The overwhelming majority of vacationers who go to Sharm (to which the identify of the Purple Sea resort metropolis is commonly shortened) come again joyful and wholesome, if a bit purple or brown from all of the solar. The primary “hazard” of visiting Egypt’s Sinai peninsula is that you just may not wish to come dwelling, fairly than not having the ability to come dwelling.
But there are particular hazards for which you need to be vigilant in your journey, together with many are explicit to Egypt and to this particular a part of Egypt. Proactively contemplating these earlier than you journey can guarantee larger peace of thoughts for you after you arrive.
Why Individuals Love Sharm el-Sheikh
Earlier than I talk about in larger element whether or not or not Sharm el-Sheikh is secure, let’s begin with a extra basic subject. Particularly, the explanations that folks from all over the world (however particularly Russia, for one cause or one other) love Sharm el-Sheikh. The Purple Sea is clearly the prime cause. That is true each for scuba divers who love exploring the depths of its clear waters, and sunbathers who love laying on the golden seashores alongside it.
One other enticing function of Sharm el-Sheikh is its value level since Sharm el-Sheikh is without doubt one of the most inexpensive coastal locations on this planet. This lets you spend extra on experiences, whether or not that entails a day journey to hike biblical Mt. Sinai, or splurging on a really good place to remain, be {that a} dive resort or boutique lodge.
Petty crime
As you need to do should you journey anyplace else on this planet, it’s essential to be vigilant concerning the security of your belongings in Sharm el-Sheikh. Don’t flash indicators of wealth like jewellery and electronics, notably not at night time or when strolling alongside in a spot with which you’re unfamiliar.
Excessive warmth
Is Sharm el-Sheikh secure? Sure, however not should you don’t have a bottle of water available. With excessive temperatures of 40ºC/104ºF a number of months out of the 12 months, Sharm el-Sheikh will be dangerously sizzling, particularly when you think about that it’s usually extraordinarily sunny and really dry.
Shark assaults
The excellent news? Shark assaults in Sharm el-Sheikh are extraordinarily uncommon, as many of the 40+ species of shark that swim within the Purple Sea are innocent to people. The dangerous information? Few folks can rapidly inform the distinction between an innocuous reef shark and lethal white-tip sharks, so keep near your divemaster (should you dive) and get out of the water should you see any sharks in any respect whereas swimming.
Highway accidents
Whether or not in your individual automobile or in a taxi or personal automobile, you’ll discover that folks drive very quick alongside Sharm el-Sheikh’s roads, each multi-lane highways and narrower metropolis streets. In case you’re driving, preserve a slower pace, notably should you’re unfamiliar with the roads. In case you’re a passenger, at all times put on a seatbelt. Whereas lethal accidents are very uncommon, even a minor harm can wreck your journey.
Terrorism
As is the case, pretty or not, in a lot of the remainder of the Center East, Sharm el-Sheikh is usually related to Islamic terrorism. In actuality, apart from a collection of resort assaults in 2005, there was no massive scale terrorism in Sharm el-Sheikh in a long time. That is despite warnings about ISIS exercise throughout the mid-2010s, which fortunately by no means resulted in peril to vacationers.
Alternate options to Sharm el-Sheikh
Though Sharm el-Sheikh is gorgeous and attraction-filled, it isn’t for everybody. Listed here are another Purple Sea locations you may think about visiting:
- Dahab: A smaller model of Sharm el-Sheikh additional up the peninsula, with a quieter vibe general
- Hurghada: Whereas throughout the Gulf of Suez from Sinai on the Egyptian mainland, this metropolis can be one among Egypt’s premiere seashore and scuba hubs, with direct flights from Cairo
- Aqaba, Jordan: If you wish to dive within the Purple Sea however don’t have plans to go to Egypt, make an tour to Aqaba from Amman or Petra, Jordan
- Eilat, Israel: Likewise, should you plan to be in Israel (however not Egypt or Jordan), the resort metropolis of Eilat is a superb place to benefit from the Purple Sea
Observe that with regards to the Egyptian cities I’ve listed, questions it’s possible you’ll pose concerning the security of Sharm el-Sheikh nonetheless pertain.
Different FAQ About Visiting Sharm el-Sheikh
Is Sharm el-Sheikh price visiting?
Sharm el-Sheikh is a well-liked gateway to Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula, and with good cause: The scuba diving in its crystalline waters is a few of the greatest on this planet, to say nothing of world-class mountain climbing and seashores. However, some vacationers want alternate Egypt Purple Sea locations akin to Dahab and Hurghada.
What number of days do you want in Sharm el-Sheikh?
How lengthy you spend in Sharm el-Sheikh relies upon upon what kinds of actions you wish to do, and what number of of them curiosity you. Three days in Sharm, for instance, is sufficient for sooner or later every to take pleasure in swimming, mountain climbing and scuba diving, or for a three-day journey on a scuba live-aboard boat. Vacationers very fascinated about scuba might keep longer than this, whereas shorter journeys are perfect for these extra content material to remain on or close to land.
The place ought to I keep in Sharm el-Sheikh?
Many of the greatest resorts in Sharm el-Sheikh are proper within the city middle, together with many proper alongside the Purple Sea. Remember the fact that some oceanfront motels and resorts are dive motels, whose costs issue within the assumption that the majority friends will take part in scuba diving. In case you don’t intend on scuba diving however nonetheless wish to keep beachside, attempt to discover a smaller visitor home or Airbnb condominium.
The Backside Line
Is Sharm el-Sheikh secure? For essentially the most half sure, though it’s best to maintain a number of basic security concerns in thoughts. A few of these are particular to Sharm, whether or not they relate to the sharks that swim within the Purple Sea simply offshore, or lingering worry about bombings that occurred almost 20 years in the past. Others are extra basic: Don’t stroll round with conspicuous indicators of wealth—notably not at night time—and take care when driving or when using in a automobile pushed by somebody who isn’t.
Robert Schrader is a journey author and photographer who’s been roaming the world independently since 2005, writing for publications akin to “CNNGo” and “Shanghaiist” alongside the best way. His weblog, Go away Your Each day Hell, gives a mixture of journey recommendation, vacation spot guides and private essays overlaying the extra esoteric features of life as a traveler.
