Soaking Up Sun & Sea at Ras Muhammad National Park

Soaking Up Sun & Sea at Ras Muhammad National Park

Ras Mohammed National Park is a unique and breathtaking destination located in Egypt, on the Sinai Peninsula. It is one of the country’s oldest protected areas, with its history dating back to 1983 when it was declared as a national park by Egyptian President Mubarak. The park covers an area of 480 square kilometers, containing some of the most spectacular coral reefs in all of Egypt. Ras Mohammed also boasts stunning beaches with crystal-clear waters that are perfect for swimming and snorkeling. The diverse terrain includes rocky cliffs, sandy stretches, mangrove forests and wetlands which provide habitats for a vast array of wildlife including mammals such as turtles and dolphins, fish species like sharks and rays, as well as migratory birds from Europe who pass through on their way to Africa every year. Besides being renowned for its natural beauty, Ras Mohammad is also known for its cultural significance; it was used by ancient Egyptians for trade routes between continents thousands of years ago!

History of Ras Mohammed

The history of Ras Mohammed National Park is a long and varied one. The earliest evidence of human activity in the area dates back thousands of years, with ancient Egyptians using it as a trade route between continents. During the early 20th century, local Bedouins used the park for grazing their herds and harvesting firewood from its mangrove forests. In 1983, Egyptian President Mubarak declared Ras Mohammed to be a protected area, making it the first national park in Egypt to receive such status.

In recent years, various additions and alterations have been made to Ras Mohammed National Park in order to improve visitor experience and protect its unique ecosystem. A variety of new facilities have been built around the park’s perimeter including hotels, restaurants and tourist attractions like glass-bottom boats that allow visitors an up-close view of the coral reefs below without disturbing them (or getting wet). To ensure that all wildlife within the park remains safe from harm or exploitation by humans or other animals there are also strict regulations on activities like fishing inside its borders; no motorized vessels are permitted either! Additionally large amounts of money have been invested into research projects studying marine life inhabiting this unique corner of Egypt's coastline - helping us better understand how we can best preserve this beautiful natural wonder for future generations.

The Wildlife of Ras Mohammed National Park

Reptiles are one of the most diverse groups of wildlife found in Ras Mohammed National Park. Common species include turtles, lizards, and snakes such as cobras and vipers. The park is also home to a number of threatened species, like the endangered Mediterranean tortoise which can be seen basking on rocks or swimming in shallow water.

Birds are plentiful in Ras Mohammed National Park with over 200 different species recorded here ranging from common sparrows to rare birds such as Egyptian vultures and majestic pink flamingos. In addition many migratory birds pass through during their annual voyage from Europe to Africa each year; providing visitors with an incredible spectacle if timed right!

Mammals living within this protected area include smaller creatures like hyraxes, hares, foxes and bats but also larger animals such as jackals that have managed to survive despite human encroachment on their habitats. Dolphins can often be spotted near the shoreline while whales migrate past further offshore throughout the year - making for an unforgettable sight if you catch them at just the right moment!

Finally marine life abounds in Ras Mohammed National Park’s waters thanks largely to its coral reefs which provide abundant food sources for fish species including groupers, snappers and barracuda. Sharks too inhabit these waters although they tend stay away from humans unless provoked (or feeding). There are also a variety of ray types present here including spotted eagle rays which glide gracefully through the shallows - making it easy for divers or snorkelers spot them without getting too close!

Activities to do in Ras Mohammed National Park

Diving and snorkeling are two of the most popular activities in Ras Mohammed National Park. The coral reefs here offer an incredible array of marine life, with colorful fish, rays, turtles and more providing a fascinating underwater world to explore. Divers can also check out some of the park’s shipwrecks for an extra thrill! Snorkelers can take advantage of shallower areas where they won't need any special equipment or training; just bring your mask and fins for a memorable experience.

Fishing is also allowed in certain parts of the park as long as it doesn't disturb marine life or damage fragile habitats like coral reefs. Fishing is restricted to catch-and-release only so anglers should be prepared to do their part in preserving this precious ecosystem if they wish to partake in this activity while visiting.

Camping is another great way to experience all that Ras Mohammed has to offer. With its stunning beaches, breathtaking cliffs and diverse wildlife there's no shortage of things to see when pitching up your tent at one of many campsites located around the park's perimeter (just remember not too get too close!). Alternatively you can stay at one of several nearby hotels which provide comfortable accommodation along with access to other amenities such as restaurants and bars - perfect for those who want a more luxurious vacation!

Accommodation

When visiting Ras Mohammed National Park, visitors have a variety of accommodation options available to them. Hotels and resorts are located around the perimeter of the park offering comfortable lodging with access to amenities such as restaurants and bars. These hotels also provide convenient access to nearby attractions like glass-bottom boat tours where you can get up close views of the coral reefs without having to get wet!

For those looking for a more rustic experience, camping sites are scattered throughout the area providing an opportunity to immerse yourself in nature. Here, campers can take in breathtaking views from atop rocky cliffs or spend time exploring sandy beaches; all while enjoying some star gazing under a blanket of stars at night! Camping sites offer basic facilities that include restroom blocks and BBQ grills so you’ll be able to enjoy your stay without sacrificing any creature comforts.

No matter what type of accommodation you choose when visiting Ras Mohammed National Park, one thing is certain - it will be an unforgettable experience! From admiring its unique wildlife species both on land and underwater, soaking up its history dating back thousands of years or simply just taking in its stunning natural beauty; there's something here for everyone no matter which part you decide to explore first!

Conclusion

Ras Mohammed National Park is an incredible destination that offers something for everyone. Its unique combination of stunning natural beauty, fascinating history and abundant wildlife make it a must-see for anyone looking to explore the best of Egypt’s Red Sea coast. Visitors can spend time swimming in its crystal clear waters, admiring the coral reefs below or indulging in activities like glass-bottom boat tours where they can observe marine life without getting wet!

For those seeking adventure there are plenty of opportunities available from snorkeling and diving to exploring one of the many shipwrecks located within park boundaries - making Ras Mohammed a great spot for thrill seekers as well as nature lovers. Camping is also allowed here with numerous sites scattered across its vast expanse; giving visitors who choose this option an even more immersive experience surrounded by breathtaking views and diverse wildlife species ranging from majestic flamingos to endangered turtles!

No matter what type of experiences you're looking for when visiting Ras Mohammed National Park, you'll be sure to find them here! Whether it's admiring its sheer beauty or learning about its rich history dating back thousands of years - this protected area truly has something special that needs to be experienced first hand in order to fully appreciate all it has on offer!

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