Lying in the northern part of the Gulf of Aqaba, this is the most northerly of the five protected areas of South Sinai and its landscape type is not represented elsewhere within Egypt’s network of protected areas. It is especially notable for its spectacular scenery of mountains cut by steep, narrow wadis and for the eroded sandstones, which are cut into fantastic and beautiful shapes by the wind and often have the holes caused by erosion that are called ‘pigeon holes.’
The flora includes well over 400 species among which is Pistacia khinjuk and Zygophyllum dumosum.
The fauna is diverse with Dorcas Gazelle, Gazella dorcas, Nubian Ibex, Capra nubiana, and the Hyrax, Procavia capensis. The rare and endangered Sinai Leopard, Panthera pardus jarvisi, may still be found here in very small numbers. This is also to the endemic Sinai Banded Snake, Coluber sinai.
Verreaux’s Eagle, Aquila verreauxii, has been recorded as breeding near Taba and the beautiful Sinai Rosefinch, Carpodacus synoicus, is also found in the area.
A special feature of the area is the Nawamis, small houses that are the oldest stone buildings in the world.