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Sudan🇸🇩 | festivalsRed Sea Festival for Tourism and MarketingPort Sudan, Beja sword dances, dive operators, Suakin ruins | things to do and best time to go

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Backpacking in Red Sea for Tourism and Marketing
🌟 Highlightfestival ranked #3
By Johan Kruseman 🇳🇱 | Updated October 22, 2026

Red Sea Festival for Tourism and Marketing is a showcase for the coast rather than a camping festival, so there is no tent field to pitch in and you sleep in town. It takes place in Port Sudan, on the Red Sea coast in the east of Sudan. Expect a tourism-fair mood: performances of Beja and coastal culture, stalls promoting diving and heritage sites, and visitors who are mostly Sudanese, plus divers and the occasional adventurous traveler. Skip it if you want headline DJs and an all-night party. Go if you want to meet the people who run the dive boats and desert tours, and to see a port city in a celebratory mood. The harbor streets are flat and walkable, and the market lanes pay off with grilled fish and strong tea. I connect the place with the smell of ginger and clove coffee, brewed over charcoal by women seated on low stools, drifting across a lane while ship horns sounded from the docks.

Discover everything you want to know in the 📖 Sudan Travel Guide.
Safety warning

The current risk level for Sudan is high. Check the advice before going.


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✨ Why go?
Ranked #3 festival in SudanReasons people choose to celebrate the here

Red Sea Festival for Tourism and Marketing gives you something rare in Sudan: a concentrated week where the coast’s tour operators, dive crews and cultural groups are all in one city and eager to talk. That makes it a practical anchor for a longer route. Dive boats head for Sanganeb Atoll, and you can sort out those bookings face to face instead of chasing messages. The same goes for trips to the ruined coral-stone town of Suakin, where a local guide who actually knows the lanes makes the visit.

The second pull is people. Port Sudan is the main city of the Beja, and the festival puts their music, sword dancing and food in front of you without the stiffness of a staged show. Strike up a conversation at a stall and you are likely to be invited for tea. Travelers who pass through here usually … read more 👉
Red Sea Festival for Tourism and Marketing gives you something rare in Sudan: a concentrated week where the coast’s tour operators, dive crews and cultural groups are all in one city and eager to talk. That makes it a practical anchor for a longer route. Dive boats head for Sanganeb Atoll, and you can sort out those bookings face to face instead of chasing messages. The same goes for trips to the ruined coral-stone town of Suakin, where a local guide who actually knows the lanes makes the visit.

The second pull is people. Port Sudan is the main city of the Beja, and the festival puts their music, sword dancing and food in front of you without the stiffness of a staged show. Strike up a conversation at a stall and you are likely to be invited for tea. Travelers who pass through here usually link the festival with the Red Sea coast, then continue inland, so the timing slots into a bigger Sudan itinerary without forcing a detour.

💡 HighlightsTop highlights of Red Sea for Tourism and Marketing

  1. Suakin ruins: The abandoned Ottoman-era port of coral-block houses sits a short drive from Port Sudan. At festival time guides and tour stalls run visits here, and the crumbling facades, empty harbor and silence make it the most memorable heritage stop on the coast.
  2. Sanganeb Atoll: A marine park reef rising from deep water offshore, topped by a lighthouse. Operators promote day and liveaboard trips, and the sheer walls with sharks and big fish schools are the main reason divers come to this coast.
  3. Beja cultural performances: Look for music, drumming and sword dances by Beja groups. The dancers’ wiry hair, white robes and fast footwork are what people mean when they describe the festival atmosphere, and it is easy to stand close and watch.
  4. Port Sudan harbor and corniche: The working port is the
… read more 👉
  1. Suakin ruins: The abandoned Ottoman-era port of coral-block houses sits a short drive from Port Sudan. At festival time guides and tour stalls run visits here, and the crumbling facades, empty harbor and silence make it the most memorable heritage stop on the coast.
  2. Sanganeb Atoll: A marine park reef rising from deep water offshore, topped by a lighthouse. Operators promote day and liveaboard trips, and the sheer walls with sharks and big fish schools are the main reason divers come to this coast.
  3. Beja cultural performances: Look for music, drumming and sword dances by Beja groups. The dancers’ wiry hair, white robes and fast footwork are what people mean when they describe the festival atmosphere, and it is easy to stand close and watch.
  4. Port Sudan harbor and corniche: The working port is the backdrop for much of the festival. Walk the waterfront in the evening, when families gather, vendors sell snacks, and you can watch cargo ships and dhows against a lit skyline.
  5. Port Sudan central market: The lanes behind the harbor sell spices, incense, Beja knives and textiles. Stop for grilled fish and sweet spiced tea, and use it as a place to haggle for souvenirs more cheaply than at festival stalls.
Red Sea Festival for Tourism and Marketing itself needs no entry ticket for most events, but the Sanganeb Atoll dive trips should be booked with an operator well ahead, since boat places fill quickly.
Spotted a mistake or missing something? Contact us.

