Taba Beaches
The most picturesque part of the Gulf of Aqaba coastline. Once the playground for Israelis (it is rumoured that during holidays, 20% of the Israeli population would be here in Sinai, mostly in this one strip), now sadly many of the Taba beach camps are empty and disintegrating.
However, there are still a number which have survived the slump and which still offer the most incredible opportunities for experiencing the beauty and uniqueness of Sinai. The Taba to Nuweiba stretch is comparatively small, with the majority of working camps to be found in the Nuweiba page.
Tabab Beach Camps
Bir Sweir Camps
Approximately 35kms from Taba you will find the first camps, in the area known as Bir Sweir. Most camps offer basic accommodation in bamboo and wooden huts on the beach, ranging from simple mattress-on-the-floor level, to more luxurious bungalows with beds, mosquito nets and 24 hour electricity. They all have a restaurant/café and toilets, with prices from 40le up to 180le per night. Some also include breakfast, so check this beforehand.
Getting to Bir Sweir
There are numerous camps here - see resource box for more details - and each one offers a slightly different experience. If you have a car you can drop into a few to see how the atmosphere takes you, or do some research on those which have websites.
The signs on the road can be elusive so look carefully, and be aware that some taxi drivers from the border are bribed to take tourists to specific camps, so make sure you go to the right place, or if you have booked in advance, request that the camp sends a taxi to collect you (often a more expensive option, ask for prices, but should be around 100le for one person).
Every camp is unique, but these are the most recommended:
- Asala camp - the first you come to
- White sand beach - with a glorious sandy beach front and fantastic breakfast
- Sinai Diamond Beach - which now has a series of very beautiful and more comfortable bungalows available, run by an English woman and her husband
- Aquarium beach - with great sea-life
- Bob Diana beach - this is one of the most famous beaches and often has all-night parties with live music, still popular with Israeli tourists.
There are perhaps 30 beaches in this stretch in total, but do check before arriving to make sure they are still working when you arrive.
Most do not provide bed linen or towels but should have mosquito nets on request. All have incredible views across the Gulf of Aqaba, and are a perfect way to escape and recharge in nature, with a few comforts!
The final camp in the area is Basata, Egypt’s first, and award-winning, eco-camp. Read more about eco camps in Eygpt
It is scrupulously clean, well-managed and a very different experience to the other venues, with a small school, donkeys and goats, vegetable plots and fresh eggs on site!
The chalets are absolutely incredible and wonderfully cool in the summer, while the beach huts are arranged to give everyone the privacy they desire by not overlooking another hut.
Food is self-catering and there is a well-stocked kitchen which operates on an honesty-policy of you writing down on your own bill what you use and paying at the end. Great for families, escaping the city, or for eco-travelers, Basata is a gem.
Be aware however, that they do not accept Israeli guests and there are certain ‘rules’ which they request you follow, such as not sleeping in the public areas, no excessive romance in public and no drugs.
For More Information:
Neweiba Beaches - for more info on taba beaches and elsewhere
Basata Camp - Eco Camp
