final stop at Wadi Nasb, historically prized for its sweet water wells and notable archaeological finds, set among some of the most dramatic, mountainous scenery of the whole route. Lunch, then the drive back to Dahab.
Included
- Hotel pickup & return in Dahab
- All meals & drinks
- Your desert guides
- Two nights at desert camp
- All location fees
Bring with you
- Good hiking shoes
- Your passport
- Warm layers for desert nights
- Cash for local souvenirs
Price
€
