Best Birdwatching Places in Egypt
Egypt Birding Guide & Tours
Egypt is one of the most important birdwatching destinations in the world, located on a major migration route between Europe, Asia and Africa. Each year, millions of birds pass through Egypt, making it a perfect place for birdwatching tours. The country offers diverse habitats including wetlands, mountains, desert valleys, coastal plains and islands. In this guide, we highlight the best birdwatching places in Egypt, some of which may require permits or special access.
Top Birdwatching Places in Egypt
The best time for birdwatching in Egypt is during migration seasons in spring (March–May) and autumn (August–October). During these periods, large numbers of birds cross Egypt between Europe and Africa.
We will introduce you to the Top Birdwatching Places in Egypt where you can watch migratory birds either in Fall or Spring. These places are easy to visit during your routine holiday in Egypt, can be included in your Egypt tour itinerary or booked as a separate one day Birdwatching tour from Cairo, Hurghada, Sharm el Sheikh or even Aswan.
South Sinai and Sharm El Sheikh birdwatching activities
South Sinai is a popular tourists destination and one of the main migratory route for birds. The birds follow every year the same route coming from Europe to East Asia, passing through the Red Sea in Egypt. The path of this migration is considered one of the largest paths in the world, especially since it connects the nesting sites in Europe and the wintering areas in Africa for migratory birds. In the fall, these large numbers can be seen in South Sinai, especially in the Ras Mohamed National Park and Nature Reserve, which is considered a resting and feeding area on the migration path.
White Stork is among the most famous types of migratory birds in Egypt, it is observed in large groups in the Ras Mohammed Reserve areas and the oxidation ponds in Sharm El-Sheikh, which are among the most famous stations for migratory birds, especially after their development and rehabilitation to receive birds to rest and feed before completing their journey. Sharm El-Sheikh sewage treatment plants (natural oxidation ponds) located in the migration path of soaring birds have been prepared to serve as natural habitats to host migratory birds. The area has been transformed into a distinguished destination for Birdwatching Tours Sharm el Sheikh.
Next place where you can watch birds in Sharm el Sheikh, including raptors and eagles is Nabq Nature Reserve on the Gulf of Aqaba. Special nesting places are arranged there to host big birds of prey. The place is easily accessible on a day trip from your Sharm el Sheikh hotel.
The nearby Tiran Island Protected Area although not accessible for visitors, is an important breeding place for Osprey, gulls and terns.
Red Sea Coast and Islands where to watch birds
In spring migratory birds can be seen on the Red Sea coast and around its islands. It is the most prominent migratory bird paths in the world due to the main attractions available to these birds, especially the Red Sea region, where the mountainous, marine and coastal environments are suitable for the needs of these birds.
The Red Sea Governorate is one of the most important paths for migratory birds in the world, as they take it during their migration from Europe to Africa, passing through Jabal Al-Zeit, Ras Ghareb, and then Zaafarana, north of the governorate. The windmills located at the Jabal Al-Zeit and Zaafarana wind station are closed during the bird migration season to protect them and preserve their flocks so that they can complete their life cycle.
Many of the Red sea islands are inhabited by seabirds indigenous to the area: white-eyed gulls and white-cheeked terns. The best islands situated in the vicinity of popular tourists destinations including Hurghada and Marsa Alam are: Sial Islands and Rawabil Islands; Zabargad Island, south of Marsa Alam, Hurghada Islands. Unfortunately these islands are not accessible for tourists and you can watch birds in Hurghada mainly from the mainland coast.
Wadi El Gemal and Hamata protected islands
These islands are situated south of Marsa Alam city, they are among the most tranquil and relaxing islands for the endangered birds like eagles, sea eagles, crowned gulls and sunset hawks. Reserve officials monitor the path of the flocks of birds to prevent hunters from any attempt to approach or hunt them. It is known that flocks of migratory birds attract groups of tourists from Europe to enjoy watching them and following their movement using magnifying glasses.
Cairo and its vicinity birdwatching places
There are several really incredible places to watch birds around Cairo. Just one hour away from central Cairo towards Suez canal you reach a famous city of Suez, its environs offer great opportunities for birdwatching. The city is situated on one of the most important connection points for migrating birds of prey, which may be seen passing overhead in their thousands in spring and fall. The mudflats are frequented by migrating shorebirds of many varieties, and in the Suez bay various species of gulls and terns are often numerous. Red sea specialties such as White-eyed Gulls and Lesser Crested Terns may be seen occasionally. The Bitter Lakes in Suez are among the best to watch birds.
