Snap shot

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OPEN your eyes! To crystal blue waters embracing pure white sand, to a flock of quacking seagulls chanting the immortal anthem of nature. Where? Follow Mohamed El-Hebeishy 's gaze

Wadi Al-Gemal Island is the name of an out-of-this-universe marvel in the middle of the Red Sea. Along with the Hamata Archipelago, it forms the marine side of the Wadi Al-Gemal Natural Protectorate.

In January 2003, Wadi Al-Gemal (Camels Valley) was declared a natural protectorate under Law 102/1983 (decree No. 143/2003). Its total area is 7,450 square-kilometres, split into 4,000 square-kilometres onshore and the rest marine waters. It is located 50 kms south of Marsa Alam, and you can reach it by taking the Ain Al-Sukhna-Halayeb highway.

Wadi Al-Gemal Island represents a particularly rich ecosystem, which brings together a unique combination of marine fauna, birdlife and flora. Strolling the three kilometres of the island's pure white sands, you first encounter flocks of seagulls congregating at the southern tip. Hermit and other colourful crabs dominate the beaches with their little sand towers, which they make as they dig holes for themselves. Moving further north into the heart of the island, you come to a huge osprey's nest which is simply breathtaking; a couple of ospreys are known to be among the very first inhabitants of the island. The northern side, meanwhile, has been completely colonised by mangrove trees, which are now a key player in the local ecosystem, providing an ideal nesting site for both migrating and resident birds.

The Island of Wadi Al-Gemal is devoid of human habitation, though it is used as a resthouse by local fishermen returning from a long journey to the deep seas. Since it was declared a natural protectorate, unescorted visits have been totally prohibited, in order to prevent the delicate ecosystem being disturbed.

The office of Wadi Al-Gemal Natural Protectorate is located at the main entrance of Ras Baghdadi, and is happy to offer help to visitors all year round.

photo: Ahmed Hassaballa