In the southeast corner of the Eastern Desert, this enormous park protects one of the country’s most spectacular wilderness areas. The highlight is Gebel Elba, a rock fortress often shrouded in clouds. Due to its closeness to the sea and favourable position, Gebel Elba enjoys a higher precipitation than any other mountain in Egypt.
The abundance of moisture creates a "mist oasis", an ecosystem not found elsewhere in Egyptian deserts and sustains a diverse flora and fauna, including many species of African origins. On the northeast slope, there is dense cover of acacias forming the only natural woodland in Egypt.
Scattered throughout the park are archaeological sites indicating the long history of human habitation in the region. Today, three main tribes are found. The largest, the Bishari are nomadic peoples of Hamitic descent speaking a unique language.
As an unspoiled natural setting, this area has a great potential for high quality ecotourism. Resources are being mobilized to insure sound planning and management to maintain the environment.