Discover our chaotic journey from Dahab to Nuweiba, navigating delays, missed ferries, and finding a last-minute stay.
Table of Contents
- Main Journey
- Events
- Tips for Traveling with a Baby
- Local Travel Tips
- Travel Reflections
Main Journey
Unexpected Detours: Cairo to Dahab
Our journey from Cairo to Dahab was supposed to be a straightforward 7-hour bus ride. But, of course, nothing is ever that simple. The bus didn’t take the direct route we expected. Instead, it made a detour through Sharm El Sheikh, adding over an hour to the trip.
We had booked what we thought was a direct bus from Cairo to Dahab, but instead, we found ourselves stopping at Sharm El Sheikh first. Our baby, Sweetie, who once struggled with “back sensors” as a newborn—always needing her back supported to sleep—had now evolved to needing a comfortable surface even more. But here we were, managing with our legs as her makeshift bed, and somehow, she slept well through the chaos.
Delayed Again: Arrival at Dahab
The bus eventually reached Dahab, but not without another delay. We were stopped for security checks just minutes before reaching the bus terminal. The process was slow, with bags unloaded and IDs checked. Some passengers were even prevented from continuing their journey.
After over 10 hours—three more than expected—we finally arrived in Dahab at 9:30 a.m., not the 6:00 a.m. we had planned. But the journey wasn’t over yet. Our next destination was Nuweiba, where we needed to catch the ferry to Jordan.
Waiting for the Nuweiba Bus
We quickly learned that the next bus to Nuweiba was at 10:30 a.m. But when we bought our tickets, they showed an 11:00 a.m. departure time. Patience is a traveler’s best friend, especially with a baby. We settled in to wait.
Sweetie, well-rested after a night on the bus, was bursting with energy. She began playing, jumping, and even made a new friend—a woman waiting at the next table. When the woman offered her a potato chip, Sweetie accepted without hesitation. We tried to tell her not to take snacks from strangers, but Sweetie was too fascinated, probably more by the chips than the woman.
Finally on the Road: Dahab to Nuweiba
At 11:10 a.m., our bus finally arrived. This bus was traveling from Sharm El Sheikh, passing through Dahab, then heading to Nuweiba and further to Taba. We got on, and within minutes, the exhaustion hit. Julie, Sweetie, and I all fell asleep almost instantly.
The journey from Dahab to Nuweiba should have taken just an hour and a half. But constant security checks stretched it to over three hours. We arrived in Nuweiba at 2:20 p.m., much later than planned.
Events
The Shock: No Ferry Today
We got off the bus in Nuweiba, but it didn’t drop us at a terminal. It was an open square with no clear signs. Following the crowd, we found the ferry ticket office, but the news was shocking: “No ferry today.”
One of the couples in line translated for us. Apparently, the ferry had already left. We rushed to the port to double-check, but it was confirmed—no more ferries until tomorrow morning.
Scrambling for Accommodation
With no ferry, our only option was to find a place to stay. We joined a few other stranded travelers looking for accommodation. Thankfully, a man who spoke some English helped us negotiate a room for 150 Egyptian pounds in a small, unnamed guesthouse near the port.
Finding Food in Nuweiba
By this time, it was already 3:00 p.m., and we hadn’t eaten anything all day. Leaving our bags in the room, we wandered the quiet, dusty streets of Nuweiba. We stumbled upon a small local restaurant selling grilled meat—kofta. We ordered two plates, which came with grilled beef, lamb, fresh salad, and bread. It was delicious and exactly what we needed after such a long day.
On the way back, we picked up some grilled chicken for dinner, just in case we couldn’t find anything else later.
Settling In for the Night
Nuweiba was quieter than we expected, almost eerily so. A small port town with barely any activity, old buildings, and silent streets. Despite recent security warnings from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs due to ISIS threats in the Sinai Peninsula, everything seemed calm.
We spent the evening in our simple room, playing with Sweetie and waiting for tomorrow. Our only goal now was to make it to Jordan.
Tips for Traveling with a Baby
- Always Have Snacks: Sweetie got too excited when a stranger offered her chips. Keeping familiar snacks handy can prevent kids from taking food from strangers.
- Pack for Delays: Our bus rides and ferry plans were delayed multiple times. Always have extra diapers, wipes, and a change of clothes for your baby.
- Be Ready for Unexpected Stops: Security checks in Egypt are frequent, especially in the Sinai Peninsula. Make sure you and your baby are prepared for these interruptions.
Local Travel Tips
- Dahab to Nuweiba Bus Timing: Confirm the exact departure time when you buy your ticket. Ours changed last minute.
- Ferry Schedules Can Change: Even if you read online that ferries leave late, be prepared for them to leave on time or even earlier.
- Nuweiba Accommodation: Bargain for a fair price, especially if you arrive with other travelers. Working together can help.
Travel Reflections
- Patience is everything. Traveling with a baby means constant unexpected events. Long bus rides, delayed ferries, and unplanned overnight stays are almost guaranteed. Accepting it as part of the adventure is the only way to stay sane.
- Sweetie’s excitement with the potato chips was a reminder that children are endlessly curious, and it’s our job to gently teach them boundaries, even on the road.
- Nuweiba’s quiet, empty streets felt almost surreal, especially knowing the region’s recent history of security concerns. But seeing its calm side was a reminder that the world is full of unexpected contrasts.
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