View
Larger Map
GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT MARSA ALAM
Top of
page
Marsa Alam, situated in eastern Egypt and on the west coast of the Red
Sea, is one of the fastest growing holiday destinations on the Red Sea
Riviera. Although until recent times a small fishing village, the introduction
of an International Airport in 2001 has seen Marsa Alam’s popularity
grow, so much so that it is soon expected to rival fellow Egyptian holiday
resorts Hurghada and Sharm el Sheikh.
The appeal of Marsa Alam lies in its tropical appearance, boasting rich
blue sea coasts fringed with coral reef barriers, paradisiacal beaches
and proud palm trees. Marsa Alam has as a result become a favourite of
divers eager to explore the resorts numerous unspoilt diving sites where
spinner dolphins and sea turtles swim freely. Other holidaymakers are
attracted to the resort’s undisturbed tranquillity. Marsa Alam’s relatively
remote location, approximately four hours away from the popular Hurghada
resort, makes it the ideal destination for a peaceful, relaxing vacation.
Though Marsa Alam remains relatively undiscovered for now, a major boom
in the resort’s tourism market is inevitably on the horizon. A flood
of investment capital, funding new hotel, leisure and entertainment developments,
is set to transform the area in to a vibrant, world renowned holiday destination.
Only recently, the Libra Holidays group announced plans to develop a brand
new five million square foot sea front resort, bringing additional hotel
accommodation, shopping facilities and leisure activities to Marsa Alam.
With other large holiday firms developing similar plans, it is a matter
of time before one of Egypt’s best kept secrets is discovered by the
tourist world at large.
Marsa Alam Airport
Officially opened in 2001 and inaugurated by President Mubarak in 2003,
Marsa Alam International Airport is the first privately owned and operated
international commercial airport in Egypt. With its opening, Marsa Alam
International Airport became a global gateway to the new resorts located
on the South Red Sea.
The airport has received positive reviews from the growing number of
European travelers keen to visit the relatively tranquil resorts nearby.
The airport's facilities are seen as good and improving all the time,
with full air-conditioning and a number of restaurants, duty-free shops
and other retail outlets located on the premises. Designed in a modular
fashion to allow further expansion, the airport eventually hopes to accommodate
up to 4 million passengers a year. Having recently celebrated it's 5th
birthday, the airport's growth has been steady, expanding from 145,027
international passengers in 2002 to a projected 500,000 in 2006.
The increasing popularity of the airport has prompted owners the M.A.
Al-Kharafi Group to bring forward expansion plans that will double the
terminal size and increase the runway, taxiway, ramp and aircraft parking
facilities. Previously scheduled for completion in 2011, the developments
are now expected to be finalised for the final quarter of 2007. Jim Pringle,
chief executive director for the Al-Kharafi Group's Marsa Alam area developments,
has paid tribute to President Nasser Al-Kharafi's vision in turning a
once flat, coastal plain and eastern desert into a vibrant, international
tourism destination. 'The fact that we are now expanding this airport
by 200 percent is a testimony to that vision and to his confidence in
Egyptian tourism and in the appeal of the Marsa Alam area'.
A major factor in the need for expansion is the growth of the Port Ghalib
resort, also owned by the Al-Kharafi Group, located 10 minutes from the
airport. The resort, which currently offers 7,000 rooms and has a further
5,000 under construction, features an international style marina and provides
the focus for a host of tourist amenities.
HISTORY OF MARSA ALAMTop
of page
The fast growing tourist destination, Marsa Alam was till recently a
tiny fishing village in Egypt, located on the west coast of the Red Sea.
But did you know that this li'l place has a fascinating history too? Marsa
Alam sits pretty on the junction between the Red Sea coast road and the
road from Edfu. This road from Edfu was built by Ptolemy II and is a treasure
trove of ancient mines and quarries. According to archaeologists, this
road in Marsa Alam was actually a trade route between the Nile Valley
and the Red Sea where the port of Myos Hormos used to be. The Romans used
the ancient seaport of Myos Hormos near Marsa Alam to trade with India
and East Africa.
