SNAP SHOTS

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It is the divers' Mecca. Whether you're into wrecks, corals, colourful fish or even big Jaws, the Red Sea is your destination with Ras Mohamed National Park being its icy topping. But is diving fantasyland all what Egypt's very first national park can offer? Join Mohamed El-Hebeishy as he discovers and takes pictures of its hidden beauty.

Though diving is Ras Mohamed's blockbuster, other key attractions are indeed worth visiting. Among these is Hidden Bay with its marvellous scenery as the bay disappears through the day and reappears at night, courtesy of the ebb and tide. Another key destination is Saline Lake where a salt water lake is formed amidst the dried interiors of the national park. An assortment of various flora as well as bird species can be sighted there.

Heading to the park's far end tip, where the two gulfs of Suez and Aqaba meet, one encounter two locations, the Earthquake Crack and the Mangrove Channel. Caused by an earthquake that rocked the area a couple of decades ago, the Earthquake Crack created a stream of sea water in the desert. Mangrove Channel on the other hand, offers both a beautiful view and ecological vitality. It acts as a resting as well as nesting place for migratory and resident birds. Mangrove provides a shelter and nursery grounds for a number of marine organisms, while forming a natural wave- breaker that slows down the speed of tidal waves (tsunami) and helps protect against coastal erosion.

When offroading in Ras Mohamed National Park it is advisable to hire a local guide. And don't forget your hi-tech navigation and communication gadgets -- satellite cellular and GPS are always more than welcome. If you opt to skip offroading this time, then managing your way in the national park is quite easy even with a non-4W drive. Though the tar ends shortly after the park's secondary gate, the dirt road is fairly doable with a sedan. In addition, colour marked signs dot the pathway facilitating navigation throughout the park. All the main beaches and attractions are accessible via the dirt road.

Ras Mohamed National Park: Admission fees: LE5 per vehicle; LE5 for Egyptians and $5 for foreigners.