Ancient Peaks: Exploring the Highest Mountains in Egypt

Egypt is often synonymous with its ancient pyramids, but there’s also more natural wonder to this land than meets the eye.

Beyond the man-made marvels, the mountains in Egypt paint an intriguing backdrop against the nation’s vast deserts. From the rugged heights along the Red Sea to the towering structures of the Sinai Peninsula, the country’s topography is surprisingly varied. Exploring the highest mountains in Egypt offers a breathtaking journey not to be taken for granite.

Reaching an impressive 8,625 feet, Mount Catherine, or Kātrīnā, stands as the pinnacle of Egypt’s highest mountains. Found in the southern Sinai Peninsula, its height is yet further enhanced by the chapel and a meteorological station gracing its summit.

Not far from Mount Catherine is arguably the most iconic of the highest mountains in Egypt. Known as Jabal Musa or the Mountain of Moses, this 7,497-foot high granite sentinel is a site of great sacred significance.

Overlooking the 6th century UNESCO-listed Saint Catherine’s Monastery is another of the biggest mountains of Egypt, Ras es-Safsafeh. Also known as Willow Peak, it looms at 6,460 feet above sea level, a harmonious blend of nature’s splendour and profound history.

Venturing beyond the Sinai Peninsula and into the Saharan Eastern Desert, we find yet another of the highest mountains in Egypt between the cities of Hurghada and Safaga. In fact, with an elevation of some 7,175 feet, Gabal Sha’ib El Banat stands tall as the region’s highest peak.

Ascending to roughly 2,950 feet, Jabal al-Halal, or Mount Helal, stands as the crowning jewel of the Khashm ar-Rih range and one of the biggest mountains of Egypt.

Lastly, but far from the least, stands Mount Serbal. Gracing the St. Catherine National Park at about 6,791 feet, it’s nestled in Wadi Feiran in southern Sinai. A striking symbol of Egypt’s tallest mountains, Mount Serbal’s craggy juts and peaks are uniquely beautiful.

In summary, the biggest mountains of Egypt present a diverse array of geological features, from towering granite peaks to rugged limestone terrains. Each mountain, with its distinctive topography and elevation, adds a unique chapter to Egypt’s rich geophysical tapestry. These natural landmarks, standing tall for millennia, not only provide a stark contrast to Egypt’s ancient man-made wonders but also underscore the country’s varied and often overlooked geological heritage. Their imposing silhouettes against the vast desert landscape serve as timeless reminders of the intricate and awe-inspiring processes that shaped the very foundation of this historic land.