The Wadi Hammamat in Marsa Alam is the shortest route between the Red
Sea and the Nile River. This and the other Wadis like Wadi Barmiya and
Wadi Miya in Marsa Alam were the mining centers of ancient Egypt and in
fact of the entire ancient world. Gold, iron and a variety of mining stones
used to come from the surrounding areas of Marsa Alam. Wadi Hammamat was
a rich store house for the beautiful green stone called Bekheny stone
that would be used to decorate sarcophagi and even the insides of the
pyramids, up to the end of the Roman period. Wadi Hammamat used to be
quarried till the end of the 20th century. The walls of the Wadi Hamamat
are full of rock inscriptions that bear the history of Marsa Alam. There
are scenes showing an ostrich hunt with dogs and even Egyptian hieroglyphics
that go back into 4000 BC! Emerald was highly valued by the Egyptians
and most of the mining for this precious stone used to be around Marsa
Alam.The famous Emerald Mines in the area surrounding Marsa Alam have
recently been identified as the legendary Mons Smargdus, or the Cleopatra
Mines. So, now that you know a bit about the history of Marsa Alam in
Egypt, just come along and fall in love with the past!
GEOGRAPHYOF MARSA ALAM
Top of
page
Location
Marsa Alam is located in the south of the eastern desert in Egypt and
it borders on the west coast of the Red Sea. Marsa Alam is situated close
to the Tropic of Cancer where the Arabian Desert meets the Red Sea. It
really looks like a paradise in the tropics with mangroves, palm trees
and the beaches fringed with the barrier coral reefs. One can enjoy the
hammer head sharks, the spinner dolphins and the dugongs that spring up
from the surface of the glistening waters. There are the other interesting
attractions further inland that are worth exploring. These are the Temple
of Seti I at Khanais and the Emerald Mines also that are worth watching.
The latitudinal and longitudinal location of Marsa Alam is 25 04 21 north
and 34 53 36 east. The favorable location, the close proximity of desert,
sea and mountains would perhaps make it as popular a holiday resort as
Sharm el Sheikh. Also, Marsa Alam is 790 kilometers South of Cairo and
300 kilometers from Hurghada. On account of its being close to the sea,
the coasts are fringed with barrier coral reefs. There are also emerald
mines located in Marsa Alam that are worth exploring. The palm trees and
mangroves that line the beach make Marsa Alam a Tropical Paradise and
one of the best tourist destinations. There is plenty of opportunity for
scuba diving and snorkeling and the unravished underwater delights will
surprise you at every turn with more wonders!
The climate
The tropical location makes the weather of Marsa Alam quite hot during
the summer. The summer months extend from April to September and the highest
temperature during this time is about 45 degrees Celsius. The temperature
in the winters ranges from 18 to 35 degree Celsius. There is lots of sunshine
throughout the year and the clean sandy beaches are perfect places to
relax and enjoy. Tourists fall in love with the Marsa Alam beaches and
in the heat I is simply blissful to plunge into the limpid waters of the
Red Sea.
The weather
The weatherin Marsa Alam is more humid compared to that in other areas
around the Red Sea. Very rarely, there is rainfall which helps sustain
the lush palm trees that are a distinctive feature of the Marsa Alam coastline.
Be it summer or winter, there's plenty of sunshine for everyone all the
year through so that you can indulge in exciting activities ranging from
desert trekking, diving and snorkeling to more relaxed, lazy pursuits
like sun bathing or simply taking your chair to the water and watching
the water lap around your toes. Remember to use sun block and sun screen,
what ever time of the year you visit the delightful tourist destination
of Marsa Alam on the Red Sea. So, come along and enjoy the cool blue sea
and sunny beaches of Marsa Alam in Egypt!
PLACES TO SEE IN MARSA ALAM
Top
of page
Ancient Emerald Mines
The emerald is the oldest known gemstone. Uniquely green in color and
widely used in jewelry, emeralds were prized and cherished as symbols
of eternity and power during antiquity. It is believed that Egyptian
Pharaohs began mining emeralds in the mountainous area in the Eastern
Desert southwest of Marsa Alam.
