So, you thought Hurghada, Egypt, was a destination only fit for sun lovers or Ancient Egypt explorers? You thought wrong. Animal lovers can feel right at home among the diverse wildlife and tours available to see, do, and touch.
From wild animals to animal sanctuaries, Hurghada has it all. Egypt, in general, is not known for its care towards animals; however, this can be proven wrong by just taking a glance at the number of ‘doggy hotels’, veterinary clinics, and animal rescue volunteers on hand.
HEPCA
Let's start by explaining what HEPCA stands for and what it does: Hurghada Environmental Protection and Conservation Association. This organisation was founded in 1992 by diving professionals and environmental enthusiasts, and since then, it has expanded to care for more than just marine life.
Although the main focus is on marine wellbeing, ensuring coral reefs, seabeds, and wild marine animals are all maintained and cared for properly, HEPCA also ensures that there are a number of registered and certified diving instructors who specialise in this field to maximise the safety of the marine world.
They have implemented a no-anchor rule for all boat trips that take place and ensure the law is doing its utmost to protect the coral reefs and coastal areas.
The HEPCA team at a shoreline cleaning event (credit: HEPCA on X)
Not limited to just the sea world, HEPCA also partakes in ensuring waste management is handled correctly, wildlife on dry land preservation is focused on, and provides environmental education to anyone in the industry. HEPCA is a life-saving organisation for many creatures of both the land and sea.
Charities
HEPCA is not the only organisation caring for wild animals, though – there are many private organisations that have been set up to help street or wild animals in Hurghada. With a large population of street dogs and cats, it is paramount to try to keep the number under control. Bluemoon Animal Center does its best to ensure this is done.
An organisation owned by a lady called Monica, who goes above and beyond for all and any animals brought to her. They have their own vets, farm, and also a sanctuary for street dogs and cats, which you can visit, donate to, or adopt from. Bluemoon works alongside a variety of vets to ensure that the animals are not only fed, watered, and cared for but are also healthy and happy.
Bluemoon dog shelter (credit: tierheim-leisnig.info)
As well as Bluemoon, there are other individual volunteers who go around the city feeding any wild animals that may need it, and the street dogs and cats who are malnourished. Once they have gained the trust of the dog or cat, they then capture, neuter, and re-release to keep the population under control.
Okay, But What About the Wildlife?
Depending on your ideal way to explore and see the animals, there are a few different options available:
Boat Trips / Island Excursions
When travelling across the Red Sea, it is hard to miss some of the amazing marine life it has to offer. However, there are trips made with this specific target in mind:
- Dolphin-watching tours
- Sea turtle-watching tours
- Coral reef diving tours
- Snorkelling trips
If you prefer to stay on dry land but still want to see the beauty of the deep-sea world, you can visit Hurghada Aquarium, which hosts a variety of different marine life as well as some land animals such as monkeys, ostriches, and even Nile crocodiles.
Crocodiles at Hurghada Grand Aquarium
Or, how about a dolphin show where you can see the dolphins, seals, and sea lions perform and do tricks? You can even swim with them in the pool for an extra charge if you would like to do so.
Camel Rides Across the Desert
When booking desert excursions such as quad biking or desert safaris, you will usually find the added bonus of camel riding across the desert. Although, if it is camel riding specifically you wish to do, this can be arranged with a group where you ride across the sands in the morning light or setting sun.
Camel riding in Hurghada
Horse Riding
Maybe it’s horses you prefer. There are tours available where you can gallop across the plains or trot along the sea edge on the famous, beautiful Arabian horses. There are tour guides available who will ride with you if you are an inexperienced rider, or you can ride to your heart's content if you are experienced.
Riding the horses might not be your thing, but you would love the opportunity to visit the stables. Many of the stables in Hurghada accept visitors to come and pet the horses and other animals kept there. You can find donkeys, goats, cats, and usually chickens.
Horse riding in Hurghada – swimming with the horses
Abu Dabbab & Marsa Alam
On the outskirts of Hurghada is the area of Abu Dabbab and the city of Marsa Alam, where you can see the nearly extinct Dugong, otherwise known as the ‘sea cow’ (also known as Dennis, the resident dugong). A wonder in nature itself, this animal is sought after by divers and animal enthusiasts alike.
When arranged by the locals who know all and track these beautiful creatures, you can see a Dugong up close and personal.
Not only known for the Dugong, but also for the high population of sea turtles, beautiful coral reefs, and a variety of different rays. The coasts that wash these shores are popular amongst divers, snorkellers, and sailors.
Swimming with a Dugong in Abu Dabbab
The Takeaway
If it’s animals you love, you do not want to miss the vast opportunities that Hurghada has to offer. Even if you are just walking the streets, you can find camels, parrots, monkeys, and even a snake or two.
