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Sudan History Tour: An Exploration of Ancient Kush

Why explore sudan with far horizons.

• Private tours with archaeologists of Sudan’s two UNESCO World Heritage Sites Meroë and Jebel Barkal, including the Temple of Mut
• Private tour of the Monastery of the Holy Trinity at Old Dongola with archaeologists
• Private tour of Nuri with archaeologists
• Private tour of El Kurru with archaeologists
• Limited to a maximum of 14 participants
• Private tour of Tombos with archaeologists

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• Single Supplement: TBA

Tour Sudan: Travel by 4-wheel drive along the Nile and through the deserts of northern Sudan where towering pyramids, painted rock-cut tombs, and ornately carved temples await discovery.

For millennia Sudan has been the crossroads between Central Africa and the Mediterranean. Today the country is rich in diverse ethnic groups and dramatic remains of past cultures. The northern area of the country, along with southern Egypt, was home to several ancient civilizations. The first settlers in northern Sudan date back 300,000 years. It is home to the oldest sub-Saharan African kingdom, the kingdom of Kush, the most powerful state in the Nile Valley 4,000 years ago. The conflict between Egypt and Kush followed, culminating in the conquest of Kush by Thutmose I, but in the 11 th  century BC, Egypt withdrew and the Sudanese kings grew powerful again. In the 6 th  century, they invaded Egypt and ruled as Pharaohs uniting the Nile valley from Khartoum to the Mediterranean. The Kushites were expelled from Egypt by the Assyrians, but their kingdom flourished in Sudan for another thousand years.

Kush monuments and art display a rich combination of Pharaonic, Greco-Roman and indigenous African traditions, and two are UNESCO World Heritage Sites – Meroë and Jebel Barkal. Tall pyramids, imposing mud-brick buildings, rock-cut painted tombs, and ornately carved temples – all are present for us to discover.

Join Dr. Tim Kendall and journey through the northern deserts in search of these remarkable civilizations!

Any questions? Please get in touch .

Sudan archaeology tour led by:

Tour scholar tba.

Itinerary of your Sudan history trip

Day 1 depart for sudan.

Depart for Sudan.

Day 2 Arrive in Khartoum

Arrive into Khartoum and transfer to the five-star Burj Al Fateh Corinthia Hotel, our home for the next two nights. Overlooking the Nile River, the hotel is an architectural masterpiece of steel and glass.

Day 3 Khartoum city tour, Nuba wrestling

In response to the flooding from the Aswan Dam, whole temples and tombs were moved hundreds of miles to Khartoum to be reconstructed at the Sudan Archaeological Museum. Some of the remains displayed here, almost perfectly preserved, date back nearly 4,000 years while the Christian frescoes on display represent the richest collection discovered so far in the Nile Valley. We spend the morning in the museum. After lunch in a local restaurant, head to the north of the city to watch Nuba Wrestling, a national sport practiced by the Nuba ethnic group. Bouts are held in a local stadium and the goal is to push one’s opponent to the ground on his back. Enjoy a welcome dinner at the lovely courtyard restaurant Al-Assaha. (B/L/D)

Day 4 Wadi Muqaddam

Begin the day followed by a leisurely cruise down the Nile to see the confluence of the Blue and White Rivers. Next, we take off into the Western Desert, crossing Wadi Muqaddam, a complex cultural area of great antiquity. Throughout it there are ancient Meroitic and post-Meroitic tumuli and cemeteries built of stone. Many of the graves are isolated and are perched on high promontories while others are clustered in small groups. Overnight for two nights at the Nubian Rest House, located in the small town of Karima. This charming boutique hotel was constructed in the Nubian style with ornate domes and arches, and each of the rooms has a private bathroom. (B/L/D)

Day 5 Jebel Barkal, El Kurru

The holy mountain of Jebel Barkal, visible for miles across the plain, dominates this part of the Nile. Both ancient Egyptians and Kushites believed that this was the home of Amun, and the remains of a temple dedicated to this god lie at the foot of the crimson sandstone butte. First constructed by Thutmose III in the 15 th  century BC, each successive ruler added to it until it became the largest Kushite building ever constructed. Enjoy a private tour of this complex including the Temple of Mut, dedicated to the Egyptian goddess and consort of Amun. The Nubian capital from 800-400 BC, Napata, built a large number of pyramids in three different areas. Next, we visit nearby El Kurru for a private tour of the excavations with archaeologists working on the project. The site contains royal tombs with well-preserved wall paintings of the pharaoh, the gods and still intact hieroglyphic inscriptions. Jebel Barkal and El Kurru together are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. (B/L/D)

Day 6 Kerma, Tombos

Drive to Kerma, the largest settlement along this stretch of the Nile and once the capital of the first kingdom of Kush. Archaeological evidence shows that the settlement dates as far back as 2400 BC. The site consists of Deffufa East and West, two enormous mud-brick structures that are more than 3,500 years old. Western Deffufa is possibly the largest man-made structure in sub-Saharan Africa. Surrounding Eastern Deffufa are massive tombs of Kerma’s former kings. This New Kingdom Egyptian cemetery contains several Egyptian-style mud-brick chambers, and both shaft and mud-brick tombs. Move on to Tombos for a private tour. Located nearby on the bank of the river, this is an important ancient granite quarry and necropolis. Under Thutmose I, a great victory stelae was created overlooking the river. A nearby boulder features the pharoah’s viceroy, Usersatet, along with Hekaemsasen, a dignitary well placed at court. Usersatet and Hekaemsasen are known to have both served King Amenhotep II, but the Tombos stela is the first monument to show them together. What is remarkable is that Hekaemsasen is presented as equal in status to the viceroy. Within the site museum are the statues of many former rulers of Kerma. Overnight for three nights at a pre-set camp in Tombos. Each dome tent with beds, foam mattresses, sheets and blankets, along with a small table and chairs. Shared showers and restrooms are a short walk from the tents. (B/L/D)

Day 7 Sesebi, Soleb

Our explorations take us across the Nile by ferry to the west bank, the location of several ancient sites. Sesibi was a New Kingdom town founded during the 18th Dynasty and was the southernmost fortified town founded by Egyptians in Upper Nubia. Then it’s on to the well-preserved Temple of Soleb, built by Amenhotep III in the 14th century BC and the most beautiful Egyptian building in Sudan. Lying on the banks of the Nile, a processional way leads from the river to the complex. Admire the temple walls which are covered with hieroglyphic inscriptions. Relief carvings on the temple walls depict  sed , the Egyptian celebration of the continued rule of the pharaoh. (B/L/D)

Day 8 Sebu, Sheikh Idris Qubba

Today we begin at the nearby rock art site of Sebu, where hundreds of prehistoric petroglyphs have been pecked into the rock. We continue on to the 3 rd  Cataract and cross the Nile to reach Saï Island, one of the largest islands in the middle Nile. This territory has an extensive history dating back to the Paleolithic era. Under the rule of Ahmose, the founder of the New Kingdom, the island fell under Egyptian control. They built a fortified town and a temple dedicated to the god Amun. In addition to these eras, the island’s vast history has been evidenced by discoveries from the Neolithic, Pre-Kerman, Kerman, Napatan, Meroitic, Post-Meroitic, Medieval and Islamic periods. Before returning to camp stop at the tomb Sheikh Idris Qubba, a pyramidal testament to a great Sufi scholar. (B/L/D)

Day 9 Nubian villages,Old Dongola, Monastery of the Holy Trinity

Our morning drive takes us along a new road through the central part of the Nubian region. Along the way, we will pass several Nubian villages with the entrance doorways of community dwellings painted and decorated with patterns and flowers. Then its on to Dongola where the irrigated fields are filled with fruit and vegetables, and groves of date palm trees provide cool shade. Our exploration of Old Dongola takes us to Monastery of the Holy Trinity for a private tour, the remains of the Coptic Church along with a vast Sufi cemetery with  qubbas  (domed tombs) dating back to the 14 th  century. Overnight for two nights at the Nubian Rest House in Karima. (B/L/D)

Day 10 Nuri, Market in Karima, Tea Ceremony

Meet with the archaeologists excavating the Royal Necropolis of Nuri for a private tour. Nuri’s pyramids are older than those at Meroë. The tomb of the great Napatan King Taharqa, one of the 25 th  Dynasty pharaohs of Egypt and probably the most powerful ruler in Sudanese history, is located here along with the tombs of other Kushite rulers. Move on to the local market and experience the hustle bustle of every day Sudanese life. This afternoon, enjoy a tea ceremony and traditional dancing.  (B/L/D)

Day 11 Bayuda Desert, Monastery of Ghazali

Today’s journey takes us through the breathtaking lunar-like landscape of the Bayuda Desert. Along the way, we see the remains of the medieval Monastery of Ghazali, abandoned in the 11 th  century. Located on an old trade route, the monastery was surrounded by impressive protective walls. Overnight for two nights in the Meroë Safari Camp. Each of the furnished tents has beds and private separate bathrooms with a toilet and shower.   (B/L/D)

Day 12 Meroë

Flourishing between the 3rd   century BC and the 4th century AD and thus coexisting with Ptolemaic and then Roman rule in Egypt, Meroë once formed the capital of an empire that stretched northwards to the borders of ancient Egypt and southwards to take in much of what is today central and southern Sudan. The remains of the Royal City are scattered along the banks of the Nile and encircling the royal palace and Temple of Amun. Famous in antiquity for its warrior queens, Meroë’s art and architecture show ancient Egyptian, Hellenistic and Mediterranean influences, as well as of those native to Sudan. Towering over the royal cemeteries is a multitude of spectacular pyramids, more than one hundred of them, including the tomb of Queen Shanadakhete, Meroë’s most powerful ruler and perhaps the first significant female ruler in history.  (NOTE: The Royal City of Meroë is currently closed for reconstruction due to previous flood damage. Our group may only be able to visit the necropolis in February 2023.)  (B/L/D)

Day 13 Naga, Musawwarat es-sufra, Omdurman souk

Today, visit Naga, one of the cities of ancient Kush with superbly preserved temples still standing. Walk through an avenue of rams to the Temple to Amun, founded by King Natakamani 2,000 years ago, and the Lion Temple, dedicated to the lion-headed Kushite god, Apedemak. Continue to Mussawarat es-Sufra, probably a cult and pilgrimage center and the largest set of Meroitic remains in Sudan. The huge complex, known as the Great Enclosure, contains temples and other buildings. Many are covered with ancient carvings, often images of elephants. Later, we visit the Omdurman Souk, said to be one of the largest markets in Africa. Displayed to tempt us will be ebony wood carvings, necklaces, bracelets, beads, gold and silver jewelry, clay coffee pots, Sudanese baskets, food, spices and much more. Return to the Burj Al-Fateh Corinthia Hotel in Khartoum for one night. (B/L/D)

Day 14 Depart Sudan

Transfer to the airport for flight home. (B) (NOTE: Most international flights depart in the very early morning hours.)

