The NABQ Protected area lies between Sharm El Sheikh and Dahab on the coastline of the Gulf of Aqaba. The area covers around 600 kilometers of sand dune, wadis (dry river beds or valleys) alluvial plains and reportedly the worlds most northerly mangroves. The park also contains Gazelles, Hyrax, Nubian Ibex, Desert Fox and many reptiles. The protected area also boasts some 134 plant species of which 6 are endemic. Although it is a protected area local Bedouins still live and fish within the park boundaries.

There are two main villages in which they live called El Gharqana and Khereiza, the former of these contains the LOVEBUS.  

From a birding point of view the Nabq area gives us large dune and desert expanses to see  lark, such as the desert and bar tailed desert as well as hoopoe lark and wheatears are common. Small tidal flats among the mangroves show numerous waders, Kentish plover are always about as are greater/lesser (still can't tell the difference) sandplover. Dark and light phase western reef heron, pied kingfishers and sooty and white eyed gulls are all resident. Also within the park good views of osprey are guaranteed. At low tide in the winter black kites scavenge along the shore.

 For access to this area you will need to travel to the north end of the Nabq Hotel area. It is only really practical to get there by rental car due to the distance and time involved but for short trips a taxi could be an option.The main road in the park is not bad but to venture further a 4 wheel drive vehicle is necessary.

At the moment the army is clearing the last land mines from the park entrance and the occasional detonation certainly adds spice to the trip. Unfortunately this is to allow the construction of yet another hotel complex, further squeezing Egypt's protected areas.