Later identified as the Cleopatra Mines or Mons Smaragdus (Emerald Mountains),
the area became the most famous mining complex throughout the ancient
world. The mines at Wadi Gimal, Wadi Sikeit, Wadi Nuqrus and Gebel Zabara
were energetically exploited during the Ptolemaic and Roman periods. The
mines were also worked during later centuries until left deserted after
the Spaniards discovered emeralds in Columbia in 1545.
Today the ruins of the Zabara and Sikeit mining settlements are still
evident as well as the remains of temple structures and some old caved
in mine sites.
Bir Umm Fawakhir
A little to the north of Wadi Hammamat in the central part of the Eastern
Desert lies a Byzantine gold mining settlement from the fifth and sixth
century known today as Bir Umm Fawakhir. Around 1,000 Coptic Christians
lived in this town of some 200 buildings. The gold extracted from the
surrounding mountains was washed and transported to the Nile Valley for
refining. Bir Umm Fawakhir's largest mine extends horizontally approximately
100 meters into the mountain and is about two meters high. Today, you
can visit the site and examine the neatly laid out buildings and the ancient
inscriptions etched into granite boulders at the towns guard posts.
Mons Claudianus
In the parched desert between the Red Sea and the Nile lies the fascinating
ruins of a Roman settlement. For over two centuries, from 68 AD to 282
AD, Mons Claudianus used the surrounding mountains to produce high quality
columns and building blocks of grey granite known as granodiorite for
the sole purpose of beautifying imperial Rome. Today, you can witness
these magnificent objects in the Pantheon, in Hadrian's Villa and in the
unfinished Temple of Venus. The largest and best-preserved Roman site
in the Eastern Desert, Mons Claudianus, was once home to one thousand
quarrymen and soldiers. You can still see remnants of the fortress, dwellings,
workshops, stables, baths, broken granite columns and slabs. One column
is an impressive 16 meters long and 2.4 meters wide, weighing 209 tons.
Mons Claudianus is definitely well worth a day trip from Hurghada, Safaga
or Quseir.
Quseir Fortress
This Ottoman fortress in the town center of Quseir is certainly worth
a visit. It was built in the 16th century during the reign of Sultan
Selim to protect trade links with India. Napoleon's troops occupied the
fortress in 1799, fortifying it with cannons mounted high on the walls.
They also added a new viewing platform. A few years later, British forces
ejected the French after a fierce battle and added a new gate to the fortress.
The opening of the Suez Canal in 1869 led to the decline of Quseir and
its fortress. Recently, restoration work on the fortress has been completed.
Cannons are once again pointing seawards from their original gun ports.
The viewing platform was also restored with the help of illustrations
from the Déscription de l'Égypte that had been commissioned by Napoleon.
The fortress now houses the new Visitor Center containing displays on
local history, archaeology and culture of the surrounding region.
The Temple of Seti I at Kanais
Located in Kanais, east of Edfu along the desert road to Marsa Alam, lies
a small rock-cut temple built by Seti I (1305-1290 BC). Unfortunately,
you will only be able to view the entrance of the temple. The chamber
inside the cliff, which has magnificent drawings of Seti I slashing at
his enemies and offering a gift to the god Amun, is closed to the public
to protect it against defacement. Not far from the temple there is an
ancient well. Superb rock art from pre-dynastic times about 6000 years
old up to the period of Seti I decorate the wadi's steep walls with rowing
boats, dancing goddesses, long-horned gazelles, fat hippos and hunting
scenes. Closer to the main road are the remains of a Roman fort; an indication
of how important this area was in ancient times.
Wadi Hammamat
About midway between Quseir and Qena is the legendary Wadi Hammamat. Through
this valley runs an ancient road, the shortest from the Red Sea to the
Nile. Hundreds of rock inscriptions adorn the wadi's walls. Some drawings,
like the ancient Egyptian reed boats, date back to 4000 BC. What made
Wadi Hammamat famous during antiquity was the Bekheny stone; a beautiful
green ornamental rock that was considered sacred. The stone was actively
quarried from Pharaonic until Roman times for the production of bowls,
statues and sarcophagi. A large number of Bekheny stone monuments have
been found in pyramids, graves and temples of these periods. Today you
will not only marvel at the rock drawings of the distant past, but you
can also admire the ruins of the quarries, mines, fortresses, watchtowers
and wells that lie scattered along this principal route.
