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Ras Muhammad National Park

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Ras Muhammad National Park is located in Egypt on the Sinai Peninsula. It is found at the most southern tip of the peninsula.  The national park encompasses an area of 185 square miles (480 sq km).  This was the first national park for Egypt.

Of the 185 square miles (480 sq km), 133 square miles (345 sq km) is marine and protects the Red Sea Reef.  Along with the Red Sea Reef, there are two islands just off the peninsula which are part of the park’s protected area.

On land, the park protects a small mangrove forest at the end of the peninsula.  Further inland, the landscapes include mountains, sand dunes, wadis, and coastal mud plains.

The Red Sea Reef and surrounding reef areas include both fringing and hermatypic type reefs.  There are over 220 species of corals accompanied by over 1,000 species of fish, 40 species of starfish, 150 species of crustaceans, and 25 species of sea urchins.

The green turtle and the hawksbill turtle are two of the sea turtles which can be found swimming amongst the reefs fairly regularly.

The Red Sea is the most northern tropical sea and it stretches 1,400 miles (2,250 km) with a surface area of 169,000 square miles (438,000 sq km).  The Ras Muhammad National Park only protects a small portion of the Red Sea Reef. 

Trails of Ras Muhammad National Park

The park is not known for hikes and treks.  It is mostly known for the coastal landscapes, crystal clear blue water, and exploring the underwater world of the Red Sea Reef and some of the neighboring reefs along the peninsula. 

Highlights

Snorkelers and scuba divers will find Ras Muhammad National Park as an underwater haven.  Many of the species of life are endemic only found in the Red Sea Reef area.

Red Sea Reef

The Red Sea Reef is located along the coastal waters of the Red Sea and Egypt. The body of water is unique serving as the furthest north tropical body of water.  It is further distinctive in serving as the home of some of the most lively and diverse coral reefs.

The reef is a diverse biological wonder home to over 1,100 species.  There are over 260 species of stony coral.  Around ten percent of the species are endemic to the Red Sea Reef and found nowhere else in the world. 

The Red Sea Reef extends over 1,240 miles (2,000 km) following the African coastline in Egypt, Eritrea, and Sudan. The reef system is comprised of lagoons, cylinders, and platforms. This is the largest African coral reef.

Things To Do:

Ras Muhammad invites you to enjoy the beach, the landscapes, and the underwater world of the Red Sea Reef.  

Scuba Diving

The Red Sea Reef is the largest coral reef in Africa and features hundreds of endemic species specific to the Red Sea.  Swimming beneath the water where you can experience this wonder of nature in full awaits.

Snorkeling

Snorkeling is one of the more popular activities of the park.  This allows you to see the coral reef and wildlife underwater.  This wonder of nature may entice you to go scuba diving after you get a taste of the splendor that awaits.

Ras Muhammad Highlights

  • Red Sea Reef

Park Map

Sources