Holidays in Dahab from Astana (Egypt): tours

Holidays in Dahab from Astana — this is a flight to Sharm El Sheikh, a transfer of 90–100 km to the town and accommodation in Assalah Bay, Mashraba or the Lagoon. The diving season lasts all year round, the winds for kitesurfing — from spring to autumn. A trip of 7–10 days is enough for the reefs, a diving course and excursions. Prices are lower than in Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada.

How to choose a tour to Dahab from Astana?

A holiday here begins with understanding that this is not a resort in the usual sense, but a town for those who come for the sea and the wind. Tours here are put together for a specific purpose.

How tours are structured: flight, transfer and accommodation

Tours to Dahab are most often built around a flight to Sharm El Sheikh, because there are no direct flights to the town itself. Accommodation in Dahab differs by district. Assalah Bay — these are hotels and dive centres by the water. Mashraba — budget guesthouses, cafes and shops in the alleys. The Lagoon — a windy place where kitesurfers settle. The Egyptian receiving party meets you at the airport and takes the group to the place. A holiday here is not tied to one hotel: many hotels are small and family-run. When choosing a tour, it is worth checking whether the transfer and breakfast are included.

Trip budget: where to save and where not to

The budget for a holiday in Dahab consists of the flight, transfer, accommodation and meals. Prices here are noticeably lower than in Sharm El Sheikh or Hurghada. It makes sense to save on accommodation: a guesthouse in Mashraba will cost less than a hotel in Assalah. Meals at local eateries also save money. But what you should not save on is insurance and renting equipment from a trusted dive centre. A stingy choice of school costs more. Tours to Dahab are often taken with extra days so that part of the time goes to the sea and part to excursions. Egyptian cuisine at cheap places is filling, so you will not go hungry on a modest budget.

Visa, money and insurance for a trip to Egypt?

Preparing for a trip to Egypt concerns money and medical insurance, not just a suitcase. These matters are settled before departure so as not to waste time on the spot.

Arranging a visa on arrival for citizens of Kazakhstan

A trip to Dahab from Astana for citizens of Kazakhstan begins with arranging a visa on arrival. The passport must be valid for at least six months at the time of the trip. The fee is paid at the arrival airport. The full list of documents that the company requires from the tourist when booking a tour should be clarified in advance. Without a valid passport the trip will not take place, so check the expiry date in advance. The Egyptian side receives tourists at Sharm El Sheikh airport. Then the journey leads to Dahab.

Cash, ATMs and medical insurance

It is better to bring money for a holiday in Dahab in dollars or euros and exchange it for Egyptian pounds on the spot. There are ATMs in the city, but cards of Kazakh banks are not accepted everywhere. Cash is more reliable. Medical insurance for Egypt is not required by law, but it is worth arranging. Medicine in Dahab is paid, and the nearest large clinics are in Sharm El Sheikh. Keep small notes at hand: tips are customary everywhere here. The rate at city exchangers is usually better than at the airport. It is reasonable to keep part of the sum in dollars for excursions. Egyptian currency will be useful for cafes, taxis and small purchases.

Visa and entry rules change: check with the primary source — the portal of the electronic visa of the Arab Republic of Egypt, https://visa2egypt.gov.eg/eVisa/. The information on this page was checked on 19.09.2026.

Diving and kitesurfing: what people go to Dahab for

Dahab Egypt is famous for two things — underwater reefs and wind. It is for them that divers and kitesurfers from all over the world come here.

Reefs, sunken ships and certification on the spot

Diving is the main reason why tours to Dahab are chosen instead of other resorts in Egypt. Nearby are the reefs Blue Hole, Canyon and Lighthouse. In Ras Mohammed lies the sunken cargo ship Thistlegorm. Certification can be obtained right on the spot: schools work all year round. A beginner needs a few days for a basic course. For snorkelling a mask and snorkel are enough, but renting equipment at dive centres costs less than bringing your own. The Egyptian waters of the Red Sea are transparent almost all year. Underwater visibility here is excellent. Experienced divers come for deep dives and wrecks. Night dives are also popular. The Egyptian side monitors safety at popular spots.

The winds of the Lagoon and kitesurfing schools

Kitesurfing in the Lagoon and at the Splash zone is one of the most affordable in the world. The wind season lasts from spring to autumn. Schools work all year round. A beginner masters the basics in a few lessons. The Egyptian Lagoon is shallow and flat, which is convenient for starting. The Splash zone suits those who already ride confidently on the board. Instructors speak English, and there are often Russian speakers. Board and kite rental is well established. A holiday here is built around the wind schedule. Morning and evening are usually calmer. During the day the gusts are stronger. The Egyptian school issues equipment and insurance during lessons.

