Abu Ghusun: Coast, Hamada Wreck and Ababda Crafts

Abu Ghusun lies on the Red Sea coast, south of Marsa Alam and within the administrative boundaries of the Red Sea Governorate. The town in Wadi El Gemal Reserve offers a range of themes for a trip: a less frequented beach in the national park, a dive site accessible from the beach, the Hamada wreck, mountain safaris and Ababda crafts. Before looking for a holiday rental, you can consider whether the focus of your trip should be more on the coast and underwater world, mountain scenery or cultural themes.

Coast, Reserve and Mountain Scenery

Abu Ghusun is shaped by more than just its location on the Red Sea. Its character also includes rugged mountain terrain, abundant medicinal plants and diverse wildlife. There is a less frequented beach near Abu Ghusun in Wadi El Gemal National Park. The coast and nature offer different points of interest here: you can make the beach a travel theme in its own right, or learn more about the Reserve’s landscape and its plant and animal life. The mountain scenery forms another part of the town’s character, alongside its connection to the coast.

Diving and the Hamada Wreck

Abu Ghusun is also a dive site in Wadi El Gemal National Park that can be reached from the beach. This is distinct from the Hamada wreck: the cargo ship was 65 metres long and transported polyethylene pellets on the route from Jeddah to Suez. It sank in 1993 and ran aground on the Abu Ghusun reef. Today, the wreck lies on its starboard side in two sections, at a depth of 5 to 18 metres. Some parts lie so shallowly that they are suitable for snorkelling. This means there are two specific water-based interests: a dive site accessible from the beach and snorkelling around the shallow sections of a historic shipwreck. The ship’s dimensions, cargo and route also give the Hamada its own story, beyond its present location on the reef.

Mountain Safaris in Rugged Terrain

Mountain safari experiences are offered in Abu Ghusun with knowledgeable local guides. Visitors can explore remote areas and climb peaks. This is a different way to experience the town than focusing on the beach and underwater world: here, the emphasis is on the mountains and guided exploration with local experts. If you are looking for an active focus for your trip, you can consider these experiences when deciding whether to visit Abu Ghusun. A mountain safari is also a distinct activity alongside diving or snorkelling; the experiences described should therefore not be understood as one combined excursion.

Ababda Crafts and Cultural Heritage

The Abu Ghusoun Handicrafts Centre supports the production and marketing of local Ababda crafts. The ongoing project has a storage area, three workshops, an exhibition area and an exhibition tent. It is open to the general public and to people interested in locally made crafts. This gives crafts their own place among Abu Ghusun’s cultural themes, alongside nature and activity experiences. Another cultural theme is the programme to preserve Ababda heritage. It focuses on customary law and on passing tribal knowledge, traditions and customs on to younger generations. Crafts and heritage therefore represent different aspects of local culture: supporting craft production and marketing on the one hand, and preserving and passing on knowledge and traditions on the other.

Choosing the Right Focus for Your Trip

When looking for a holiday rental in Abu Ghusun, it helps to first consider which experiences interest you most. Abu Ghusun is therefore particularly appealing to travellers who want to discover a Red Sea destination through its mountain scenery, wreck and local Ababda crafts as well.

More destinations: Safaga, El Gouna, Ad Dahhār, Quseir, Za‘farānah, Marsa Alam, Hurghada.

To the main travel overview: Red Sea Governorate.