Sanganeb Marine National Park and Dungonab Bay – Mukkawar Island Marine National Park
Location: Red Sea State, Sudan
Year of Inscription: 2016
Criteria: (vii) contain superlative natural phenomena or areas of exceptional natural beauty and aesthetic importance;
(ix)to be outstanding examples representing significant on-going ecological and biological processes in the evolution and development of terrestrial, fresh water, coastal and marine ecosystems and communities of plants and animals;
(x) contain the most important and significant natural habitats for in-situ conservation of biological diversity, including those containing threatened species of outstanding universal value from the point of view of science or conservation.
Overview: Sanganeb Marine National Park and Dungonab Bay – Mukkawar Island Marine National Park are two adjacent protected areas located in the Red Sea State of Sudan. The parks are home to a rich and diverse marine ecosystem, including coral reefs, seagrass beds, and mangrove forests, as well as a variety of marine wildlife, including sharks, dolphins, and sea turtles.
Prominent Features: The parks are best known for their exceptional coral reefs, which are some of the most diverse and intact in the Red Sea region. The reefs are home to a wide range of coral and fish species, as well as larger marine animals such as sharks and rays. The parks also contain important seagrass beds and mangrove forests, which provide important habitats for a variety of marine species.
History: Sanganeb Marine National Park and Dungonab Bay – Mukkawar Island Marine National Park were established in 1990 and 2003, respectively, in order to protect the rich and diverse marine ecosystem of the Red Sea region.
Fun Fact: The parks are home to a number of shipwrecks, including several from the 19th and early 20th centuries. These wrecks provide important habitats for a variety of marine species, including fish, crabs, and octopuses.
Family-Friendly Activities: Visitors to the parks can enjoy a variety of activities, including snorkeling, scuba diving, and boat tours. The parks are also home to a number of beautiful beaches, where visitors can relax and enjoy the scenery.
Entry Fees: Foreign visitors pay $50 per person per day for diving/snorkeling activities, and $30 per person per day for non-diving/non-snorkeling activities.
How to Reach It: The parks are located in the Red Sea State of Sudan, and can be reached by boat from the nearby town of Port Sudan. Visitors can also arrange boat tours and transportation through local tour operators.
You can hire a private taxi or take a local bus or minibus taxi. However, it is important to note that the road conditions can be challenging and the journey can take several hours. So a boat or ferry from Port Sudan to the marine parks is a more direct and scenic option. It is recommended to arrange transportation in advance through a reputable tour operator to ensure a safe and comfortable journey.
Where to Stay: There are a few different accommodation options in the area, including lodges and campsites. Some of the recommended places to stay include the Sanganeb Island Dive Resort and the Dungonab Bay Camp.
Next Stop: Gebel Barkal and the Sites of the Napatan Region
Year of Inscription: 2016
Criteria: (vii) contain superlative natural phenomena or areas of exceptional natural beauty and aesthetic importance;
(ix)to be outstanding examples representing significant on-going ecological and biological processes in the evolution and development of terrestrial, fresh water, coastal and marine ecosystems and communities of plants and animals;
(x) contain the most important and significant natural habitats for in-situ conservation of biological diversity, including those containing threatened species of outstanding universal value from the point of view of science or conservation.
Overview: Sanganeb Marine National Park and Dungonab Bay – Mukkawar Island Marine National Park are two adjacent protected areas located in the Red Sea State of Sudan. The parks are home to a rich and diverse marine ecosystem, including coral reefs, seagrass beds, and mangrove forests, as well as a variety of marine wildlife, including sharks, dolphins, and sea turtles.
Prominent Features: The parks are best known for their exceptional coral reefs, which are some of the most diverse and intact in the Red Sea region. The reefs are home to a wide range of coral and fish species, as well as larger marine animals such as sharks and rays. The parks also contain important seagrass beds and mangrove forests, which provide important habitats for a variety of marine species.
History: Sanganeb Marine National Park and Dungonab Bay – Mukkawar Island Marine National Park were established in 1990 and 2003, respectively, in order to protect the rich and diverse marine ecosystem of the Red Sea region.
Fun Fact: The parks are home to a number of shipwrecks, including several from the 19th and early 20th centuries. These wrecks provide important habitats for a variety of marine species, including fish, crabs, and octopuses.
Family-Friendly Activities: Visitors to the parks can enjoy a variety of activities, including snorkeling, scuba diving, and boat tours. The parks are also home to a number of beautiful beaches, where visitors can relax and enjoy the scenery.
Entry Fees: Foreign visitors pay $50 per person per day for diving/snorkeling activities, and $30 per person per day for non-diving/non-snorkeling activities.
How to Reach It: The parks are located in the Red Sea State of Sudan, and can be reached by boat from the nearby town of Port Sudan. Visitors can also arrange boat tours and transportation through local tour operators.
You can hire a private taxi or take a local bus or minibus taxi. However, it is important to note that the road conditions can be challenging and the journey can take several hours. So a boat or ferry from Port Sudan to the marine parks is a more direct and scenic option. It is recommended to arrange transportation in advance through a reputable tour operator to ensure a safe and comfortable journey.
Where to Stay: There are a few different accommodation options in the area, including lodges and campsites. Some of the recommended places to stay include the Sanganeb Island Dive Resort and the Dungonab Bay Camp.
Next Stop: Gebel Barkal and the Sites of the Napatan Region