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Erkowit

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Mountain
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Erkowit (Sudan)

Weather…

The Erkowit Plateau is located in the Red Sea State of eastern Sudan and represents the highest point of the Red Sea Hills, reaching an altitude of approximately 1200 meters. Due to its unique geographic position, the area functions as a mist oasis that captures moisture from the Red Sea, sustaining lush vegetation that contrasts sharply with the surrounding desert. Historically, Erkowit served as a prominent hill station and summer residence during the British colonial era, with some architectural remains still visible today. The flora includes rare species such as the dragon blood tree (Dracaena ombet), which thrives among the rugged granite formations. Geologically, the massif is part of the Arabian-Nubian Shield and features expansive views over the coastal plain. Today, Erkowit remains an important destination for local tourism and biodiversity research in arid environments.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Feb, Mar, Dec.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C192022252933333331272421
Rain mm5214405928118

📋 Practical info

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Getting there
This refreshing mountain area is generally accessible via well-travelled roads branching off from Port Sudan, steadily leading up into the noticeably higher, cooler elevations.
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Best season
The climate is pleasantly manageable year-round due to the altitude, but autumn and spring typically offer the clearest weather and most spirited natural surroundings.
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Terrain & paths
Visitors will explore hilly and moderately mountainous landscapes dotted with rocky outcrops and featuring notably greener vegetation than the surrounding arid plains.
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What to bring
Comfortable walking shoes for uneven paths and light layered clothing are essential, as daytime temperatures are pleasant but can drop significantly during the evenings.
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Parking
Safe parking is usually readily available near the main settlement areas, guesthouses, or directly at the starting points of the most popular local walking trails.
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Safety
This area presents a generally safer and much more hospitable environment than the desert, but standard mountainous terrain cautions regarding slips and falls still apply.
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Time needed
Most visitors typically spend a relaxing weekend or two to three full days walking the trails and thoroughly enjoying the exceptionally cooler mountain atmosphere.

Geography

Coordinates
18.75000, 37.15000

Facts

  • Erkowit is situated about 45 kilometers southwest of the port city of Suakin.
  • The average elevation of the plateau is approximately 1200 meters above sea level.
  • It is home to the endangered Dracaena ombet tree species.
  • The area receives substantial moisture from coastal fog compared to the desert.
  • During the colonial period, Erkowit was used as a sanatorium for British officials.
  • The granite rocks in the region are part of formations over 500 million years old.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

ErkowitErkowit6 km · SEExplore →
Suakin ArchipelagoSuakin Archipelago35 km · NEExplore →
SinkatSinkat36 km · SExplore →
Suakin Old Town RuinsSuakin Old Town Ruins37 km · NEExplore →
Jebel SoturbaJebel Soturba55 km · SWExplore →
Bashayer Marine TerminalBashayer Marine Terminal60 km · EExplore →
Sanganeb AtollSanganeb Atoll67 km · EExplore →
TokarTokar70 km · NWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Why are the Erkowit Mountains so special?
The cooler climate and mist forests are unique.
Is the region suitable for hiking?
Yes, trails offer a pleasant change from the heat.
Is warm clothing needed?
Yes, temperatures drop noticeably in the evenings.
Are there hotels?
There are very basic guesthouses for travelers.
When is the best time to visit?
Summer months are more pleasant than in the lowlands.
Erkowit: where is it located?
Erkowit is located in Sudan.
Erkowit: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Feb, Mar, Dec.
Erkowit: why is it worth visiting?
The Erkowit Plateau is located in the Red Sea State of eastern Sudan and represents the highest point of the Red Sea Hills, reaching an altitude of approximately 1200 meters.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nearby cities

Port Sudan — Erkowit (Sudan)
Port Sudan
Port Sudan is the capital of the Region RS state in Sudan.
Suakin — Erkowit (Sudan)
Suakin
Suakin is an important settlement in the Sudanese state of Region RS.
Tokar — Erkowit (Sudan)
Tokar
Tokar is an important settlement in the Sudanese state of Region RS.
Sinkat — Erkowit (Sudan)
Sinkat
Sinkat is an important settlement in the Sudanese state of Region RS.
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Erkowit
A cool retreat in the Red Sea Hills, known as Sudan's only 'hill station'.
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Sanganeb
An isolated atoll with an iconic lighthouse and spectacular underwater marine life.
Haya — Erkowit (Sudan)
Haya
Haya is an important settlement in the Sudanese state of Region RS.
Shaab Rumi — Erkowit (Sudan)
Shaab Rumi
A legendary coral reef famous for Jacques Cousteau's underwater experiments.
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Arous
A former holiday resort on the Red Sea, known for its diving spots and secret service history.

History & landmarks

Suakin Old Town Ruins — Erkowit (Sudan)
Suakin Old Town Ruins
The fascinating remains of a once-thriving Red Sea port city, whose buildings were constructed from unique coral stone.

Nature

Wadi Howar — Erkowit (Sudan)
Wadi Howar
An ancient, dried-up river valley in the Sahara.
Jebel Marra Crater — Erkowit (Sudan)
Jebel Marra Crater
A volcanic crater lake in the Jebel Marra massif.
Wadi Azum — Erkowit (Sudan)
Wadi Azum
An important wadi (river valley) in Darfur.

More places

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Suakin Archipelago
A marine habitat off the coast near Suakin.
Suakin Island Park — Erkowit (Sudan)
Suakin Island Park
A park on a historical island in Suakin.
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Prince Osman Digna Port
Located in Suakin, the Prince Osman Digna Port serves as a major gateway for passenger traffic and general cargo, complementing Port Sudan.
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Jebel Soturba
A mountain in the Red Sea State, near the coast.
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Bashayer Marine Terminal
The Bashayer Marine Terminal is the main export port for crude oil in Sudan, located south of Port Sudan on the Red Sea coast.
Sanganeb Atoll — Erkowit (Sudan)
Sanganeb Atoll
A protected marine ecosystem in the Red Sea.
Red Sea — Erkowit (Sudan)
Red Sea
The coastline of the Red Sea in eastern Sudan.
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Port Sudan South Port
The South Port in Port Sudan is the country's primary container terminal, equipped with modern cranes and infrastructure for internationa…