Tips:

• During the first 5km, there are a variety of stoney and exposed
• Much of the route involves walking in sand. Be prepared for this to take a little more energy than expected. The route is very challenging to navigate without either local guide or GPS unit. As there are many winding turns in the canyon branches, make sure your GPS is zoomed in enough and that you are paying attention.
• The first 5km follows old paths with periodic cairns (rujum) showing the way. Pay attention to these routes and note if you leave them. The second half across sandy areas is difficult to navigate with map only. Look for other shepherd tracks or droppings to find best walking paths near GPS tracks, much of it is open country.
• Best to hike with a local guide

Safety Info:

• Exposed edges – Near the beginning of the stage when climbing up into colored canyon, one spot is pretty exposed on an old sandstone path. The surface is stable now, could erode away at some point. It’s wise to stay near inside edge on the path along the top of this pass. When descending on white chalky path, there’s a dry waterfall with an exposed section following the old path. It is recommended to take the non-exposed route on the left up through the rocks, which rejoins soon with the other older path.
• Flash flood dangers – Be careful in all wadis along route. Most are only crossed, except for 1km of wadi Gseib at beginning, and wide Wadi Rakiya and Wadi Aheimar at the end.
• Loose footing – The path is either sandstone or sand, which can be slippery if loose or wet. Poles are helpful.
• Dehydration/heat exhaustion – This area can and is quite exposed. Hikers will pass shade trees once in a while, and need to make sure to rest in the shade. There is no water on the route, so plan accordingly.

Mobile Phone Coverage: None all day after the stage beginning at the Wadi Gseib campsite. Next coverage up on plateau near Abbasiyya the following day stage.