Tour Information

Tour cost & inclusions.

Price is based on double occupancy and includes:

• Internal flights during the trip (if applicable)
• The accompaniment of your scholar throughout the entire trip
• Local English-speaking guide
• Hotel accommodations (3 or 4 stars; or best available based in the area)
• Ground transportation
• Airport transfers for arrivals and departures
• Most meals as noted in the itinerary
• Entry fees to all included sites and museums
• Gratuities to guides, drivers, and restaurant and hotel staff
• Coordination for any private presentations or tours

Trip prices are based on a minimum number of participants. If this minimum number is not met, trip prices are subject to change. Should the prices need to change, Far Horizons will reach out to registered guests to discuss directly.

Single Supplement

Should a roommate be requested and one not be available, the single supplement must be charged.

• International round trip airfare
• A separate donation check of $150.00 per person to a designated donation project
• Passport or visa fees
• Required vaccines or tests
• Airport or departure taxes
• Alcoholic drinks, beverages or food not included on set menus
• Excess baggage charges
• Personal tips and hotel incidental expenses
• Laundry or other items of a personal nature

Donation Checks

As a tour company that benefits from the cultural and natural riches of our destinations, we have a policy of donating to the scientific and cultural sites and projects which we visit. This has created a bond between Far Horizons and the academic and local communities that has helped us establish an extensive list of lecturers and contacts in each of our destinations. We ask that each participant donate to the noteworthy project we designate. The donation amount is $150.00 per person. Note that the donation is required as part of your registration for the trip and that it is non-refundable.

Exchange Rate Fluctuations

Prices are based on currency exchange rates keeping below a projected level. While it is unlikely, if the exchange rates should change substantially, Far Horizons reserves the right to charge an additional amount to the trip cost.

Registration

A deposit of $1000 per person is required along with your registration & health forms, which will be linked in the email confirmation you receive once you pay your deposit on our booking platform. Final payment is due 120 days before departure. Prior to departure, you will be sent a reading list and a tour bulletin containing travel information.

Cancellation

Cancellations received in writing at least 120 days before departure will receive a refund less a $500 per person administrative fee. Cancellations received less than 120 days before the departure date will not receive a refund. If for any reason you are unable to complete the trip, Far Horizons will not reimburse any fees. Upon registering for the tour, the purchase of travel protection with both trip cancellation and emergency evacuation is strongly advised. Links to recommended insurance policies will be included in the email you receive confirming receipt of your deposit.

Air Ticketing

International round trip flights are not included in the cost of the trip. If Far Horizons must change the trip dates or cancel the trip for any reason, Far Horizons is not responsible for any air ticket you may have purchased. Please send your complete air schedule as soon as you have it. NOTE: Please contact Far Horizons if you would like for us to handle your air ticketing.

Private Tours and Talks

The private tours of archaeological sites and talks by specialists are scheduled in advance and include a donation to each. Specialists working at these sites are excited about showing their work to interested enthusiasts. However, please be aware that there may be times when the director or a member of the staff may not be on site when our groups arrive due to other commitments.

Walking and Standing

Far Horizons expects all participants to be physically active and able to walk and climb independently throughout the full touring days. This includes walking over uneven terrain (uphill and downhill) for 2 miles or more at each site. You should expect to be on your feet for much of each day, averaging as much as 5 miles of walking per day. As such, each participant should be able to walk unaided at a pace of 3 miles per hour for at least an hour at a time, and to stand unsupported for at least 60 minutes. Bearing this in mind, we suggest that, if you have not already done so, you begin walking several miles every day, ideally including stairs and hills. If you have questions about your ability to keep up with the group or the strenuous nature of this trip, please contact the Far Horizons staff.

Expectations During Travel

This tour is designed for flexible, energetic people who like to be active, have a spirit of adventure and a positive attitude. We have designed this trip to be as comfortable as possible, while also aiming to visit some remote or unique sites that other companies do not attempt to include in their itineraries. There may be days where we have very long drives and the conditions of the roads may vary. Hotels and transportation in some remote areas may not be up to western standards. There may be times when no bellhops are available; please pack with the understanding that you need to be able to handle your own luggage at times. Sometimes we may be walking over uneven trails for a mile or more; hiking boots are strongly recommended. Not every meal will be haute cuisine and several lunches may be picnics or box lunches. By maintaining a flexible attitude we will soon be captivated by the beauty of the natural scenery, the hospitality of the local people, and the fascinating sites we will see. Your flexibility and patience will be appreciated.

Itinerary Changes

Changes in our itinerary, accommodations, and transportation schedules may occur. While we are committed to keeping as close to the published details as possible, sometimes it is simply not possible. Weather events, government affairs, or other factors out of our control sometimes come into play. A good book to read as well as patience, flexible attitude, and a sense of humor are essential.

Travel Insurance

Travel in sudan.

Sudan’s tourism infrastructure is relatively undeveloped. Some hotels are simple and some nights will be spent in tent camps instead of hotels. We will be traveling by 4x4s over unpaved roads into very remote areas. At times we will be walking over uneven terrain and sand for distances that may exceed a mile or more each day; hiking boots are required.

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Capital city Khartoum, Sufi Whirling Dervishes, old souk of Omdurman, Naga & Mussawarat, Meroe Pyramids, Jebel Barkal, Nubian house in Ka...

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Sudan Tours

One of Africa's largest countries, our Sudan tours have always attracted intrepid explorers looking to discover the secrets of the ancient civilisations and ruins found within the Nubian desert.

Tour Sudan and explore its dusty old streets and the bustling souks of the capital city Khartoum to the beauty of the Nile Valley and the ever-friendly Sudanese people, home to Egyptian tombs and lost Turkish and Roman cities, our Sudan tours offers a completely unique travel experience.

Join one of our small group Sudan tours as we explore this vast and mysterious North African country.

Starting in mesmerising Khartoum, our Sudan tours explore the untamed beauty of the Nubian Desert as we travel through strange rock formations and forgotten temples on the way to the black pyramids of Meroe and the holy mountain of Jebel Barkal.

Enjoy tranquil nights sleeping under the stars in our desert camps or learn more about the local Sudanese people and culture when spending the night in a traditional Nubian house - making a Sudan tour one of the most memorable holiday destination imaginable!

A Sudan tour can also be partnered with its neighbouring countries. Contact us for more details. Do you want to tour Sudan but need more inspiration? Here are some quick facts that will make you want to explore Africa .

More information about Sudan tours

Do you want to know more about Sudan and its beauty? Or do you need accurate visa information?

Contact the Sudan tourism board for more information.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Tour reviews.

Everything about the trip was thought through, fine-tuned , and marvelous. From Ant Horribin helping us arrange the trip, to rep Waled Ali, and our guide Big Mo, we could not have asked for a better team. Our sincere thanks to them.

My experience with Encounters was excellent from start to finish. The Tour Guide, Sheriff, was the most passionate, enthusiastic and professional guide I have ever had on a tour and his love for Egypt really made me enjoy my time so much more.

Took care of every single detail from prior to our arrival in Cario until we we're dropped of at the airport a week later. Our hotels, tours, meals, and tour group we're all wonderful. Our tour guide was wonderful! The price was great and the people wonderful!

I have dealt with Anthony Horrobin on a number of occasions and it is like talking to an old friend on the phone. Anthony is super-efficient and will always go the extra mile to create the perfect trip.

Amazing tour. Any issues we had were addressed in a timely fashion and the resolutions were satisfactory. My only complaint is the driver picking us up was late and none of the cell numbers worked when we tried to call and figure out what to do.

Sudan Country Guide

Time: GMT+2 Dial Code: +249 Area: 1,886 million km2 Elevation: The lowest point in Sudan is the Red Sea at 0m | The highest point in Sudan is Kinyeti at 3,187m (10,456 ft.) Population: 41,511,526 (2018) Capital: Khartoum Government: Representative democracy, Presidential system, Federal republic Language: Arabic, Englis

Sudan, also known as North Sudan since South Sudan's independence and officially the Republic of South Sudan, is a country in North Africa. The country is bordered by Egypt to the north, the Red Sea, Eritrea and Ethiopia to the east, South Sudan to the south, the Central African Republic to the southwest, Chad to the west, and Libya to the northwest.

The most widely spoken language in the country is Sudanese Arabic. This language is a variety of Arabic and has borrowed much vocabulary from local Nilo-Saharan languages (Nobiin, Fur, Zaghawa, Mabang). As a result, the dialect is unique to Sudan.

Following the 2011 division, which split off Sudan, more than 97% of the population practises Islam. Many of the Muslim locals are divided between two groups: Sufi and Salafi (Ansar Al-Sunnah) Muslims. Religious identity has played a role in the political divisions.

The terrain of Sudan is characterised by flat plains and mountain ranges. In the west, the Deriba Caldera in the Marrah Mountains is the highest point in Sudan. Sudan is the third-largest country in the country in the world (after Algeria and the Democratic Republic of the Congo).

The most important sector in Sudan is agriculture, which contributes to 39% of GDP. The legal system in Sudan is based on Islamic Sharia law - a religious law forming part of the Islamic tradition. The capital of Sudan is Khartoum, situated at the confluence of the Blue and White Nile.

• Nuba Mountains - a forested area home to the Nuba group of people in South Kordofan.
• Kerma - one of the oldest inhabited towns in Africa and a vast archaeological site in Nubia.
• Kerma Museum - an edifice displaying relics from the Kerma site, with seven granite statues and Nubian artefacts.
• Port Sudan - Sudan's only major industrial port with historical buildings, and a popular diving destination.
• National Museum - one of Sudan's best museums displaying royal statues and 3,500-year-old artefacts.
• Naqa - a ruined ancient city and trading station, east of the Nile, with two striking temples.
• Sai Island - an island in Abri, with an Egyptian temple, Ottoman fort and a medieval church.
• Khatmiyah Mosque - positioned by the Taka Mountains, this elaborate mosque has arcade columns and a prayer hall.
• Ask permission before taking photographs of people or religious sites.
• Eat with your right hand, as the left hand is considered unclean.
• Stay hydrated throughout your trip, as the weather is extremely warm and dry.
• As Sudan is an Islamic state, drugs and alcohol are illegal in the country.
• Bring loose-fitting and comfortable clothing along with sun cream and a hat.
• Don't expect to see markets selling souvenirs, as Sudan is not a touristy place.
• When entering a mosque, women will be expected to cover their heads.
• Homosexuality is illegal in Sudan and in some cases has been punishable by death.

