Beyond the Summit: Climbing, Culture, and reconnection in the Sinai
I’ve been climbing since the 90s, and I still fondly remember those early days of adventure and connection with nature. Back then, we were just a small group, always seeking out remote corners, relishing a sport that made us feel unique and far from the norms of society. We’d head to the mountains with our friends, chasing the thrill of the unknown and testing our limits. But over time, climbing changed. It went from being a sanctuary for a select few to becoming a global phenomenon, and with that came crowds, dogs, kids, and endless lines waiting to climb. What was once my refuge started to slip away. I was looking for something more… and I found it in Saint Catherine.
It all started when Talo—my partner, friend, and mentor—sent me some photos of himself climbing in Egypt. As soon as I saw them, I was captivated. Those images revealed a remote, wild place bathed in brilliant sunlight and surrounded by a majestic landscape. Without hesitation, I told him, “I need to go there.” A month later, we were on our way to Egypt, joined by Mario, a friend of Talo’s whom I didn’t know at the time, but who became like a brother by the end of the trip.
In Cairo, we were welcomed by Sherif, a local climber who helped establish the climbing gym “Ascent” During the two days we spent there, we met a young, passionate community full of energy and motivation. Though many of them were relatively new to climbing, their love for the mountains and their contagious enthusiasm were inspiring. It was there that we began to understand the incredible work Sheriff and his team were doing to turn Saint Catherine into a world-class climbing destination. His story was as inspiring as the landscape we were about to encounter.
The journey to Saint Catherine was an adventure in itself: eight hours on the road, crossing endless stretches of desert until the Sinai mountains began to dominate the horizon. Arriving there felt like stepping into another world. Our base was a Bedouin camp, from which guides would take us to the walls. The walks were long, but the landscape was so breathtaking that any fatigue melted away with every step. Granite mountains rose around us, imposing and pristine, as if waiting to be explored.
From the very first day, something ignited within me. Climbing those walls made me feel like I was back in my early days of climbing. The sense of discovery, the thrill of the unexplored, the spark I had lost in Europe—it all returned. It was a gift to relive that connection, this time with the maturity to appreciate how fleeting and precious each moment was. Every night, under a starlit sky, we gathered around the fire. Conversations flowed, laughter echoed, and the spirit of adventure enveloped us.
But Saint Catherine is not just an extraordinary place; it’s also the result of the vision and hard work of people like Sherif. He shared how, 20 years ago, Western climbers began developing traditional climbing routes in the area. However, these routes, with limited protection points, were out of reach for most local climbers. That changed when the Egyptian Climbing Association (ECA) stepped in. Driven by their passion, they set out to make Saint Catherine accessible to all levels while preserving the area’s natural beauty.
Thanks to their efforts, Saint Catherine now boasts over 100 climbing routes, with endless opportinities for trad, sport and boulders, also counting from 10-meter walls to epic lines like the legendary Cheops, a 360-meter masterpiece equipped by Talo and Mario. The project has not only opened new opportunities for Egyptian climbers but also strengthened the bond with the local Bedouin community, whose youth are now beginning to see climbing as a new way to connect with their land.
Sherif spoke passionately about how nights spent with Bedouin guides (Ibex.Sinai) around the fire had been key to earning their trust. Thanks to this relationship, they were granted permission to develop the area, transforming Saint Catherine into a place that is not only a paradise for climbers but also a testament to cultural collaboration.
The days in Saint Catherine felt like a dream. Climbing in such a pure, remote environment reconnected me with the essence of this sport. Surrounded by friends, stars, and an unparalleled landscape, I rediscovered what I had been searching for: the magic of adventure, camaraderie, and a deep connection with nature.
Saint Catherine is so much more than a climbing destination. It’s a symbol of how passion and respect for the mountains can transform lives and communities. As I write these words, I can’t help but feel immense gratitude. This journey reignited my love for climbing and reminded me that there are always places where the essence of what we love remains untouched, waiting to be discovered.
Exploring Egypt: Beyond the Climb
Egypt is a land of contrasts and wonders, where ancient history meets the raw beauty of its landscapes. While its golden sands and majestic mountains offer climbers unparalleled challenges, Egypt is much more than just a climbing destination. This presentation takes you on a journey through three intertwined dimensions: the thrill of climbing in the Sinai mountains, the richness of Egyptian culture, and the daily rhythms of its people.
Each triptych showcases how Egypt is a harmonious blend of adventure, tradition, and discovery. From scaling untouched granite walls to immersing yourself in the vibrant life of local markets, and experiencing the timeless spirituality of its historical sites, this journey is a testament to the depth and diversity that Egypt offers.
Traveling to Egypt is not just about reaching new heights on the rock; it’s about embracing the essence of a place where culture, adventure, and human connection come together.
