I am going to give an
overview of one of most attractive areas in my country, Sudan, which is the Red
Sea Region. The area is simply unique as it contains numerous tourist
attractions including the diving spots, pristine seashore, hilly sites, the
exceptional traditional culture of the local Beja people and game reserves. The
Red Sea itself is a unique ecosystem full of biological diversity. Not far
inland, the Red Sea Hills stands offering fantastic landscapes and spectacular
views and also some populations of wildlife such as the Nubian ibex and the gazelles.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4CR00JUVokMlD_SOzgRKmUmyDxkG-L7AiCFxFuZgSyPHunmNIL0EolKjNinSMsuaBB5OafnI8biw_2A8pvuoHEC2d-4KUF7r0sd7zAtYxEHHBaTqnFEI0Js91TgsjvrN7OW3YRTVL4agz/s320/10398415_101166029067_51053_n.jpg) |
Port Sudan Marina ( Yachts harbor) |
The most suitable
time to visit the Red Sea coast is the period from November to April as the
weather becomes more moderate compared to the summer season ( June-September),
which is hot, However, up in the hills, such as in Arkaweet, the climate is
pleasant all year round. Below you will find a short overview of the most
popular tourist areas in the Red Sea which include the marine national parks
and diving spots.
Sanganed Atoll Marine National Park:
Located 30 km
northeast of Port Sudan, and was declared a marine national park in 1990. It
has been registered as an UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site in 2016. It
contains diverse ranges of coral reefs and the sea life includes sharks,
dolphins and other fish. It can be best accessed via Port Sudan by boats.
Dungonab Bay-Mukkwar Island Marine National Park:
It located 125 km
north of Port Sudan and extending along the coast for approximately 70 km. The
area was declared a marine national park in 2004 and registered as a UNESCO
World Natural Heritage Site in 2016. The park consists of unspoiled coastal and
marine environments which include extensive beaches, mangrove forests, coral
reef, diving spots and group of islands including the largest of Sudan’s
Island, Mukkwar- Jebel Mogarsm. The Park contains extensive and diverse
populations of fish, dugongs, sharks, manta ray, turtles and resident and
migratory seabirds.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcTaMIHo7MK_6RiQdYdTPcmVmpPwWvoCNnTLG5rS2LRbUeRasuO1VhMBs35YKQoAp4RiYREnu2s6YvWDQk62KGX9ZACriYq3VIK7JNyWBeGtJ4sUfzI0jLfyA2ax42_7dlYFgqiqVpQUrg/s320/5.jpg) |
Khor Shanaab Bay ( Dungonab Marine Park) |
Shaab Romi Reef:
It located offshore
to the north of Port Sudan. It was the location which was chosen by the famous
French Marine Scientist, Captain Jaques Cousteau in 1963, to construct his
experimental underwater village, Precontinent 11, and where he filmed two of
his famous international films; World Without Sun, and The Silent World. Divers
can inspect this underwater secret while swimming between the fish and sharks.
Umbria Wreck:
For those who are
interested in ship wrecks, the Italian vessel, Umbria, is waiting for them. The
story of Umbria is interesting. The Umbria was carrying commodities, military equipment and ammunition for the Italian army in Eretria and Somalia. When the
Italian Captain of Umbria heard that Italy had declared war in 1940, he decided
to sink the ship to deprive the British Navy in Sudan of taking the vessel and
its shipment. Located underwater near the Wingate reef close to Port Sudan,
Umbria now is an attractive tourist destination. The 153m long wreck now lies
on the sea bed with much of its precious cargo still on board and has become an
exciting dive location.
Arkaweet:
This is a plateau
rises 900 meter above sea level, which has become a popular summer resort. The
weather is pleasant throughout the year. It can be reached via the subway
heading east, south to Sinkat, from the national highway running between Port
Sudan and Khartoum. The distance from the highway road to Arkaweet is
approximately 30 kilometers. There are hotels in the village which can arrange tours
in the area. One of the famous sites in Arkaweet is Jebel Alsit, a peak from
which you can overlook the Red Sea.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimrBTWLtwe8Cvjipr2v_CAemxTcz9x-RYyaamr5dHS27SOguJvzTgrhemCYxeTo2D7Jb9MJns5wztjWhrxspuY8E_wbQOAUugECAIxljPOqMYFZcKW8ucqAVy4AjQey5zkPlxgz1Ev9OT1/s320/26012_383691629067_6130386_n.jpg) |
View from Agba area on the way to Sinkat Plateau in winter season |
Sawakin:
This is an
historical city on the Sudanese coast. The old buildings in Sawakin were
constructed out of coral in Turkish Islamic architecture. There is a small
private museum which provides information and artifacts about the local culture
and history of Sawakin in the Turkish era and afterwards.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRby2hjfpdh92cXdk_ZyXLOa3w0kuNqKyCkwzSiEFa5_8aPk3aM0bYSWf7hJYRCj25czk9G339FY6y74gqzPxcyXM1f2hwbZPW1zQVZ44ycfTXJJknyAtZfg5ZtaRSlLBefpJfs5TQ2F6z/s320/26012_383547654067_7311563_n.jpg) |
Sawakin historical gate |
Once again, I remind you
not to miss the chance to visit this area and enjoy everything there. You will definitely
not forget the great experience in the Red Sea. The nice memories will bring
you back again to the coral reefs, colored fish, nice shores and the hills.