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Sudan Tours & Travel Packages 2024/2025

Our 5 most popular sudan trips. compare tour itineraries from 10 tour companies. 18 reviews. 5/5 avg rating..

All Sudan , expedition cruises, self guided adventures and vacation packages. Find the best guided and expert planned vacation and holiday packages. Read more about Sudan

Small Group Sudan Tours

Kingdom of the Black Pharaohs

• Visit the Archaeological Museum housing two entire temples rescued by UNESCO from Lake Nasser.
• Visit the Khalfa's House Museum
• Visit the colourful Omdurman souk.
• Visit the archaeological site of Old Dongola and a Nubian village.
• Visit Karima market and El Kurru

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Africa’s third largest country, located just south of Egypt and with a small coastline on the Red Sea, Sudan has been beset by civil strife for decades and can be a difficult and dangerous place to visit, especially outside its capital, Khartoum. It is possible for adventurous travelers to experience Sudan’s desert villages, pyramids (which it has more of than Egypt), festivals on a guided tour. 

Trip Reviews

Sudan explorer.

An excellent trip for those who love camping and deserts. With the added astounding sights of Pharaonic temples and buildings and the wonderful sight of the Meroit...

AYA Sudan Desert Explorer

This is a fantastic trip and a great adventure. I loved every moment of it, and would definitely recommend this trip to anyone interested in an exciting and differen...

Sudan Desert Explorer (AYA)

Travelled in Nov/Dec 2015. This feels much more an expedition that a standard holiday. Taking 4x4s off road and into wild remote spectacular desert landscapes. An un...

Sudan Desert Explorer AYA

A true desert expedition! The ancient sites were impressive, especially the pyramids at Meroe and the carvings on the temple dedicated to Apedemak, but I think, for ...

Really enjoyed the whole trip. Our guide, drivers and cook together with my fellow travellers made it an unforgettable experience. I haven't spent much time in the d...

See all Sudan reviews

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4. What does ‘Stride Preferred’ mean?

• Bayuda Desert
• Khartoum and around
• Meroe Pyramids

Welcome to Sudan

Brace yourself for an adventure where the entire country is a hidden gem.

Sudan is a country of extremes – hot temperatures, long distances, huge deserts. But most of all, it is a place of beauty. You will meet very kind, hospitable people who smile and welcome you with genuine enthusiasm. You will see the remnants of great civilizations, such as the pyramids and temples of the Kush. You will experience the unique culture of a country where more than 70 languages are spoken.

Sudan is not a country that is visited by many tourists and as such a strong tourist infrastructure is NOT in place. Roads are not always paved, accommodation options are limited inside Khartoum and outside of Khartoum you may have to camp or stay in a guesthouse with humble facilities. Picky eaters may have trouble finding certain foods, and following the local diet is the best way to ensure you eat a good meal. typical lunches consist of cheese, chips, fava beans, bread, tuna, even meals will include chicken, rice, pasta Real Sudan will make sure you are well catered for and our sales advisors are the very best

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Meet the guides.

Our highly trained and efficient guides at your service

Boj C Beijing – China Your best choice for Northern Sudan trip There’s a reason why Mr. Samir’s company is called Real Sudan. Because they do offer the real experience - the hospitality, the friendliness, rich history and heritage and professional service. Their price is… Read More

MyTravelNotions Dallas – Texas The Wonders of the Sudan are Spectacular I spent a full eight days in the Sudan with my guide Habab and our driver/cook Jamal. I absolutely loved every second of this trip. Kudos to Samir Abbass of Real Sudan Tours… Read More

rwyhuang Toronto – Canada Truly Memorable Visit to a Breathtaking Country I spent 6 fabulous and memorable days (all too short) with Real Sudan Tours to discover the breathtaking country that is Northern Sudan. I had been communicating with Samir Abbass who runs the… Read More

Sudan Tours & Vacations

At this stage we don't have any organized trips to Sudan.

That said, Intrepid can create tailor-made tours to many destinations, including Sudan. Our fully customized trips still offer the same small group experiences with local leaders, but made just the way you want it. Simply fill out your details on our Tailor-Made page and one of our travel specialists will be in touch.

Or why not visit Ethiopia , Kenya or T anzania ?

Sudan at a glance

Capital city.

40.5 million

Sudanese Pound (SDG)

Arabic, English

(GMT+03:00) Nairobi

CALLING CODE

Electricity.

Type C (European 2-pin), Type D (Old British 3-pin)

Learn more about Sudan

Local culture of sudan.

Hundreds of ethnic groups reside in Sudan, each with their own culture and traditions, although Arab culture predominates. This is particularly true in the north, where Sharia law rules the land, most of the population is Muslim and people tend to prefer traditional clothing to Western garb. Men wear long robes called jalabiya and women wrap a garment (called a thawb) around their entire body. This is worn for both religious reasons and to protect against the heat. Long, loose clothing offers greater relief from the scorching sun than shorts and t-shirts in Sudan.

African culture and traditional animist beliefs are more common in the south. Many speak local dialects or English rather than Arabic and brew a strong beer in their homes called marissa in direct defiance of Sharia law. Music and dance are an important cultural element for some groups, while wrestling is linked to the identity of Sudan’s Nuba people.

While lifestyle and culture can vary greatly across the country, all Sudanese people share a strong sense of hospitality and generosity. Locals will go out of their way to make sure guests are comfortable, offering their best food and drink, even when they can’t afford it; groups out to lunch will frequently invite complete strangers to join them; and people often keep a pot filled with water outside of their house for passer-bys in need of a drink. It’s a custom called sabeel and it originated as a gesture of kindness to neighbours who spent their days working in the fields (about 80% of Sudanese jobs are in agriculture).

Although Sudan may have a long way to go before it recovers from years of government abuse, famine, and civil war, the people who call this country home are among the friendliest you’ll ever meet.

Geography & environment

Located in northeastern Africa, Sudan is bound by Egypt to the north; the Red Sea, Eritrea and Ethiopia to the east; South Sudan and the Central African Republic to the south; and Chad and Libya to the west. Two major tributaries of the Nile River – the White Nile and the Blue Nile – merge near the centre of the country in the nation’s capital, Khartoum. The unified Nile continues north to  Egypt , separating the Nubian Desert, which occupies the northeast of Sudan from the Libyan Desert, which occupies the northwest. Desert gives way to open savannah, largely flat to the east, but rising to two plateaus to the west and south. The western plateau makes up the war-torn region of Darfur. Sudan also contains several mountain ranges – the Nuba Mountains located near the border with South Sudan and volcanic peaks that make up the Marrah Mountains in Darfur.

Shopping guide to Sudan

Shopping opportunities in Sudan are largely limited to street vendors and local markets, called souks. The capital has a number of souks worth checking out, though Souk Omdurman is the largest in the country and perhaps the best place to shop unique Sudanese items and handicrafts. Vendors line an endless maze of narrow alleyways selling a wide range of goods, often cheaper than elsewhere in the city. Local crafts to keep an eye out for include grass and straw products, carved wooden statues and masks, goods made from copper and brass and gold jewellery. Friendly haggling is the norm at markets and payment is always in cash.

Khartoum also has two relatively new shopping malls – Al Waha Mall and Afra Shopping Mall. Both malls house mostly independent shops that sell clothing, accessories, stationary and electronics.

Sudan festival calendar

Most festivals in Sudan are religious holidays and are celebrated privately with family and friends, although there are a few rowdy exceptions. Some of the biggest and most important festivals in Sudan include: 

1. Mawlid an-Nabi (The Prophet’s Birthday)

The birth of the Prophet Muhammad is a national holiday in many Muslim-majority countries. In Sudan, Sufi Muslims celebrate the 12th day of the fifth month of the Islamic lunar calendar by throwing carnival-like festivals in public squares where religious scholars give public lectures, stories are told about the life of Muhammad and stalls sell food and sweets.

2. Sufi Holiya Festival

 Social hierarchies and ethnic differences are put aside each October for this boisterous Sufi holiday meant to commemorate the death of a saint. Attracting Sufi Muslims from near and far, festivities begin with a parade and end with an all-night celebration where revellers dance and sing songs while traditional music is played.

3. Eid al-Fitr

This three-day festival, which marks the end of the Islamic fasting month of Ramadan, is typically celebrated with friends, family and food. Beginning on the first day of the tenth lunar month, people collect sweets and eat plenty of porridge (aseeda) as they move from house to house visiting neighbours.

4. Eid al-Adha

 Meaning ‘festival (or feast) of the sacrifice’, Eid al-Adha is the most important Muslim holiday. Traditionally, people are meant to sacrifice an animal as a symbol of religious devotion, however many in Sudan are unable to afford this. Instead, people spend this day feasting with family.

Food & drink in Sudan

Sudanese cuisine tends to be simple yet flavourful. Dishes rely heavily on grains and legumes due to the country’s dry climate and are flavoured with spices introduced by the Middle East and Mediterranean, such as cardamom, cinnamon and red pepper. Porridge and kisra (a Sudanese flatbread similar to roti) are dietary staples. Made from wheat, soghrum or corn flour, porridge is eaten like rice and usually served with a meat and vegetable stew (mullah).

Falafel is a popular vegetarian dish, although in Sudan it is called tamiya and is made from broad beans. Fava beans are a common breakfast choice. Stewed with various spices, you’ll find food vendors and restaurants across the country serving bowls of this national dish. 

Meat is an essential part of the Sudanese diet and might be roasted, barbequed over charcoal, pan-fried or featured in soups and stews. A typical stew will contain chunks of beef or lamb, as well as sheep’s fat, onions, okra, tomato paste, yogurt or milk. Sheep organs (including the lungs, liver and stomach) are commonly eaten raw with onions, peanut butter and salt as an appetizer. In the south, fish from the Nile Rivers features more prominently in dishes.

Peanuts, dates and figs are also important ingredients in Sudanese cooking, which are used to add both taste and texture. Peanuts are frequently used in soups or to coat meat while dates are often added to porridge.

Sudan abides by Sharia law, which means alcohol is prohibited. Rather than alcohol, tea is the beverage of choice for most Sudanese. Turkish coffee is also quite popular. 

Must-try foods in Sudan

1. Ful medames

 Sudan’s national dish turns the humble fava bean into something rich and flavourful. Beans are stewed with tomatoes, onions and various spices, and usually served with a variety of accompaniments including salad, tamiya, chilli sauce, tahini or sesame oil.

