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Jebel Marra Crater

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Lake

Weather…

The Jebel Marra Crater, also known as the Deriba Crater, is the center-piece of the Jebel Marra volcanic complex in the Darfur region of western Sudan. At an elevation of approximately 3,042 meters, it is one of the highest points in the country and a prominent example of an extinct volcano with a massive caldera. The crater was formed about 3,500 years ago during a massive eruption and now houses two permanent crater lakes, which fascinate with their differing salt concentrations and colors. Due to the significant altitude, the crater region enjoys a temperate microclimate with regular rainfall, allowing for lush vegetation and agriculture in an otherwise arid zone. The fertile volcanic soils have been used for centuries for growing grains and fruits. The geological structure of the caldera spans a diameter of about five kilometers and is an important destination for geoscientific research on East African volcanism. Despite political instability in the region, Jebel Marra remains a symbol of Sudan's natural diversity. The preservation of this unique ecosystem is of central importance for the regional water supply and nature conservation in the Sahel.

Location: Sudan
Top sights: Deriba (caldera) · Marrah Mountains

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

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Getting there

Jebel Marra Crater is usually approached from the city of Nyala using 4WD vehicles, followed by a multi-hour ascent on foot or by donkey into the volcanic caldera.

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Best season

The well-suited travel time is between November and March, when temperatures in the highlands are pleasantly mild and visibility over the crater lakes usually remains clear.

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Terrain & paths

The terrain within the crater is volcanic in nature, featuring steep ash slopes and rocky paths that lead around the alkaline Deriba lakes.

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What to bring

Wear sturdy hiking boots and bring protective clothing against the wind; additionally, carrying water purification tablets or sufficient supplies for camping in the crater is advisable.

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Parking

Vehicles are typically left under watch in villages at the foot of the massif, such as Suni, before the actual ascent begins.

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Safety

A local guide is mandatory for orientation and safety; travelers should also be aware of the high altitude and the associated physical strain.

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Time needed

At least two to three days should be planned for a trip to the crater and back to allow for the ascent and exploration of the caldera without time pressure.

Geography

Coordinates

12.95000, 24.27000

Facts

The Deriba Crater is situated at an elevation of over 3,000 meters.
The caldera measures approximately five kilometers in diameter.
The two lakes within the crater have different chemical compositions.
The volcano is considered dormant, with its last major eruption 3,500 years ago.
It serves as the most important water catchment area for the Darfur region.
The soil consists of extremely fertile volcanic ash deposits.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Jebel Marra<1 km · SExplore →

Jebel Marra Springs2 km · NEExplore →

Jebel Marra Highlands6 km · NWExplore →

Jebel Mimi63 km · SEExplore →

Wadi Azum87 km · SExplore →

Zalingei89 km · SExplore →

Nyala114 km · NWExplore →

Wadi Azum Valley129 km · SWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Jebel Marra Crater (2)

Deriba (caldera)📍 landmark

Deriba is a volcanic caldera in Jebel Marra, containing a crater lake surrounded by steep walls.

Marrah Mountains📍 landmark

The Marrah Mountains are a volcanic range in western Sudan, featuring multiple peaks.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Is hiking allowed in the crater?

Yes, but only with a local guide.

What is the climate like?

Due to altitude, it is significantly cooler than the surrounding area.

Are there water sources?

There are crater lakes, but the water is not always drinkable.

Is the way there difficult?

Very, 4x4 vehicle and experience are necessary.

When is the best travel time?

The dry season between November and March.

Jebel Marra Crater: where is it located?

Jebel Marra Crater is located in Sudan.

Jebel Marra Crater: what is there to see?

Highlights include Deriba (caldera), Marrah Mountains.

Jebel Marra Crater: when is the best time to visit?

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

Jebel Marra Crater: why is it worth visiting?

The Jebel Marra Crater, also known as the Deriba Crater, is the center-piece of the Jebel Marra volcanic complex in the Darfur region of western Sudan.

View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →