Al-Bahr Al-Ahmar: Reefs, Islands and Coastal Habitats

Reefs, islands and coastal inlets give Al-Bahr Al-Ahmar several distinct natural features. At Sanganeb, coral reef communities take centre stage; in the Dungonab area, mangroves, tidal flats and coastal inlets shape the diversity of habitats. This gives you a chance to plan your trip with both the underwater world and coastal landscapes in mind.

Sanganeb Reef and Island

Sanganeb Reef comprises 13 distinct biophysiographic reef zones, each with characteristic coral reef communities. It is home to more than 300 fish species, including numerous endemic and rare species. The number of species may change as new research findings emerge. The division into different zones also shows that the reef is not described as a uniform area, but as one comprising different coral reef communities.

Sanganeb Marine National Park was Sudan’s first marine protected area. Sanganeb Island extends six kilometres from north to south, is two kilometres wide and contains three inland lagoons. The Marine National Park has about 124 reef groups. The protected area comprises around 13 islands, including Mukur Island, Umm Qurs, Masharif and Jabal al-Dud. Sanganeb therefore draws attention both to the structure of the reef and to the geography of the island and protected area.

Coastal Inlets and Marine Habitats

Khour Shanaab is a long, fjord-like coastal inlet. Winding between desert hills, it extends several kilometres inland. Its sheltered, calm waters support seagrass meadows and mangroves. The place thus combines a distinctive coastal landform with habitats that differ from Sanganeb’s coral reef communities.

Khour Wais is part of the mosaic of coastal inlets, mangroves and tidal flats that gives Dungonab Bay its exceptional diversity of habitats. Dungonab Bay–Mukkawar Island Marine National Park covers about 2,808 square kilometres. Dungonab Bay and Mukkawar Island form the second component of the marine World Heritage site. Together, the coastal inlets, mangroves and tidal flats offer a different perspective on the marine landscape from Sanganeb’s reef zones.

Historical Sites in the Wider Destination of Sudan

The wider destination of Sudan also offers distinct historical themes. The Archaeological Sites of the Island of Meroe lie in a semi-desert landscape between the Nile and Atbara. They were the seat of the rulers who occupied Egypt for almost a century. During the period known as the Kerma culture, from the third to the second millennium BC, Kerma was the country’s capital.

The Temple of Soleb is a pharaonic temple on the western bank of the Nile, between the second and third cataracts. Another historical focus links Gebel Barkal, Kurru, Nuri, Sanam and Zuma: the five sites represent the Napatan culture from 900 to 270 BC and the Meroitic culture from 270 BC to AD 350 of the second Kingdom of Kush.

Gebel Barkal has been considered a sacred mountain since the New Kingdom period, around 1500 BC. At the foot of its hill stands the Temple of Amun, which is still regarded as a sacred place by the local population. The archaeological sites of Gebel Barkal and the Napatan Region also showcase an architectural tradition that shaped the political, religious, social and artistic development of the Middle and Northern Nile Valley for more than 2,000 years, from 1500 BC to the sixth century AD. Marine habitats thus sit alongside Sudan’s archaeological and religious landmarks as a natural theme.

Discover more destinations: Port Sudan, North Darfur.

Go to the main travel overview: Sudan.