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Sudan
Country info
Square area:
1,886,068 km²
Population:
41 million
Capital:
Khartoum
Currency:
Sudanese pound (SDG)
Language:
Arabic
Religion:
Islam
Political:
Federal republic
English:
Spoken only by educated people
Safety level
Sudan is a very safe place – one of the safest in Africa. Crime is almost unheard of, but watch your wallet among in crowded places.
All sorts of headlines and travel warnings will advise you against travel to Sudan. But look closely, and you won’t find Sudan's northeast mentioned. That is because the northeast is Sudan's peaceful oasis, a dreamy landscape of apricot-colored dunes rimmed with a ribbon of Red Sea coral reefs.
Traveling to Sudan is for sure a challenge. From extensive bureaucracy to an infrastructure which ranges from modest to non-existent. But past the challenges, Sudan offers more pyramids than Egypt – in fact, more than any other place in the world, ancient archaeological sites, superb diving, silence of deserts, and a genuine welcome of its incredibly friendly people.
- Discover over 100 narrow-base, steep-slope Meroe pyramids in the Nubian desert.
- Among the sleepy crumbles in the fishing town of Suakin, imagine its heyday as a 19t-century slave-trade port.
- Explore the sacred Egyptian grounds near the town of Kerima, then head for Sudan’s largest and oldest pyramids in the town of Nuri.
- Shop for cloth, jewels or henna made by Beja and Rashida tribes at the souq in the town of Kassala.
- Scuba dive in the Red Sea to see sharks, barracuda and bluefin tuna, plus wrecks like the car-loaded Toyota cargo ship.
THE
PYRAMIDS
OF
SUDAN
Perfect For
CULTURE
DIVING
PHOTOGRAPHY
HISTORY
Itinerary ideas
DAY 1
Upon your arrival to the airport, you will be welcomed by your chauffeur and transferred to hotel. Settle in and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
DAY 2
Guided visit to the National Museum and cross the confluence between Blue and White Nile to reach Omdurman, the old capital of Sudan. After visiting Mahdi’s Tomb and Khalifa’s House from the outside, enjoy amazing sunset view.
DAY 3
In the morning we move up north to Karima. En route, make a stop in the ancient village of El Kurru. Before reaching hotel, stop in the necropolis of Nuri and walk among pyramid of Pharaoh Taharqa.
DAY 4
Enjoy sunrise from the top of the Jebel Barkal mountain before proceeding to Meroe. En route, you may encounter Bisharin nomads' caravans. Settle in and enjoy a view of more than than 40 pyramids belonging to the Royal Necropolis of Meroe.
DAY 5
Following breakfast, head back to Khartoum. After visiting pyramids, head south to see the temple ruins in Mussawarat, and the Apedemak temple in Naga. Arrival to the hotel is expected in the evening.
DAY 6
Enjoy some time at leisure before meeting with your chauffeur for a private transfer to the airport for your outbound flight.
The astonishing pyramids of Sudan await you! Enjoy a historical and cultural journey through the landscapes featuring amazing views all over. Sudanese charm will certainly win you over.
DAY 1
Upon your arrival to the airport, you will be welcomed by your chauffeur and transferred to hotel. Settle in and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
DAY 2
Having crossed the Western Desert, you will get to Karima. During the day, visit the Old Dongola and Nubian villages along the Nile. En route, stop and refresh in chai houses. Arrival in hotel later in the afternoon.
DAY 3
A full-day tour of Jebel Barkal's archeological sites that are enlisted on the World Heritage list. After a traditional lunch, head south to visit a tomb in necropolises of the ancient capital Napata in El Kurru.
DAY 4
Morning visit to the Taharqa pyramid, among others in Nuri. Afterward, we move on for a picnic in Bayuda Desert. Reach Atbara and cross the Nile for the last time to arrive in Meroe for overnight.
DAY 5
In the morning you will visit pyramids. After lunch, head along the Nile to
visit the ruins and discover the secrets of the Royal city. Return to Meroe later in the afternoon.