Let’s leave Suez and move towards Port Said city. Here you can find birds in swamps because there are so many things to feed on. The eastern shore of Al-Manzalah mudflats, south of Port Said, is a magnet for both birds and birders. There are flocks of shorebirds darkening coastal skies. Through your binoculars you can see Black-winged Stilts, walking as if on crutches with their grotesquely long pink legs, picking snails and worms out of the muddy shore. Greenshank, swarms of Little Stints and a Little Egret standing aristocratically on his long black legs with yellow feet, stretching his beautiful white neck.
Ashtoum El Gamil Reserve and Manzala Lake
This is one of the most important wetland areas in Egypt. The reserve is located on the third line of bird migration, and Lake Manzala is considered one of the important places for birds in Egypt, whether migratory or resident, and the number of species recorded in Lake Manzala is 255 species, while the number of species recorded within the reserve is 174 species, while the number of birds that come to the reserve during the migration seasons (August - May) is about 224,000 birds annually. Special stations to monitor, watch and photograph birds have been established in the reserve.
Port Said Governorate is considered one of the main stations on the international global path for bird migration from Europe to Africa and vice versa, due to the presence of many rare bird species in Lake Manzala and Lake Flamingo in Port Fouad. We arrange a Bird watching tour to Port Said on a regular basis during the migratory season.
Seven km west of Port Said on "Port Said-Damietta" coastal road is situated Ashtoum El Gamil Reserve. This area is a very important place for birds. The Lake Manzalah is in connection with the Mediterranean sea through Ashtoum El Gamil. In front of the mouth of the Lake is located Tanees Island - an ideal place for birding.
Fayoum Oasis and Lake Qarun birding activities
Fayoum oasis may be one of the best known place near Cairo to watch birds. Here the agricultural and desert environment, together with the salt water in Lake Qarun, in addition to the swamps, small ponds and plants are diverse. Wadi El-Rayan protected area which combines fresh water and fish farms is an ideal place for birdwatching tours and activities.
Qarun Lake Nature Reserve has Egypt's largest salt lake. As you come closer you can easily spot ducks, gulls and coots. The dabbling and diving ducks are usually circling and swimming. The beautiful Shovlelers, Teals, Pintails, Wigeons and Pochards dive below the surface but you can still see the tail feathers. When dabbling ducks feed while swimming, they turn upside down, and only their tail feathers show. However, diving ducks submerge totally in the water.
Experience birdwatching at Qarun Lake, take a walk in the vicinity of the lake and keep an open eye for all kinds of interesting birds. Painted Snipe can come into sight, a much sought-after bird by dedicated birders. Along the fish farms, there can be warblers such as Chiffchaff, Graceful Prinia and Clamourous Warbler, small birds that come in and out of bushes to feed on insects. The Senegal Thick-knee calls, another of Egypt's bird specialty.
Where to watch birds in Fayoum? For novice or advanced birders we arrange daily: Fayoum one day bird watching tour or Fayoum half day bird watching tour from Cairo. If you prefer more birding activities then Cairo to Fayoum 3 day bird watching tour will suit you best.
If you have a free morning in Cairo then do not miss a chance to experience birdwatching at Qanater el-Khaereya.
Zaranik Protacted area North Sinai
Zaranik Protected Area, located on the northeastern edge of Lake Bardawil in the Sinai Peninsula, a haven for nature lovers and bird enthusiasts was declared a protected area in 1985. This pristine wetland spans 250 square kilometers, offering a vital stopover for migratory birds traveling between Europe and Africa along the Eastern Mediterranean Flyway. Every year, millions of birds rest and refuel here, making Zaranik a paradise for birdwatching.
The area is renowned for its diverse ecosystems, including salt marshes, sand dunes, and coastal lagoons. These habitats support a wide array of wildlife, from rare bird species like the Eurasian spoonbill and greater flamingo to reptiles and small mammals. Additionally, Zaranik plays a crucial role in preserving Sinai's biodiversity and protecting its delicate balance of flora and fauna.
Zaraniq protected Area and El Bardaweel Marsh are key points for bird migration in the world since it is the first stop for the birds to have comfort and food after the trouble of the migration trip from Europe and Asia during the fall heading from African. Some birds take this area as a permanent habitat for living and reproduction. Over 270 species of birds have been recorded in the area. They represent 14 classes. The most important birds recorded are: Pelicans, herons storks, crestet lark , quail, white stork, lark, avocet , Hem Harrier Rail and falcons.
Popular Birdwatching Tours in Egypt
You can explore Egypt’s birdlife through a variety of guided birdwatching tours. Popular options include:
- Fayoum birdwatching tours from Cairo
- Sharm El Sheikh birdwatching tours in South Sinai
- Hurghada and Red Sea birding trips
- Port Said and Lake Manzala birdwatching tours
These tours are suitable for both beginners and experienced birders and can be customized based on your interests.