The Sinai came into existence between 30 and 40 million years ago when the Arabian Peninsula broke away from the African mainland.

Where the earth's crust split apart the Gulf of Aqaba and the Gulf of Suez were created leaving the small landmass of the Sinai in the middle bridging Africa to the west and Asia to the east; the Mediterranean to the north and the Red Sea to the south.

With such a strategic position, the Sinai has always had an important role to play in history.

During the time of the pharaohs, the Sinai used to be mined for its treasures of copper, gold and turquoise. The North of Sinai used to be an important trade route between North Africa and Asia. Moses led the Israelites across the Sinai to the Holy Land and in recent history the land has been fought over by the Egyptians and the Israelis. Although, geographically it's a part of Asia, since 1982, the Sinai has belonged to Egypt.

The mountains of the Sinai are granite layered with grey, pink and red stripes of volcanic rock. This extraordinary formation creates an array of breathtaking sights which captivate all visitors.

The Sinai, with its strange and beautiful mountains, its lonely coastlines, its deserts, its remote oases ringed with palm trees, its idyllic bays and seductive beaches, boasts some of Egypt's most stunning sights.

Any holiday in the Sinai has adventure, relaxation, sight-seeing and history all in one place. Visiting such famous attractions as Saint Catharine's Monastery and Mount Sinai, the Coloured Canyon and the National Marine Park of Ras Mohammed will enable you to experience the very best the Sinai has to offer.

Ras Mohammed, Ras Um Sid or the Straights of Tiran are names which will excite any diver and these magnificent sites - along with nearly thirty others - are regular fixtures on the Werner Lau schedule. From relaxing on the beach to snorkelling or diving, Werner Lau Dive Centres can show you the very best of the South Sinai.

Sharm el Sheikh on the southern tip of the Sinai is one of the Sinai's most important cities.

When the Israelis occupied the Sinai in 1967 a coastal road was built between Sharm el Sheikh and Eilat and it was this new access which gave birth to what has now become a thriving city.

The first hotels were soon erected in Sharm el Sheikh. Today, the heart of the city is in Naama Bay just 6 km from the Old Town. Here you will find first class hotels right on the beach, cafes, shops, restaurants, leisure facilities, night-clubs and, of course, diving centres and the jetty.

At the heart of Naama Bay is the beach-front promenade where you'll find some of the most famous names in hotels, beach bars and restaurants, shops, bike rental stalls and local tourist reps offering excursions - everything from trips to Cairo to quad-biking in the desert to Bedouin feasts.

The Red Sea attracts all water-sports enthusiasts to its crystal-clear water which, though not actually red, still amazes with its clear emerald lagoons, its dark blue depths and stunning turquoise shallows. For scuba-divers, from the newly qualified to the most experienced, Sharm el Sheikh offers the best in diving experiences. From shore diving to wreck diving, anything you want is possible, all within easy access.
Everything you need for a relaxing and enjoyable holiday is available in Sharm el Sheikh.

Marsa Alam (alias Mersa; arabisch: Marsa ´Alam) lies on the Red Sea in South Egypt, 271 km South of Hurghada. Edfu is about 220km away, it is 250km to asch-Schalatim and 131 km to the north lies al-Qusair. During the last two decades it has grown from a small coastal village with only a handful of small stone huts into a small town.
It’s importance lies in it’s location on the main coastal through-road, at the main crossroads to Edfu in the Nile valley and to the recently growing tourism.

Since November 2001, Marsa Alam can be more comfortably reached from the new airport Marsa Alam, which lies about 60 km NNW.

People:
The approx. 6000 inhabitants are mainly fishermen; keep sheep, goats and dromedaries; work in the few mines, marble and granite quarries; many are unemployed. Mining has been done in this area for thousands of years. During the time of the Pharaohs and later, under the Romans, the region was well-known for its deposits of gold, emeralds and semi-precious stones, as well as for copper and lead.
The road to Edfu was probably built during the reign of Ptolemaus II and travels past many important historical sites, such as Wadi Miya with its famous temple built by Seti I and Wadi Baramiya where the ancient Egyptians operated mines. The business of grinding quartz containing thin veins of gold producing about 20 g gold per tonne continued into the period of English occupation before being closed down as longer cost effective. A few years ago, the mines were reopened for operation once more by Australian investors using modern methods of mining.

The residents in the area original belong to one of two tribes: the Ababda from the north and the Bedscha- Bedouins from the south, who have lived for generations in the eastern desert and were already used in the defence of the border by the ancient Egyptians.
Later they intermingled with the Arabs, who also brought the Islamic religion into the country. They keep and breed animals, are well-known for producing charcoal and were famous hunters.
They’re houses are called Kischa and are usually built on slopes in order to prevent the inevitable flooding after the heavy rains. The building of the houses is the work of the women, erecting them from tree branches and covering them with palm leaves.

