Egypt's highest peak, a full-day mountain hike.
Mount Catherine, or Gebel Katherina, is the highest mountain in Egypt, with a summit at about 2,629 m in the granite highlands of the South Sinai Governorate near the village of St Catherine. It lies a few kilometres south-west of Mount Sinai and is a considerably longer and more demanding objective. Trailhead access from Sharm el-Sheikh is by road to St Catherine, a drive of roughly three hours, and most hikers stay overnight in the village before starting early. A local Bedouin guide is required for the ascent and is arranged in St Catherine, where guides are familiar with the water points and route choices. The hike covers roughly 12 to 16 km depending on the route and typically takes seven to nine hours, with a total ascent of well over 1,000 m from the valley floor, which makes it a hard full-day hike. The route leaves the St Catherine area through dry wadis and follows a rough path of rock, boulders and loose gravel, with some steeper scrambling sections as the mountain narrows towards the summit ridge. There is almost no shade on the route and the upper part is exposed to wind and sudden temperature drops. Landmarks include the rocky valleys of the high Sinai interior, small Bedouin gardens in the lower wadis and, on a clear day, views from the summit across to the Gulf of Suez and Mount Sinai. A small summit structure marks the top. Water is available only at limited points near the start, so hikers carry the bulk of what they need, with about three litres per person a common minimum. There are no refuge huts or services on the mountain, and mobile coverage is unreliable. A sensible turn-around point is any of the rocky shoulders below the final ridge if weather turns, or if the group is running behind the schedule needed to get down before dark. Winter brings snow and ice on the summit in some years, and summers are hot in the lower valleys, so spring and autumn are the preferred windows. Boots, windproof layers, a hat and sunscreen are important, and groups should start at first light.
| Distance | About 12-16 km |
|---|---|
| Duration | 7-9 hours |
| Difficulty | hard |
| Trailhead | Local Bedouin guide required, arranged in St Catherine |
| Best season | March to May and September to November |
| Address | Mount Catherine, St Catherine, South Sinai Governorate, Egypt |
Trail facts
- Trail area
- St Catherine
What to bring
Boots, 3 litres water, windproof layers
Location
Mount Catherine, St Catherine, South Sinai Governorate, Egypt
28.5106, 33.9547 View on map
Highlights
- Summit of Egypt's highest peak at about 2,629 m
- Walk through rocky Sinai wadis with Bedouin guides who know the terrain
- Views over the Sinai granite ranges, with Mount Sinai visible on clear days
- Full-day mountain hike away from the busy sunrise crowds on Mount Sinai
Tips for visiting
- Hire a local Bedouin guide in St Catherine; the route is not reliably marked.
- Carry about three litres of water per person, as sources on the mountain are limited.
- Start at first light so the descent finishes before dark.
- Pack windproof layers; summit weather can change quickly and be much colder than the valley.
- Wear ankle-supporting boots for the loose rock and boulder sections.
- Check with the guide for snow or ice in winter, when conditions can close the upper route.
When to visit
March to May and September to November offer the most reliable conditions. Winter can bring snow and ice near the summit, while summer is hot in the lower valleys.
Accessibility
The trail is not accessible for wheelchairs or strollers, as it crosses boulders, loose gravel and steep rocky sections. It is only suitable for fit hikers who are comfortable on rough terrain.
Frequently asked questions
How high is Mount Catherine?
The summit is about 2,629 m, making it the highest peak in Egypt. It is higher than nearby Mount Sinai at about 2,285 m.
Is a guide needed to hike Mount Catherine?
Yes. A local Bedouin guide is required and is arranged in St Catherine. Guides know the route, water points and weather patterns.
How long does the hike take?
Allow seven to nine hours for the round trip, covering about 12 to 16 km. Starting at first light leaves a margin for the descent.
Can it be done as a day trip from Sharm el-Sheikh?
It is a long journey, since the drive to St Catherine takes about three hours each way. Most hikers stay overnight in St Catherine and start the climb early the next morning.