Sudan
The Nubian Desert and the Red Sea  Tour

Arrive in Khartoum and transfer to the hotel. No guided services or meals today. Overnight at the Grand Holiday Villa Hotel or similar. No meals are included today.

**Depending on the time of your flight arrival you may arrive very early on the morning of Day 2 and the room will be available for you at the hotel**

Breakfast at the hotel and later in the morning we visit the Archaeological Museum which contains two beautiful temples rescued by UNESCO and moved from the Lake Nasser area, when it was flooded by the water. Later we depart Khartoum and head north for about 200km through a desert area characterized by desert and granite rocky hills to the Royal Necropolis of Meroe. Overnight Meroe Permanent Tented Camp (BLD)

The Royal Necropolis of Meroe stands on a hill, with more than 40 pyramids, some of them in perfectly preserved condition. We spend the early part of the day visiting the Necropolis, giving us a fascinating insight into a culture and civilisation long since passed. The Royal Necropolis of Meroe is located about 3 kms from the Nile on some hills covered with yellow sand dunes. We will enjoy sunrise at the spectacular pyramids and explore this incredible archaeological wonder. Later we drive north to the town of Atbara before heading towards Port Sudan. After about 100 km on the tarred road we finally drive off across the Nubian Desert. Overnights wild camping. (BLD)

We drive towards the Red Sea Hills which run parallel to the Red Sea. Amongst wadis and desert areas we will meet some gold seekers. In recent years there is a gold rush happening in Sudan following the ancient gold reef. We will meet nomadic Beja people of the Bisharin and Hadendowa tribes. Overnights wild camping (BLD)

Visit Jebel Magardi, an unusual shaped mountain near Bir Nurayet. Here only recently, a Polish archaeological mission has discovered a large number of rock carvings proving that this area was inhabited thousands of years ago. We can also find in the area many pre-Islamic tombs of the Kerma period. Overnight wild camping (BLD)

We cross the valleys of the Red Sea hills surrounded by peaks of up to 2000m. We finally reach the Red Sea near the small village of Mohammed Qol which takes the name from an Arabian fisherman who moved here to start trading in the region. Here we will board the M/Y Elegante schooner, our home for a spectacular journey on a little visited part of the Red Sea. Overnight on-board. (BLD)

We begin the cruise this morning with a visit to Mesherifa Island and this will be our first opportunity to swim in the crystal-clear waters. At Manta Point we may be able to see large groups of rays. Mesharifa Island is only 4 miles out of the Red Sea cost and this will be our first opportunity to swim in the crystal-clear waters. We then reach Mayetib Island, also called the island of snakes, where an endemic species of not poisonous snake lives. We have here the possibility to do some snorkelling along the reef and have a rest on a gorgeous empty sandy beach. Overnight on-board (BLD)

“Khors” is the Arabic word that means “natural fiords” and there are a few of them in this area. We spend today exploring natural fjords as well as lagoons with pristine sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters. We also have the possibility to walk on land, taking breathtaking views over the desert and the sea. In the shallow waters of the see there are also mangroves trees. Overnight on-board (BLD)

Today we reach the Taila Islands located out of Shambaya. The three small islands have white-pinkish sandy beaches. The first two islands are connected by a sandy isthmus at low tide, while the third island is situated further east. Acacia trees are found on this island where ospreys nest. On the island we may also find coquina clams which our cook can then make into a delicious dish back on-board. Overnight on-board (BLD)

Spend the morning in the Taila Islands. After lunch we reach Gurna Reef, a wonderful reef that reaches the surface of the water in corals and fish where we can enjoy some snorkelling. Overnight on-board (BLD)

The reef in Sha’ab Rumi is considered to be one of the best in the world. A lagoon behind the reef contains the remnants of Jacques Cousteau’s Conshelf 2, where the famous oceanographer created an environment in which men could live and work at the bottom of the sea. We will enjoy some snorkelling and then reach the beautiful Sanganeb lighthouse, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where we will enjoy breathtaking views from the top. Overnight on-board (BLD)

En route to Port Sudan we will stop at Wingate Reef where the Italian ship ‘Umbria’ sank here in 1940 and lies on its side at a depth of around 30 metres. The shallowest point can be explored by snorkelers. This afternoon we arrive at Port Sudan and drive to the ancient port of Suakin known in its glorious past as the Red Sea Pearl. It is now a crumbling ghost town although there are plans for restoration. Later we return to Port Sudan and our final night on-board. (BLD)

This morning we say goodbye to our boat and the crew. Time permitting, we take a tour of Port Sudan, the second largest city in the country and the most important port. The city has some colonial style architecture and a busy souk. Transfer to the airport in Port Sudan for a flight back to Khartoum. On arrival, you will have the use of a hotel room as flights out of the country tend to be late at night, or you can stay overnight (depending on flight schedules). The normal check-out from the room is 10:00 am on the 20^th March. Day use / Overnight at Grand Holiday Villa Hotel or similar. (B)

Notes:

– Local air companies are black listed from European regulations.
– You can also wish to depart from Port Sudan, anytime as from midday, today Day 16. Please contact us for details – a deduction for the non-used flight Port Sudan to Khartoum will be given.