Nabq Protected Area

Nabq Protected Area is situated between Sharm el Sheikh and Dahab forming the mouth of Wadi Kid. A Bedouin village lies on the border of the Protected area and there is also a bedouin settlement inside where bedouins live mostly in the summer. The newest extensions on Sharm el Sheikh, also called Nabq, are slowly reaching the southern borders of Nabq Protected Area.

The amazing colours of Nabq dazzle you: various colours of blues and greens and browns, changing with the time of day and the direction you're facing.

Nabq is an outstanding natural area with various ecosystems, most notable are the dunes and the mangroves.

The sand dune habitats harbour one of the largest arak stands in the Middle East. The tree has a convoluted dune stabilizing root system. Off Track driving damages root systems and young plants. Please stay on the track!

The mangroves in Nabq are at their northern most border. Mangroves have adapted to the saline environment: air roots sprouting from the ground around each tree act as a barrier, keeping out most of the salts. Be careful not to tread on sprouting roots!

Mangroves serve several important functions:

• they stabilize the shoreline
• they create an important habitat to large numbers of birds, invertebrates and fish
• they provide organic materials for other nearby ecosystems