🌤️ When to go?When is the celebration of Red Sea Festival for Tourism and Marketing?

Red Sea Festival for Tourism and Marketing is held in Port Sudan, on the Red Sea coast, usually in the cooler winter months (recent editions ran around January to February) and lasts several days, with dates set by the organizers each year rather than a fixed calendar rule.
  • Best day: The opening days carry the parade-style ceremonies, folk performances and official speeches, while later days thin out and suit relaxed browsing of the stalls.
  • Weather: Expect days of roughly 25 to 30°C (77 to 86°F), warm sea breezes, humid air and almost no rain. Bring a hat, sunscreen, light long sleeves and sandals you can walk dusty streets in.
  • Booking: Reserve a bed at least 3 to 4 weeks ahead, because Port Sudan has limited rooms and prices can climb by 20 to 50 percent during the event.
  • Crowds and transport:
… read more 👉
Red Sea Festival for Tourism and Marketing is held in Port Sudan, on the Red Sea coast, usually in the cooler winter months (recent editions ran around January to February) and lasts several days, with dates set by the organizers each year rather than a fixed calendar rule.
  • Best day: The opening days carry the parade-style ceremonies, folk performances and official speeches, while later days thin out and suit relaxed browsing of the stalls.
  • Weather: Expect days of roughly 25 to 30°C (77 to 86°F), warm sea breezes, humid air and almost no rain. Bring a hat, sunscreen, light long sleeves and sandals you can walk dusty streets in.
  • Booking: Reserve a bed at least 3 to 4 weeks ahead, because Port Sudan has limited rooms and prices can climb by 20 to 50 percent during the event.
  • Crowds and transport: Arrive the day before the opening. Roads near the waterfront clog in the evening, so leave extra time for onward buses.
Confirm the exact dates locally before you book, since organizers sometimes shift them by a week or two.


source: climatestotravel.comJANJanuary: excellent for travelingFEBFebruary: not recommended for travelingMARMarch: not recommended for travelingAPRApril: not recommended for travelingMAYMay: not recommended for travelingJUNJune: not recommended for travelingJULJuly: not recommended for travelingAUGAugust: not recommended for travelingSEPSeptember: not recommended for travelingOCTOctober: not recommended for travelingNOVNovember: not recommended for travelingDECDecember: excellent for traveling

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🛏️ Where to stay?Best areas to stay in Sudan

The best base for backpackers is central Port Sudan, around the downtown market streets and the waterfront corniche, where you can walk to most activity and find the cheapest beds in the city.

Downtown near the Suq and the old Turkish quarter is the most social choice. Small guesthouses and basic lodgings sit close to cafes, tea ladies and shared-taxi stops, so you meet other travelers, aid workers and local traders easily. Evenings stay lively until late, and plenty of people are around, which helps if you travel alone.

The corniche and the harbor-side districts suit those who want sea air … read more 👉
The best base for backpackers is central Port Sudan, around the downtown market streets and the waterfront corniche, where you can walk to most activity and find the cheapest beds in the city.

Downtown near the Suq and the old Turkish quarter is the most social choice. Small guesthouses and basic lodgings sit close to cafes, tea ladies and shared-taxi stops, so you meet other travelers, aid workers and local traders easily. Evenings stay lively until late, and plenty of people are around, which helps if you travel alone.

The corniche and the harbor-side districts suit those who want sea air and a quieter walk after dark. Rooms there cost a little more but are calmer, and you are still within a short ride of the festival grounds.

Suakin, a short ride south, works for a calmer alternative if you enjoy ruins and an unhurried feel, though choices are fewer and you will depend on transport to reach festival events.

Whichever area you pick, choose lodging within walking distance of main streets, ask the owner about safe routes at night, carry small cash, and register with local authorities as required. Book early, as rooms fill fast during the event.
Best hostels in Sudan


