Instead of heading to the mainstream Sinai destinations like Sharm El-Sheikh, Hurghada, Dahab or Taba, try diving right into the heart of Sinai's mountains where Al Karm Ecolodge is nestled. Al Karm is a Bedouin-owned and managed ecolodge situated in the beautiful surroundings of Wadi Gharba near Sheikh Awaad and Naqb El Hawa, the old pilgrims' route to the monastery of Saint Catherine. Its remoteness makes it a unique destination for eco tourists and peace-seeking visitors. The ecolodge mainly depends on the principle of simplicity and minimal environmental impact; solar-heated showers, and sanitary compost toilets, kitchen and dining facilities. It includes six huts that can accommodate up to 30 guests. The ecolodge was built using natural resources but with the same architectural designs of the Bedouins' houses. The construction was funded by the European Union and supervised by the Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency through Saint Catherine's National Park. The area is not cordoned off by walls or fences, giving residents a sense of freedom while at the same time making them feel safe. It was named "Al Karm, which translates into the "Grapes Garden in Arabic, because back in the day the area was known for grape cultivation. Am Jameel, who has become a cornerstone of Al Karm and is in charge of the resort. He embodies the Bedouin hospitality and goes the extra mile to give guests the full Bedouin experience within the comfort of the lodge. When guests of Al Karm experience the simplicity of the lodge's life, they usually go back. Marcus Isaac, an Egyptian-British visitor, was impressed by everything the lodge had to offer, the food, the huts, the sunsets and the serenity. He made his experience more memorable by proposing to his Egyptian wife at Al Karm. Ahmed El Badawy, the creator of Al Karm group on Facebook, was initially encouraged by his friends to visit the lodge. "Al Karm is automatically linked to the word serenity, he said."It is the only place I have been to and never felt I was a customer. Am Jameel and his family treated us like guests at their own home. El Badawy described Am Jameel as "a walking encyclopedia of the local culture. At Al Karm you have an opportunity to disconnect from modern day inconveniences and enjoy the natural surroundings. However, should you seek more energetic activities, Al Karm's treks is your best option, where you can enjoy hiking through mountains, experiencing rarely visited natural water ponds and discovering some of the deserts' best kept secrets. "I am simply reborn, said Tim El Abd, one of the lodge's visitors, describing his experience in Al Karm. El Abd went on an 11-hour trek to Kharaz Shag, an oasis located in the mountains where he found rain water, the perfect spot for a refreshing dip at the end of the summer. For more information about Al Karm Ecolodge visit http://ecolodges.saharasafaris.org/alkarm.For reservation and prices, call Aam Jameel at (+2) 010 1324693.