 A Sudanese flatbread made from sorghum flour. This dietary staple accompanies most meals.

3. Goraasa be dama

 Chunks of beef are simmered in tomatoes and flavoured with cardamom, cinnamon and garlic to create a stew that is served on goraasa, a simple wheat-based flatbread.

Further reading

Sudan travel faqs, do i need a covid-19 vaccine to join an intrepid trip.

Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards

From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travelers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises).

However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travelers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.

Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.

When is the best time to visit Sudan?

While Sudan’s north is dry for most of the year, the south is tropical and humid year round. Generally the shoulder and winter months from September to April are the best times to visit. Sudan is always hot but April to July are uncomfortably so, and this is also the wettest time of the year. You may encounter fierce dust storms from July to August and November to January.

Is Sudan safe to visit?

While parts of Sudan continue to suffer civil unrest, political tension and the threat of terrorist attack, this risk is relatively isolated to specific areas. Most governments do not recommend travel to southern and western Sudan, though the northeast region of the country is considered one of the safest parts of Africa. The people are incredibly warm and hospitable. Rest assured, Intrepid would not take you anywhere unless we were convinced it was safe.

Do I need a visa to visit Sudan?

Australia: Yes – required in advance Belgium: Yes – required in advance Canada: Yes – required in advance Germany: Yes – required in advance Ireland: Yes – required in advance Netherlands: Yes – required in advance New Zealand: Yes – required in advance South Africa: Yes – required in advance Switzerland: Yes – required in advance United Kingdom: Yes – required in advance USA: Yes – required in advance

Travellers from most nations are required to obtain a visa to visit Sudan. Visa requirements can change at any time so contact your nearest Sudanese consulate or embassy for up-to-date information about visa requirements. Be aware that even if you have a visa, travellers with Israeli stamps or an Israeli visa in their passport will not be allowed to enter Sudan.

It’s generally a good idea to make sure your passport is valid for a minimum of six months following your departure from Sudan and has a few blank pages for stamps.

Is tipping customary in Sudan?

Tipping is not normally expected in Sudan, but is a nice way to show your appreciation. A service charge is usually including on restaurant bills, in which case, there is no need to leave an additional tip.

What is internet access like in Sudan?

Internet access is generally good in Sudan, although the government is sometimes known to restrict access during times of civil unrest. Normally, even in small towns the Internet connection speeds are decent and prices are affordable. Most towns have an internet cafe and most midrange and top-end hotels have wi-fi. It's also possible to access the internet on your phone with mobile-phone data.

Can I use my mobile phone while in Sudan?

Mobile phone coverage is good in urban areas. Ensure global roaming is activated with your service provider before leaving home.

What are the toilets like in Sudan?

Both Western-style flushable toilets and squat toilets can be found in Sudan. It’s a good idea to carry your own toilet paper and hand sanitizer as they are rarely provided.

What will it cost for a…?

Cup of tea = USD 0.20 Shawarma = USD 1.50 Lunch at a mid-range restaurant = USD 10-15 Dinner at a high-end restaurant = USD 20+

Can I drink the tap water in Sudan?

Tap water is not safe to drink in Sudan. For environmental reasons, try to avoid buying bottled water. Instead, pack a reusable water bottle. Your leader or hotel can tell you were to find filtered water or bring purification tablets.

Are credit cards widely accepted in Sudan?

Credit cards are not accepted in Sudan. Neither are debit cards, cash cards or travellers cheques, so expect to pay cash for all purchases.

What is ATM access like in Sudan?

There are no ATMs in Sudan that are able to access international funds, so make sure to bring enough cash to cover all your expenses.

Do I need to purchase travel insurance before traveling?

Absolutely. All passengers traveling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.

For more information on insurance, please go to: Travel Insurance

What public holidays are celebrated in Sudan?

Jan 1: Independence Day Jan 8: Coptic Christmas June 25: Eid al-Fitr June 30: Revolution Day Sept 1: Eid al-Adha Sept 22: Islamic New Year Dec 1: Birth of Prophet Muhammad Dec 25: Christmas Day

Many of these holidays are religious holidays and change each year as they are celebrated according to the Islamic lunar calendar. For an up-to-date list of public holidays in Sudan go to: https://www.worldtravelguide.net/guides/africa/sudan/public-holidays .

Is Sudan a safe destination for LGBTQI-travellers?

Discretion is highly advised for LGBTQI-travellers in Sudan, where homosexuality is illegal and sodomy is technically punishable by death (though this has not been enforced for years). That being said, travellers should not encounter any problems if they are discreet and avoid public displays of affection.

For more detailed and up-to-date advice, we recommend visiting Equaldex or Smartraveller before you travel.

Do I need any vaccinations before visiting Sudan?

Sudan requires proof of yellow fever vaccination if you are travelling from a country with risk of yellow fever. Many African countries pose a risk (including Ethiopia, South Sudan and Kenya), so if you are planning on visiting other nearby nations before arriving in Sudan, you may be required to get this vaccine. Visit your doctor or travel clinic for up-to-date advice and make sure to schedule your vaccination 4-6 weeks before your departure date, as some require time to become effective. No other vaccines are required in order to enter Sudan but some are recommended for protection against disease.

Recommended vaccines: 1.    Hepatitis A (transmitted through contaminated water) 2.    Typhoid (transmitted through contaminated water) 3.    Yellow Fever (transmitted through mosquitoes). Yellow fever is a risk in Sudan south of Khartoum. Talk to your doctor or travel clinic about your travel plans to see if this vaccine is right for you. 4.    Meningitis (bacterial disease transmitted by close contact with an infected person). Sudan is located in the ‘meningitis belt’ of sub-Saharan Africa. The disease is most common during the dry season, between December and June.

Should I bring any medication when visiting Sudan?

Malaria, yellow fever and Zika are all mosquito-transmitted diseases found in certain parts of Sudan. Zika can also be transmitted through sexual exposure. Since Zika has been tied to serious birth defects, pregnant women are advised to not travel to Sudan. You can protect yourself by wearing light coloured clothing, using a good bug repellent and taking anti-malaria medication. Talk to your doctor or travel clinic about your travel plans to determine what medication is right for you.

How do I stay safe and healthy while traveling?

From Australia?

Go to: Smart Traveller

From Canada?

Go to:  Canada Travel Information

From the UK?

Go to:  UK Foreign Travel Advice

From New Zealand?

Go to:  Safe Travel

From the US?

Go to:  US Department of State

The World Health Organisation also provides useful health information.

Lendi Travel is proud to offer distinctive custom itineraries to help you experience the variety of cultures in this diverse region, with its unique customs, houses, languages and religion. The north of Sudan, the land of Nubia, is our new exciting destination. Mother Nature and ancient civilizations together have crafted a magical, inspiring place like no other. While other global destinations march toward homogenization, Nubia inches along on its own timeless path. This will be an adventure like no other. Read More…

Latest Posts

Archaeological Sites of the Island of Meroe

Lendi Travel is a pioneering leader in the adventure travel to Sudan, your reliable DMC, dedicated to bringing you innovative and active travel experiences for more than 12 years. Specializing in small or big groups, safaris, family adventure vacations, honeymoon adventures, and personalized custom adventure travel & conventions organizing. We invite you to join us.

Choose your tour.

Nubia & Sudan Expedition – 13 Days

The Land Of Kush & Soleb Extension – 10 Days

The Land Of Kush – 9 Days

Nubia & Desert Secrets Of Sudan – 17 Days

Land of Kush, Red Sea & Kassala – 14 Days

Old Dongola Christian Site, Ancient Napata, Meroe – 7 Days

Khartoum & Meroe Pyramids – 3 Days

Live the adventure...

Client Comments

At lendi travel, we know how important it is to know more about the local tour operator you travel with. we publish all our travelers’ feedback, so you can read what they have said about us., rafał sikorski, dear walled, i would like to thank you and your staff for great customer service, hospitality and professional handling my group it was a great job: you, your drivers, guides and cook of course. jacek and other client told me about the trip, no complains, just lack of water in the hotel upon arrival was an unpleasant experience but it had no impact. i hope your staff was pleasant as well form the trip. next trip to sudan with you., angela & david, thank you for organizing such a great trip for us. we really enjoyed meeting you and appreciated all the heart, care and concern you put into organizing the best trips for your clients. it was a privilege to see and enjoy your beautiful country. we will do our very best to share positive stories and reflections on sudan with everyone, but most particularly the americans we meet. thanks again waleed your enthusiasm, generosity and hospitality was greatly appreciated..

By New York, USA

We are both back in Moscow now; just wanted to say a big thank you for putting together such a wonderful trip for us; Sudan was very different from anywhere I have ever been before!!

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I.T.C. Sudan your travel specialist in the land of the Black Pharaohs

Most popular tours

The Kingdom of the Black Pharaohs

Nile Valley and the Western Desert

Hidden treasures of Sudan

Meroe and its Treasures

Hidden treasures of Sudan and the Red Sea

Nubia - A journey along the Nile

Eritrea's Treasures

A taste of South Sudan

South Sudan Expedition

Boats in Port Sudan

Dahlak Islands Experience

Eritrea Exploration

In sudan since the 1980's.

Northern Sudan is an hidden gem ready to be discovered in safety and comfort.

Did you know that there are more pyramids in Sudan then in Egypt?

I.T.C. Sudan is the leading tour operator based in Khartoum. We offer  great itineraries and we own the exclusive accommodations of the Nubian Rest House  in Karima and Meroe Camp  and we guarantee  the best services in the unknown Sudan.

We are specialized in cultural, archaeological, adventure, business and luxury tours. We have our own cars with professional drivers, excellent desert cooks and cultural – English, Italian, French, Spanish and German – local guides.

Fallen in love with the country in the 80’S, we established the company in 2000 . With so many years of experience you can trust us and be sure that we will make your trip across Northern Sudan a memorable experience.

DISCOVER MORE

One year has passed since the start of the conflict in Sudan […]

In Sudan, the situation that started nearly 5 months ago is not […]

Our partner NGO Friends of Sudan has launched 2 new campaigns to […]

A guide for traveling to Sudan: Itinerary + Travel tips

By Joan Torres 86 Comments Last updated on May 8, 2024

The streets were dusty and unpaved but it was the month of December, so a slight winter breeze produced a pleasant feeling. I felt like wandering around some villages settled along the Nile River, the shore of which is so fertile that, for a moment, I forgot that I was in the middle of the desert.

I desperately wanted to continue my journey to some villages located a few kilometers away, but the modest smiles, kindness, and hospitality of the Sudanese were blocking my way, as I was forced to have some tea every couple of meters.

