Gabal Elba National Park, National park in Red Sea Governorate, Egypt
Gabal Elba is a national park in the Red Sea Governorate that combines coastal coral reefs, mangrove forests along the shore, and vast desert plains in its interior. Mountain ranges with peaks rising above 1,400 meters dominate the landscape and create diverse habitats throughout the reserve.
The mountain formations emerged roughly 550 million years ago when magma forced its way through the Earth's crust and shaped the geological structures visible today. This ancient geological activity created the framework that defines the landscape now.
The name Gabal Elba comes from Arabic and means Box Mountain, a name that reflects how local people describe the distinctive shape of the peaks. Visitors still hear this name used by guides and locals throughout the region.
Entry to the park requires special permits and visitors should be prepared for additional restrictions due to the location near the Sudan border. Planning ahead and checking current access rules before arrival is wise.
The mountain summit functions as a mist oasis and supports roughly 450 plant species, making up a quarter of all documented plant species in Egypt. This remarkable plant concentration arises from the moist conditions that develop around the peak.
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