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DIFFICULTYHardDISTANCE21.4 kmASCENT↑ 1,450 mELEVATION656–2,058 mDURATION3 days, 2 nightsREGIONWadi Feiran

Three days on Jebel Serbal — the granite mountain of Wadi Feiran, once believed to be the original Mount Sinai. A summit traverse across five peaks, with a mandatory Qararsha guide.

Jebel Serbal

Route Map

21.4km
1450mascent 2058mhigh point 656mlow point 3 days, 2 nights
Wadi Feiran (road access)
Route data: Zoltán Mátraházi (sinaimaps.com, 2014)
Base map: MapTiler · OpenStreetMap contributors
Download GPX
  • Camels carry the heavy gear while you hike with a light pack. Best of all, they always know the way home
  • Explore at your own pace on a private adventure. Take it slow, skip a leg, or climb that peak over there
  • Adventures are available the next day and included in your daily rate. Just text your guide, and it’s done.

Key Information

Day 1 — Wadi Feiran to the upper camp

The walk starts at Wadi Feiran — the long palm-grove oasis that has been the route between Egypt and the holy mountain since the 4th century. The climb begins immediately — the wadi floor is at around 600 m, and the day’s walk gains about 1000 m to the upper camp. The path is on the northern flank of the mountain, ascending through the Qararsha territory of Wadi A’liyat. Overnight in the upper camp.

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Day 3 — Descent to Wadi Feiran

The descent follows the ascent route — back down the northern flank of the mountain, through Wadi A’liyat, to Wadi Feiran. Several hours of sustained descent with knee impact. The trek ends at Wadi Feiran town.

Two nights at the same upper camp — a sheltered spot on the northern flank of the mountain, at around 1500 m. Tents pitched on level ground. Mattresses on the ground. Pit latrines. Water is carried in from Wadi Feiran; there are no reliable springs on this side of the mountain. Meals over the fire — bread, foul, tahina, dates, nuts, vegetable and meat stew. The cooking pattern is the same as the other routes; the camp is more remote and the food has been carried in for the full three days.
Wadi Feiran has been a pilgrimage and trade route since the 4th century — the path between the coastal plain and the Mount Sinai / St. Katherine area passed through here for over a millennium and a half before the road was built in the 1920s. The Qararsha have lived among the palm groves of the wadi throughout this period. The tomb of Sheikh Shebib — a holy saint of the Qararsha — sits at the foot of Jebel Tahuna in Wadi Feiran, marking the tribe's long presence in the region. The trek does not visit the tomb; it is mentioned here as part of the regional context.
Jebel Serbal is granite — the same basement rock as Mt. Katharina and the rest of the South Sinai high massif. The five summits along the ridge are remnants of more massive rock that has been weathered down by millions of years of wind, water, and temperature change. The granite is harder than the surrounding rock, leaving the summits standing while the lower mountains have eroded around them. The northern flank — the route this trek takes — is the gentler approach. The southern flank drops sharply into Wadi A'liyat. The summit ridge is a thin spine of granite with drops to either side. Weathered hand- and foot-holds exist along the ridge for those who know where to look — the Qararsha know. Wadi Feiran's palm grove is fed by underground springs — the wadi is one of the wetter places in South Sinai outside the high mountains. The grove has been cultivated for at least 2000 years; some of the palms are over a century old.
October through April. The summit traverse is dangerous in wet conditions — winter storms occasionally pass through and the granite becomes slick. Spring (March-April) is the most reliable season. Summer is too hot for the long approach climb.

What to bring

  • Hiking boots with ankle support — the summit ridge requires precise footing on uneven granite.
  • Leather gloves — essential for the scrambling sections.
  • A 30-40 litre daypack.
  • A warm layer — fleece + light down for the camp and the summit ridge.
  • A windproof shell with a hood.
  • Trekking poles — useful for the long descent, less so on the technical ridge.
  • A head torch.
  • Sun hat with a brim, sunglasses, high-SPF sunscreen.
  • A 1.5 L water bottle.
  • Personal medication. The nearest pharmacy is in Wadi Feiran town.

What to leave behind

  • Cotton clothing.
  • Anything that prevents free hand movement during scrambling.

Peace of Mind in the Wild

Comfort & Hygiene

Clean Water: We provide ample bottled mineral water for drinking. Mountain springs are reserved for washing only to keep your stomach safe.

Nature’s Bathroom: We practice Leave No Trace. Privacy is found in nature, and some garden stays feature eco-friendly dry latrines.

Fresh Food: All meals are cooked fresh over the fire—no processed trail rations.

Solo & Social Safety

Respectful Distance: Bedouin hospitality is rooted in honor. Your guide is trained to respect your privacy—giving you solitude when you want it, and company when you ask.

Private by Default: Unlike mass tourism, you set the pace. You don't have to worry about strangers or large groups in your camp.

Safety & Connection

Signal Spots: Mobile reception is available at specific high points. Your guide knows exactly where to check in.

Emergency Link: We maintain direct contact with the tribe in town. In the rare event of an emergency, camel or 4x4 rescue reaches extraction points within 90 mins.

The Network: You aren't alone; local gardeners and herders form a living safety net around you.

Driven by Community, Rooted in Dignity

Booksinai is a community-led movement with deep roots in the desert. We operate without outside investors or corporate influence. Our entire team comes from the local community, sharing the beauty of their home through honest hospitality.

Investing in the Next Generation

Your journey creates a lasting impact far beyond the trail. We pledge 25% of all profits to educational initiatives for Bedouin children. These funds support the brightest young minds in our community, providing the tools they need to thrive. By trekking with us, you directly invest in the future of Sinai’s hereditary knowledge.

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