Plizio Visual Lab

Jebel Marra Highlands

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Mountain

Weather…

The Jebel Marra Highlands are a vast volcanic massif in the Darfur region of western Sudan. It covers an area of approximately 12,800 square kilometers and reaches an elevation of 3.042 meters at the Deriba Crater, making it the second highest elevation in the country. The region is characterized by a temperate climate and fertile volcanic soils, which enable intensive agriculture of fruits, vegetables, and grains. The central feature is the Deriba Caldera, which formed after a massive eruption about 3,500 years ago and now houses two crater lakes. The highlands function as an important water reservoir for the surrounding dry plains, feeding numerous wadis that extend far into Chad and Sudan. Culturally, Jebel Marra is the historical heartland of the Fur people and was the center of the Sultanate of Darfur for centuries. The landscape diversity ranges from alpine meadows to tropical plantations in the lower valleys.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Feb, Mar, Nov.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	18	21	24	26	27	26	24	22	23	23	20	18
Rain mm	0	0	0	1	20	33	164	216	66	26	0	0

📋 Practical info

🧭

Getting there

The highland region of Jebel Marra is accessible via tracks from cities like Nyala or El Fasher, but requires a permit and often accompaniment by local experts of the area.

📅

Best season

The best time for hiking in the highlands is from October to February, when the climate is temperate and the fertile landscape is in full green after the rainy season.

⛰️

Terrain & paths

The topography includes steep terraces, deep canyons, and wide plateaus, with paths often being narrow and shaped by agricultural use.

🎒

What to bring

Hiking gear for changeable weather is important, as temperatures can drop significantly at night; sun protection and water filters are indispensable in the remote valleys.

🅿️

Parking

There are no designated parking areas; trekking tours usually start in mountain villages where vehicles can be safely left with local hosts.

⚠️

Safety

Due to the complex security situation in the Darfur area, an escort or a certified guide is often mandatory; inform yourself daily about the local situation.

⏱️

Time needed

A crossing or exploration of the highlands typically takes three to five days to reach the scenic diversity and the remote settlements.