 Location and the Region The Baraka-Gardens mountain and desert retreats are located in the center of the Sinai peninsula, Egypt, which is mainly known for its Red Sea beaches. The base is in the town of St. Catherine (St. Katherine), famous for the Monastery of St. Katherine built on the sacred site of the Burning Bush, and Mt. Sinai (Gebal Musa) where Moses received the Ten Commandments from God. These two sites are visited by up to a thousand people a day, but only a few go as far as the town itself. The gardens in the mountains and the desert are virtually unknown by most foreigners, so remain unspoiled and peaceful. But because of the Holy sites infrastructure, transport and services are up to Western standards.
Peace and Security
Egypt is one of the friendliest countries in the Middle East – both its people and the government – and welcomes foreigners with open hearts. It is a stable country in peace with its neighbors, and the Sinai beaches are major tourist destinations ranked amongst the best in the World. It is safe in every sense, although life in the coastal towns is busy, noisy and cosmopolitan. If you want real tranquility, though, there is no better place than the mountains – not only safe and secure, it is peaceful too, in every sense of the word.
Getting There
The most convenient arrival points are the Sharm el Sheikh and Taba airports, from where it takes only a few hours by taxi or minibus to the town of St. Catherine’s. There are many international, charter and discounted air-lines operating to these towns. For flights, check with your travel agent and online.
Cairo is somewhat further away but transfer to St. Catherine can be organized from there as well. It might be convenient if you plan to visit the Pyramids, the Egyptian Museum and other Pharaonic sights before or after your mountain and desert eco-retreat holiday.
Staying at the mountain and desert mini eco-lodges of Baraka-Gardens or taking the Garden Tour can also be part of a bigger Middle East tour, as coming over to Sinai from either Jordan or Israel is not problematic and not too far. There are regular regional flights and comfortable coach and ferry services.
 Airport Transfer
Transfers from any Egyptian town or city can be organized and a microbus or a taxi – depending on the number of people – will wait you on your arrival at the airport or pick you up from your hotel. Likewise, we will drop you off at your preferred destination when you have to leave. If you need we can as well organize hotel accommodation in St. Katherine or the coastal towns.
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