The different smells and the women’s colorful dresses made me think that I was at the heart of the African continent but the sweets, sand dunes, camels and Arabic language, which is the official language in the country, invited me to believe that, perhaps, I was in the Middle East instead.

I went up to the top of a dune, from where, very thoughtful, I observed those incredible, off the beaten track pyramid ruins.

Welcome to Sudan, the land where, finally, the Middle East meets beautiful Africa

This guide for traveling to Sudan contains everything you need to know, including a complete 2-week itinerary, and tips regarding transportation, accommodation, visas and much more!

In this Sudan travel guide you will find:

Table of Contents

• Quick travel tips
• Travel insurance for Sudan
• Books for traveling to Sudan
• Transportation in Sudan
• Money – How much does it cost?
• Sudan is an off the beaten track place
• A 2-week travel itinerary
• More Information

our recommended travel insurance for Sudan

IATI Insurance is one of the very few that covers travel in Sudan.

💡 Sudan travel guide – Quick useful tips for traveling to Sudan

Best time to travel to Sudan –   Sudan is one of the hottest countries in the world . If you really want to enjoy your trip to Sudan, you must go in winter, from November to February. The rest of the year, the heat is just unbearable, especially in summer. I went there in December and, at noon, the temperature reached over 34ºC. 

Is it safe to travel to Sudan? – With one of the lowest crime rates in the world today, the tourist part of Sudan is one of the safest areas in Africa. However, there are tribal conflicts in Darfur province (west) and near the border with South Sudan. This violence is quite far from the touristic routes and, in the unlikely event that you managed to get close to there, the violence would never target foreigners. For further details, check out my article: Is it safe to travel to Sudan?

Language – Arabic is the official language. Nevertheless, like in any African country, Sudan is also home to several different ethnicities who speak their own local language, as well. Basic English is spoken by a significant part of the population, especially those with a higher level of education. Communicating with people, as well as asking for directions, doesn’t impose any real problems when traveling in Sudan.

How to get there – Most people travel to Sudan overland, either from Egypt or Ethiopia. By plane, people tend to come from Cairo, Doha, Dubai or Addis Ababa. I entered Sudan from Egypt. For further information, check out my post: How to cross from Egypt to Sudan overland

🪪 Visa for traveling to Sudan

You can get a visa in your home country, in Addis Ababa (capital of Ethiopia) and in Cairo and Aswan, Egypt. I got my visa in Aswan, a city located very close to the Sudanese border.

Once you are in Sudan, you also need to register and complete a few bureaucratic steps. 

For further details, check out my article: How to get a visa for Sudan

🚑 Travel Insurance for Sudan

Because of the sanctions, few insurance providers cover travel in Sudan. The one which does, however, is IATI Insurance , and I also recommend it for these reasons:

• They have loads of different plans for all travelers: from families to budget backpackers
• Covers for up to 1 year trips, good for overlanding around Africa
• Readers of Against the Compass readers can get an  exclusive 5% discount

📚 Recommended books for traveling in Sudan

Sudan Travel Guide by Bradt –  I highly recommend buying the guide from Bradt, the best book guide about Sudan out there. Bradt Guides has the most insightful guides about the most off the beaten track destinations.

The Sudanese people

Traveling in Sudan is such an enriching experience, due to the multiple, endless interactions with people, whose kindness and hospitality are part of their culture, as much as their language is. Besides a couple of archaeological sites , Sudan lacks actual tourist sites. Sudan is about all the people with whom you’ll share uncountable cups of tea, coffee, meals and, occasionally, especially in small villages, you’ll be invited to stay at their houses.

By the way, be aware that, from a religious point of view, Sudan is a very conservative society , Sunni Islam being the main religion. If you really want to enjoy and experience people’s hospitality at its best, you should respect their habits and rules. Outside of Khartoum, you should always wear long pants. Never talk to women, unless spoken to first and, even if they talk to you, don’t dare take a picture of them, without asking for their permission, first. If you are a couple, say that you are married, even if you are not. Otherwise, they wouldn’t understand it, as in their society that would be unacceptable.

Read: A guide for traveling to Egypt (itinerary + tips)

🛫 Transportation when traveling to Sudan

Public transportation –  Traveling around Sudan by public transport is pretty straightforward. Every day, throughout the day, from all cities, there are local minivans going in all directions. Prices are quite low and they leave once they are full. By the way, roads are in very good condition. 

Private Jeep – Many travelers prefer to hire a driver with a private jeep. I met a few foreigners who were traveling this way and, if you can afford it, you should know that it is very convenient, as you can visit many ruins which are very deep into the desert.

Hitchhiking – Very easy to hitch a ride.  Furthermore, since there’s practically only one road going in each direction, finding a vehicle going in the same direction as you is quite simple. 

Read: How to visit the Nubian pyramids of Sudan

💻 Internet and connectivity in Sudan

Internet – Since internet connection is practically non-existent, in Sudan, it’s advisable to plan your trip ahead. On several occasions, I wasn’t able to connect and had some trouble finding a place or trying to remember the name of a hotel. Outside the capital, especially in the north, Wi-Fi doesn’t exist and the only way to connect is through a SIM card, which works terribly slowly, meaning that you’ll barely be able to browse anything.

Khartoum is the only place where 3G works OK. Update February 2018 : According to Patrick from German Backpacker , 3G has improved, at least if you get an MTN Sim Card.

SIM Cards – They are sold everywhere. If you say you want a SIM Card, they might not understand you, so you should say: Shariha Sudani . A card should cost 5SDG, with a few calls. You need pay extra for having internet. There are several phone companies like  (Zain, MTN, and Sudantel), all of them offering different packages, always pretty cheap. MTN seems to be the most reliable one. Registration with your passport is always necessary.

eSIM for browsing, calling and traveling in Sudan

Basically, an eSIM is a regular SIM card with a digital format that works like a normal physical SIM card, with the added benefit that you can buy it from home before the beginning of your trip, hence avoiding the hassle of buying it at your destination. 

With Holafly , you can get a SIM Card for a wide range of destinations, including Sudan . 

Moreover, you can benefit from a 5% discount with the following code:  AGAINSTTHECOMPASS

Get a VPN for traveling in Sudan

You should always use a VPN when you travel, especially when you connect to public Wi-Fi networks.

Your connection will be much safer. 

Moreover, you will be able to access content which is typically censored in Sudan. 

I recommend ExpressVPN – Extremely easy to use, fast and cheap. 

If you want to learn more about VPN, check: Why you need a VPN for traveling .

💰 Money – How much does backpacking in Sudan cost?

Currency exchange.

Don’t exchange money at banks or official exchange offices.

Officially, the exchange rate is approximately:

1USD = 601 SDG

However, on the black market, in February 2018, the exchange rate was  1USD = 30SDG . You should always change on the black market. It’s better you change your money in Wadi Halfa, Khartoum or Sawakin, as you may have some troubles in exchanging money in the rest of the towns.

Please note that the exchange rate in Sudan is crazy and it keeps devaluating constantly. Prices provided in the following guide are correct in local currency but the USD exchange rate I provide may not be accurate.

Typical costs of backpacking in Sudan

In Sudan, one could easily travel for less than $20 a day. These are some of the most typical costs.

Note – I am using the USD/SDG exchange rate used on the black market.

Accommodation

Hostels – Dorms cost around 25SDG. Be aware that these aren’t hostels aimed at foreigners or backpackers but local Sudanese. They are extremely cheap but not very clean, unfortunately. 

Hotels – Mid-range hotels, where the Sudanese middle class stays, cost something between 100SDG and 175SDG.

A meal of foul costs 25SDG. If you order chicken, your bill would increase to 40-50SDG. A one-liter bottle of water costs 3SDG, whereas a cup of coffee costs 5SDG.

Transportation

These are the prices of some of the bus journeys I took:

Wadi Halfa to Abri (180km): 60SDG Abri to Dongola (230km): 80SDG Abri to Karima (200km): 60SDG

🍲 Sudanese food

Unfortunately, the food is not the highlight of backpacking in Sudan. Foul , which is a sort of black bean soup with plenty of peanut oil, is the national dish and what you are going to eat every day, to the extent that you will really get sick of it! If you are lucky, surprisingly, in some places, they add some sort of local cheese on top of it. One piece of advice. When your order foul , tell the waiter: ” Mafi Zed ”, which means ”without oil”. 

Furthermore, in some places, grilled barbecue chicken can be found. Additionally, some restaurants in villages close to the Nile, also serve fried fish but, the day I ordered it, I saw that they had all the fish piled up in a dirty cupboard, without any sort of protection. For breakfast, it is relatively easy to find boiled eggs, accompanied by the delicious and strong Arabic coffee.

In Khartoum and Port Sudan, you can find a greater variety of food, including Western meals.

Read: Egypt off the beaten track

🤔 Should you travel to Sudan? A real off the beaten track destination

Before backpacking in Sudan, you should know that this a real off the beaten track destination where tourism infrastructure is not even in an embryonic stage. Most of the country lacks tourist hotels and most restaurants are just simple shacks with very poor hygiene conditions. Internet connection is practically non-existent and you’ll barely meet other travelers or backpackers. My point is that, whereas Sudan is an unforgettable experience, this is not a country for beginner backpackers.

📍 Sudan Travel Guide – Ultimate Sudan itinerary

This Sudan itinerary goes from the north (Wadi Halfa, Egyptian border) to the south (Sawakin, Ethiopian border), with a few detours to the Red Sea (Port Sudan) and the border with Eritrea (Kassala).

I was in Sudan a little longer than two weeks, entering from Egypt and ending my trip in Khartoum. I would say that 85% of the most interesting sites in the country are located between these two points and, if you manage your time well, you can easily visit these places in just two weeks . Unfortunately, I didn’t have time to visit Kassala and Port Sudan. If you want to visit them, you should add at least one extra week or ten days to your itinerary. 

2 weeks Sudan itinerary

Abri and the nubian villages, soleb temple.

• Meroë / Shendi
• Naqa and Musawwarat es-Sufra
• Omdurman (Sufi dancing and the camel market)

Extending your Sudan itinerary

Map of the things to do in sudan.

If you come from Egypt, Wadi Halfa will be your first point of contact with Sudanese society. This small town doesn’t have anything interesting to offer travelers but you will have to spend your first night here, exchange some money and, basically, chill out for a bit after your hectic journey from Egypt. By the way, bear in mind that, unless you come from Egypt, it doesn’t make a lot of sense to visit Wadi Halfa, as this is a mere border city.

