About Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt
About 40 years ago, Sharm el-Sheikh was nothing but a small fishing village with about 100 Bedouin citizens. When Sinai was occupied by Israel in 1967 Sharm el-Sheikh started to develop as a tourist destination (like the rest of the peninsula). Israelis evacuated Sinai between 1979 and 1982, following the signing of a peace agreement between the two countries. Since the 1980's the Egyptians have been continuing the development of Sharm where the Israelis left. Sharm's 100 grew into a bustling 10,000 population.
Na'ama Bay part of the city is the center of nightlife and dining: most of Sharm's clubs, cafes, restaurants and shops are here.
Sharm el Sheikh has grown into three distinct areas now, Nabq is a new area to the North of Na'ama, Old Market and Hadaba to the South of Na'amaa Bay.
Things To Do
Sharm Old Town
Hail a taxi to take you, ask the driver for the old market.
Desert
Desert visits are highly recommended. Various trips to the Bedouins, the beautiful Coloured Canyon and beyond to Mount Sinai. Discover incredible landscapes by jeep, camel or simply trekking with friendly and hospitable Bedouin guides. The Sinai desert is amazingly beautiful and varied. The famous Mt Sinai and St Catherine's Monastery are not to be missed as well as many spectacular canyons. It is strongly recommended to go to the desert with a responsible operator employing Bedouin and respecting the environment.
Bedouins are the native population of the desert. They retain their traditional rights and continue to occupy their settlements. Many Bedouins are employed in several tourist projects as guides to the desert, as rangers for the National Parks of Nabq and Ras Mohamed.
Nabq National Park
Nabq National Park is a great experience with beaches completely deserted and beautiful mangroves.
Diving
Diving is the main activity in Sharm el-Sheikh. When you dive into the warm water of the Red Sea and leave the remote desert behind, you will enter a world full of life and colours.
The reefs of Tiran and Ras Mohammed
The reefs of Tiran and Ras Mohammed are known as two of the best diving-spots in the world. They can be reached by boat from Sharm within two hours. Ras Mohammed is the name of the southern most point of the Sinai peninsula. There, the current of the Gulf of Aqaba meets the Gulf of Suez. Due to the increase of plankton in the water the amount of fish is incredible. Huge schools of Barracudas, Sharks and Morays can be seen there every day.
Traveling to Sharm el Sheikh
Arriving by Plane
Sharm El Sheikh International Airport:
http://sharm-el-sheikh-airport.com/
Venue
Hyatt Regency Sharm El Sheikh Resort
Gardens Bay, PO Box 58
South Sinai, Egypt
Sharm El Sheikh
Getting to the Hyatt Regency Sharm El Sheikh Resort
The hotel is only 10-15 minutes by shuttle/taxi from the airport.
Hotel Airport Transfers
Hyatt Regency Sharm El Sheikh is easily accessible to and from the Airport by hotel limousines and taxis.
- Free shuttle bus service to all domestic flights. Previous confirmation from the hotel is required.
- Airport limousine service on request; charges apply.
Daily Service Timings are as follows:
Morning – 09:00 and return 12:00
Afternoon – 15:00 and return 17:00
Evening – 21:00 and return 23:00
For more information please call +20693601234 or email sharm.regency@hyatt.com.
By Taxi
Taxis are generally modern models, either Hyundai or Chevrolet and they work on "fixed" prices. Always note the drivers’ ID number. Don't assume they have meters. Locals tell you they don't. Make sure you have transportation waiting for you, or better yet take an airport Limo which has a fixed advertised rate inside the arrival hall at the airport.
It may be difficult to get a reasonably priced taxi at the airport. Drivers will ask for 150-400 LE for the 10 minute ride to Nabq. So, you can negotiate a rate lower than the limo advertised rate inside the arrival hall. Make sure you have Egyptian currency to pay the fare and never pay before you reach your destination (making sure you only pay the pre-arranged price). Make sure that the driver knows that you are paying in Egyptian pounds. It is highly recommended that you avoid the haggling and rip-offs by booking an airport transfer in advance with one of the various online providers - price should be around €10 (per taxi, not per person).
Quick Facts
Time Zone:
Eastern European Time EET (GMT +2)
Electricity:
The electrical current is approximately 50 Hz 220V and uses the 2 pin round fitting.
Language:
Egypt Arabic and English.
Currency:
Egyptian Pound
Area Code:
+20 69
Climate:
Sharm has a hot desert climate with average temperatures in October and November between 70 F and 85 F degrees.
Tipping:
Tipping for good service is appreciated but be discreet. Suggested amounts are below:
- Driver taking you to hotel from airport upon arrival: 10 - 30 LE
- Luggage man at hotel: 3-5 LE per bag both in and out
- Housekeeping: 5-10 LE per night
- Waiter/waitress at breakfast restaurant at hotel: 5-10 LE per meal
https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Travel-g294200-c94591/Egypt:Suggested.Individual.Tipping.In.Egypt.html
