Enjoy Simple Beauty at Basata Eco-Lodge
Egypt's Original Eco-Resort
Quote of the Week
“All you have to do is contemplate a simple grain of sand, and you will see in it all the marvels of creation.”
- Paulo Coelho
Dear Postcard Travellers,
Basata means simplicity in Arabic, and at Basata Eco-Lodge, simplicity brings peace and joy. Here you can bask in the simple beauty of the desert, nestled between rugged peaks and a serene slice of sand and sea.
When it comes to activities, simple pleasures abound. Join a camel safari through the desert dunes, wander through the charming local villages, learn how to bake bread with Bedouin women or hike to the peak of Mount Moses or Mount Sinai to witness a mesmerising sunset.
And if you crave an aquatic adventure, you can kayak the calm waters or snorkel the fish-rich reefs of the famed Red Sea.
No matter how you choose to spend your time, life is simply beautiful at Basata Eco-Lodge.
Enjoy!
Karen Hastings & Deeksha Sharma
Explore Basata Eco-Lodge
Welcome to Basata Eco-Lodge, where nature awaits you — from the desert dunes to the thriving coral reefs of the Red Sea.
Basata strives to cultivate a distinctive brand of tourism that harmoniously coexists with its surroundings, minimising its ecological footprint while fostering positive engagement with the local community.
Sleep soundly in a bamboo hut or a traditional mud-brick chalet, or if you’re on a budget, you can pitch a tent mere steps from the sea.
If you seek desert, mountain and ocean adventures, Basata Eco-Lodge is your South Sinai sanctuary.
Unique Activities
Snorkel the Red Sea
Dive into an underwater wonderland on a snorkelling adventure from Basta Eco-lodge. You can explore on your own, or book a guided tour to find the best spots. Snorkelling gear is available for rent from the lodge.
Glide over the Red Sea’s kaleidoscopic coral reefs, home to a dazzling diversity of sea life and clouds of colourful fish. Look for clownfish, sea turtles and eels peeking out from holes in the rocks. Let the azure waters of the gulf embrace you, offering a serene escape into another world.
If you prefer to stay dry, Basata Eco Lodge also offers kayaks for rent.
Join a Camel Safari
A camel safari is the perfect way to explore the rugged beauty of South Sinai. Swaying gently atop these "ships of the desert" gives you a unique perspective of the timeless desert sands.
Your Bedouin guide will share the secrets of the desert as you sit back, relax and let the rhythmic plodding of the camel’s footsteps carry you through the striking landscape. Feel the warm breeze caress your skin as you traverse ancient trails, encountering hidden oases and Bedouin settlements along the way.
Sunset is when the magic happens. As the sun sinks, the skies ignite in hues of gold and crimson, casting a glow over the endless rippling dunes.
Hike into History
Basata Eco-Lodge can organize a visit to the mystical Saint Catherine's Monastery, where ancient wonders await. Transportation arrangements are seamless for your two-hour drive to this historic site.
For adventurous travellers, guided hikes up Mount Sinai or Mount Moses offer breathtaking views and spiritual serenity. As dusk descends and paints the sky with fiery hues, soak up the tranquility against the backdrop of ancient history.
Lodging
Wake Up to Red Sea Views
Basata offers three distinct types of accommodations, each promising to connect you with the serene beauty of your surroundings.
If you're travelling on a budget, you can opt to camp and set up your tent right on the sand. For a one-of-a-kind experience with incredible sea views, choose the uniquely designed bamboo hut, ensuring a stay that blends comfort with an indoor/outdoor feel.
You can also stay in the comfort of a chalet, a distinctively designed traditional mud-brick bungalow.
Whatever your preference, Basata provides accommodations that immerse you in the elemental beauty of South Sinai.
Dining
Enjoy Fresh Dishes with an Egyptian Twist
At Basata Eco Lodge, healthy, organic foods take centre stage. Communal dining encourages guests to meet and mingle, and the vibrant flavours reflect the region’s rich culture. From fresh fruits and hearty staples of rice and lentils to the tantalizing aromas of freshly baked bread, each bite is a celebration of local ingredients and time-honoured recipes.
Whether you're savouring a morning feast at the bakery or sharing a communal dinner under the stars, every meal at Basata inspires a sense of place. Enjoy the simplicity and authenticity of soul-warming Egyptian cuisine while you gaze out at the desert sands and the glittering gulf waters.
Meet the People
Sherif El-Ghamrawy, a highly regarded engineer with a thriving practice in Cairo, found himself disenchanted with the relentless pace, lack of trust and communication challenges in the bustling metropolis. Driven by a yearning for a more meaningful existence, he embarked on a journey, searching for a place he could truly call home.
After extensive travels, Sherif discovered a secluded beach nestled between two hills in a remote corner of South Sinai, and it captured his heart.
In 1986, inspired by a desire to preserve the pristine and undeveloped beauty of the area and promote the ideals of eco-tourism, Sherif founded Basata. Breaking away from the conventional norms, he envisioned and built this haven as an eco-lodge, a pioneering step in Egypt's hospitality industry.
During his time at Basata, Sherif crossed paths with Maria, his wife, who remains a steadfast supporter of his vision. Together with their two children, Sohaila and Fares, and a dedicated and amiable staff, they continue to breathe life into the ethos of Basata, making it not just a place to stay but a living testament to sustainable living and harmonious coexistence with nature.
Sustainability Story
Since its inception in 1986, prioritising environmental stewardship and community well-being has been the cornerstone of Basata. This commitment permeates their daily interactions with you, their employees, suppliers and the local community. Basata actively nurtures and safeguards the natural surroundings.
Key pillars of its commitment include a focus on sustainable building materials, unique architectural designs, robust solid waste management and the promotion of responsible tourism. Basata is deeply committed to safeguarding coral reefs, supporting local communities and celebrating daily eco-friendly initiatives.
They prioritise the use of local and organic products whenever feasible, reinforcing their dedication to supporting the community.
Beyond its immediate sphere, Basata advocates for ecotourism at a governmental level, contributing to the broader promotion of sustainable practices in Egypt.
Discover More Immersive Experiences at Basata Eco-Lodge
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