Discover the mysterious abandoned village of Umm El Howeitat near Safaga. Explore the history of this former phosphate-mining settlement, find out where Ghost City is located and learn how to visit from Hurghada or Safaga. Compare desert safari options, discover the best time to go and plan an unforgettable journey beyond Egypt's famous beaches.
Ghost City Safaga, also known as Umm El Howeitat, is an abandoned phosphate-mining settlement hidden among the mountains of Egypt’s Eastern Desert, approximately 26 km inland from Safaga. Once home to miners and their families, this former industrial village is now known for its deserted buildings, dramatic desert scenery and fascinating history. Travelers staying in Hurghada or Safaga can discover the site on a desert excursion and explore a side of Egypt far removed from its famous pyramids, temples and Red Sea beaches.
Ghost City Safaga is the popular tourist name for Umm El Howeitat, a former mining community in Egypt's Eastern Desert.
Unlike an ancient Egyptian archaeological site, this abandoned village belongs to the country's more recent industrial history.
The settlement developed around phosphate mining, an industry that played an important role in the Red Sea region. Workers and their families lived in the village, creating a community with residential buildings and basic services.
Today, its deserted streets, weathered walls and remains of mining infrastructure create an unusual atmosphere.
Visitors come to discover the history of the settlement, photograph the abandoned buildings and enjoy the surrounding desert landscape.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Officially known as | Umm El Howeitat |
| Also called | Ghost City Safaga, Ghost City Hurghada |
| Location | Eastern Desert, inland from Safaga |
| Approximate distance from Safaga | 26 km inland |
| Former purpose | Phosphate-mining settlement |
| Main attraction | Abandoned village and desert scenery |
| Visiting options | Organized desert excursions from Safaga or Hurghada |
Ghost City Safaga is located in Egypt's Eastern Desert, inland from the Red Sea coastal town of Safaga and south of Hurghada.
The settlement lies among rugged desert mountains, away from the modern resorts and beaches along the Red Sea coast.
Although the attraction is often advertised as Ghost City Hurghada, the abandoned village is not located inside Hurghada. It is near Safaga, and tours from Hurghada require additional road travel.
The approximate 26 km distance refers to the inland location from Safaga, not the total driving distance from a hotel in Hurghada.
The actual destination is near Safaga. The name Ghost City Hurghada is commonly used because many visitors book excursions from Hurghada hotels.
Both names usually refer to the same abandoned settlement, Umm El Howeitat.
The history of Ghost City Safaga is closely connected to phosphate mining in Egypt's Eastern Desert.
The Red Sea region became an important area for mineral extraction, and settlements developed to accommodate the workers needed to operate the mines.
Umm El Howeitat was one of these communities.
Phosphate is an important mineral resource used in industries including fertilizer production.
Mining operations in the Eastern Desert required workers, transportation networks and facilities to support daily life in remote locations.
The settlement at Umm El Howeitat developed in connection with these activities.
For many residents, the village was not simply a workplace. It was home.
The surviving structures and local historical accounts suggest that the settlement included housing and community facilities for mining workers and their families.
Visitors may encounter the remains of residential buildings and infrastructure associated with the former village.
These structures provide a glimpse into the challenges of living in an isolated desert community, where employment and daily life depended heavily on the mining industry.
The decline of Umm El Howeitat was associated with changes in phosphate-mining activity and the eventual departure of the community.
Umm El Howeitat developed as a community connected to phosphate mining in Egypt's Eastern Desert, supporting workers and their families.
As the settlement lost its economic purpose, residents moved away and the buildings were left behind.
Today, the remaining buildings and deserted streets offer visitors a glimpse into Egypt's more recent industrial history.
Tourism websites often give different dates for the village's establishment and abandonment. Some identify 1988 as the year it was deserted, while other accounts describe a more gradual decline.
Without reliable archival records establishing a precise timeline, it is more accurate to describe the abandonment as a process linked to the decline of local mining operations.
Today, the remains of the settlement offer a reminder of how industrial communities can change when the economic activities supporting them disappear.
Although Umm El Howeitat is no longer inhabited as a conventional village, several features make it an interesting destination for travelers.
The most recognizable features of Ghost City Safaga are its weathered residential buildings and deserted streets.
The remains of the village create a striking contrast with the surrounding rocky mountains.
