Can I camp overnight in the Sinai desert?

Yes — this trip includes one night in the desert with dinner around the fire, a choice of two camps, and the full Arada route across two relaxed days.

Which camp should I choose — Zigzag Canyon or the open desert?

Zigzag Canyon is a sheltered, candle-lit camp perfect for couples. The open-air camp near Gebel Makhroum is the stargazer's choice.

When is the best time for stargazing in the Sinai desert?

For the deepest skies and brightest Milky Way, plan your trip around the new moon.

How cold does the Sinai desert get at night?

Nights can drop near freezing between October and April even while days stay warm, so warm layers are recommended.

Is the hiking difficult on this trip?

Day one includes a moderate hike with some climbing and a rope-assisted descent, with guides assisting throughout. Day two has no demanding hiking.

Overnight Desert Camping in Sinai | 2-Day Trip from Dahab

Back to Packages

A day trip shows you the desert. A night in it shows you something else entirely — the silence after the fire burns low, and a sky so dark the Milky Way needs no telescope. This two-day desert camping trip from Dahab follows the same route as our Arada day trip, but unhurried: more time at every stop, longer in the canyon, and a night in the desert in the middle of it all. Led by Joseph and Annet together, with over 30 years of Sinai guiding and nearly 20 years living in Dahab between them.

Campfire dinner under the stars in the Sinai desert

Day 1 — Inscriptions, canyon and camp, taken slowly

Leaving Dahab at 8:00, the jeep safari begins on the inland road toward Wadi Arada — the same start as our day trip, but with a whole extra day ahead, nothing needs to be rushed. We take our time among the ancient rock inscriptions, then hike and climb through the Double Canyon, passing fossilised coral reef along the way. A long desert lunch, a visit to the Nawamis tombs, and an easy walk through Hamata Canyon as the light softens bring us to camp for dinner around the fire.

Fossilised coral reef in the Double Canyon

Where you'll sleep — choose your camp

Zigzag Canyon — the romantic camp

Sheltered between the winding walls of Zigzag Canyon: a candle-lit dinner in the quiet, firelight on the sandstone, and a night wrapped in stone. Made for two.

Open air near Gebel Makhroum — the stargazer's camp

Sleeping in the open desert near Dragonhead Mountain, far from any light pollution. On a clear, moonless night the Milky Way stretches horizon to horizon. Plan around the new moon for the darkest skies.

A day trip shows you the desert. A night in it shows you something else entirely.

Day 2 — Mountains, dunes and the slow road home

A relaxed morning in camp, then Dragonhead Mountain (Gebel Makhroum) for the view across the sandstone country and the dune fields below. The grand finale is Hedoda Sand Dune — sandboarding, climbing it more than once, or simply watching the light move across the desert — before the drive back to Dahab.

Included

All transportation from and back to Dahab
All meals & drinks, incl. dinner, breakfast & lunch
Overnight desert camp — your choice of Zigzag Canyon or open air near Gebel Makhroum
Your desert guides
All location fees

Not included: tips and personal expenses.

Bring with you

Good hiking shoes
Your passport (checkpoints on the inland roads)
Warm layers — desert nights get cold
Some cash for souvenirs from the local Bedouin

Price

€600 per car — private, everything included

Only have one day?

The full day-two program also runs as a single day trip from Dahab — see our Arada Day Trip for the one-day version.

See the Arada Day Trip

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes — that's exactly what this trip is. One night in the desert with dinner around the fire, your choice of two camps, and the full Arada route across two relaxed days.

Zigzag Canyon is the romantic option: a sheltered, candle-lit camp between canyon walls, perfect for couples. The open-air camp near Gebel Makhroum is the stargazer's choice. Tell us what the trip is for and we'll point you to the right one.

On any clear, dark night the sky here is remarkable — but the moon is the desert's own light pollution. For the deepest skies, plan your night around the new moon. Send us your travel dates on WhatsApp and we'll check the moon calendar with you.

Colder than most people expect, especially between October and April, when nights can drop near freezing while days stay warm. Bring warm layers — we handle the fire.

The Double Canyon on day one is a moderate hike with some climbing and one steep descent where a rope is used; your guides assist you throughout. Day two has no demanding hiking. Good hiking shoes are essential.

The southern Sinai has a well-established tourism scene, and this trip is led by guides with over thirty years of experience who know the routes, terrain and checkpoints.

October through April offers warm days and cool, clear nights — ideal for both hiking and stargazing. Summer camping is possible, but the daytime heat is serious.