El Ehded II. Garden of Saad Mahmoud

One of the first gardens after climbing Abu Jifa, the gate-way to the high mountains, it is easy to reach from town yet close to many places of interest. Big open sandy valleys are an easy stroll away, and narrow paths lead to elevated basins and look-out points in the surroundings. Moderate to more difficult treks can be organized from the garden, but you can just stay back and relax - the setting is beautiful and you can even see the church on the top of Mt. Katherina right from the garden. The garden is big with many separated areas and buildings, Bedouin tents and cain roofed arishas.

Saad, the owner of the garden, spends most of the year in the mountains, looking after another garden as well. He tries to grow everything he needs himself, and be self-sufficient as much as possible. There are many areas to sleep and relax, either in stone rooms, Bedouin tents or arishas, in summer and winter. He is continuously improving his facilities and now building a comfortable kitchen and dining area. There are clean toilets and shower.

The garden is ideal for individuals and smaller groups who want a place which is easily reached from town, and centrally located to make short and easy daily walks to other places of interests. Longer treks can be made as well to further sights, and there are many quite spots right around the garden or within to relax. It is about 1,5 hours walk from town and involves only one moderate climb.