Visit · Sudan Marine Parks
Port Sudan is the base for visiting both parks. There is no commercial accommodation inside the parks themselves. Options range from business hotels in the city to community homestays and field camps in the Dungonab Bay area.
BelMar Residence
Highly favoured by international organisations. Fully furnished studios and two-bedroom apartments with 24/7 backup generator, on-site water treatment, fibre-optic internet, and a private restaurant. Ideal for teams requiring uninterrupted operational continuity.
Coral Port Sudan Hotel
The city’s most established waterfront business hotel. Central hub for diplomatic meetings and international delegations. Robust security, meeting facilities, dining, and dependable backup utilities.
The Crown Hotel
Modern property with high-standard business amenities, excellent security, and reliable backup power and water. Well suited to international professionals visiting government ministries or port operations.
No website or TripAdvisor listing available. Confirm availability through a local contact or your on-the-ground partner in Port Sudan.
Basiri Plaza Hotel
Centrally located and widely used by mid-level NGO staff and technical consultants. Functional meeting rooms, reliable AC, private bathrooms, rooftop pool, and good Wi-Fi. Simpler amenities than the premium tier but consistently well-reviewed for its location and staff.
Baasher Palace Hotel
Family-run hotel founded in 1975, located close to the Corniche, market, and government ministries. 69 en-suite rooms with AC, satellite TV, and mini-fridge. The manager can help arrange trips, airport transfers, and day permits — a useful attribute for marine park visitors.
Local lokandas & budget guesthouses
Basic, utilitarian rooms in the downtown market area. 24/7 power, consistent AC, and reliable Wi-Fi are not guaranteed at this tier — generators often run on restricted schedules. Suitable for short stays with realistic expectations.
UN / INGO guest houses & compounds
Many international organisations maintain secure, self-contained residential compounds with independent water systems, backup generators, and Starlink internet. Accessible only to staff and affiliates of the respective organisation — not publicly bookable.
There are no dedicated dive lodges or marine research guesthouses in Port Sudan. Sudan’s dive industry has historically operated entirely from offshore liveaboards rather than land-based resorts.
Community homestays
Under the direction of village Sheikhs, visitors with official projects are accommodated in Beja-style communal guesthouses or family compounds. Expect traditional angareb beds, shared outdoor facilities, and no continuous power or running water. Deeply authentic and culturally meaningful.
Wild camping
The standard format for research and survey teams. Isolated coastline and bay-side buffer zones offer beautiful camp settings. Permission must be obtained from the local Sheikh and the WCGA ranger station south of Mohammed Qol before pitching. Full self-sufficiency from Port Sudan is mandatory.
Key partner for local stays
SUDIA — Sudanese Development Initiative
SUDIA is based in Mohammed Qol and is establishing a Community-Based Tourism Hub for the Dungonab area. Contact them in advance to arrange community homestays through a trusted, culturally embedded partner — ensuring local economic benefit and avoiding the pitfalls of uncoordinated arrivals.
Pay all community hosts and local helpers in Sudanese Pounds in cash. Bring sufficient funds from Port Sudan — there are no ATMs, mobile banking agents, or exchange facilities in the villages.
No accommodation exists on Mukkawar Island.
Mukkawar Island is entirely uninhabited and strictly protected within National Park boundaries. There is no permanent infrastructure, no ranger station, and no tourist facilities on the island. It is a day-visit destination reached by local charter boat from the Dungonab mainland or by liveaboard.
Stay in Mohammed Qol or Dungonab village on the mainland, or aboard your vessel, and take a day trip to the island by local boat.
Arrange access from the mainland
Mohammed Qol — gateway to Mukkawar Island
All access to Mukkawar Island departs from the Dungonab mainland. Coordinate your mainland stay and island day trips through SUDIA’s office in Mohammed Qol.