The Coloured Canyon and the White Canyon are two of the most rewarding day trips in South Sinai: narrow sandstone gorges in shades of red, yellow and white, a walk out to the palm oasis of Ain Khudra and lunch in a Bedouin village. This guide explains what you will see, how the tours from Dahab, Sharm El Sheikh and Taba differ, and how to choose the right one.
Coloured Canyon and White Canyon at a Glance
- Where: the desert mountains of South Sinai, between Dahab, Nuweiba and Saint Catherine.
- How you get there: by air-conditioned 4×4 jeep, with short walks through the canyons.
- Time needed: a full day — around 8 to 9 hours including pick-up and return.
- Good for: anyone who can walk for about an hour on sand and rocky ground.
What You Will See
White Canyon
The White Canyon is a splendid example of eroded sandstone, its floor covered with fine white sand. The path narrows between high walls, opens onto desert plateaus and narrows again until it ends at the oasis of Ain Khudra. On our tours you have about one hour to walk through it.
Ain Khudra Oasis
Date palms and water springs have made Ain Khudra a home for Bedouin families for over a thousand years. It is the classic stop for a glass of Bedouin tea before the drive continues.
Mushroom Rock
About 40 minutes’ drive from the oasis, wind has carved a sandstone pillar into the shape of a giant mushroom — a short photo stop of around 20 minutes.
Small Coloured Canyon (Salama Canyon)
The Small Coloured Canyon, also called Salama Canyon, is where the rock walls show their famous bands of colour. The tours include about one hour of walking through it after lunch in a Bedouin village.
Wadi al-Weshwashy
Some tours from Dahab combine the canyon with Wadi al-Weshwashy, where three natural water pools formed by centuries of rain collect between granite mountains. Reaching them involves a demanding hike of about 90 minutes.
Coloured Canyon Tours Compared
| Tour | From | Start | Highlights | Price from |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coloured Canyon / White Canyon | Dahab | 08:00 | White Canyon, Ain Khudra, Mushroom Rock, Salama Canyon | $45 |
| Small Coloured Canyon & Wadi al-Weshwashy | Dahab | 09:00 | Salama Canyon, Weshwashy pools, lunch and snorkeling at Ras Shitan | $50 |
| Wadi al-Weshwashy & Ras Shitan | Dahab | 09:00 | Weshwashy pools hike, lunch and snorkeling at Ras Shitan | $45 |
| The Coloured Canyon / White Canyon | Sharm El Sheikh | 08:00 | White Canyon, Ain Khudra, Mushroom Rock, Salama Canyon, Inscription Rock | $70 |
| Small Coloured Canyon and White Canyon | Taba | 08:00 | White Canyon, Ain Khudra, Mushroom Rock, Salama Canyon, Inscription Rock | $70 |
| Colored Canyon from Sharm El Sheikh Port | Sharm port (cruise guests) | Ship schedule | Coloured Canyon, oasis lunch, stop in Dahab | $90 |
Prices are per person and depend on group size and whether you choose a group or private tour; the current price is always shown on each tour page.
A Typical Day on the Tour
- Pick-up from your hotel in the morning by 4×4 jeep.
- About one hour walking through the White Canyon to Ain Khudra.
- Bedouin tea at the oasis, then a 40-minute drive to Mushroom Rock.
- Lunch in a Bedouin village.
- About one hour walking through the Small Coloured Canyon (Salama Canyon).
- Return to your hotel in the late afternoon — around 16:00 to Dahab or Taba and 17:00 to Sharm El Sheikh.
What Is Included
The jeep tours include hotel pick-up and return, all transfers by air-conditioned 4×4, an English-speaking guide, lunch, bottled water in the jeep and Bedouin tea. Extra drinks and personal expenses are not included.
Tips for the Canyons
Tip: Wear closed shoes with good grip — the canyon floors are sandy and you will climb over some rocks.
Tip: Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen; the open desert gets very bright at midday.
Tip: The Weshwashy hike is the most demanding part of any of these trips. Choose the classic White Canyon tour if you prefer easier walking.
Tip: Groups of 8 people or more can contact us for a special price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Coloured Canyon the same as Salama Canyon?
On our tours, the Small Coloured Canyon is the canyon also known as Salama Canyon. It is the colourful canyon you walk through after lunch.
How long is the walk in the canyons?
Around one hour in the White Canyon and around one hour in the Small Coloured Canyon. The Wadi al-Weshwashy hike takes about 90 minutes.
Which tour is best from Sharm El Sheikh?
The Sharm El Sheikh tour follows the same route as the Dahab tour and adds the Inscription Rock, returning at about 17:00. Cruise passengers can book the shore excursion from Sharm El Sheikh port.
Can I book a private tour?
Yes. Every canyon tour can be booked as a private tour; the private prices are listed on each tour page.