Excursions and Bedouin evenings in the surroundings

A holiday in Dahab is not limited to the sea: the surroundings offer mountains, monasteries and desert. Excursions take from one day to a night.

Saint Catherine's Monastery and Mount Moses

The Monastery of Saint Catherine stands at the foot of Mount Sinai. This is one of the main excursions from Dahab. Mount Moses involves a night ascent to meet the sunrise at the summit. The journey takes several hours. Tours to Dahab often include this trip in the program. The Egyptian desert around is harsh, so take water and warm clothing. At night in the mountains it is cold even in summer. Groups depart late in the evening and return by lunchtime. The monastery is not open every day; the schedule should be checked on site. For visiting, covered shoulders and knees are required. Egyptian tradition requires modest clothing in holy places. The excursion is also suitable for those who do not dive.

Ras Abu Galum, Cairo and overnight stays in the desert

Ras Abu Galum is a reserve with coral reefs south of Dahab. People go there for snorkeling and silence. Trips to Cairo to the pyramids take a whole day or longer. Bedouin villages in the surroundings offer dinners with shows and overnight stays in the desert. This is a separate format of holiday, not connected with the sea. Egyptian cuisine at such evenings is simple and filling. An overnight stay under the stars is remembered for a long time. The Egyptian desert at night is quiet and cool. The road to the villages takes about half an hour. Excursions are booked through the hotel or local agencies. The Egyptian side organizes transfer and accompaniment.

Food, clothing and movement around the city

Life in Dahab is simple and inexpensive. Egyptian everyday life here is felt more strongly than at large resorts.

Egyptian cuisine, cafes and alcohol

Egyptian cuisine in Dahab is represented in local eateries. Koshari, falafel, shawarma and grilled seafood are the basis of the menu. In tourist districts there are many European and vegetarian cafes. Portions are usually large, prices moderate. Alcohol is sold in licensed restaurants and hotels, in shops — to a limited extent. Importing alcohol into Egypt is allowed within the customs norm. Egyptian food is spicy; if you ask for the sauce separately, it is milder. Water should be drunk only bottled. Fresh mango and guava juices are sold on every corner. Egyptian cuisine is suitable for vegetarians: legumes and vegetables are held in esteem here.

Transport, communications and tips

Local transport in Dahab is taxis and minibuses. Bargaining about it is appropriate almost always. Renting a bicycle or ATV is a popular way of getting around the city and along the coast. Egyptian communications are available: a local SIM card with internet is sold at the airport and in the city. Coverage in Dahab is stable, in the desert and mountains — with interruptions. Tips in Egypt are accepted everywhere: for services, help with luggage, cleaning. Small bills should be kept at hand. The Egyptian habit of bargaining also extends to trips. In the evening it is better to order a taxi in advance. The Egyptian side usually helps guests with the route.

Packing a suitcase for Dahab

The list of things for a holiday in Dahab depends on the season and plans. Light clothing is needed all year round. For women, when visiting the monastery and Muslim districts, covered shoulders and knees are required. In the evening in winter, a windbreaker will come in handy. A swimsuit, sunscreen and headwear are mandatory. For snorkeling, a mask and snorkel are enough, but renting at a dive center is cheaper than bringing your own. The Egyptian heat requires a supply of water. A first aid kit with basic remedies should be assembled at home. Cash in small bills will come in handy from the first day.

How many days are enough for the trip

For a first acquaintance with Dahab, a week is enough. During this time, they manage to complete a basic diving course or several kitesurfing lessons. Two weeks allow adding excursions and Bedouin evenings. An Egyptian trip of ten days is considered comfortable. A holiday here does not require a tight schedule. Many extend their stay already on site. The Egyptian receiving side helps with changing dates. For a short trip, five days are enough if the goal is only the sea and reefs.

Briefly

• A holiday in Dahab from Astana is built around a flight to Sharm El Sheikh and a transfer of about 90–100 km.
• Tours to Dahab are cheaper than to other resorts of Egypt, especially in terms of accommodation and food.
• Citizens of Kazakhstan arrange a visa on arrival; the passport must be valid for at least six months.
• Medical insurance should be arranged in advance: medicine in the city is paid.
• Cash in dollars or euros is more reliable than cards of Kazakhstani banks.