A Journey Through the Sinai Mountains: Rediscovering Ancient Wisdom

A morning coffee from Abbas Pasha watching the sunrise over Mount Sinai

This past month, I had the privilege of returning to one of my favourite corners of the world: the stunning Sinai Peninsula. It’s a place of rugged beauty, where towering mountains meet expansive deserts, where time seems to slow down and the spirit of the land whispers ancient stories in the wind. My guide and dear friend Taher, a local Bedouin, was there to accompany me once again as we explored the remote mountain paths of this mystical landscape.

This trip felt special. It wasn’t just the beauty of the mountains or the quiet moments of reflection under the desert sky—it was about reconnecting with someone who holds the key to centuries-old knowledge: Dr. Ahmad, the reclusive herbalist.

The Ancient Mountains of Sinai

There’s something timeless about the Sinai mountains. As we began our trek, with the sharp peaks of granite and sandstone towering above us, I was reminded of just how ancient and sacred this region is. The silence here is different—profound & deeply humbling. There are no highways, no bustling cities—only endless stretches of natural wonder.

Taher, with his deep connection to the land and its history, knows these mountains like the back of his hand. Walking with him through the narrow trails & wadi's, listening to his stories of Bedouin life and their ancient traditions, I felt a sense of peace and grounding. The Bedouins have lived in harmony with these harsh yet beautiful lands for generations, their ways guided by respect for nature and simplicity.

But our journey wasn’t just about the natural beauty; we were on our way to visit someone truly special—a man who, to me, is nothing short of a hero.

Meeting Dr. Ahmad, the Mountain Herbalist

Dr Ahmed - The herbalist of St Katherine

This was my second time visiting Dr. Ahmad, and the anticipation to see him again had been building for weeks. Dr. Ahmad is no ordinary man. He’s a hermit, living in the mountains, far removed from modern society. For decades, he has dedicated his life to the study and practice of traditional herbal medicine, passed down through generations. His knowledge of the plants that grow in the Sinai desert is unparalleled.

As we approached his modest stone dwelling nestled in a remote valley, I could feel a deep sense of respect growing within me. In a world that’s increasingly driven by technology and fast-paced living, people like Dr. Ahmad are becoming rare. He’s a guardian of ancient wisdom, someone who has chosen a life of solitude to preserve traditions that are at risk of fading away.

When we arrived, Dr. Ahmad welcomed us with a warm smile and a Carob tea. He’s an elderly man, his face weathered by the sun and wind, yet there’s a quiet strength in his eyes that speaks of resilience. We sat together, sharing tea brewed from wild herbs he had collected that morning. Taher translated as Dr. Ahmad spoke of the healing properties of these plants, each one with its own story, its own purpose.

I remembered my first visit to Dr. Ahmad years ago, how struck I was by his simplicity and depth of knowledge. That feeling hadn’t diminished. In fact, it had only grown stronger. People like him—who live by choice in harmony with nature, preserving the ancient ways—are few and far between in today’s world. He is, in every sense, a hero.

Wisdom in Simplicity

There’s something humbling about sitting with someone who has chosen a life so drastically different from the one many of us lead. Dr. Ahmad’s life may seem simple, but it is rich with purpose. His knowledge of the medicinal properties of local plants isn’t just academic—it’s deeply practical. He doesn’t just study herbs; he lives among them, understands them, and shares their wisdom with those who seek it.

As he spoke of cures for ailments, some common and others more obscure, I realized that Dr. Ahmad’s way of life represents something that modern society could greatly benefit from: slowing down, reconnecting with the earth, and finding healing in nature. His work isn’t just about treating illnesses but about reminding us of the bond we all share with the natural world.

Taher tending to the fire

Saying Goodbye

Leaving Dr. Ahmad’s humble home was bittersweet. I knew it might be some time before I’d return, but I carried with me a sense of gratitude—for his wisdom, his generosity, and his dedication to a way of life that the world so desperately needs to remember. As we made our way back through the mountain passes, Taher and I walked in comfortable silence, both of us reflecting on the wisdom we had just witnessed.

Heroes in Unexpected Places

This trip reminded me that heroes aren’t always found in bustling cities or amid the trappings of modern life. Sometimes, they are quiet, humble people living in remote corners of the world, preserving knowledge and traditions that could so easily be lost. Dr. Ahmad is one of those rare individuals, and I feel incredibly fortunate to have met him—not once, but twice. His presence, his wisdom, and his simple way of life are a testament to the power of nature, tradition, and the human spirit.

As I reflect on this journey, I realize that it wasn’t just a hike through beautiful mountains or a visit with an old friend. It was a reminder to slow down, to listen, and to learn from the world around us—lessons that Dr. Ahmad and Taher embody so beautifully.

I hope to return again someday, to walk these same paths, and to once again sit with Dr. Ahmad under the desert sun, sharing tea and ancient wisdom. Until then, his lessons stay with me, as a reminder of the beauty of simplicity and the strength of ancient traditions.