Dahab

Why Visit?

Dahab (meaning 'Gold' in Arabic) is a small Bedouin town on the coast of the Sinai Peninsula. Only an hour away from St.Catherine and Mount Sinai, Dahab was initially filled with travellers on spiritual/religious pilgrimages. Dahab is also renowned for its windy conditions and its incredible underwater world. Anyone that has ever visited Dahab will tell you what a unique town it is. As Dahab is located in the Gulf of Aqaba, the wind funnels down through the Gulf, making Dahab generally windier than other kitesurfing destinations around Egypt.

Dahab offers a variety of kite spots that are perfect for beginners and intermediate and advanced kitesurfers. There are shallow-water flat lagoons, deep water lagoons and unforgettable kitesurfing trips to secluded lagoons only accessible by foot/camel.

Dahab still holds a primitive feel to it; you will not find any Starbucks, Mcdonald's or Tesco around here, which is one of the aspects of its charm, but you will still find everything you need for groceries, cosmetics, hospitals, etc. If you are unable to find what you are looking for, Sharm-El-Sheikh is only 80km away, and over there, you will find everything from fast-food chains to giant supermarkets!

Dylan and Chris Taylor

So if you are looking for a warm and windy kite holiday that won't stretch the funds too much, this is the place for you. Even for non-kiters, the beaches in Dahab are mostly sheltered so that you won't get sandblasted! Dahab has a chilled vibe with a lovely community feel. The atmosphere is excellent, safe and relaxed. The locals will always make you feel very welcome.

Wind and Weather

It will be windy during the summer months (from March to November) on most days. Locals appreciate a day of no wind during those months as it gives them a chance to unwind and relax! During the winter months (December to February), the wind will usually blow for three days straight; then, there will be three days of no wind - which is still really good!

The summer temperature averages in the high 30s, but with the low humidity and breeze, it never feels as hot as you would imagine. Water temperature during the summer will be between 23c to 28c and during the winter months between 19c and 23c. You should bring some warm clothes for the winter months because even though it doesn't get that cold, the wind will give you chills.

Chilled afternoon

During the summer months, you don't need a wetsuit, but it's always good to wear at least 1mm just for sun protection and in case there is any reef around you. For winter months, a 4/3mm is perfect.

Getting Around

You can pretty much walk to most places in Dahab, and it shouldn't take you more than 20-25 min. However, a few places might require you to take a taxi. The taxis in Dahab will generally be pickup trucks or an old Jeep with a Bedouin driver. They will charge about 1 Euro to drive to wherever you are going (regardless of how many people you are in the pickup or jeep). Make sure you always set the price before taking the ride to avoid drama!

Food and Drink

The main restaurants are located along the seafront of Masbat (the central bay) and at the lighthouse (3km away from the Lagoon area). Here you will find many international and local cuisine, all cooked fresh to order. There is so much choice from Thai (with a Thai chef), Indian, many Italian restaurants, Chinese, Korean, Vegan, Russian fusion, to lovely local places serving dips and hot bread with local specialities such as kofta (meatballs), grilled chicken and lamb.

Magical Oasis in the middle of the desert

If you want to go local and eat falafels or koshary, these are €0.25! The average price in town is €3 for a pizza or Thai to €7 for a steak. A few restaurants also offer home delivery if you stay in an apartment and don't feel like cooking.

There are great shisha cafes and a few bars on the beach or rooftop bars, Blue Beach's "The Furry Cup" is one of the main bars the locals hang out at. Most of the restaurants do not sell alcohol for some reason, but you can buy your own from the local shop called "Drinkies", which is a lot cheaper and you can take it to the restaurant with you. The restaurants will provide glasses and will even give you a bottle opener!

You will be paying hotel prices for wine/beer in the hotels. The hotels serve buffet meals, mainly chicken and rice, with a few different dishes every evening.

Jen Tyler watching the sunset

Nightlife

I am not recommending local Egyptian alcohol, but it's possible to buy local rum for €2! Many ex-pats live in Dahab from England, Netherlands, France, Germany and more, and everyone gets together for quiz nights at Churchill's bar and live music / open mic nights in a few of the restaurants.

Dahab has become very popular for music festivals with live music and many DJs from Cairo, so if you are into the whole 'Goa-Trance' scene, you will love these festivals.

Occasionally, there are parties in the mountains or book your evening in the desert with a Bedouin chef who will cook dinner for you over an open fire. At the same time, you relax and do some star gazing - a truly memorable experience.

Kite Lagoon

No Wind?

Many activities are on offer in Dahab, such as diving, snorkelling, horse riding, camel safaris, climbing, sand-boarding, quad biking, wakeboarding, waterskiing, and glass-bottom boat trips and SUPing. You could also visit Petra in Jordan, St Catherine's Monastery, Luxor, Cairo, hike up Moses mountain and watch the sunrise or wander through beautiful canyons and even the famous oasis within Dahab.

There is something magical about Dahab that seems to draw people back, and this is why there are so many yoga, wellness, spiritual and healing classes available. There is an incredible energy in Dahab; sunrise and sunset are beautiful times of the day, the sand looks gold, and the sea has a pinkish aura. You can also relax in a chilled café or bar on the beach with sundowners and shisha and watch the moon rise over the Saudi mountains – you will be awe-struck, I guarantee it!

Internet

Most places offer complimentary wifi. Some of the hotels only provide this at the reception, but most kite centres, apartments, and cafes have complimentary wifi.

Loading the camels before heading to Blue Lagoon - Photo by Chris Taylor

Accommodation

Accommodation starts from €10 per night, maybe even cheaper depending on the comfort level. A few 3/4* hotels are on the main sandy beach, next to the kite lagoon. Modern and comfortable apartments are available a short walk away, ideal for all budgets and tastes. The Lagoon Villa is a lovely place, a 3-minute walk from the main sandy beach.

There are two apartments for rent with Jacuzzi pools in the garden, sun loungers, a BBQ and a beautiful garden (check out photos). These are ideal for a group of friends (can sleep up to 7) or couples and families. Feel free to contact Dahab Holidays with your dates and budget, and they can tailor-make your holiday. Blue Beach Hotel is also a popular choice as it is in the heart of town. Dahab also offers camp/hostel-like accommodation that you will find along the central bay.

The girls chilling out!

Tom in Blue Lagoon - Photo by Chris Taylor

Chris Taylor at the Kite Lagoon

Dylan in the Oasis

Chris Taylor sorting his ride out

Sunrise in Dahab

Gorgeous desert dog

Jen Tyler getting Dylan on a Camel

Scuba Diving in the Red Sea

Assalah Beach

Accommodation at Dahab Holidays

Lagoon

Blue Lagoon

Area 4

Kite lagoon

Dahab Taxi

Loooooop it!

Blue Lagoon

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