The Magic of Ras Mohammed National Park and Why You Should Pay it a Visit

How Did this National Park Come to Be?

Ras Mohammed is an Arabic phrase that directly translates to ‘Mohammed's Head’. Yes, this is actually a religious reference with the name Mohammed actually referring to the prophet (PBUH) and head refers to the land itself. It was opened back in 1983 by the Egyptian environment affairs agency, as a marine reserve and protectorate to preserve the unique location that is home to thousands of aquatic species and a diversity of wildlife, including gazelles, desert foxes and much more.  

Why is the Ras Mohammed National Park’s Location Unique?

The national treasure is situated between the variant coral reefs of the Red Sea and the sprawling desert landscape of Egypt’s Sinai. It stretches for the entire coral headland at the southern extremity tip of Sinai. At the southern end of the headland there is a tiny cluster of gorgeous Mangrove that blend beautifully with the rest of the picturesque landscape. Underneath the azure, crystal-clear waters of the Red Sea traveler will discover a world of vibrant coral reefs teeming with aquatic life including a colorful array of vertebrate and invertebrate species. A bit further offshore, trekking deeper into the unspoiled nature, you may even be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the occasional dolphin, especially the species known as the Risso's Dolphin. The area also is home to the elegant and slender White Stork.

What Terrain and Wildlife Will I Find at the National Park?

The Ras Mohammed National Park is made up of two islands known as Tiran and Sanafir. The park's total area stretches for an impressive 480 kilometers, characterized by an unspoiled expansive shoreline and world-famous coral reef. These are considered among the world's most striking shore lines. It is also home to a secluded an inland area that features a wide diversity of natural marvels such as mountains, valleys, and sand dunes.  

This vast array of species makes up a complete ecosystem which helps more vulnerable prey escape their predators, locate necessary resources for survival, and procreate. Moreover, the protectorate plays a huge role in assisting the seasonal bird migration with to a 1.1 km area located at the extreme southern end. This Ras Mohammed's Peninsula acts as a place for resting and sustenance for the tired birds as they make their journey across the world.  

The Ras Mohammed National Mark extends deep into the sea with an estimated depth of 2,900 meters to offer a dazzling diversity of living, breathing reef corals and a lively marine fauna that can be admired intimately with an exhilarating diving experience. The waters surrounding the peninsula especially are considered the crown jewel of the Red Sea. The park is visited yearly by more than 50,000 people, who are all excited by the prospect of witnessing some of the world’s most jaw-dropping and awe-inspiring coral-reef ecosystems, including an abundance of coral species and marine life that cannot be found anywhere else. Most of the Red Sea’s 1000 species of fish can be witnessed in the park’s clear waters, including exotic species such as hammerheads, manta rays and whale sharks.

What is There to See at the Ras Mohammed National Park?  

The arid desert terrain is a spectacular sighting, smattered with sand dunes, mangrove lakes, gravel plains, granite mountains. Although the main attraction is usually the underwater coral life. The desert is home to a number of rare animal and bird species such as gazelles, Nubian ibexes, herons and seagulls.

Throughout the park, there are numerous sites that provide remarkable dives such as Shark, Ras Ghazolani, Jackfish Alley, and Yolanda.

Another famous sighting inside the park is the massive earthquake crack. A result of a super strong earthquake in 1969, this gaping crack runs through the Ras Mohamed Protected Area in South Sinai for about 40 meters with a depth of 14 meters. These wide and jagged cracks run parallel to a dense mangrove forest, home to an exotic mix of marine life such as the Steinitz’ Prawn Goby. The unique geological landscape features a twisting coastline dotted with fossilized coral reefs dating back thousands of years.  

Also inside you will find the famous Magic Lake. One of the more well-known natural marvels of Egypt, the Magic Lake in Ras Mohammed mesmerizes travelers with its deep blue water fading away into a warm turquoise at the shores. The lake got its name due to its complete disappearance at low-tide and sudden reappearance during high-tide. Legend has it. According to an ancient myth, visitors to the lake have their wishes and desires come true.

Entertainment and Attractions of Ras Mohammed

Be sure to stop and marvel at the mangroves, which have evolved to thrive in salt water, so that their huge roots are completely covered with a thick coating of dried-up sea salt.

They may look plain and not that interesting at first, but such a will to survive in such unfavorable conditions begs for respect. Visit Magic Bay, which compares to the Dead Sea in terms of salinity.

It is believed that the salt and mud of the bay have medicinal healing powers. There is also a belief that the special water somehow makes wishes come true. This special power is only true if you manage to immerse yourself in it completely with your head also submerged underwater. Now, this may seem like a laughably easy task but it is not that easy given the extremely high salinity of the water.  

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