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Basata is an eco-lodge that offers a simple and unique form of tourism that has a low impact on the surrounding environment and the native inhabitants, the Bedouins. Located on the Red Sea coast, between Nuweiba and Taba, Basata is the first ecolodge of its kind in Egypt, established by Sherif El-Ghamrawy in 1986. Its name means simplicity in Arabic, and its concept and design reflect that philosophy. Basata is a place to relax, enjoy nature, and experience the authentic culture and hospitality of the Sinai.
Unique or special aspects
Basata is not your typical resort. It is a place where you can reconnect with yourself, nature, and others. Basata offers different types of accommodation, from camping to bamboo huts to mud brick chalets, all with stunning views of the sea and the mountains. Basata also has a communal kitchen where you can cook your own meals or join other guests for a delicious buffet of local dishes. Basata is a place where you can enjoy various activities, such as snorkeling, hiking, yoga, meditation, or just chilling on the beach. Basata is also a place where you can learn about the environment and the culture of the Sinai, through workshops, lectures, and tours.
Setting
Basata is situated on a beautiful sandy beach, surrounded by coral reefs and mountains. The beach is part of the Ras Shaitan area, which is known for its natural beauty and tranquility. The beach is also home to many marine creatures, such as dolphins, turtles, and fish. The mountains behind Basata are part of the Sinai High Mountain Region, which is rich in biodiversity and history. The mountains are dotted with ancient monasteries, tombs, and rock inscriptions.
Style
Basata’s style is simple, natural, and eco-friendly. The lodge is built with local materials, such as bamboo, wood, stone, and mud. The lodge uses solar energy for lighting and water heating, and composts organic waste. The lodge also recycles plastic bottles and cans, and encourages guests to do the same. The lodge’s decor is minimalistic and rustic, with colorful cushions, carpets, and lanterns adding some warmth and charm. The lodge’s atmosphere is cozy and communal, with guests sharing spaces and stories.
Sustainability
Basata is committed to sustainability in every aspect of its operation. The lodge follows the principles of ecotourism, which aim to conserve the natural and cultural resources of the destination, while providing economic benefits to the local community. Basata also follows the Green Key standards, which are an international eco-label for tourism facilities that promote environmental awareness and best practices. Basata has implemented several measures to reduce its environmental impact, such as:
Using solar panels for electricity and water heating
Using natural ventilation and insulation for cooling
Using low-flow faucets and showers to save water
Using biodegradable soap and shampoo to avoid pollution
Using organic cotton sheets and towels to reduce chemical use
Composting organic waste to produce fertilizer
Recycling plastic bottles and cans to reduce waste
Planting trees and flowers to enhance biodiversity
Protecting coral reefs from damage by providing snorkeling guidelines
Educating guests about environmental issues and solutions
Basata is not only an eco-lodge but also a social enterprise that aims to empower the local community and improve their quality of life. Basata employs mostly Bedouins from nearby villages, who receive fair wages and training opportunities. Basata also supports several social projects in the area, such as:
Building schools and libraries for children
Providing scholarships and vocational training for youth
Supporting women’s groups and handicraft cooperatives
Organizing health campaigns and clinics for villagers
Sponsoring cultural events and festivals for locals and tourists
Collaborating with NGOs and government agencies on development initiatives
Basata also promotes cultural exchange between guests and locals by offering various activities that showcase the Bedouin culture and heritage, such as:
Hosting traditional music nights and storytelling sessions
Offering camel rides and desert safaris
Arranging visits to Bedouin homes and camps
Teaching Arabic language and cooking classes
Rooms
Basata offers three types of accommodation: camping, bamboo huts, and chalets. All rooms have sea views and access to shared bathrooms and showers.
Camping: You can bring your own tent or rent one from Basata. You can choose your own spot on the beach or in the garden. Camping is the cheapest and most adventurous option, ideal for backpackers and nature lovers.
Bamboo huts: These are small huts made of bamboo and palm leaves, with a mattress, a mosquito net, and a fan. They are located on the beach or on a hill overlooking the sea. Bamboo huts are cozy and comfortable, perfect for couples and solo travelers.
