Xtreme Nabq
Most of us at some point or another feel the need for some time-out, some time to just chill and relax or more simply chillax. Whether we are a burnt out dive guide living in Sharm or a visitor on holiday here, we should all make the time to relax and appreciate the nature which surrounds us.a
The name Xtreme Safari doesn’t depict total Zen like relaxation, and yes there is more to the name, but we will go into that a little later. The side I want to introduce you to, is the opportunity to spend some quality time in the Nabq National Park or protectorate.
The Nabq Protectorate is the area of land which runs just north of the Nabq development, along the coastline towards Dahab. It has immense natural beauty, mainly because it is an area of stark contrasts.
The magnificent red mountains make a seemingly continuous ridge running along the edge of the vast sandy plains. These plains stretch from the base of the mountains to the sandy hillocks which pepper the coastline preventing erosion. Then you have the shallow turquoise lagoons, surrounded by the weird and wonderful Mangroves and finally the coral ridge which protects the coastline from the crashing white capped waves.
The contrasting colours are awesome, as is the wildlife which is attracted to the area. Don’t be surprised if you see an Osprey sweeping down into the waves to catch a fish, or a variety of different birds living amongst the mangroves, hunting for small shrimp and crabs.
Before Xtreme Safari set up their operation it was almost impossible to stay overnight in the area. You needed to know who and how to arrange it, plus complete all of the necessary paperwork for permission to stay. Now you can head out to the first lagoon of the park and stay overnight in one of six beach huts, built steps away from the lagoon.
The huts are simple and that is really the point of getting out of the city lights and back to nature. However they are definitely a step up from basic camping. Each hut has a solid wooden floor and structure, which is high enough to stand up in. The structure is covered in heavy cream canvas and is topped with a roof of rustic palm fronds.
Inside each hut, there are three raised seating/sleeping benches with comfortable foam cushions. Each hut officially sleeps two people, but a couple with a child or two children could easily fit as there is the third bench. For those who have a family member of the four legged kind, you will be happy to know that they are welcome as well – but obviously under control.
The six huts are dotted along the lagoon edge, so basically everyone gets their own piece of beach at their front door and privacy as no one is overlooked. The lagoon is sandy, so it is easy to walk in and shallow at the edge, so suitable for children. However they do need supervision as it does drop off to deeper depths within the lagoon area.
There are barbeque areas with charcoal and wood if you want to bring your own food, but equally if you are in total chill out mode then you can pre-order fish from the Bedouins.
The Bedouins are legally allowed to catch fish in the area, they know the sea like the back of their hands and will always provide a succulent, super fresh fish for your dinner. You can barbeque it or they will cook it for you.
Xtreme safari do provide sleeping bags and there is the cafeteria close by for water and soft drinks. There are also toilet facilities. Just remember to bring some lights; candle lanterns (candles in cut off water bottles) or a flashlight, as without the city light pollution it does get very dark. Also you may wish to bring a sheet and pillow case or your own bedding.
One of the nicest ways to appreciate the protectorate is to explore the area during the day, maybe go further north if you have your own transport and visit the lagoon where the wreck of the Maria Schroeder is. This is also the location of the most northerly mangroves in the world. After exploring the area return to camp to relax and get ready for a night of star gazing and complete tranquillity.
If the thought of total relaxation brings a yawn to your face, then don’t worry. For the adrenalin junkies amongst us, Xtreme Safari have come up with a solution to appreciate the park’s beauty whilst being active.
The Xtreme team have come up with three activity programs; Mini Xtreme, Wow Xtreme and Camp Xtreme. The mini program is designed for people who have an afternoon available – the program is for 3 hours and consists of a tour towards the mountain range on beach buggies and then an option to go snorkelling or use the Sea-Spi.
The beach buggies are especially constructed for sandy terrain and are available either as two seaters or single seat. Children have to be over 15 to drive alone and need to be a certain height to reach the pedals. The buggies have comfortable seats and full harnesses and all participants will be equipped with a safety helmet. You will need protective glasses which you can buy at the camp and it is advisable to buy a large headscarf. The Bedouin black and white check scarfs are particularly good as they keep the sand away from your face and head.
The Sea-Spi is a small flat boat, which you lie on face-down. There is a glass viewing window which you rest your face on to see the sea life below. It is powered by battery and has hand grips for you to control the speed and direction. It is particular good for people who are not strong swimmers and of course children with accompanying adults.
If you prefer diving into the blue to look at the fish and coral then opt for snorkelling. The guide will take you out on a boat to the outer reef, where you can safely enter and exit. One thing you will notice is the salinity of the water on the outer reef, compared to inside the lagoon. This is because of the Mangroves. They filter the salty water and expel any unwanted salt through their leaves. The reduced salinity in the Mangroves and lagoon allows other species to survive. Have a look and you will see they are teeming with small crabs and shrimps which attract many different bird species.
The Wow Xtreme starts at 8am and finishes at approx. 2.30pm. You will start off in the beach buggies driving into the mountains for about 5km to the ‘Ramla’ mountain, which means ‘Sand’ mountain. Here you will experience the thrill of sand boarding. It’s the deserts equivalent to snowboarding and is so much fun.
After a couple of hours of surfing the sand it is back to base for snorkelling or Sea-Spi. The adrenalin rush is not over yet there is still more ‘Wow’. After a dip in the sea you will then be pitted against each other in a battle of paint ball. The camp has a designated enclosed area for the game, complete with trenches, hillocks and hiding places. After all the activities are complete it is finally time to relax and enjoy the prepared lunch.
The Camp Xtreme program is basically the same as the Wow Xtreme but with an overnight stay in the huts. It starts at 8pm with the paint ball game. The camp provides dinner which is either freshly caught fish or meat. The barbeques will be lit but it is up to you to cook your own food.
After a night of tranquillity it’s up early to go in the beach buggies to the mountain for sand boarding. Normally you will go at sunrise, which is an amazing experience to see, as the light is completely different from day time, giving the mountains an altered hue of colours.
Xtreme safari can arrange transfers to and from hotels and will organise the entrance to the park. If you are a resident and have your own transport you will have to pay the park fee entrance – which goes towards the up-keep of the protectorate.
Tags:Beach, Boat, Children, dinner, fish, fresh, life, Nabq, night, sea, water
Post Discussion