Myos Hormos
Two thousand years ago Myos Hormos was the Roman Empire's principal gateway
to India and East Africa. Only recently have archaeologists been able
to identify the exact location of this ancient port, just eight kilometers
north of Quseir. During its peak period around 20 AD, reportedly 120 ships
laden with wines, fine pottery, glass, precious metals and textiles set
out each year from Myos Hromos to India. They brought back all kinds of
luxury goods, including spices, medicines, silk and pearls. Myos Hormos
seems to have been abandoned in the 2nd century AD. During the 14th and
15th centuries however, the site was revived into a thriving port for
Mecca pilgrims and a rejuvenated India trade. At Myos Hormos you can see
foundations of ancient port structures and numerous remnants of empty
Roman storage jars (amphorae). Pottery shards are strewn all over the
area, evidence of thriving economic activity.
ACTIVITES IN MARSA ALAM
Top of
page
Desert Trekking in Wadi el Gemal National Park
The desert can be harsh, unforgiving, mysterious, silently dazzling. But
it can also generate emotions that last a lifetime. It can be outstandingly
beautiful, with its dense silence, the million-star sky, the other-worldly
sights. A walk on the moon, if you like. And a way to discover the hidden
heart of Egypt, if you are lucky enough to get to know the original tribes
who roam the vast expanses of apparent nothingness since centuries. One
of the best places in the Red Sea Riviera to come close to desert “perfection”
is the Wadi el Gemal National Park, in the Deep South some 40km after
Marsa Alam. The park is a protected area which covers nearly 100km of
coastal blissfulness (tropical palm groves, mangrove bays, paradisiacal
white-sand beaches), and a 60km-deep wadi, or dried riverbed, well into
the Eastern Desert. The area is protected due to its peculiar biodiversity
and the wealth of greenery. It comprises, besides the aforementioned coastal
area, the vast wadi itself, and a mountain range of impressive colours
and geological importance.
In the heart of the park there is, since May 2005, the very first private
eco-lodge following exacting standards of environment conservation in
Egypt, and the first tented camp to be set up in one of Egypt’s national
parks. The Fustat Wadi el Gemal Eco-lodge is a tented lodge located 6km
inland from the EEAA office at Wadi el Gemal National Park. The name “Fustat”
denotes in Arabic “tented camp”. It is an eco-tourism project intended
to expose the beauty of the National Park by educating and informing its
tourists about the ecology, geology, geography and history of Wadi el
Gemal and the surrounding areas.
The employees of the lodge are mainly indigenous inhabitants of Wadi
el Gemal, belonging to the Ababda tribes. They constitute one of four
branches of the Beja tribes, known historically as the Blemmyes who were
in constant war with the Romans, until they were finally subsidized by
the conquerors. The Ababda are nomadic pastoralists, who graze their herds
on the vegetation found in the wadi. They are very superstitious and are
indifferent toward material things, have a deep respect for nature, are
self-sufficient, hospitable and have great tribal solidarity. The park
organises regular guided tours of different lengths and types, to best
suit the interests and time of the visitors. All are guided by a highly
professional specialist guide as well as a local Beja guide. The two complement
each other with the type of information they give you on the tour with
topics ranging from ecology and geology to history and traditional knowledge
of the Beja tribes.
Watersports in Marsa Alam
Marsa Alam has become in recent years “the” kite surfing spot of the
Red Sea. Amazing paradisiac desert beaches along this remote coast offer
ideal conditions to practice the latest craze in board sports. Top surf
centres in the main coastal cities organise adventurous kite surf safaris,
where surfers sleep in tented camps and hop from beach to beach seeking
the ultimate kite surf experience, amidst breathtaking views of totally
unspoilt nature. Shallow white sand beaches and constant wind the whole
year round are attracting a number of surfers enthusiasts. The area is
famous as well for excellent snorkelling – what a better experience
than snorkelling and swimming with the dolphins at the protected area
of Samadai? Daily boats take you there weekly – but be aware: the area
is strictly monitored and access is divided into zones. Hotels and resorts
along the coast offer also a number of other aquatic activities, for those
not so adventurous, such as kayaking, sailing with small catamarans, banana
boating and more.
