(^46) Desert Camp – Dahab – 45 km
Dahab was a smallish town along the Gulf of Aqaba and considerably warmer than
the mountainous interior of Sinai. Years ago, pleasant Dahab was a Bedouin
community, but today it’s a major (but still low-key) diving destination. It had a
real holiday/hippie/Goa feel featuring a turquoise sea, palm trees, waterside
restaurants, and plenty of budget accommodation, just the thing we needed. Our
choice was an abode practically on the beach, and the upstairs bar with its happy
hour made it a perfect spot. The warmer weather, snorkelling, an abundance of
books and good food made us linger.
Dahab – Nuweiba – 82 km
Laid-back Dahab made kicking back easy. No wonder many got stuck there. A
breeze picked up, signalling it time to move along. We did precisely that and set
out to Nuweiba along a hilly and windy section.
The wind made for a late arrival in Nuweiba and Dolphin Camp was an excellent
choice, located right on the seafront. Nuweiba was as close to paradise as one
could wish. A few days were spent watching the sunrise over the Hijaz Mountain
range of Saudi Arabia and the Aqaba Gulf, a truly spectacular sight.
Nuweiba, Egypt – Aqaba, Jordan
From Nuweiba, one could bike via Israel and Lebanon or take the ferry to Jordan
and cycle via Syria to Turkey. Being difficult or near impossible to get into Syria
having an Israeli stamp in the passport, the uncomplicated ferry crossing from
Nuweiba to Jordan was a no-brainer.
I was sure a boat sailed from Taba to Aqaba, which would’ve been significantly
cheaper, but I could not confirm its existence. Moreover, the ferry departed after 5
p.m. instead of 3 p.m., resulting in us reaching Jordan after dark. Our late arrival
further meant an hour’s riding at night before getting to the city centre.
leana
(Leana)
#1