The rugged mountains of South Sinai make up the St Katherine Protectorate. The landscape shaped through the ages by geological events, climatic changes and the influences of man includes Egypt’s tallest peaks with some of its most diverse terrestrial habitats. The high altitude and cool climate accounts for the exceptional variety of wild plants and animal species found here.
Holy to three religions, Mount Sinai attracts pilgrims from around the world. At its base is the 1400 year old Greek Orthodox Monastery of St Katherine with its unparalleled collections of icons and religious manuscripts.
Several thousand Bedouins live in and around the Protectorate. These people have a profound knowledge of their environment and are integral to its conservation. The local community participates in and benefits from the park, such as through employment as guards, handicraft sales and other income-generating opportunities.
Trails, ecolodges and interpretive guides are being developed to cater to the growing nature based tourism market. Minimizing impacts from tourism and other development are among the park’s management priorities.