Kassala and the Taka Mountains

Kassala sits at the foot of the Taka mountains in eastern Sudan, a cluster of granite domes rising abruptly from the plain in rounded, fissured shapes, and the city below them is known across the country for its fruit gardens, watered from the Gash river, and for its market. The Khatmiyya mosque stands at the foot of the rocks. The Beja and Rashaida peoples of the eastern region trade in the city.

What you actually see

• The Taka domes - granite hills rising abruptly out of the plain.
• The fruit gardens - the orchards watered from the Gash river.
• The Khatmiyya mosque - the building standing at the foot of the rocks.
• The market - the trading ground where the eastern peoples meet.

When to go

November to February is the cool season. March to May is extremely hot. The Gash floods in the summer rains upstream.

Honest expectations

Climbing the domes needs care and the rock is smooth. Facilities are basic. Travel in Sudan requires arrangements made well in advance and eastern regions may have restrictions.

Nearby

Erkowit is north, and the Eritrean border is east.