Where to stay in Wadi Halfa  – There are an endless number of basic hotels targeting local people coming from Egypt. Usually, these hotels offer rooms with five beds at 20-25SDG ($0.80 – $1.04). I stayed in Aleen Halfa . Be aware that these hotels are not very clean. Welcome to Sudan.

Read: How to cross from Egypt to Sudan overland

The Nubians, one of the most ancient civilizations in Africa, are an ethnic group which originated in present-day Egypt and Sudan. The Nubians have a long history that dates back to the Egyptian pharaohs and they ruled Egypt during the 8th century B.C. The Nubians have strong cultural differences, identified in their literature, music and poetry, and they speak their own language, which, even though it’s hard to imagine, is a non-written language. Today, Nubian people live spread across southern Egypt and northern Sudan, established on the shores of the Nile river.

Abri is the main town and the perfect base from where to explore the villages around the area. You should just follow the river, hopping from village to village, through the foul and palm plantations. In my experience, Nubians are the most hospitable people in the country. Visiting those villages was the highlight of my trip to Sudan, not only because of people’s kindness but also, because of the landscape, as you see beautiful, large green fields flourishing in the middle of the desert, thanks to the fast-flowing river.

For more information, read: Tales of the Nubian people in Sudan

Where to stay in Abri – Megzoub Guest House – Definitely, this is the best guest house in Sudan. Megzoub is a great, wise man who offers double and single rooms with pretty clean toilets. However, his prices are quite high, compared to the country average. His rate may start at 250SDG ($10) but you could easily bring it down 100SDG ($4.10), at least for me and a friend who was there recently. You can contact Megzoub by calling any of his phone numbers: +249122886586 and +249911220984.

How to get to Abri from Wadi Halfa – There are minivans which leave at every hour, starting from quite early in the morning. Price: 60SDG ($2.50)

One of the most well-preserved ruins in the country and, founded by Amenhotep II, Soleb temple was built to worship Amun-Ra. It is claimed that the architect might have been Amenhotep, son of Apu, whose mortuary temple can be found in Luxor . Soleb is located halfway to Dongola (the next destination after Abri). You could visit it on a day trip from Abri or on your way to Dongola

How to get from Soleb to Abri – Soleb is 50km from Abri. Megzoub, the owner of the guest house in Abri, can take you there in his car for 400SDG ($17, round trip). On the other hand, if you want to go by yourself, you should take a mini-van to Wawa. The temple is located on an island in the middle of the river. You can only get there by boat but there are local fishermen who can take you there cheaply. One-way bus ticket to Wawa is 20SDG costs ($0.80) and entering the temple 60SDG ($2.50).

Dongola is a city which does not have much to offer the traveler. However, if you are heading from Abri to Karima, probably, you will probably have to spend one night here, as there is no direct transport and the minivan service that runs from Dongola to Karima doesn’t run until very late. In this city, there’s not much to do besides wandering around the main bazaar, eating grilled chicken and socializing with the locals.

Note that there is no direct transportation from Abri to Karima but you can get a direct bus from Wadi Halfa to Karima, without stopping in Dongola.

Where to stay in Dongola – Alnuallem  is the only good hotel in the city. It offers double rooms at 175SDG ($7.30). These are the coordinates: 19.172898 30.468067.

How to get to Dongola from Abri – There are frequent minivans, being the last one leaves at around 5 or 6 pm, but you should double check with Megzoub.  Price: 80SDG ($3.30).

Welcome to one of the most touristic spots in Sudan and where, probably, you’ll meet the first bunch of travelers (if you are coming from Egypt). Karima is a lovely area which is famous for being home to three of the most important archaeological sites in Sudan, containing a large number of Nubian pyramids, some of them in very good condition. The best about it is that you might have the pyramids just to yourself.

• Jebel Barkal : The best-preserved group of pyramids and the site surrounded by the prettiest nature.
• Nuri:  The pyramids from this site are in a deplorable state but that’s the beauty of them.
• Al-Kurru:  Almost completely destroyed, as the locals took the stones to build their houses

For more information about the pyramids, read: How to visit the Nubian pyramids in Sudan

Where to stay in Karima – I stayed in Al-Nassr , a very simple hotel frequented by Sudanese. Price can be negotiated but I paid 100SDG ($4.10) for a double room with private bathroom. Update: In 2018, travelers are already paying 150SDG.   Another alternative would be a fancy guest house called Nubian Rest House , which has double semi-luxury rooms. However, I heard that they are now charging $220 for just one night. They are crazy and target people who travel on a tour. In the Nubian pyramids article I wrote, I provide further details about the location.

How to get to Karima from Dongola – The minivans leave from the morning, but as very few locals use that route, you might have to wait for a while until the bus is full. Price: 60SDG ($2.50).

Shendi is just a small, unattractive town which you can use as a base to visit the pyramids of Meroë . The most interesting part of Shendi is its lively bazaar.

How to get from Karima to Shendi –  To get there from Karima, you should first take a minivan to Atbara. They leave early in the morning and cost 130SDG ($5.40) for a 3-hour journey. From there, you can catch a 2-hour big bus to Shendi for 50SDG ($2.10). Alternatively, you could get off on the road, before getting to Atbara and hitchhike from there. That’s what I did.

Where to stay in Shendi – I didn’t stay but there’s a local hotel called El Kawther (16.696079, 33.424961), which is supposed to be good. Alternatively, you can also stay in a kind of apartment, which is close to where the bus dropped you, 50 meters from the green mosque. There’s no sign but it’s a pink building with many water tanks on top. It has fully furnished, 2-room apartments with fridge, TV, stove and pots. It costs around $10 per night, which can be split by several people.

The only proper touristy place, meaning that here you’ll find an archaeological site surrounded by a fence where they charge an entrance fee and there are locals selling souvenirs. The royal cemetery of Meroë is composed of 100 narrow pyramids spread across a vast desert of orange sand dunes. Most of them are quite well-preserved and, at the end of 2016, the site was still under restoration. Ticket price varies and it will depend on your negotiation skills. For more information, read:  How to visit the Nubian pyramids of Sudan

How to get to Meroë from Karima – The ruins of Meroë are located right next to the road, meaning that there is no direct bus going there. If you come straight from Karima, follow the same route as going to Shendi but get off 50km before. If you want to go from Shendi, take a bus to Kabushiya and then, you can easily hitchhike the remaining few kilometers.

Where to stay in Meroë -You have 5 options. First , you could stay in Khartoum and come to Meroë on a day trip, which is what most travelers do. Second , as I mentioned previously, you could stay in Shendi. Third , there are several resting places along the road between Atbara and Shendi, where the truck drivers spend the night for as little as 5SDG ($0.30). Basically, they have a bunch of deck chairs placed outside. I stayed here 🙂 Fourth , you may stay at the Meroe Tented Camp, which is a desert camp with relatively luxurious tents. They used to ask $42 for one night but, according to Patrick from German Backpacker , they now ask for $190. They are just crazy and, clearly, not targeting backpackers. And fifth , you could just set up your own tent among the dunes!

Naqa and Musawwarat es-Sufra

The most off the beaten track Nubian temples in the world, Naqa and Musawwarat es-Sufra are located in the middle of the desert, several kilometers away from the road. Getting there is a bit tricky as there are no signs and you need to go over sand dunes.

A traveler claimed that he went there on a small, normal car but you need a really good driver and, definitely, it’s better to go there on a 4×4.

From Khartoum, the price would oscillate something between $100 and $150. It’s quite expensive.

Alternatively, in Shendi, which is the closest town to the temples, you could look for a 4×4 owner and ask this person to take you there. The cost would be significantly lower than from Khartoum. Andy, the same traveler who went there on a small car, said that he got a car for 400SDG ($20). He visited Naqa but, when he arrived in Mussawarat, they wanted to charge him $20 for visiting it and bargaining was not possible. Be aware of this.

Located very close to the capital, Omdurman is a city that has very little interest but is famous for having some of the most popular events among tourists:

Sufi dancing – Sufism is the mystical or spiritual branch of Islam. Their faith is not based on logic but on revelation. They are those Sunni Muslims who perform a spiritual dance while they get high on drugs. This psychedelic dancing takes place on Friday afternoons. Where? In Hamid El-Nil Mosque . You’ll be definitely meeting other tourists. For more information, check out this amazing photo essay from the  Candy Trail travel blog.

The camel market – Personally, I didn’t go there, as I’ve seen several camel markets in the Middle East before, but if you’ve never seen more than 2,000 camels gathered all together, I am sure you are gonna love this one. How to get there? First of all, take a bus to Omdurman (either from Shendi or Khartoum). In Khartoum, buses depart from Al Araby bus station. The bus will drop you off at the main souk. From there, you should take another bus to Souk Libya (7km). Once in Souk Libya , take the last bus to Moelih, the actual camel market. You’ll know where it is because everybody else will get off there.

The capital Khartoum

If you come from Egypt, you should arrive in Khartoum in two weeks, approximately. Khartoum is a city in which to rest and eat something different from foul  and grilled chicken. Honestly, there’s not much to do besides visiting the confluence of both the Blue and White Niles. In Khartoum, one can have fun just wandering around the endless souks and hanging out with the locals. By the way, if you want to hang out in a nice hotel, Corinthia Hotel, the best one in town, has the best internet and you can spend as much time as you want in the reception area.

For more information, read: 24 hours in Khartoum

How to get to Khartoum – Al Araby is one of the main bus stations in Khartoum. From here, buses come and go in all directions. From Shendi, you can take a bus for 20SDG ($0.80). 4 hours, with traffic.

Where to stay in Khartoum – Couchsurfing is easy in Khartoum but also, there’s a hostel called Hostelling International Khartoum. These are the coordinates:  15.591484, 32.539680. There’s also a camping area next to the river, situated very close to the confluence of the Nile. It’s called Blue Nile Sailing Club. These are the coordinates:  15.611694, 32.534409

The following places (Port Said, Suakin and Kassala) are amazing to visit. However, you should add at least one week or 10 extra days to the previous two-week itinerary.

Located at the border with Eritrea, Kassala is a city that lies at the foot of a beautiful peak belonging to the Taka Mountains. In Kassala you will find a large number of different ethnicities, including Beja and Rashadia . An interesting spice souk, plenty of colors and meeting different kinds of people are the things that make Kassala become a unique place. By the way, most likely, you’ll be the only foreigner wandering around this area.

For more information, check out this awesome photo essay from Candy Trail Travel Blog.

Port Said and Suakin

Located on the Red Sea, almost 800km from Khartoum, these two cities are, geographically, culturally and architecturally, quite different from the rest of Sudan.

