Ras Muhammad National Park
Snorkeling, nature reserves, parks, coral reefs, protected area
Ras MohammadĀ (Egyptian Arabic:Ā Ų±Ų§Ų³ Ł ŲŁ ŲÆāāĀ RÄs Maįø„ammadāÆ,Ā is a national park inĀ EgyptĀ at the southern extreme of theĀ SinaiĀ Peninsula, overlooking theĀ Gulf of SuezĀ on the west and theĀ Gulf of AqabaĀ to the east.
When the Sinai Peninsula was returned to Egypt, Ras Muhammad was declared for protection fromĀ fishingĀ and other human activities. Some of the fishing methods, such as using dynamite and knives also were impacting theĀ coral reefĀ and the fish populations. In 1983, the Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency (EEAA) established the area as a marine reserve for the protection of marine and terrestrial wildlife. The park was also established to protect againstĀ urban sprawlĀ fromĀ Sharm El SheikhĀ and other coastal development. Ā The name literally means “Mohammad’s Head”, where “head” in this instance means “headland”. There is a saying in the area that the name arose because in side view the contour of the cliff looks like theĀ profileĀ of a bearded man’s face, with horizontal hardĀ strataĀ providing the nose and beardedĀ chin.
The park is situated in the tourist region of theĀ Red Sea Riviera, located 12Ā km from the city ofĀ Sharm El Sheikh. The park spans an area of 480Ā kmĀ², including 135Ā kmĀ² of surface land area and 345Ā kmĀ² area over water.Ā Ā Ā Marsa Bareika is a small bay inlet in Ras Mohammed, and Marsa Ghozlani is a very small inlet located across from the park visitors center.
Winch parts visible on the wreck of theĀ SS Thistlegorm, which sunk off the coast of Ras Muhammad
Ras Mohammad encompasses two islands,Ā TiranĀ andĀ Sanafir. Tiran Island is located approximately 6Ā km offshore from the Sinai Peninsula.Ā Ā Ā Underwater caves formed as the result ofĀ earthquakesĀ are located in Ras Mohammad.
About 0.9Ā hectareĀ of mangrove forest cover a 1.15Ā km shallow channel at the southernmost end of Ras Mohammad peninsula. Near the mangrove and approximately 150 m inland, there are open cracks in the land, caused by earthquakes. One of the cracks is approximately 40 m length and 0.20ā1.5 m in width. Within the cracks, there are pools of water, some with a depth of over 14 m.
The inland area includes a diversity ofĀ desertĀ habitatsĀ such as mountains andĀ wadis, gravel and coastal mud plains and sand dunes. The area also plays a role inĀ bird migration, serving as a place of rest and nourishment.
Climate
Ras Mohammad National Park experiences a very dry climate, with only minimal rainfall during the winter. During the summer, temperatures often exceed 40Ā°C (104Ā°F) and low temperatures around 27Ā°C (81Ā°F). Temperatures are mild during the winter, with daytime high temperatures averaging around 23Ā°C (73Ā°F) and low temperatures 14Ā°C (56Ā°F)