Nubian Desert

The Nubian Desert covers the ground between the Nile and the Red Sea Hills in northeastern Sudan, an arid plateau of gravel and sandstone cut by wadis that carry water only after the rare rain, with almost no permanent settlement across most of it. It is one of the driest parts of the Sahara. The old road and the railway from the Nile to Port Sudan both cross it, and Beja herders move through the eastern edges.

What you actually see

• The gravel plateau - the arid ground running between river and hills.
• The dry wadis - the channels that carry water only after rare rain.
• The emptiness - almost no permanent settlement across most of it.
• The crossing routes - the road and railway running to Port Sudan.

When to go

November to February is the cool season and the only sensible window. March to May is extremely hot. Rain is rare in any month.

Honest expectations

There is no water, fuel or settlement across most of it. Crossing requires a proper expedition with guides. Travel in Sudan requires arrangements made well in advance.

Nearby

Atbara is southwest, and Port Sudan is east.