Sanganeb

Sanganeb is the only true atoll in the Red Sea and a world-class paradise for divers. The reef rises steeply from depths of over 800 meters, hosting an incredible variety of corals and marine life. Since 2016, the Sanganeb Marine National Park, together with Dungonab Bay, has been a UNESCO World Heritage site, underscoring its immense ecological importance. The most prominent feature of Sanganeb is the 50-meter-high British-built lighthouse, constructed in the early 20th century. Visitors can climb the stairs to the top and are rewarded with a dramatic 360-degree view of the turquoise lagoon and the deep blue open sea. The inner lagoon provides shelter for dolphins, while the outer reef edges are frequent haunts for sharks, barracudas, and manta rays. Reaching the atoll takes about one to two hours by boat from Port Sudan. As there are no hotels on the atoll, most divers visit Sanganeb as part of liveaboard safaris or day trips. A small garrison of lighthouse keepers lives there, and they are often happy to share stories about life in such a remote location. The best time for spotting large pelagic fish is during late spring. Sanganeb is a place of absolute peace and untouched nature. There is no noise, no internet, and no artificial light. Those who travel here seek a connection with the ocean in its purest form. Diving the north and south plateaus of the reef is widely considered among the best experiences in the world for advanced scuba enthusiasts.

Nearby cities

Port Sudan

Port Sudan is the capital of the Region RS state in Sudan.

Suakin

Suakin is an important settlement in the Sudanese state of Region RS.

Tokar

Tokar is an important settlement in the Sudanese state of Region RS.

Sinkat

Sinkat is an important settlement in the Sudanese state of Region RS.

Shaab Rumi

A legendary coral reef famous for Jacques Cousteau's underwater experiments.

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Arous

A former holiday resort on the Red Sea, known for its diving spots and secret service history.

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Erkowit

A cool retreat in the Red Sea Hills, known as Sudan's only 'hill station'.

Haya

Haya is an important settlement in the Sudanese state of Region RS.

History & landmarks

Suakin Old Town Ruins

The fascinating remains of a once-thriving Red Sea port city, whose buildings were constructed from unique coral stone.

Nature

Wadi Howar

An ancient, dried-up river valley in the Sahara.

Jebel Marra Crater

A volcanic crater lake in the Jebel Marra massif.

Wadi Azum

An important wadi (river valley) in Darfur.

More places

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Port Sudan Green Port

The Green Port is a specialized dry bulk terminal in Port Sudan that handles large volumes of grain, sugar, and other agricultural commod…

Port Sudan Oil Refinery

The refinery at Port Sudan processes crude oil near the main export hub, providing essential fuel products for the Red Sea region.

Al-Khair Petroleum Terminal

Al-Khair Terminal is a specialized facility in Port Sudan designed for the handling of petroleum products and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).

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Port Sudan South Port

The South Port in Port Sudan is the country's primary container terminal, equipped with modern cranes and infrastructure for internationa…

Red Sea

The coastline of the Red Sea in eastern Sudan.

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Bashayer Marine Terminal

The Bashayer Marine Terminal is the main export port for crude oil in Sudan, located south of Port Sudan on the Red Sea coast.

Sanganeb Atoll

A protected marine ecosystem in the Red Sea.

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Prince Osman Digna Port

Located in Suakin, the Prince Osman Digna Port serves as a major gateway for passenger traffic and general cargo, complementing Port Sudan.