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Please mention Gen with booking enquiries and feel free to contact me for additional tips and recommendations. Here, you can read my brief introduction to climbing.
MY EXPERIENCE
I experienced this sandstone rock climbing adventure for the first time on new year’s day, January 2022. I couldn’t have wished for a better escapade to start the year! Climbing our way up 250m of rock, accompanied by friends. Sipping on hot tea and sharing nightly stories within smoky four walls hidden in Sinai’s desert.
On the morning of January 1st, we curved off the asphalt at the Bedouin village of Ras Ghazala and jumped into the back of an awaiting white Toyota pick-up. We chose to partly hike the path to base camp, weaving through canyon-like alleys in awe of its sandy features. To then approach a vast land that gave way to an extraordinary landscape that highlighted the mountain (aka jebel) we were about to climb together, Jebel Milehis Massif.
As we hiked further through the valley of Wadi Ghazala, Timo Elony (founder of Red Sea Rock Climbing) pointed out our home for the climbing trip in the distance. Close to the foot of the mountain, we were greeted by the friendly family of Salama. A simple home cooked meal warmed by the fire was waiting for us, nestled in Sinai’s Salama Canyon.
We had a night of heavy rainfall, so I welcomed the cosiness of a dog snug over my feet before quietly slipping out of my sleeping bag to absorb the valley’s (aka wadi’s) blissful silence. And we appreciated the slower than usual morning because we filled our bellies with tasty foul (stewed broad beans) and fresh farasheeh (flat bread).
Climbing Magic Bean
Then, we suitably prepped our gear and scrambled up the East Face of Milehis to begin our quest up the scenic route of Magic Bean. Myself and Amira Helmy (founder of Women in the Wadi and both instructor’s at Red Sea Rock Climbing) waited patiently to begin our first ascent (5c, 60m). Meanwhile, Timo belayed the remaining two climbers up the first pitch. I embraced the secure sense of friction gripping under my fingers and soles, compared to the familiar smooth granite in Wadi Gnai I was used to.
The most memorable highlight was glancing over my shoulder to notice the boundless view of the desert valley resting beneath us.
We coiled our ropes and veered towards the next pitch (5c, 35m), staring up at an eye-catching chimney. This route was carefully navigated as some of its sections were brittle and soft. This is a trait of sandstone to be mindful of.
Heading To Base Camp
Maadoos (Timo’s favourite rice and lentils) was cooking under some shelter above, prepared by the second eldest son, Khaled Salama. With grey clouds advancing, the decision was made to hike back down the mountain rather than abseil (something for me to look forward to next time).
And when I look back at these pictures, I still can’t quite believe that we walked all this way down. A safe but lengthy walk, with the odd slip from chossy rock beneath us.
On our final night, after our well deserved Bedouin dinner, we played simple games with the young children amused by their uncanny animal imitations. Then, engulfed by a blanket of clouds and the occasional sparkling star, we tiredly wished each other a good night.
CLIMBING GUIDEBOOKS
RECOMMENDATIONS
- Rock climbing guide: Red Sea Rock Climbing – [email protected] (mention Gen when enquiring)
ROCK CLIMBING FAQ
Contact Gen directly or Red Sea Rock Climbing and mention ‘Gen’ with booking enquiries.
From Dahab’s check point the first turnoff at Ras Ghazala [GPS(N,E):
28.86859, 34.46593] is 31km, approx. 30mins and then it’s off road from there for another 25mins.
See guidebooks for further details.
I would always recommend contacting a guide who will be able to support you in your adventures in Sinai.
