Coloured Canyon and Nuweiba

The Coloured Canyon is a sandstone gorge near Nuweiba on the Gulf of Aqaba coast of South Sinai, Egypt, about 170-200 km north of Sharm el-Sheikh. The drive takes roughly two and a half to three hours each way, so the trip is a long day and is usually done as a jeep tour from Sharm hotels, costing about EGP 1,500-2,500 per person. Departures are typically around 07:00, with a return by 19:00. The route follows the coastal road north past Dahab and Nuweiba, with views across the gulf to the mountains of Saudi Arabia, and the final stretch turns inland on a desert track that suits a four-wheel-drive vehicle. The canyon is known for its layered walls in shades of red, orange, yellow and purple, formed by mineral-rich sandstone carved by water. The walk through it is short but varied, with passages that narrow to little more than shoulder width and some low scrambles over boulders. A guided visit typically takes one to two hours, and the narrow sections require closed shoes. Visitors who dislike tight spaces may find the tightest parts uncomfortable. A suggested day starts with the early departure from Sharm, a morning arrival at the canyon before the heat and larger groups, and a walk of about an hour. The group then drives on to the coast near Nuweiba for a seafood or barbecue lunch at a beachside restaurant, with time for a swim in the Gulf of Aqaba. The afternoon is for the return journey, usually with a tea stop on the way. The best season is October to April, when temperatures suit the exposed drive and walk, while summer heat can be severe. Visitors should carry water, sun protection and a camera, and checkpoint stops along the road mean that a physical passport should be kept on hand. Bedouin guides and local stalls at the canyon entrance sell tea, souvenirs and scarves.