
Best Hiking Trails Around the World in Cairo, Al Qāhirah, Egypt

1. Wadi Degla Protectorate
This hike is great for escaping the busy city without going far. The canyon-like landscapes feel different from Cairo's usual scenery. The clear paths are beginner-friendly.
- Accessibility: Close to Cairo city center.
- Terrain: Smooth and suitable for beginners.
- Scenery: Unique, arid canyon landscape.

2. Mokattam Hills
This offers a panoramic view of Cairo. Ideal for those wanting a short hike with great photographic opportunities. It's less crowded in the early mornings.
- Viewpoint: Stunning vistas of Cairo.
- Distance: Short and manageable.
- Timing: Best in early mornings.

3. Fayoum's Wadi El Rayan
Known for its waterfalls and stunning desert backdrop. It combines water features with sand dunes. Perfect for a full-day hiking adventure.
- Features: Waterfalls and lakes.
- Duration: Suitable for a day trip.
- Diversity: Desert and water scenery.

4. Sinai Peninsula (Mount Sinai)
Though far from Cairo, it offers a spiritual and historical significance. Hiking here at sunrise or sunset is a reward of its own. The trails cater to moderate hikers.
- Significance: Historical and spiritual.
- Timing: Amazing sunrise or sunset hikes.
- Difficulty: Moderate trail challenge.

5. St. Catherine's Mountain
Another Sinai treasure with rich history and majestic views. The trek is strenuous but offers incredible reward at the summit. It is best tackled early to catch the sunrise.
- Elevation: High altitude challenge.
- Historic: Ancient trails and sites.
- Optimal Time: Early morning ascents.

6. White Desert National Park
Famous for its chalky white landscapes and mushroom-shaped formations. The bizarre desert formations make for an unusual experience. Overnight hiking and camping are possible.
- Terrain: Unique chalk formations.
- Camping: Overnight experience.
- Rarity: Uncommon desert sight.

7. Black Desert
Known for its dark volcanic hills in stark contrast with the desert sands. It's an off-the-beaten-path destination for adventurous hikers. Days here can be extremely hot, requiring careful planning.
- Landscape: Volcanic black hills.
- Seclusion: Less-touristed area.
- Weather: Hot desert conditions.

8. Whale Valley (Wadi El Hitan)
A UNESCO World Heritage site with fossils and marine rocks. It's suited for both hiking and history enthusiasts. Offers educational signposts along the trails.
- Unique Feature: Fossil deposits.
- Education: Informative trails.
- Guidelines: Follow UNESCO preservation rules.

9. Crystal Mountain
Known for its quartz crystals shining under the sun. A shorter hike which offers a sparkling view that you won’t find elsewhere. Perfect for those interested in geology.
- Highlight: Shimmering quartz deposits.
- Duration: Short and striking hike.
- Geology: Perfect for rock enthusiasts.

10. El Gouna Desert
Offers a different perspective of desert hiking, close to the Red Sea. Ideal for those combining beach and desert experiences. Sunset hikes provide memorable views.
- Proximity: Near Red Sea coast.
- Combo Experience: Desert and beach.
- Sunset Views: Best hiking time.

11. The Great Sand Sea
Offers expansive dunes and a feeling of endless desert. Perfect for explorers looking to experience the vastness of the Sahara. It's advised to go with guides due to its vastness.
- Sensation: Endless desert expanse.
- Gear: Recommended to have guide assistance.
- Experience: True Sahara experience.

12. Gilf Kebir National Park
Known for its remote adventures and ancient rock art. It's a hike for advanced trekkers seeking isolation and history. Permits and guides are required.
- Ancient Art: Prehistoric rock art locations.
- Isolation: Extremely remote.
- Preparation: Requires permits and guides.

13. Thebes Mountain Trail
Offers sights over the ancient city of Thebes and its numerous temples. It combines hiking with a dive into Ancient Egyptian history. Best explored over several hours.
- Archaeology: Views of ancient sites.
- Duration: Suitable for longer hikes.
- Historical Insight: Rich with history tours.

14. Aswan's Nubian Desert
Treads alongside the Nile with outlooks over Nubian settlements. Ideal for those desiring a mix of cultural and natural experiences. It offers gentle terrain for casual hikers.
- Culture: Nubian cultural views.
- Mixed Experience: Cultural and natural.
- Terrain: Easy paths.

15. Siwa Oasis Adventure
A hike that enters lush oasis landscapes with freshwater springs amidst the desert. It's a remote escape from typical Egyptian scenery. Ensure proper logistics due to its isolation.
- Surprise: Lush scenery in the desert.
- Refreshment: Freshwater springs.
- Logistics: Requires planning due to remoteness.

16. Ras Mohammed National Park
Offers vistas on Egypt’s southernmost point with coral views. Vibrant maritime life gives uniqueness to terrestrial hikes. Recommendations include combining with short snorkeling.
- Combination: Hiking with snorkeling.
- Visibility: Clear coastal and coral views.
- Beauty: Vibrant natural life.

17. Camel Trail Aswan
Though a camel ride, the hiking trail runs alongside, giving a unique Afro-Arabian ambience to your hike. It provides a gentler introduction to the desert. Additionally lessons about camel handling are available.
- Mode: Walking alongside camels.
- Ambience: Afro-Arabian experience.
- Learning: Optional camel handling education.

18. Gebel Elba
Lush mountains in Egypt's far southeast, an unusual verdant environment. Known for its biodiversity including rare plants and wildlife. Requires special permission due to its protected status.
- Biodiversity: Unique plant and animal life.
- Environment: Verdant in a dry region.
- Permit: Access restricted, needs prior arrangements.

19. Jebel Umm Shumar
Remote and rocky, offering a challenging climb in Sinai with fewer tourists. Provides stunning views from the top with a true sense of wilderness. Best suited for experienced hikers.
- Remoteness: Isolated trail.
- Challenge: Rocky and rugged hike.
- Seclusion: Little tourist presence.

20. Bir Wahed, Great Sand Sea
Begins with a deep spring in the vast dunes—a stark yet beautiful setting. Recognized for therapeutic hot springs, it's both a physical and restful destination. Uncommon among typical tourist areas.
- Hot Spring: Natural therapeutic spots.
- Contrast: Dunes and water blend.
- Rarity: Lesser-known highlight.
- These hiking trails each provide a different experience and challenge, adding value to travelers exploring Egypt from a base in Cairo.