The overwhelming majority of vacationers who go to Sharm (to which the identify of the Purple Sea resort metropolis is commonly shortened) come again comfortable and wholesome, if a bit pink 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 house, somewhat than not having the ability to come house.
But there are particular hazards for which try to be vigilant in your journey, together with many are specific to Egypt and to this particular a part of Egypt. Proactively contemplating these earlier than you journey can guarantee better peace of thoughts for you after you arrive.
Why Folks Love Sharm el-Sheikh
Earlier than I focus on in better element whether or not or not Sharm el-Sheikh is secure, let’s begin with a extra elementary matter. Particularly, the explanations that individuals from all over the world (however particularly Russia, for one purpose or one other) love Sharm el-Sheikh. The Purple Sea is clearly the prime purpose. 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 likely one of the most reasonably priced coastal locations on the earth. 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 resort.
Petty crime
As you have to do for those who journey anyplace else on the earth, 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 evening or when strolling alongside in a spot with which you’re unfamiliar.
Excessive warmth
Is Sharm el-Sheikh secure? Sure, however not for those who don’t have a bottle of water readily available. With excessive temperatures of 40ºC/104ºF a number of months out of the 12 months, Sharm el-Sheikh may 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 a lot of the 40+ species of shark that swim within the Purple Sea are innocent to people. The dangerous information? Few individuals can shortly inform the distinction between an innocuous reef shark and lethal white-tip sharks, so keep near your divemaster (for those who dive) and get out of the water for those who see any sharks in any respect whereas swimming.
Highway accidents
Whether or not in your personal car or in a taxi or personal automobile, you’ll discover that individuals drive very quick alongside Sharm el-Sheikh’s roads, each multi-lane highways and narrower metropolis streets. For those who’re driving, preserve a slower pace, notably for those who’re unfamiliar with the roads. For those who’re a passenger, all the time put on a seatbelt. Whereas lethal accidents are very uncommon, even a minor harm can smash your journey.
Terrorism
As is the case, pretty or not, in a lot of the remainder of the Center East, Sharm el-Sheikh is typically related to Islamic terrorism. In actuality, apart from a sequence of resort assaults in 2005, there was no giant scale terrorism in Sharm el-Sheikh in a long time. That is despite warnings about ISIS exercise in the course of 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 below are another Purple Sea locations you would possibly take into account 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 in every of Egypt’s premiere seaside 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, for those who plan to be in Israel (however not Egypt or Jordan), the resort metropolis of Eilat is a good place to benefit from the Purple Sea
Notice that in relation to the Egyptian cities I’ve listed, questions you could 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 purpose: The scuba diving in its crystalline waters is a number of the greatest on the earth, to say nothing of world-class mountain climbing and seashores. Alternatively, some vacationers choose alternate Egypt Purple Sea locations reminiscent of 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 types of actions you wish to do, and what number of of them curiosity you. Three days in Sharm, for instance, is sufficient for in the future 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 with 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 heart, together with many proper alongside the Purple Sea. Needless to say some oceanfront accommodations and resorts are dive accommodations, whose costs issue within the assumption that almost all friends will take part in scuba diving. For those who don’t intend on scuba diving however nonetheless wish to keep beachside, attempt to discover a smaller visitor home or Airbnb residence.
The Backside Line
Is Sharm el-Sheikh secure? For probably the most half sure, though you need to hold a number of elementary security issues 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 practically 20 years in the past. Others are extra basic: Don’t stroll round with conspicuous indicators of wealth—notably not at evening—and take care when driving or when driving 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 reminiscent of “CNNGo” and “Shanghaiist” alongside the best way. His weblog, Depart Your Every day Hell, gives a mixture of journey recommendation, vacation spot guides and private essays protecting the extra esoteric features of life as a traveler.