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Before you go
Your trip to Saint Catherine.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Saint Catherine – South Sinai Destination Dahab and Saint Catherine
How to get there
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Sharm El Sheikh International Airport (SSH) Sharm El Sheikh · 220 km
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Rodoviária de Santa Catarina Saint Catherine · 2 km
Approximate distances. Check flights and bus, train or boat schedules before you travel.
The village has buses to Dahab and to Sharm el-Sheikh, and many visitors arrive on tours hired in those two cities. The small Saint Catherine airport (SKV) has few flights; the most common arrival is via Sharm el-Sheikh airport (SSH).
How many days
One night is enough for the essentials: the climb of Mount Sinai before dawn and the monastery the next morning. With two or three days you can climb Mount Catherine and hike other valleys with a guide.
When to go
From March to May and from September to November the days are pleasant for walking. In winter the predawn temperature drops significantly at the village altitude, and the peaks can be white at sunrise; in summer the sun is harsh during the day, but nights remain cool.
The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.
Do you need a car?
Not for the monastery and Mount Sinai, which start on foot in the village. To get there and leave, use buses, taxis or a prearranged tour from Dahab or Sharm el-Sheikh. Mountain walks are done with Bedouin guides.
Suggested itinerary
An order that works
Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.
One day in Saint Catherine
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Early morning
Ascent of Mount Sinai
Meet the Bedouin guide in the monastery parking lot around two a.m. and climb by the camels’ path to the summit.
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Morning
Saint Catherine’s Monastery
Descend via the Staircase of Repentance and visit the monastery, with its church and the burning bush, on the days it is open.
2 days in Saint Catherine
Day 2
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All day
Mount Catherine
Climb Mount Catherine with a Bedouin guide—the highest point in Egypt—and return to the village in the late afternoon.
Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.
Before you go
Frequently asked questions
What to do in Saint Catherine?
Do the night ascent of Mount Sinai, visit Saint Catherine’s Monastery and hike the surrounding valleys and peaks with Bedouin guides.
How to get from Sharm el-Sheikh to Saint Catherine?
By car, bus or organized tour, about 220 km along the mountain road, roughly three hours.
Is it cold in Saint Catherine?
At night, yes. The village sits at about 1,600 meters altitude, and Mount Sinai’s summit is 2,285 meters. From December to February nights can fall below zero. Bring warm clothing for the predawn climb at any time of year.
Do you need a guide to climb Mount Sinai?
Yes. The ascent is done with a Bedouin guide, hired in the village or through the tour, who accompanies the group along the path.