The unique geographical location of Egypt, at the northeast corner of the African continent, where it joins with Asia, coupled with the fact that it is bordered by the Mediterranean Sea to the north and the Red Sea to the east, endows it with a rich natural heritage.
In a bid to take action to conserve and preserve its biodiversity, flora, and fauna, Egypt passed law 102/1983, which empowered the Prime Minister of the country to designate certain areas to be declared as protectorates. To date, 28 protectorates have been declared, ranging from coastal, wetlands, geological, and coastal protectorates.
Ras Mohamed was the first declared protected area in Egypt in 1983. It lies at the southernmost tip of the Sinai Peninsula, overlooking a panoramic view of the Gulfs of Suez and Aqaba. A diversity of shoreline configurations and coral reef ecosystems that are internationally recognized as some of the world's best make up a small part of the park’s beauty, which also features mountains, valleys, gravel plains, and dunes. Also, more than 1,500 marine creatures can be found, which is why the park is a famous snorkeling and diving site.
Ras Muhammad has located about 20 km from Sharm, and 446 km from Cairo. There is only one place in Ras Mohamed where camping is admitted but visitors must get a permit from the Park Management located at the entrance.
Zaranik Protected Area is located at the eastern end of Lake Bardawil on the Mediterranean coast of Sinai and was declared a protected area in 1985.
It is bordered on the north by the Mediterranean, on the south by Qantara - El Arish road, and on the east by a huge compound of tourist development areas where one can find comfortable accommodation.
The area is characterized by amazing flora and fauna, which includes rare species (up to 270), as well as migratory birds.
It is located around 30 km east of the town of El Arish and 300 km from Cairo and can be reached by road.