Young Pioneer Tours
Port Sudan Tour
Sudan, which used to be Africa’s largest country, was split into two after a brutal civil war – from which emerged the world’s youngest country in 2011, South Sudan. Not many people had to chance yet to explore both countries in recent years and understand the contemporary events from either perspective.
Explore Port Sudan and its surroundings with YPT on this initial research trip and be among the first to visit Sudan in recent years as it slowly stabilizes from conflict. Sudan is floating within the Arab sphere of influence and shares a lot of characteristics with other Northern African nations, most notably Egypt.
After going through the immigration process, we will spend the first day at Camp Arous and the former Red Sea Dive Resort and learn about its fascinating recent history as a Mossad-run decoy dive resort to smuggle Jewish refugees out of the country during the 1980s. Be prepared to learn about undercover missions operated by trucks, airplanes, and speedboats.
Being situated at the beautiful coastline north from the city, it offers more than its secretive story. You will also enjoy the pristine water, Sudanese stories, music, and a dinner next to the campfire while gazing at the stars. You might also run into some government or NGO workers who like to come out here, offering a chance to connect the present with the past.
On our last day we make our way back to Port Sudan for a city tour. Port Sudan is Sudan’s main seaport and the source of 90% of the country’s international trade and the de facto capital after the military government largely relocated here. Explore its largest market, the Red Sea Museum, the Aquarium, and the Corniche, where you can overlook the harbour and the sea. This is the best chance to encounter local Sudanese people going over daily life amidst all circumstances.
Important notes: This is a research trip which will be guided by YPT CEO – Gareth Johnson.
Make the most of your visit to this region and directly connect from our South Sudan Budget tour,
completing your picture of this fascinating nation.
Monday 24th March – Port Sudan – Arous Beach
Morning
- Arrival into Port Sudan on ET348 from Addis Abeba, landing at 12:45pm. It is possible to connect from our South Sudan Budget tour running just beforehand (connecting flights and overnight in Addis Ababa on Sunday 23rd March not included in tour cost)
- Go through immigration, where your visa on arrival will be processed, and be welcomed by our local guides right after luggage collection.
- Drive towards Port Sudan City, get a first glimpse of the city, and enjoy Sudanese lunch on the way.
Afternoon
- Continue to drive ~1h north of Port Sudan to Arous Beach and the Red Sea Dive Resort while passing through the Sudanese desert. Here we will explore the facilities, the beach, and the incredible past of this historical site, which was also known as the ‘The holiday village run by spies’. Unbeknown to the guests or the authorities, the Red Sea diving resort was entirely fake. The Mossad used it as a cover for a difficult humanitarian mission – to smuggle out thousands of Ethiopian Jews stranded in refugee camps in Sudan and evacuate them to Israel.
- Optional activity: Snorkelling in the red sea (not included in tour cost).
- Enjoy a cosy campfire after sunset while listening to Sudanese stories and music under the starry night sky. We may also run into some government or NGO workers who like to come out here, offering a chance to connect the Sudanese present with the past.
- Round off the day with our complementary dinner at the campsite, having several options available. We favour the fish!
- Overnight at Arous Camp next to Red Sea Diving Resort where you can opt for single tents with mattress and blankets provided, or shared rooms inside the facilities.
Tuesday 25th March – Arous Beach – Port Sudan
Morning
- Early breakfast in the camp and check-out, while enjoying the upcoming sun, sound of the sea gulls, and rhythmically breaking waves.
- Drive back to Port Sudan to start our city tour featuring the essential sites and attractions.
- Explore the Port Sudan Market and its variety of local goods such as clothes, spices, fresh fish, and marvel at the busy proceedings of buying and haggling.
- Visit the Red Sea Museum and Port Sudan Aquarium, highlighting the famous coral ecosystems, exotic fishes, and sea turtles, and related conservation programs. Learn about the vital trade route of the region, which is readily explained with historical artefacts and navigation tools, as well as the fishing traditions and pearl diving.
- Walk around Port Sudan Corniche and encounter locals going over daily life, being a remarkable example for resilience.
Afternoon
- Light lunch at restaurant in Port Sudan or at airport.
- Head to airport for flight ET349 to Addis Abeba, departing at 2:15pm.
- Tour concludes and YPT can give further recommendations on travelling in the region.
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