Taba protected Area in South Sinai Governorate

Date of announcement: 1998
Area : 3595 km2
Type : Desert and natural heritage protected area
Distance from Cairo : 550 km

The area is characterized by its distinguished Geological formations and monument sites that date back to 5000 years ago, as well the rare wild life and nice scenery and traditional heritage of nomads: Some of these valleys are significant as a support for wild life like deer , large birds including bustard. These valleys have important plant communities like acacia. 72 species of plants have been recorded in water valley including Ba'ataran, Ratam and Rimth . In the adjacent areas there is a big group of plants amounting to 480 species. A group of hills that are over 1000 m. high exist in the area. They are beautiful enough to attract all kinds of tourists. The rocks have several splits and a crossed separations, and represent a habitat for plants and animals. The animals of the area include hyrax , Nubian ibex , wolf, hyena , deer and others. There are some wild birds like Egyptian vulture, eagle Brearded vulture and the golden eagle on top of mountains. The area is also distinguished with a group of water springs like Hadra spring in Wadi Ghazala and Oum Ahmed spring in Wadi Elswana , Fortaga spring in Wadi Wateer , which can be easily visited, and flow on the ground surface .