The White Canyon is a stunning geological formation located in the interior desert of the Sinai Peninsula, approximately **60-70 km north of Dahab**. Unlike the coastal reefs, it offers a quintessential Sinai desert experience, focusing on dramatic landscapes, hiking, and adventure.
It is a narrow, winding gorge carved through brilliant white sandstone and limestone rock. The canyon’s walls, which can soar up to 40 meters high in places, are so narrow that in certain sections, you can touch both sides at once. The play of sunlight reflecting off the pure white rock creates a mesmerising, almost luminous effect, giving the canyon its name.
The experience of visiting the White Canyon is primarily about the hike. Visitors typically **walk, climb, and scramble** through the dry riverbed (wadi) that formed the canyon, making it a popular destination for desert safaris and adventure tours from coastal resorts like Dahab and Sharm El-Sheikh.
Interesting Facts & Figures
Geology & Formation:
Ancient Origins: The canyon was formed over millions of years by flash floods and wind erosion, carving through the soft sandstone and limestone deposits. These sedimentary rocks were laid down in ancient seabeds, which is why fossilised shells and marine life can sometimes be found in the area.
A Slot Canyon: It is a classic example of a slot canyon, a deep, narrow gorge with smooth, high walls. Its width can be as narrow as half a meter (1.6 feet) in some places, forcing hikers to squeeze through.
Colour Contrast: The “white” in its name comes from the predominant colour of the rock, but the walls are often streaked with other hues, including pink, yellow, and ochre, from various mineral deposits.
The Hiking Experience:
The Route: The standard hike is a one-way journey through the canyon, often starting at a higher elevation and descending. It usually takes between 45 minutes to 1.5 hours to navigate the canyon itself, depending on the group’s pace.
Rock Scrambling: The hike is an active adventure. It involves scrambling over boulders and down short, rocky drops. Some tours provide ropes or a helping hand from guides for the trickier sections, but it is generally considered a moderately challenging hike, not a technical climb.
The Exit: The canyon hike often culminates in a climb up a famous natural rock formation that functions like a ladder, leading out of the gorge and onto the open desert plain above.
Context and Location:
Part of a Network: The White Canyon is frequently visited in conjunction with the nearby Coloured Canyon, which is known for its vibrant mineral-stained walls. Tours often combine both for a full day of desert exploration.
Bedouin Guides: Access to and navigation through the canyon is almost always done with local Bedouin guides. Their knowledge of the desert, its history, and the safe path through the canyon is essential.
Film Set Landscape: The canyon’s surreal, minimalist, and almost lunar landscape has made it a popular filming location for Egyptian movies, music videos, and photo shoots.
Logistics and Figures:
Depth: The canyon walls vary in height but can reach up to 40 meters (131 feet) in some sections.
Temperature Contrast: Daytime temperatures in the desert can be extreme. It’s crucial to visit in the cooler morning or afternoon hours. The canyon itself can feel cooler than the open desert due to the shade provided by the high walls.
Remote Location: There is no infrastructure at the canyon—no shops, water, or facilities. Visitors must bring all their own water, sun protection, and snacks. The journey from Dahab takes about 1.5 hours by 4×4 vehicle, much of it off-road.
In summary, the White Canyon is not a historical site but a natural masterpiece. It offers an unforgettable adventure into the heart of the Sinai’s rugged interior, showcasing the powerful forces of erosion and the stark, beautiful simplicity of the desert. It’s a must-do for anyone looking to experience the true depth and variety of South Sinai’s landscapes beyond its famous beaches.