Chalets: These are spacious bungalows made of mud bricks, with a double bed, a sofa bed, a fan, and a private bathroom. They are situated on the beach or on a hill overlooking the sea. Chalets are luxurious and elegant, suitable for families and groups.
Food and drink
Basata has a communal kitchen where you can cook your own meals or join other guests for a buffet of local dishes. The kitchen is open from 8 am to 10 pm, and provides utensils, stoves, fridges, and filtered water. You can also buy fresh bread, eggs, cheese, fruits, vegetables, and drinks from the kitchen. The buffet is served three times a day, and consists of salads, soups, rice, pasta, meat, fish, vegetables, and desserts. The food is delicious and healthy, prepared with organic ingredients from Basata’s own garden or from nearby farms. Basata also has a cafe where you can enjoy coffee, tea, juices, snacks, and shisha.
Things to do
Snorkelling: You can snorkel in the crystal clear water of the Red Sea and discover the amazing marine life of coral reefs and fish. You can rent snorkeling equipment from Basata or bring your own.
Hiking: You can hike in the mountains behind Basata and enjoy the scenic views of the desert and the sea. You can join guided hikes or go on your own.
Yoga: You can practice yoga in the yoga room or on the beach with an instructor or by yourself. You can also join yoga retreats that are organized regularly at Basata.
Meditation: You can meditate in the yoga room or on the beach with an instructor or by yourself. You can also join meditation retreats that are organized regularly at Basata.
Camel rides: You can ride a camel along the beach or in the desert with a guide or by yourself. You can also join camel safaris that take you to different places in the Sinai.
Desert safaris: You can go on a desert safari by jeep or by camel to visit various attractions in the Sinai, such as oases, canyons, monasteries, and Bedouin camps.
Cultural events: You can attend cultural events that are held at Basata or nearby venues, such as music nights, storytelling sessions, festivals, and celebrations.
Wider region
Basata is located in the Sinai Peninsula, which is a land of contrasts and wonders. The Sinai has a diverse landscape of mountains, deserts, oases, and coasts. The Sinai also has a rich history and culture of ancient civilizations, religions, and nomads. The Sinai offers many attractions and activities for visitors to explore and enjoy, such as:
Visiting St. Catherine’s Monastery, the oldest working monastery in the world
Climbing Mount Sinai, where Moses received the Ten Commandments
Exploring the Colored Canyon, a natural wonder of rock formations
Diving in the Blue Hole, one of the most famous dive sites in the world
Shopping in Dahab, a hippie town with cafes, markets, and art galleries
Relaxing in Ras Abu Galum, a protected area with pristine beaches and coral reefs
Getting there
Basata is located on the Red Sea coast, between Nuweiba and Taba, about 180 km from Sharm El Sheikh airport and 70 km from Taba airport. You can get to Basata by:
Bus: You can take a bus from Sharm El Sheikh or Taba to Nuweiba, and then take a taxi to Basata. The bus ride takes about 3 hours from Sharm El Sheikh and 1 hour from Taba. The bus fare is about 50 EGP per person. The taxi ride takes about 20 minutes from Nuweiba and costs about 50 EGP per car.
Car: You can rent a car from Sharm El Sheikh or Taba and drive to Basata. The drive takes about 2 hours from Sharm El Sheikh and 45 minutes from Taba. The road is paved and well signposted. You can park your car at Basata for free.
Transfer: You can book a transfer from Sharm El Sheikh or Taba airport to Basata through Basata’s website or by phone. The transfer costs about 600 EGP per car for up to 4 people.
- Actively reduces consumption
- Certification
- Reforestation or restoration
- Recycling
- Solar powered or renewable energy
- Employs local people
- Education
- Empowerment
- Culture
- Lake
- Beach or coast
- Restaurant
- Bar
- Up to 2
- Up to 4
- Family
- Campsite
- Cabin
- Hiking
- Watersports
- Diving
- Cultural visit
- Yoga
- Meditation
