Welcome to the companion blog to my book Wandering through Wadis: A nature-lover’s guide to the flora of South Sinai! Since the book’s initial publication in 2013, I have had many requests for additional print copies, as the first two runs were quite small. I planned on updating the book before organizing another printing job as I was excited to have over a dozen more plants to add. But thinking about the amount of time and effort involved in updating and printing a new book dampened my enthusiasm. Plus, exploring the desert plants in the wadis led me on a whole new journey of discovery – the desert animals! Poke around at the plants long enough, and you discover loads of little critters crawling around. So, with camera still in hand, my focus during my wanderings shifted to all the animals I came across – the reptiles, mammals, and birds, but mostly the arthropods. You know – spiders, beetles, butterflies, bugs, and all the other little “creepy crawlies”. With the help of Project Noah and other resources, I began identifying and learning about these animals. I even overcame my fear of spiders! (Mostly.)

There is a fascinating variety of wildlife living in our desert wadis, and, being passionate about all of nature, I decided to create this blog to share images and interesting information, not only about the flora of South Sinai, but the fauna as well. One day, I may just get around to printing an updated plant guide, but for now I am excited to share even more of the beauty and wonder of our desert habitat.

Join me as I wander through wadis and discover some amazing animals!

UPDATE: I eventually did update and write new editions! The fourth edition of Wandering through Wadis, published in April 2025, now includes over 180 plants. And I’m currently working on a guidebook specific to Dahab that will include both the flora and fauna found in the local wadis and gardens. Stay tuned!