DAY 6
In the morning, head back to Khartoum. En route, visit the Great Enclosure in Mussawarat, the Apedemak temple in Naga and other important sites in the area. After a picnic lunch, proceed to hotel.
DAY 7
Head on a morning tour of Khartoum to visit the Archaeological Museum and Omdurman, among other important sites. In the afternoon, visit the bustling and colourful souk. Enjoy your last evening at leisure.
DAY 8
Enjoy some time at leisure before meeting with your chauffeur for a private transfer to the airport for your outbound flight.
Visit the most important historical and cultural sites of Sudan as part of this exclusive program. Travel through the Western Desert and along the Nile and fall in love with Sudan's incredible beauty.
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What to Expect
Good accommodation is scarce outside Khartoum and there are few hotels in Port Sudan. If you want to go back in time, then Grand Holiday Villa Khartoum is the place to stay at. Built in the late 1800, the historical building exudes an old world charm of the colonial era. Some of the most notable guests were Sir Winston Churchill and Queen Victoria.
Grand Holiday Villa Khartoum
• The 5* Hotel Corinthia is for those looking for the most luxurious option
• Outside Khartoum, guests are usually staying in lodges and camping compounds
• For something more authentic, staying in modest Nubian houses is a solid option
• Red Sea Resort for diving at Port Sudan
• Outside Khartoum, guests are usually staying in lodges and camping compounds
• For something more authentic, staying in modest Nubian houses is a solid option
• Red Sea Resort for diving at Port Sudan
Sudan is a country with an extremely hot climate and the best time to visit are the winter months when the temperatures are much lower. Thanks to low humidity, the climate of most of Sudan is bearable for most of the year. Coastal part, Port Sudan area, is quite humid for most of the year.
Khartoum year-round temperatures
• From December to February is the best time to visit Sudan
• Nights in the desert get rather cold so come prepared
• Sufi Holiya is a music and dance festival in October
• Nights in the desert get rather cold so come prepared
• Sufi Holiya is a music and dance festival in October
Except for some good hotels in the capital, the internet is rather limited so if you want to stay connected, the best way is to purchase a local SIM card.
Make sure your phone is unlocked for different networks. Most remote areas of the country are poorly covered by network signal.
Make sure your phone is unlocked for different networks. Most remote areas of the country are poorly covered by network signal.
Sudan SIM card
• Country code: +249
• In Sudan there is a mix of European and British plug sockets and you never really know which one you are going to find; a World Adapter is a great purchase to allow you the flexibility
• Local SIM card is the best way to stay connected
• The standard voltage is 230V, and it operates on 50Hz
• In Sudan there is a mix of European and British plug sockets and you never really know which one you are going to find; a World Adapter is a great purchase to allow you the flexibility
• Local SIM card is the best way to stay connected
• The standard voltage is 230V, and it operates on 50Hz
The cuisine of Sudan varies depending on the part of the country visiting. There are many fresh fruits and vegetables on offer. For veggies, there are plenty of different beans, such as Ful medames which are fava beans , falafel , and so on. Street food does exist but hygiene is questionable.
Classic meals served at a road-side tavern
• Alcohol is prohibited in the entire country
• Many dishes are prepared of lamb entrails, such as elmaraara and umfitit , accompanied by onions and peanut butter
• Tipping: In restaurants it is common to add extra 5-10% on top of the bill
• Many dishes are prepared of lamb entrails, such as elmaraara and umfitit , accompanied by onions and peanut butter
• Tipping: In restaurants it is common to add extra 5-10% on top of the bill
Souks are traditional markets where locals usually do their everyday shopping. Besides food and spices there you can find all sorts of crafts. Suq el Merkhazi is one of those 'all in one place' market and more souvenirs can be found on Souk Omdurman.
A market in Omdurman
• Ebony wood animal carvings, leather items, basketwork, gold and silver jewelry or handcrafts are perfect authentic choice to remember your visit to Sudan
• Cheetahs are protected species so if you find any souvenir made of skin do not buy it
• Cheetahs are protected species so if you find any souvenir made of skin do not buy it
Sudan is a Muslim country with Sharia law. Blasphemy is punishable by law. Women are required to wear long skirts or trousers and have their shoulders covered. When entering mosques, women will also be expected to cover their heads. Men are allowed to wear knee-length shorts but may prefer to wear long trousers whatsoever.
