The Elba Protected Area contains:

A - Mountains

B - Valleys: the most famous of which is Wadi El Gemal

C - Oases

D - Hills

First: The Mountains

The topography of the mountain ranges, as in the rest of the Eastern Desert, generally forms the watershed that slopes towards the Red Sea from the eastern side of these ranges. This watershed passes over the highest mountain ranges closest to the coast. Consequently, the drainage channels to the east of this line are steeper and shorter, flowing towards the sea. These drainage channels include several major valleys, among them:

A - Elba Mountain Range

The Elba Mountain Range rises to 1435 meters above sea level. The most famous mountain, after which the reserve is named, rises to approximately 1435 meters. It is distinguished by the "Oasis of Fog" phenomenon, where its slopes are covered with green gateways and vegetation such as wild "Anbat" trees.

B - Shindib Mountain Range

The summit of Mount Shindib rises to approximately 1912 meters above sea level.

C - Shallal Mountain

Also known as the Mountain of Waterfalls, it reaches a height of 1,409 meters.

D - Abu Hadid Mountain

(1,486 meters)

E - Hanqouf Mountain

(1,430 meters)

R - Ararib Mountain

(1,273 meters)

G - Al-Faraid Mountain

(1,234 meters)

S - Hamata Mountain

This is the main mountain in this reserve, reaching a height of 1,975 meters. It serves as a habitat for birds of prey and wildlife.

Second: The Hills

The numerous small valleys interspersed with them.

This area is occupied by a series of hills composed of bedrock and sedimentary rocks, ranging in width from 2 to 3 km. Numerous small valleys intersect these hills, flowing towards the sea from both the north and south of the range.

These small valleys can be divided according to their direction into:

A - The northwestern valleys, which flow northeast.

B - The central valleys, which flow east.

First: The Valleys of the Western Region

In addition to the valleys mentioned above, there are other valleys of great importance located in the western region and within the reserve's boundaries. These valleys feed into the previously mentioned ones, including:

Wadi Al-Faq'a

Wadi Deif

Wadi Madhi

Wadi Al-Jamal

Wadi El Gemal (Valley of the Camels)

Since Wadi El Gemal is one of the most famous valleys in the Gebel Elba Nature Reserve, we decided to discuss it in more detail than others. It is located north of Gebel Elba, about 90 kilometers south of Marsa Alam. The name: It was named so because of the breeds and strains of camels that have lived and grazed in its vegetated valleys for thousands of years. Open Pastures, hundreds of camels roam the valleys of Gebel Elba, grazing on acacia trees and the green slopes covered with rainwater. Shalateen International Camel Market, this market houses the largest camel market in Egypt and is a historical market linking Egypt and Sudan.

Third: Details of the valleys of the Gebel Elba Nature Reserve

1- Major and Main Valleys

Wadi El-Deeb

Considered the longest mountain valley in the Eastern Desert, reaching approximately 200 km in length. Its name, in the language of the Bishari tribes, refers to the low-lying area where flash floods collect, becoming covered in evergreen vegetation and supporting forests of gazelle and acacia trees.

Wadi Hawdheen

One of the major valleys in the region, sloping eastward and flowing towards the Red Sea.

2- Valleys of the Gebel Elba Slopes

(Northern and Eastern Region)

These valleys are characterized by high vegetation density resulting from the flow of water from the oases of El-Dabab down from the mountain peaks. Among them are:

Wadi Adib

Located opposite the historic port of Azab, it is considered one of the most beautiful and largest catchment areas for flash floods descending from the green slopes.

Wadi Yahmib

Drains the waters of the northern flank of the mountain, and its length is characterized by dense acacia trees.

Wadi Kensisrob and Wadi Akaw

Subsidiary valleys extending along the northwestern slopes, distinguished by the presence of large rocks and the mountainous terrain.

3- The Valleys of the Southern and Western Wings

Wadi Sarmaty

The main valley feeding the southern side of Jabal Elba, distinguished by its open spaces and unique clusters of wild acacia trees.

Wadi Abraq

One of the historically and environmentally renowned valleys, it includes tributaries rich in wildlife and medicinal plants, such as the valleys of Al-Arqa, Ainat, Al-Jahiliya, and Abu Sa'fa.

4- Famous Safari Valleys

The reserve attracts nature lovers during the rainy season through specific scenic routes in valleys such as:

Wadi Ma Akoun

Wadi Yasis

Wadi Tu'di

Wadi Shab

Wadi Shallal...