Best quality hotels in Sudan

👛 Costs (as of 22 October 2026)What things cost and how to budget

Red Sea Festival for Tourism and Marketing costs a backpacker roughly US$0 to 5 a day in Port Sudan, with the total daily budget about US$68 once you count a mid-range high-season bed.
CategoryBudget RangeLocal Reality
Festival ticketsUS$0 to 5Many events and outdoor stalls are free or carry a small entry fee; special shows may charge more.
AccommodationUS$15 to 25 (low season), US$25 to 40 (high season)Simple guesthouse rooms in central Port Sudan; prices rise during the festival and rooms fill early.
Local transportUS$3 to 8Shared minibuses, tuk-tuks and short taxi rides around town; agree fares before you get in.
Food & drinksUS$6 to 12Fish, ful and grilled meat at street stalls and small restaurants; tea and juice are cheap.
Miscellaneous expensesUS$5 to 10Local SIM and data, souvenirs, permits
… read more 👉
Red Sea Festival for Tourism and Marketing costs a backpacker roughly US$0 to 5 a day in Port Sudan, with the total daily budget about US$68 once you count a mid-range high-season bed.
CategoryBudget RangeLocal Reality
Festival ticketsUS$0 to 5Many events and outdoor stalls are free or carry a small entry fee; special shows may charge more.
AccommodationUS$15 to 25 (low season), US$25 to 40 (high season)Simple guesthouse rooms in central Port Sudan; prices rise during the festival and rooms fill early.
Local transportUS$3 to 8Shared minibuses, tuk-tuks and short taxi rides around town; agree fares before you get in.
Food & drinksUS$6 to 12Fish, ful and grilled meat at street stalls and small restaurants; tea and juice are cheap.
Miscellaneous expensesUS$5 to 10Local SIM and data, souvenirs, permits or photo fees, and small tips.
Total Daily BudgetUS$49 to 75About US$68 a day with a high-season bed.


source: worldbank.org
⚠️ Prices can change and everyone travels differently, so take this as a rough guide. Hope it helps you plan your adventure!

🍲 FoodLocal Flavors for Backpackers

Expect the Red Sea coast on a plate: grilled fish, spiced rice and flatbread handed over hot from the stall.

The star of the coast is fresh fish, often grilled whole with chili and lemon, or served as sayadiya, fish with spiced rice. Try it at least once. Alongside it you will find ful (stewed fava beans) with bread, ta’amiya (falafel), grilled meat skewers and kisra or asida at traditional food stands set up to show regional cooking.

Drinks are an experience in themselves. Jebena coffee arrives in small cups, brewed over charcoal and flavored with ginger or cloves, and tea ladies pour sweet spiced tea from low stools. Look for karkade (hibiscus) and aradaib (tamarind) served cold when the humid afternoon heat builds. Alcohol is not sold, so juice and tea are the toast.

Pay in cash with … read more 👉
Expect the Red Sea coast on a plate: grilled fish, spiced rice and flatbread handed over hot from the stall.

The star of the coast is fresh fish, often grilled whole with chili and lemon, or served as sayadiya, fish with spiced rice. Try it at least once. Alongside it you will find ful (stewed fava beans) with bread, ta’amiya (falafel), grilled meat skewers and kisra or asida at traditional food stands set up to show regional cooking.

Drinks are an experience in themselves. Jebena coffee arrives in small cups, brewed over charcoal and flavored with ginger or cloves, and tea ladies pour sweet spiced tea from low stools. Look for karkade (hibiscus) and aradaib (tamarind) served cold when the humid afternoon heat builds. Alcohol is not sold, so juice and tea are the toast.

Pay in cash with small notes, as cards are rarely accepted. Portions are generous and meant to be shared, so order one dish between two people and add more. Lines are informal, so step up politely and say what you want. Eat with your right hand when sharing from a common plate, and accept a second cup of coffee if it is offered.

FAQTraveler FAQ

Red Sea Festival for Tourism and Marketing is held in Port Sudan, usually in the cooler winter months, with recent editions around January to February. It runs for several days, and organizers set the exact dates each year. Check locally a few weeks ahead, and plan to arrive the day before the opening.
Red Sea Festival for Tourism and Marketing is cheap to attend, as many events and open-air stalls are free or carry only a small fee of about US$0 to 5. Your main cost is a bed in Port Sudan at roughly US$25 to 40 a night during the festival. Count on about US$50 to 75 a day in total with food, local transport and small extras.
Red Sea Festival for Tourism and Marketing generally does not require advance tickets for most public events and outdoor stalls, which you can enter on the day. Special shows or official ceremonies may need an invitation or a small entry fee paid in cash at the gate. Book your accommodation in Port Sudan 3 to 4 weeks ahead, since rooms are limited and prices rise by about 20 to 50 percent.
⚠️ Things can change over time, so always validate details locally before you go.

Other Sudanese festivals near Red Sea for Tourism and Marketing

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We 💚 feedbackParting advice and final tips

Red Sea Festival for Tourism and Marketing is small, local and rarely polished, so arrive with modest expectations and an open schedule. I would go in the cooler winter months, when the sea air is bearable, and plan on evenings for the performances and the harbor walk. Book your dive boat before you arrive, and leave daytime for the market.

✈️ When did I visit Sudan?
Sudan I visited back in October 2017. I combined the trip with a visit to Ethiopia.

✍️ Help improve this page!
The information on this page is based on my own backpacking experience in Sudan, supplemented with up-to-date research and feedback from other travelers. Travel details can change, so if you notice anything outdated or incomplete, feel free to let me know.



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