Snorkelling sites in Marsa Alam Marsa Alam is a snorkeller's paradise
and all hotels and lodges offer snorkelling. Join the dive boats for off
shore snorkelling or stay on the beach and explore the house reefs. The
Samadai Reef, by far the most popular site due to the permanent residence
of a pod of spinner dolphins, is now partially accessible after a preservation
programme has been implemented. Another favourite in the area is the bay
of Abu Dabab, home to the elusive, timid dugong, who feeds on the seagrass
that covers the bottom of the bay. Snorkelling is ”the” watersport
par excellence in the Red Sea. With the wealth of underwater life in all
destinations, snorkelling is an easy and very enjoyable way to spend some
time and discover the wonders of the marine life. Whether you go out from
your resort beach, or you spend a day or half a day on a snorkelling boat,
you will collect unforgettable memories! In the Red Sea, snorkelling is
particularly easy, as the high salinity of the water allows you to float
almost without effort. Follow though our Snorkelling Guide tips, for those
areas where currents and waves can make it a bit more challenging. Here
are some of the nicest spots for snorkelling in Marsa Alam:
- Abu Dabab Bay, home to the dugong, a timid and protected marine mammal
who feeds on the sea grass bed of the bay. With shallow waters and easy
access, is an ideal spot for snorkellers.
- Samadai Reef, a crescent-shaped reef off shore Marsa Alam, is another
favourite of the area. Access is limited after a preservation plan was
implemented last year, in order to protect the numerous spinner dolphins
living in the reef’s lagoon. In all hotels, anyhow, you will find
watersport and diving centres hiring snorkelling equipment, and organising
guided and non-guided snorkelling trips to the best places in the area.
They also cater to the tiny ones, with professional
guides teaching your kids how to use snorkel, mask and fins, for an experience
they will never forget. Another way to have some great snorkelling is
joining one of the scuba diving boats, going out on daily basis for half
day or full day trips to the best sites in the area. Have a look at our
Diving and Snorkelling Maps to check out the names and location of the
area’s snorkelling sites.
Diving in Marsa Alam
For diving enthusiasts, The Red Sea is a treasure waiting to be discovered,
boasting kilometres of beautiful coral reefs and an abundance of magnificently
coloured sea life. While Egypt has become a popular destination for divers
eager to experience the magic of The Red Sea at first hand, the spectacular
dive sites of Marsa Alam still remain relatively uncrowded, allowing holiday
makers to discover the area's ship wrecks, coral walls and underwater
gardens in peace. Marsa Alam's Top Red Sea Diving Spots
Elphinstone
Situated 6.5 nautical miles from the Marsa Alam coast, the Elphinstone
site is teeming with sea life including sea turtles and anthias. An impressive
variety of sharks are also known to visit the reef, including hammerheads,
grey reef sharks and from October to January, white-tip sharks. The Elphinstone
site is suitable for sea users of all skill levels, from snorkellers to
experienced divers. The reef's northern plateau is very shallow, offering
superb snorkeling possibilities, whilst the southern plateau is much deeper,
with a drop-off at 30m (100ft) leading down to depths of up to 70m. Shaab
Samadai (Dolphin House) Nicknamed Dolphin House in reference to the pod
of 60 or so spinner dolphins that frequent the site, Shaab Samadai is
a horseshoe shaped reef off of the southern Marsa Alam coast.
In addition to the playful spinner dolphins that reside here, the shallow,
turquoise lagoon is also populated by schools of reef fish including leopard
groupers, lionfish and masked butterfly fish. Shaab Samadai has 3 distinct
scuba diving areas; the outer reef, the underwater caves and the pinnacles
located to the south of the reef, with depths varying from 5m to 25m.
Fury Shoal
A network of hard coral formations make up the complex reef system of
Fury Shoal. Inhabited by a variety of pelagic fish, dolphins and several
species of shark, Fury Shoal is a diverse coral garden and a spectacular
dive site. Aside from the endless colourful sea life, the lagoon also
contains the wrecks of a tugboat and a sailing ship for your exploration.
