Dahab to Salama Canyon Safari: Colored Rock Formations

Colored rock formations deep in Salama Canyon, framed by views of Saudi Arabia across the gulf.

A private safari tour from Dahab to Nuweiba traveling by 4x4 Jeep to Salama Canyon, where you walk down into the canyon to see the natural colored rock formations, then photograph Nweiba port and Bedouin settlements across the Aqaba Gulf. The tour runs 6 to 7 hours and includes hotel pickup, a qualified Egyptologist guide, lunch and bottled water. A guide speaks English, Spanish, Italian, French or another language.

Step-by-step itinerary

Safari trip from Dahab to Salama Canyon

• Pickup from Dahab hotel
• Drive 90 km on paved road
• Drive 7 km on desert road
• Arrive at Nuweiba port panorama
• Take photos of Bedouin tribes
• View Saudi Arabia mountain across Aqaba Gulf
• Arrive at Salama Canyon location
• Descend into canyon to see rock colors
• Return to main road to oasis
• Have lunch during tour
• Drive back to Dahab

The experience

The drive north from Dahab covers about 90 kilometers on paved road, then 7 kilometers across the desert in a private 4x4 Jeep. You arrive at Nuweiba first to photograph the port and the Bedouin tribes, with views across the Aqaba Gulf to the mountains of Saudi Arabia visible on the far shore. From there the route continues to Salama Canyon.

At the canyon you descend on foot to see the colored rock formations that give the site its name: the natural striations and hues in the stone are the main draw here. After exploring the canyon, the group returns to the main road and stops at an oasis before heading back to Dahab. Lunch is included during the tour, along with bottled water for the drive.

A qualified Egyptologist guide leads the group and speaks English, Spanish, Italian, French or another language. Hotel pickup and drop-off in Dahab are included, as are all taxes and fees.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off in Dahab.
• private 4x4 Jeep transport for the full route.
• a qualified Egyptologist guide.
• lunch during the tour.
• bottled water.
• all taxes, fees and handling charges.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 06:00, 06:30, 07:30 and 08:30

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (12 to 85 years) · Child (3 to 11 years) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, French, German and Italian

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Moderate physical levelInfant seats availableNot for pregnant travelers

Operated by Your Egypt Tours

Is this one for you?The private vehicle and guide suit travelers who want to move at their own pace and ask questions about the canyon, the Bedouin settlements and the geology of the region without the rhythm of a larger group. The 6- to 7-hour duration fits a half-day or full afternoon departure from Dahab, depending on your hotel pickup time.

Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English, Spanish, French, German and Italian.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 11 years); Infant (under 3): free.

What is Salama Canyon like when you get there?

Salama Canyon is known for its natural colored rock formations: the rocks display striking bands and hues of color throughout the canyon walls. You walk down into the canyon itself to see them up close rather than viewing from above.

How far is the drive from Dahab, and what kind of vehicle makes the trip?

The drive is roughly 90 kilometers on paved road plus 7 kilometers across the desert, all in a private 4x4 Jeep. The full tour takes 6 to 7 hours from hotel pickup to drop-off.

What can you see from Nuweiba, and why does the tour stop there?

At Nuweiba port you photograph the panorama of the port itself and the Bedouin tribes living in the area. From this vantage point you can also see the mountains of Saudi Arabia across the Aqaba Gulf on the far shore.

Does the tour include meals and water?

Lunch is included during the tour, along with bottled water for the drive. Drinks beyond the water provided are not included.