YPT have now run our first trip to Port Sudan, with the city now being the gateway for visiting this fascinating country. Yet while it is the only place (currently) open, that does not mean this historic city is without a lot of its own charms.
Now after YPT’s first research trip, with a few Pioneers, we are pleased to offer not just a kick arse itinerary, but also a guide to the city, regardless of if you travel with us.
A Brief History of Port Sudan
Founded in the early 20th century by the British as a strategic port city, Port Sudan has long been a vital link between Sudan and the rest of the world. The city’s role as the country’s primary port has made it an important hub for trade, and it’s been crucial to Sudan’s economy for generations. But beyond its economic importance, Port Sudan is also known for its connections to the Red Sea, its fishing traditions, and its rich maritime history. Over the years, the city has seen the ebb and flow of global trade and cultural exchanges, all of which have left their mark on the city.
But what makes Port Sudan especially interesting for visitors is its status as the first major city in Sudan to officially open up to tourism. While many parts of Sudan are still off-limits, Port Sudan provides a window into the country’s history, culture, and daily life—without the crowds or commercialism found in more established tourist destinations.
What to Do in Port Sudan
Port Sudan isn’t a city of huge tourist attractions or flashy modern amenities, but what it lacks in polish, it makes up for in authenticity and charm. There’s plenty to see and do here, whether you’re interested in history, nature, or just experiencing local life.
It is also as things stand at least the only way into the country since the Civil War, at least for the time being anyway.
Arous Beach & Red Sea Dive Resort
A real highlight of the region is the Red Sea Dive Resort, located about an hour north of the city at Arous Beach. The resort has a fascinating backstory—once known as a “holiday village run by spies,” it was a cover for a covert Mossad operation that helped smuggle Ethiopian Jews out of Sudan in the 1980s.
Today, the area offers pristine beaches, a chance to snorkel in the Red Sea, and a fascinating bit of Cold War history to explore. The resort itself is surrounded by stunning desert landscapes, and the chance to relax on the beach or around a campfire at night under the stars is one of the best ways to experience Sudan’s natural beauty.
Port Sudan Market & City Tour
Back in the city, the Port Sudan market is busy and vibrant. Traders sell everything from spices and textiles to fresh fish, offering a great chance to experience local culture. Haggling is common here, and you can feel the energy of the marketplace.
The Red Sea Museum and Port Sudan Aquarium offer some insight into the region’s marine life and its historic connection to the sea, covering topics like pearl diving and the old trade routes. While informative, the museums aren’t exactly top-tier, so don’t expect a deep dive into the region’s past.
A walk along the Port Sudan Corniche lets you observe daily life at a relaxed pace. Here nik-naks can be purchased, with us also able to stop in the old Hilton for a bit of a relax.
Suakin Historic Port
Suakin, located about 70 km from Port Sudan, is a place stuck between the past and the present. Once the bustling center of trade on the Red Sea, Suakin was an important stop for merchants, pilgrims, and adventurers alike. Now, it’s a decaying but captivating ruin, with crumbling Ottoman-style buildings and a haunting atmosphere that makes it a fascinating spot for those interested in history and dark tourism.
The city’s heyday came long before the British set up Port Sudan, shifting trade routes away from Suakin. What remains today is a quiet, forgotten place, with coral houses slowly being reclaimed by the sand. While not much is actively preserved or maintained, Suakin still offers a look into a time when it was a major player on the Red Sea trade routes.
It’s not just the ruins that make Suakin interesting; the place has its own unique vibe. A visit to the old port area reveals remnants of a once-thriving maritime hub, and the local market, though small, brings a bit of life to this ghost town. If you’re looking for a place that feels lost in time, with a mix of history, decay, and quiet beauty, Suakin is a must-see. It’s only an hour’s drive from Port Sudan, making it an easy day trip for those looking to explore more of Sudan’s hidden gems.
Getting a Visa to Port Sudan
Getting a visa for Port Sudan isn’t something you can do independently. You need to work with a travel partner like YPT to get permission to enter the city. Once that’s sorted, you’ll pay a $100 visa fee upon arrival.
You’ll also need to show proof that you’ve arranged to leave Sudan after your visit. While this may sound a bit complicated, having a travel partner like us makes the process much smoother, so you don’t have to worry about any of the details. Overall it is not overtly diffoiculayt and so long as you are patient (permission can take a while) we will be able to get you into the country.
YPT’s Port Sudan Tour
Port Sudan’s got plenty to offer, but if you really want to make the most of your visit, YPT’s got the perfect tour for you. Arrive on ET348 from Addis Ababa, and our expert guides will take you around, showing you the city and its hidden gems.
We’ll visit Arous Beach and the Red Sea Dive Resort, where you’ll learn about its covert past, get in some snorkeling if that’s your thing, and wind down with a campfire under the stars.
In Port Sudan, we’ll hit the local market, check out the Red Sea Museum, and visit the Port Sudan Aquarium to explore the area’s fishing culture and marine life. It’s all about showing you Sudan’s real side without the usual tourist nonsense.
The tour wraps up with a stroll along the Port Sudan Corniche before we take you back to the airport. We are currently working on extensions to the tour and we really cannot overemphasize just how off the beaten track and very raw this tour is.
Why Visit? Port Sudan?
Having just come back from the trip I have to say that overall I found it really very interesting and about as non-touristy as you can get. Now this comes with both good and bad elements with guests who travel to Port Sudan needing to be very flexible with dates and indeed itinerary.
And were that not enough you get to really help the Sudanese people as they hopefully at least come towards the end of their brutal civil war.
Click to check our Sudan Tours.
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