Often rock drawings (Petroglyphen) which date back to pre-pharaonic times have been found throughout the whole area. These drawings the animals found in this area during that period, such as giraffes and cattle, can be seen and they also depict hunting scenes. Also, there are many interesting geological sites.

Wadi-al-Gamal-National Park:
The Wadi-al-Gamal National Park is often visited. It is the third largest park in the East Arabian Desert and, due to it’s delta, it is counted as one of the most beautiful National Parks in Egypt. It was official opened in May 2005 and in it’s 7450 km², it is home to a large diversity of plants and animals, measured by desert standards.
The area of the precipitation surface amounts to 1840 km km² and reaches from the north flank of the Gabal Hamata in the south to the south flank of the Gabal Nugrus in the north. Further high mountains are the Gabal Hafafit, Gabal Hamamid, Gabal Sartut and Gebel Sikait.
Other wadis also belong to the protected area, such as Wadi Abu Ghusun, Wadi ar-Ringa and Wadi ar-Rada. The borders of the terrestrial portions of the high land are from Ras Baghdadi, Ras Hankurab and the Scharm-al-Luli bay. Also integrated is a strip of sea with an average breadth of 15 km with four islands in the Hamata Archipelago and the Wadi-al-Gamal Island. Here, too, are worthwhile historical spots which go back to the Roman and Ptolemaic periods. The dirt roads should only be driven with vehicles with a generous ground clearance, four wheel drive is not compulsory but are recommended. Trips are offered from many accommodations.
At the Wadi entrances the Bedouins have built a simple collection of huts from corrugated iron, material, wood and plastic.

Before the animal world of the East African savannah became better known due to the Thomson and Grant gazelles, the Dorkas gazelle (Gazelle dorcas) was considered typical. Although it is the largest population in Egypt, with estimation of only 25-30 gazelles it counts as an endangered species. The IUCN classified the species as endangered.
Also classified as endangered, is the shy Syrian or Nubian ibex (Capra ibex nubiana).
The African (Wild) Donkey (Equus asinus syn. E. africanus) had already disappeared from large parts of it’s environment during roman times and is a severely endangered species in the wild.
The Barbary sheep (Ammotragus lervia) is something between a goat and a sheep. The name Ammotragus is derived from the Greek word which literally means "sand goat”, the name "Aoudad” generally used in the English language derives from a Berber language.

Also integrated is a mangrove covered coast and the already mentioned strip of sea with an average breadth of 15 km with four islands also covered with mangroves in the Hamata Archipelago and the Wadi el Gamal Island which appear on the horizon. On the Wadi el Gamal Island is the largest colony of slate falcons (Falco concolor) worldwide. Breeding time is from August until September and in October they leave for Madagascar. Due to their small numbers they are already on the Red List for endangered species from the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
The island is also inhabited by a large breeding colony of 75% of the white eyed sea gulls (Larus leucophthalmus) with orange-red bills and pitch black wing feathers. These birds only breed by the Red Sea and in the Gulf of Aden and are also endangered. A small colony can be found on the island Giftun by Hurghada, 75% however, prefer the island with the same name by the Wadi el Gamal. Due to this their numbers diminish to the north. Both varieties are meanwhile classifies as endangered by the IUCN.

Egypt is not a conventional holiday destination. Its ancient culture, incredible art treasures and its lifestyle - unlike anything you'll find in Europe - will astonish again and again. Travelling with an open mind and willingness to experience everything Egypt has to offer will more than compensate for the occasional irritation.
The Egyptian style of doing business will, at times, try your patience. Punctuality and precision are not high on the agenda but relax and enjoy the show. One of the most common Arabic proverbs which you'll soon become familiar with says that "Allah created the world, but did not hurry".
Some things will take a little getting used to and the thing that most people worry about is the attitude some people have towards hygiene which, undoubtedly, comes from the state of poverty many people live in, but with a little care and understanding, it's an issue which shouldn't cause any problems.
The charm and mystique of Egypt will soon seduce you so long as you don't expect the "perfection" of the West.

Think of the unexpected and unpredictable as all part of the adventure.

Please note the following information to avoid disappointment!

Building Sites:
The area around Sharm El Sheikh is still expanding and has rapidly been developed to meet demand. New building sites can sprout up overnight and it is impossible for us to always be aware of where new work is taking place.

Capitol:
Cairo (El Kahira) Population: 15 Million people.

Climate:
The weather in Egypt is usually warm and sunny. In winter there can be a big difference between day time temperatures and evening so it is worth having light cotton clothes for the daytime and warmer clothes to change into when the sun sets.
The average water temperature in the winter (Nov - Apr) is about 21? centigrade and about 27? centigrade in the summer months (May - Oct.)

Concentration:
58 people per sq.km as of 1994

Country size:
997.739 square km.

Domestic Flights:
Unforeseen irregularities - such as a sandstorm - might cause delays or cancellations. In these circumstances coaches or trains are alternative means of transport.

