Nabq Protectorate - Sharm El Sheikh

Nabq Protectorate - Sharm El Sheikh 

Nabq protectorate in Egypt is located just 25 km from the city of Sharm El Sheikh and reaching it takes just 10 minutes from the city. The area covered by the protectorate is 600 square km. Located on the Gulf of Aqaba; Nabq is the largest coastal protectorate in Egypt which has been deciphered after an oasis that is located within its boundaries. Nabq is a not so popular place among tourists and can thus seem a retreat for all those seeking to explore the unexplored.

Why visit Nabq

Visiting Nabq is like having a rendezvous with Mother Nature at its best and the place is bestowed with a varying terrain. While the inner parts have high chain mountains still there is a coast which has stretch of mangroves. Mangrove trees play an important part in conserving the surrounding ecology acting as a natural nursery for crustaceans and small fishes. Also these act as nestling grounds for birds and form natural tsunami wave breakers. For all nature lovers Nabq is the ideal place to take a stroll or a wade midst the mangrove trees and take a walk in the waist deep waters also one can indulge here in bird watching. Many species of birds can be found here some of which are migratory while others stay here as their natural habitat. Also you can spot here many animals like herons, plovers, gulls, terns and the Red Sea endemic White-Eyed Gull with its vibrant yellow legs, blood red bill and a crescent-like white ring around the eyes.

Also for divers the place can offer a spectacular experience where you can even do snorkeling. You have ample choice to explore the underwater life without even diving too deep into the waters. Also for those who are still not feeling that rush of adrenaline there is an opportunity to indulge in adventures like quad biking or four wheels off roading. So, it’s a place where you can enjoy nature thrill, adventure and serenity at the same time.

The major attraction at Nabq

Mangrove forest is the major attraction at this protectorate which runs along the shoreline and is even speculated to be the most northerly mangrove stand on the planet. The root system of mangrove helps in filtering salt from the sea water thus helping in stabilizing seashores. Also the important habitat for birds and fishes cannot be overlooked. Inside the mangrove forest is the dunes of the Wadi Kid where you can find the largest stands of arak bushes in the whole of Middle East. Also present here are rock hyraxes, gazelles and Nubian Ibexes. Two villages of the Bedouin tribe from the Mizena tribe also form a part of the protectorate. The reefs here are rich but somehow the visibility is poor due to mangroves sedimentation.

How to reach Nabq

Nabq can be visited by your own vehicle or by joining a tour group. Most resorts and hotels in Sharm El Sheikh and Dahab offer safaris and tour programs to the protectorate both on the land and in the water.