Suakin –  With a peculiar architecture that dates back to the 19th century, Suakin was an important place during the Ottoman Empire, as it was the center of slavery exportation and where Muslims left from on their pilgrimage to Mecca. Today, the Turkish government is investing some efforts in restoring the buildings. Where to stay? There are a few hotels but, apparently, some of them might tell you that foreigners are not allowed to stay in Suakin. You can try but, if you want to be more comfortable, I suggest you go to Port Sudan, located just 60km away.

Port Sudan –  Port Sudan is the place where you want to go if you wish to disconnect from the desert and swim in the bluest water. This is most cosmopolitan city in the country, as well as the cleanest. Where to stay? There is one expensive hotel called Coral on the Corniche. If you want something very cheap and basic, you can stay at Hotel Boheine (19.6118533, 37.2208425), near the sea, or at Hotel Alatoun (19.612733,37.213873), near the souk.

By the way, like its neighbor Egypt, the Red Sea in Sudan is home really impressive corals, so here you can do some of the best snorkeling  and diving ever.

How to get to Port Sudan and Suakin? – From Khartoum, there are direct buses but you could also go from Atbara, the city where you took a second bus, on your way from Karima to Meroë.

❗ More information for traveling to Sudan

📢 In my Travel Resources Page you can find the list of all the sites and services I use to book hotels, tours, travel insurance and more.

All guides and articles for traveling in Sudan destination

• Tales of Nubian People
• Travel Guide to Nubian Pyramids
• Is Sudan Safe?
• Solo Female Travel Guide to Sudan
• Visa Guide for Sudan

Travel guides to other countries in Africa

• Ethiopia Travel Guide
• Eritrea Travel Guide
• Somaliland Travel Guide
• Travel Guide to Egypt
• Libya Travel Guide
• Mali Travel Guide
• Travel Guide to Mauritania
• Tunisia Travel Guide

86 comments

Excellent review. Stunned how the crime rates in tourist areas are among the lowest on earth. The US State Department never reported that one. Meanwhile, driving through the West End of my hometown in the States I am likely to get popped after dark. Crazy stuff. I met 2 young awesome South Sudanese kids recently who moved to the USA to play high school basketball. Both landed scholarships to prestigious Tulane University. What niche kids, embodying the generous spirit of the Sudanese people.

Thanks for sharing 🙂

Hey Ryan, thanks for your refreshing comment. I’m really happy to hear that there are Sudanese kids who get scholarships for studying abroad. The youngest country in the world is going through quite a lot of struggles and it’s good to know that some its citizens get opportunities like this one. Cheers mate,

Very interesting and useful article about a destination that not many people visit! I bet you didn’t see many tourists around you 🙂 Loved the photos too btw.

Hey, Cinthya! I just saw a few backpackers and 4 or 5 old couples traveling with a private guide. That’s it!

Hey! Thanks for a ridiculously good guide which eased some of my concerns. Reading your take on it, it seems similar to the experience of travelling around Iran without an escort (outside of the large cities) and I would do anything to have more similar experiences.

As I understand it, it has the same situation with ATMs and currency exchange as well. Can I assume the black market is merely people hanging out at some spot holding calculators, or is the set up different? Will they accept Egyptian pounds at the same advantageous rate? Is it possible to exchange on the Egyptian side and/or in intermediate cities as well? Grateful for any questions answered!

Hey mate, hope you are all right. I assume you are coming from Egypt then? Right after crossing the border, the first people you’ll meet will be locals trying to exchange your currency. Yes, they accept Egyptian Pounds. To be honest, I didn’t exchange with them, as I thought I would find a better rate in Wadi Halfa, the next city. But actually, their rate was almost, as good as the one in the city, so you can exchange your EGP with them, and exchange your USD or € in Wadi Halfa. In Wadi Halfa, there are no people hanging around with tons of bills and calculators but you need to ask at the different shops, to see who is willing to exchange your cash. Don’t worry, they love foreign currency so it’s fairly easy to find them.

Much appreciated! Yes, from the Egyptian border. I wanted to visit Ethiopia, but I dislike to fly as there is so much you miss in between. Therefore, I was more than happy to see that Sudan is not only an alternative but a seemingly interesting destination. Thanks again and good luck on your next trip!

Your welcome and all the best!

Hi Joan, This is a great site, thanks. My girlfriend and I are in Aswan waiting to collect Sudan visas. We were wondering if you can register in Abri rather than Wadi Halfa as we are hoping to go straight there. Did you hear of any option like this? Cheers Tim

Hi, Tim! No, you can’t, unfortunately. If you didn’t do it in Wadi Halfa, you will have to do it in Dongola. But anyways, if you come by public transport, you can’t go straight to Abri but you have to spend the night in Wadi Halfa. The bus will arrive in Wadi Halfa pretty late and even the drivers always spend the night there. The people that go straight to Khartoum also must spend the night there. You can register in Wadi Halfa in the morning and then go to Abri. That’s what I did. Good luck!

This article just saved my life lol. Thank you so so much. Amazing information.

Glad it did 🙂

Hi Joan, Thanks for the excellent guide! I share your experience that the Sudanese people are some of the warmest I’ve come across. One thing though. Officially it is required – or at least it was required when I was there in 2011 – to aquire permits if visiting sites including the pyramids. Has this changed or do you simply consider there to be no need for permits? I didn’t aquire any when I was there, but on my way to Meroe I were asked for them at a checkpoint. I was told to turn around but after some discussion I was allowed to continue to the next city (supposedly to get a bus back to Khartoum). Since the bus driver couldn’t care less about permits he let me off at the pyramids which were amazing 🙂

On a side note: Sudan has some of the best diving in the Red sea, which one could argue to be the main draw for tourism in the country…

Hey Mattis! That’s surprising that you needed permits to visit the pyramids. I am pretty sure that you don’t need them anymore. No one asked me for any permit and didn’t meet any tourist who had an issue with that!

Yeah, I also heard that Sudan has very good divings. I don’t dive myself but perhaps I should include it in the guide. Thanks for the reco, cheers!

Thanks, hopefully there’s no need! I may have been mistaken in saying that they are needed for the pyramids per se – I could confuse them with the photography permit that you needed to take photos in the country in general. Though I’m also unsure whether that is gone now, I never applied for it.

Well there’s probably not much to be said about the diving guide-wise, since it’s all liveaboard diving and the majority of the boats start in Egypt. While I did meet a guy who jumped on our boat last minute, I think this is an exception to the rule of booking ahead. Cheers

Hi Mattis and Joan. Unfortunately there is a need for a travel permit to see the pyramids and probably going anywhere from Khartoum. My girlfriend and I were stopped on the way a few days ago and made to get a bus back to Khartoum cos we did not have one. We were ok coming from the north all the way down to the capital though. The travel permit and photo permit are the same form. It is free to get at the Ministry of Tourism, which can be found here: 15°35′52″N 32°34′37.52″E It is on Bashir Enefeidi Street, which is on the opposite side of the airport from downtown on the east side of the city. The office is on the second floor and a you’ll need a passport photo and copy of your passport and visa page. They are really nice there and have a photocopier and can make you copies of the permit to give to police at checkpoints. It takes about ten minutes and you can list all the places you want to visit and take photos.

Thanks for your feedback man!

However, you were not asked a pyramid permit. You were asked a travel permit which is required for anyone leaving Khartoum. If you enter from Egypt or Ethiopia and you don’t pass by Khartoum, there is no need to have this permit. Also, if your final destination is Khartoum, which means that you don’t leave the city, you don’t need the permit either.

In my Sudan visa article, I was explaining this process which you also explained very well: https://againstthecompass.com/en/visa-for-sudan/

I know. It’s a non-sense law.

Ah ok. Then no. Apart from the travel permit there was no need any other separate permit for the pyramid that we could see and we were not asked for one. Careful at the pyramid entrance they tried to charge SDG270 each or $20. But stand your ground and tell them it is 100 each.

Hello Joan. I was wondering where you went after Sudan. Did you fly home? If so did you manage to find a cheap international flight? What do you think is the best way to get back to Europe from this part of the world?

Hi Emily, apologies for my late reply. I flew from Khartoum to Spain with Qatar Airlines and, as far as I can remember, it was pretty cheap!

Hi Joan I am looking to cross from eygpt into Sudan in October as a solo female. Did u experience any issues along the way or did you feel relatively safe

Hi! From a safety point of view, there is no problem at all. From a comfort point of view, it’s a fucked up journey :p But there are plenty of Sudanese women who will be more than happy to have a chat with you, you will have fun 🙂

Well, I’m a man. If you are a man, things are different

Tim, Joan, Albeit a bit late but thank you for the information! Best

Hello Joan,

I might be travelling to Sudan for work. I really liked your blog and posts related to your trip in Sudan. You give another perspective than what most embassies and newspaper give. May I ask you when did you go there? Things change fast there and it possible that the atmosphere today or next month are not the same as when you were there.

Thanks a lot in advance!

Hi Luna, I traveled there in December 2016. Yes, things change fast in Sudan but I wouls say that they change to good, as tourism is increasing day by day. Cheers 🙂

Thank you for sharing, I found very useful info here, I was delighted to find this web site. This is an incredibly inspiring story, I love it!

Hi Joan, excellent helpful review. Can you tell me briefly what clothing you would recommend for female travelers in Sudan? Thanks, Terry

Hello. I just published this article, which definitely answers your question 🙂 https://againstthecompass.com/en/visit-sudan-female-traveler/

Thanks for the source of information. I went Aswan (200 egp with ferry from Abu Simbel) – > Wadi Halfa (150 SDG minivan) – > Dongola (70 SDG bus that was going to Atbara) – > Karima (130 SDG minivan then 50 SDG bus from Atbara) – > Meroe Pyramids (15 SDG truck to Shendi and 70 SDG bus) – > Khartoum and going Ethiopia soon, which supposedly is 270 SDG to the border. Did not bargain any transport.

Seems like you have kept updating things well. The SDG just had a hell of a week and the government seems to try stabilize it again. But we got 24 per USD and 1.35 per EGP (did not bargain this one) in Wadi Halfa last week. Which at the time made changing into USD first pointless and perhaps even a loss, but it has been crazy.

Sleeping in the desert by the pyramids is fine as well, even without a tent. Got a bit chilly due to the wind around 3 AM or so but better than superheated rooms with mosquitoes. Although I did have a beetle roll a ball of shit up to me. We asked to get off at “Bayyarawaya” or some similar pronounciation. Use it in combination with Haram (which means Pyramid in Arabic, but also “religiously forbidden” depending on pronounciation). Saying Meroe just confused them as there is a town opposite Karima named such.