Preparing tea at the market
• In the cities it is common to dress Western-style
• Rural areas are quite traditional
• Sudanese are very humble and respect modest people
• Be respectful and curious about the country and locals will reward you with hospitality and kindness
• Rural areas are quite traditional
• Sudanese are very humble and respect modest people
• Be respectful and curious about the country and locals will reward you with hospitality and kindness
Sudan is a very safe country with hospitable and welcoming people. The border areas with South Sudan are to be avoided due to ongoing disputes but most of the sites of interest are in safe areas north and west of Khartoum. Petty crime occurs only in major urban areas. Medical care is not available in all areas and does not meet western standards.
Homeless boy on a street in Khartoum
• Most historic sites are in safe areas
• All routine vaccines are mandatory; vaccination against yellow fever is obligatory if you are coming from a state with a risk of mentioned disease
• Medical facilities, apart from major cities, are very scarce
• Stick to bottled water and only eat well-cooked food
• All routine vaccines are mandatory; vaccination against yellow fever is obligatory if you are coming from a state with a risk of mentioned disease
• Medical facilities, apart from major cities, are very scarce
• Stick to bottled water and only eat well-cooked food
For greater distances, local flights are the best way to go. Sudanese roads are in poor condition, apart from those in major cities that are asphalted. The only and best way to travel is with local driver/guide to avoid any issues. Numerous police check points all over the main roads to inspect the documents.
On the streets of Khartoum
• Driving side: right
• The main international airport is Khartoum International Airport (KRT)
• For distant destinations, Sudan Airways flies to and from Port Sudan, Kasala, and El Obeid
• Best way to travel around the country is by having a private driver/guide
• The main international airport is Khartoum International Airport (KRT)
• For distant destinations, Sudan Airways flies to and from Port Sudan, Kasala, and El Obeid
• Best way to travel around the country is by having a private driver/guide
What to pack
Pack for desert and sand everywhere. We included some dressing suggestions as well as some travel essentials. Not much is written on Sudan but we managed to find some good reading on this fascinating country.
In The Media
Unexpected side of Sudan
Breaking the Stereotypes of Sudan
Burial Chambers of Sudan’s Royal Pyramids
Excavation of Nuri, a Royal Burial Site
Diving in Sudan
Untouched Reefs of the Red Sea.
Inside South Sudan - World's Newest Country
Visit to Juba, the capital city of South Sudan!
Diving sites in Sudan
Shark and wreck dives among other adventures
Suakin from the Air
Suakin town formerly the region's main port
Sudanese Arabic for beginners
Learn some useful phrases
Alsarah & The Nubatones - Habibi Taal
Popular music in Sudan
Best to combine with
Sudan is surrounded by amazing countries like Ethiopia, Egypt, and less visited Eritrea. Just a short flight away!
Egypt
World's most fascinated culture, with its unique monuments is one everlasting fascination
Ethiopia
One of Africa's most interesting and diverse countries can be a wonderful add on to your Sudan trip
Eritrea
This small neighbor is full of surprises. Both on land and under the sea
Quirks for the Curious
Meroe Pyramids
If you are looking for a single reason to visit to Sudan, it should be the Pyramids of Meroe. This is the site that has it all: historic mystery unseen by tourists, desert atmosphere of the past. True return to some other times with shrieks of Egyptian sacred vultures flying over one's head. This specific pyramids are a site to behold! And there are local kids selling some of the local souvenirs Worth spending a dollar or two to help them out.
Omdurman Market
One of the largest in Sudan. Omdurman market is located in the city of Omdurman just across the Nile from the capital of Khartoum. It is also known as the most populated city in Sudan so it has some of the busiest markets in the nation. The city itself is known as a battlefield of 1898. in which General Kitchener defeated much stronger local freedom fighters due to technical superiority. Omdurman market is a great place to see all the riches of local produce.
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