Rather than a restored tourist attraction, visitors encounter a landscape shaped by abandonment, erosion and time.
The former mining community was connected to phosphate extraction and transportation.
Historical accounts and visitor descriptions mention remnants of industrial infrastructure associated with these activities.
The exact structures accessible to visitors depend on their condition and any local restrictions.
One of the most memorable aspects of Ghost City Safaga is its setting.
The abandoned settlement lies among the mountains of Egypt's Eastern Desert, providing opportunities to appreciate the surrounding landscape.
Elevated viewpoints, where safely accessible, can offer particularly interesting views of the village and nearby valleys.
Ghost City attracts photographers interested in abandoned architecture, unusual landscapes and the visual contrast between human structures and the desert.
Weathered walls, empty streets and mountain backdrops provide a distinctive setting for travel photography.
Yes, Ghost City Safaga is worth visiting if you enjoy unusual historical places, abandoned architecture, photography and desert landscapes.
Unlike the pyramids of Giza or the temples of Luxor, Umm El Howeitat tells a story about Egypt's more recent industrial development.
Its appeal lies in the combination of history, atmosphere and dramatic natural surroundings.
Why visit Ghost City Safaga? It offers an opportunity to explore a former phosphate-mining settlement in Egypt's Eastern Desert, discover abandoned buildings and experience a different side of the Red Sea region.
Travelers interested in Egypt's industrial and social history.
Visitors looking for atmospheric abandoned buildings and desert landscapes.
People who enjoy exploring destinations beyond established resort attractions.
Travelers seeking an alternative to familiar beaches, boat trips and temple excursions.
Travelers expecting a restored museum, extensive visitor facilities or a conventional entertainment-focused safari may prefer another activity.
The terrain and deteriorating structures may also present difficulties for visitors with limited mobility.
The cost of visiting Ghost City Safaga depends on the departure location, group size, transportation and included activities.
A Jeep sightseeing excursion may have a different price from a package that includes quad biking.
Before booking, check whether the price includes hotel pickup, return transportation, guiding services and any additional activities.
Interested in exploring the abandoned mining village of Umm El Howeitat? Discover the excursion programme, check current prices and review booking conditions on the dedicated tour page.
View Ghost City Safaga TourFor the complete programme and current booking conditions, explore the Ghost City Safaga Tour from Hurghada.
Planning a visit to Umm El Howeitat? Find answers to the most common questions about Ghost City Safaga, its location, history, safety and desert excursions from Hurghada.
Ghost City Safaga is the popular name for Umm El Howeitat, an abandoned phosphate-mining settlement in Egypt's Eastern Desert near Safaga.
It is located inland from Safaga, south of Hurghada, in Egypt's Red Sea Governorate.
Yes. Both names commonly refer to Umm El Howeitat. The village itself is near Safaga rather than inside Hurghada.
The settlement declined in connection with changes in local phosphate-mining activity. Historical accounts differ on the exact timeline of abandonment.
The settlement is commonly described as approximately 26 km inland from Safaga. The actual driving distance depends on the chosen route.
Yes. Organized excursions from Hurghada can take visitors to the abandoned settlement near Safaga. Explore the Ghost City Safaga Tour from Hurghada for details.
Independent travel may be difficult because of desert navigation, road conditions and potential access restrictions. An experienced local operator is generally the more practical choice.
Desert conditions and deteriorating buildings present risks. Visitors should avoid unstable structures, former mine shafts and restricted areas, and follow local safety instructions.
Some sightseeing excursions may be suitable for families. However, the terrain, desert conditions and any quad biking restrictions should be considered before booking.
The total duration varies by departure location and itinerary. Tours from Hurghada require additional travel time compared with those departing from Safaga.
Not always. Some tours focus on Jeep sightseeing, while others include quad biking or offer it separately. Check the Ghost City Safaga Tour programme before booking.
Bring comfortable closed-toe shoes, drinking water, sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat. A light jacket may be useful during cooler months.
The site offers unusual photography opportunities. Visitors should respect local restrictions and avoid unsafe structures.
October through April generally provides more comfortable conditions for desert sightseeing, although the weather should always be checked before departure.
Step beyond Egypt's familiar beaches and discover the abandoned mining village of Umm El Howeitat.
Explore the remains of this unusual desert settlement, enjoy the dramatic mountain scenery and discover a lesser-known part of Egypt's history.