Immigration:
The visitor's permit/ visa can be obtained for European nationals at the airport on arrival for a fee of approximately US$ 20. All visitors from the age of 16 years must have a valid passport with at least six months left on it. Children above the age of one year need an identification card or must be registered in the passport of a family member.
For non-European visitors information is available from the Egyptian Embassy and, if needed, visas should be applied for at least two months in advance.

Insects and Bugs:
There are many insects to be found in Egypt - ants, flies and cockroaches being the most common. They are a familiar sight in Africa and the Middle East and are not an indication of uncleanliness. Hotels do everything they can to eradicate these pests but it's impossible to get rid of them entirely.

International Flights:
Make sure that you check in for your flight to Egypt at least two hours in advance. Air traffic delays are fairly common.

Language:
The official language is Arabic. English, German, French and Italian are widely spoken at most destinations.

Medical Care:
Outside the main cities, medical care can be hard to find. It's a good idea to travel with a first-aid kit. Consult your GP for advice on what medical supplies you should take.

Money and Change:
Currency: 1 Egyptian Pound (LE) = 100 Piasters
There is no import restriction on foreign currency. The import and export of Egyptian Pounds is limited to LE 1,000. Having cash in US$ Dollars, Euros or Pounds Sterling is recommended. Credit Cards can be used at many shops and restaurants. Payment at Dive and Surf Centres is usually possible with Travellers Cheques.
Most hotels and banks will change money for you provided you have your passport for identification. Exchange rates will vary so shop around. Travellers Cheques can also be exchanged. The use of Travellers Cheques is recommended.

Food and Beverage:
Egyptian meals can be quite rich and strongly spiced or very sweet. Most hotels offer an international menu. The meals are not usually served piping hot as in the West but just warm. Meat, fish and vegetarian options can usually be found on the menu. Breakfast is not an important meal for Egyptians but in many hotels a continental breakfast buffet is on offer with a wide selection of choice. Do not, even on hot days, drink too many cold drinks. Drink lots of bottled water and hot tea which does cool you down.
Watch out, pharaoh's wrath (diarrhoea) might catch up with you. Never drink tap water!

form of Government:
Presidial Republic, President: Mohamed Hosni Mubarak, Governor General: Atef Mohamed Naguib Sidki. Last constitutional reform:1980. Two Party Parliament of: The Public Syndicate and the Board of Advisors of the Surah

Photography:
Take sufficient films with you from home. Films in Egypt might be expensive, not be easily available and could be past their expiry date. It is prohibited to take photos of graves, temples, mosques and military establishments. Photographing some cultural sights may only be possible with the payment of a small fee.

Population:
57.851.000 as of 1994

Post and Telephone Services:
Telephone country code: +20
Fax: Most of the bigger Hotels in Sharm El Sheikh have a fax facility
Post Office: Poste Restante is possible: a fee is payable on collection of mail. Opening hours: Saturday - Thursday from 09.00 until 14.00 (variable).

Power:
Electric power is 220 Volt, the occasional fluctuation of voltage might occur.

Religion:
The predominant religion is Islam, 90% of the population are Moslems, the remaining part Coptic (Christian) Orthodox.
To go "top-less" when sunbathing has become a common sight on hotel beaches but should if possible be avoided. No "top-less" sunbathing is permitted on Dive-boats out of respect for the Egyptian crew and their beliefs.
Kindly note, that during "Ramadan" no food or beverages are consumed by practicing Moslems from dawn until dusk. This will usually slow down service.

Service:
Skilled or qualified personnel are not always available in Egyptian hotels so don't expect the same level of service that you would in Europe. There may be some language difficulties and punctuality and speed are not always a priority.

Sport:
Water sports are offered in many hotels with a variety of sports equipment available for your use. Please note the use of sports facilities can incur an additional charge.

Technical Appliances:
Mechanical failures can occur and some things are not up to European standards. Showers or toilets might not be 100% perfect and at times water or power failures can happen. Most appliances (for instance air conditioners, fans and pumps) have been imported from abroad. This can mean that it is sometimes difficult to get spare parts immediately. Such mishaps have been taken into consideration by the Tour Operators to prevent undue compensational claims.

Time:
GMT plus two hours

Tipping:
In Egypt it's called "Baksheesh" and is expected in hotels, restaurants, taxis etc. For many people, the money made in tips is a substantial part of their income. Always keep some change to hand to show your gratitude. At restaurants you should tip about 15% of the bill. Just a "Thank You" is not quite enough in Egypt!

Vaccination:
At present no inoculations are required to travel to Egypt but you should consult your Dept. of Health for the most up-to-date information.
It is advisable to have a first aid kit with you as medical care might be insufficient in some places. Your GP will be able to advise you on the best things to take. We would recommend something to deal with diarrhoea and digestive problems, as well as some antiseptic cream and for divers, eardrops.

Water Supplies:
Be aware, that water is scarce in the desert.
Power and water supplies might be temporarily interrupted. Lengthy black-outs are uncommon except after heavy rainfall.
Water and power restrictions can be implemented according to governmental order.