Land Activities
Marsa Alam, a land of wilderness and remoteness almost on the Tropic of
Cancer, has unforgettable landscapes and awe-inspiring desert locales.
With its breathtaking views and unforgettable atmosphere, the Eastern
Desert is a land of exhilarating boundlessness, and a favourite destination
for an endless series of excursions and activities. Most desert trips
include the visit to a typical Bedouin settlement, where you will be shown
how this timeless nomad people lives in harmony with its very harsh land.
There are many ways to discover the beauty hidden in wadis and mountains.
Whether by camel, 4x4 jeep or quads, desert safaris and day trips take
you to unforgettable adventures, guaranteed to take your breath away.
Hiking and trekking in the desert is within range of everybody, provided
that you go with experienced guides and follow their advice – most excursions
to the desert include an easy walk accessible even to the less fit. In
addition to this, the resorts offer a selection of land-based sports and
leisure activities. From tennis courts to games rooms with table tennis,
to billiards, darts, beach volleyball, water polo, water gymnastics, aerobic
and stretching classes, jogging on the beach, Quseir has a wealth of fun
activities to break the lazy routine of beach and swimming pool.
Dining in Marsa Alam,br /> Marsa Alam, an old remote
fishing village, has been transformed in the recent years into one of
the major high-class holiday retreats in Egypt, with a mixture of top-class
hotels and an ecotourism area in the Wadi el Gemal National Park, where
only eco-lodges can be built. The town itself has a very strong local
character, and offers a fair choice of local eateries serving traditional
Egyptian food at very cheap prices. There are no famous international
chains in Marsa Alam, but there is a fair choice of good a-la-carte restaurants
inside the high category hotels, where you can enjoy fine dining on the
water's edge, if you are looking for a gourmet dinner in relaxed and elegant
atmosphere. In Marsa Alam, the hotels’ cuisine is quite good. Hotels
normally have a main restaurant serving the boarding meals (breakfast
and dinner, sometimes also lunch), and one or more a-la-carte restaurants
to sample specialties or to celebrate that special occasion in an intimate
atmosphere.
Entertainment in Marsa Alam
Marsa Alam is still a remote and isolated destination. Apart from the
little fisherman town, where you can join the odd “ahwa”, or cafeteria,
where locals meet after work to play backgammon, smoke a water pipe and
watch TV, the place is mostly a long strip of seaside resorts, where evening
entertainment is limited to the hotel’s facilities and programmes. Some
hotels might offer exciting party evenings; others choose a subdued soft
night life, consisting of oriental shows with belly dancers, piano bar
and, occasionally, a theme party. Barbecues on the beach or cocktails
by the pool are common though. Marsa Alam is the ideal location to relax
full-time and enjoy nature in its entirety.
WHY INVESTING IN MARSA ALAM
- Lowest prices available for property here, not many developments as
yet
- Can buy freehold
- Fantastic unspoilt virgin reefs
- Long sandy beaches
- Marsa Alam is 60km long with only 30 hotels, untouched by tourism
- International airport at the begining of Marsa Alam
- Famous for diving and recently kite surfers
- Investment opportunities as this area is beginning marked as a tourist
destination
- Lower cost of living
- Unique micro climate with over 300 days of sunshine each year
- Potential long term rental returns from holidaymakers and divers
Overview
As an investor in this emerging area investing in the off-plan property
developments will give you a substantial return in the longer term. Why?
Four reasons:
- 1. The property is priced BELOW today's market value (You literally
buy your property at a discounted price).
- 2. Your equity is limited to only around 30% of your property's price.
(You only pay a fraction of the total sales price to secure your ownership
rights).
- 3. During construction you can sell your property on to a 'lifestyle'
buyer benefiting from any pre-scheduled price increases from the developer
and additional capital market growth due to the development of the area
- Or, elect to go to Title Deed and complete your purchase; then sell
the property on approximately two years later and see potentially even
bigger gains on your investment due to the development's 'mature' status
and desirability (it's easier to sell a completed apartment with a beautiful
swimming pool and gardens than something still in construction) and
the development of Marsa Alam
|