Did registration overdue at the airport for 535 SDG, less than 20 minutes work and the airport is so central. Didn’t even give them photos but they charged me 5 SDG to copy passport and visa.

Youth Hostel in Khartoum is 70 SDG per night atm in dorm and they can give you a paper to help in the registration, but I don’t know if it changed anything.

I HIGHLY recommend taking busses and not minivans if you are even remotely tall or value space. Unfortunately not always available and more of a point to point form of transportation.

When it comes to food, I never had foul as expensive as 25 SDG, outrageous! :] Always hovering around 15 and often satisfying two people. And those 5 SDG falafel sandwiches sure could use some vegetables or sauce added to it…

So here are some ramblings from me. But all you already have here is more than sufficient to navigate Sudan and feel somewhat confident in doing so. Thanks!

Hey, thank you so much for this trip report! Really appreciate it 🙂 Good to know that this currency devaluation won’t last for long. I will keep an eye on it! Also didn’t know that you could register at the airport. Enjoy Ethiopia 🙂

The information is good. However, fuul is not the national dish – although it is eaten frequently (maybe a sandwich in the western world is a suitable comparison). Aseeda or kisra would be considered as more of a national dish. They will put a sauce over it such as tagiliya (closest comparison I can give is bolognese) or bamiya (gloopy okra based). There are other sauces, including a kind of chicken curry but I don’t know the names of these. I think it is a bit of a misconception that it is not possible to get good food – although it can be difficult as a tourist unless you have a local to help or speak Arabic. Often the best food is in peoples homes rather than restaurants.

Hi James, I am so jealous that you tried this dish! Yes, I fully agree that, in this part of the world, best meals are ALWAYS eaten at home, so in Egypt and many other Arab countries 🙂

Dear Joantow,

I visirde Port Sudan end of December.

There is only the expensive top hotel Coral on the corniche (avenue along the coast). Stayed in Boheine hotel at 450 sdg (19.6118533, 37.2208425) near the sea. Also at Alatoun ( 19.612733,37.213873) near the souk. Both already basic.

Suakin was a disappointment. Only piles of coral stones remain on the island and two reconstructed mosques and the customs house. Lots of poverty and waste everywhere.

Best regards,

Thank you for this great, specific information Jozef. I have updated the guide accordingly 🙂

Dear Joantow, A short update from Khartoum. If you do not like the accomdation @ the Youth Hostel, in the same street about 100 meter west there’s affordable Kh2 hotel run by hospitable Khaled, who speaks fine English.

Omdurman heading public transport leaves from Jackson bus station west from the Train station. In Omdurman, you find Imam Al-Mahdi tomb at GPS code 15.639591, 32.488507, while Named Al-Neel tomb, where the sufi chanting/dance takes place can be found at GPs 15.625162, 33.464271.

Really helpful, thanks!

Are there any restrictions with regards to bringing cameras or drones into the country?

Hi Andrew, I have no idea about drones but cameras, you are supposed to get a camera permit but seriously, nobody asks for it… I didn’t get it and was my whole journey with a camera hanging from my shoulder.

Not sure if I posted this one before: I have an Egyptian-licensed car, and was told in Automobile Club in CAiro that I need a “Carnet de Passage” (called Tryptique now in Egypt) to cross to Sudan. It cost around US$150 (plus a bigger deposit) there. Is it recognized (useful) by Sudan? In the past I had the experience (in Syria) having bought this but not being recognized and having to buy again on the border. Or is it better I wait and buy it at the border? Is it cheaper there? Thanks, Michel

Hi Michel, sorry but I can’t help you with this as I don’t really know about this… I guess that the company should have experience in border crossings from other clients right? They should know that

Wonderful blog!Thanks for giving out the best.

First of all thank you very much for your information.

If you plan to update the Sudan part maybee you think about to mention that a Sudan visa has to be used max. 60 days after beeing issued. That is what different sources in the internet tell.

Hey Joan, I just wanted to thank you for the probably most amazing travel guide to Sudan out there. I’m planning on travelling there in winter and sure will use your great ideas for my trip. Cheers, Felix

Amazing man, thank you and have loads of fun there!

I have some Updates: THE TRAVEL PERMIT TO MOVE AROUND THE COUNTRY IS NOT LONGER NEEDED I red that at Lonely Planet Travelforum and I went to the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife in Karthoum and they also told me its not necessary anymore. 1$ at the black market was between 38 SGD in Wadi Halfa and three weeks later in Karthoum about 45 SGD ( July 2018)

Crossing Sudan to Egypt Overland: Bus from Wadi Halfa to Aswan 250 SGD 132 SGD leaving fee 130 Egyptian Pound Entering Fee (and 25$ for Visa on arrival)

Save travel!

Hi there! Apologies for my late reply but it is been some crazy days! I appreciate so much your updates and will update the post in a few days! Cheers!

This is excellent! I’d love to go but I’m terrified of the logistics once on the ground. And my fiancé is 6’4” and probably wouldn’t like the minibuses very much…

Also, in the first part of the article (before the list of destinations), you wrote Kalassa a couple times instead of Kassala. 🙂

Hi Sarah! Yes, to be very honest, Sudan involves a bit of hard-backpacking… However, I met quite a few people above 50 who were traveling with a private guide and absolutely loved it. Would you travel with a guide?

Thanks for the correction. I will change it right away!

Sarah, Just a quick response – I’ve been traveling in Sudan twice now (once with my girlfriend) and I am 6’33. Normal coaches (quite nice ones at that) are common on most major routes and I don’t find Sudan to be any worse than most other places in that regard. Granted the world does not seem to be built for my size but what do…

Thanks for some wonderful articles on your blog! I’m going to Sudan in about a month and a half after traveling through Egypt. I’m so excited and reading your few articles just makes me think I’ll have a great time off the grid.

I have one or two questions if you don’t mind 🙂

Did you sleep at some people’s house? Did you just have a sleeping bag for your whole trip? Do people ask money when you hitchhike? (although I don’t mind giving since they welcome me and i use their oil :D)

Thanks mate! Peter

Hi Peter, great to hear that you are going to Sudan! Here my replies: 1 – One day, a random house invitation. 2 – I always travel with a sleeping bag but didn’t use it there. Mine is too warm 3 – They never asked me for any money Cheers!

ihi great read thanks… one thing… i need to gett a visa from the UK to travel to sudan in January 2019 . Do you know anyone who can supply the letter of invitation?

Hi Paul, I suggest you contact any reasonably good hotel in Khartoum. They can help you with the LOI for an extra cost. Cheers,

A standard source is Hotel Acropole in Khartoum. Not a “backpacker” price, but pleasant place with owners very useful other bureaucratic tasks.

Many thanks for your replies. I will use the Acropole as they have been very helpful. cheers P

Thank you so much for some really great articles on your blog! I’m going to Sudan in november through Egypt. I’ve wanted to go for a long time, and your blog is what made me decide that its really is possible to do it! 😀

I just have a few questions if you don’t mind; Approximately how much money (dollars) do you think I need for lets say 3-4 weeks in Sudan travelling the same route as you did?? I dont really like to travel with a lots of cash but I understand its necessary. I´m planning to cross the border from Sudan to Ethiopia after, so I hope to change the rest of my SDG to Birr on the border.

If I understand correctly, you don’t need a photo permit anymore? I’m a photographer, planning to taking lots of pictures, in your experience how did most people react to this? I’m not looking for still pictures.. Travelled a lot in West African countries before, where it mostly were no problem.

Im travelling alone, anyone else travelling in Sudan in Nov-Dec of this year?? Or anyone with some extra tip, please share 🙂

Hi Victorya! I would say that a backpacking budget would never be higher than 20-30USD a day. As per the photo and travel permit, yes, it is not needed anymore according to quite a few travelers. As per the photos, everybody is pretty cool with that, except for some women. However, since you are also a woman, I am sure that it will be different.

FYI I will be there from the start of January and will be getting visa from somewhere in East Africa in Nov/Dec. Acropole Hotel has been brilliant and helpful.

Thanks for your blog! It was very usefull for my recent trip. The consulate in Aswan seems to stop issueing visas. Maybe even closed. End of September several people had to return to Cairo for visas. But looks like embassy in Cairo issues visas quickly and without LOI (although the cost is 150USD).

Crazy. Will need to update the article then. Thanks for the update 🙂

Yeah, I was lucky enough to find it out before and successfully got my visa (1 entry, 2 months, 50USD) in Moscow embassy without LOI, I did online bookings of a hotel and flight, that cancelled later. Seems sudanese facilitate visa issue process in general, so it would be usefull to contact a home or nearby embassy before going. I can confirm that you can jump from one bus to another on the border without paying extra, so I managed to reach Abri same day I left Egypt (Dongola could be possible as well, but I prefered to follow your route). Also it seems to be another bus Aswan – Khartoum via another road, but this case you skip Abu Simbel. Meroe, Naqa and Massawarat are also very easy from Khartoum for one day. You just need to start a journey from Khartoum early, buy a ticket to Atbara (not Shendi), take off next to pyramid site (I was there at 9am). After visit one you flag on the road to return to Shendi. In Shendi you can negotiate with a simple Hyundai taxi to go to Naqa and Massawarat, the road is not as awful, but quite hard. I paid 1000 pounds (20USD now) for all together. I didn’t return to Shendi (40 km back) and asked the driver to leave me at the check point next to the exit from the desert. The policemen helped me to hitchhike back to Khartoum as it was Saturday and all passing by buses where full.

Oh, the registration is possible at the border! After getting the entry stamp, the same officer will easily make a registration (it costs 540 pounds or so, a money changer sits opposite border control).

Man, you have done great at getting to Sudan. I always wanted to go there but due to me not be able to get a visa from Egypt, I had to leave it from my itinerary. I was so close in Aswan!

why you didn’t get it?

Hi guys Do you know about the situation in Sudan, I will be in Aswan soon and I wonder about the safety of a travel in Sudan.

your answers 🙂 https://againstthecompass.com/en/safe-travel-sudan/

Going to Ethiopia: Be as early as possible at al Qadarif. The bus station is big, confusing, in the middle of nowhere and English is not too common. I took a minibus to al Qadarif City. From the town a tuk tuk to a local bus station with minibuses to Gallabat. Both rides were pretty long. On the border are money changers. If you have real money they offer a better rate for ETB. Remember, in Ethiopia it is nearby impossible to change any Birr back to real money. I was told, on the Ethiopian side oft he border is a Hotel or something like this. Before noon are buses to Gondar.

The Visa Be ca. 7.30h at the embassy in Kartoum. They have a queue system. If there are to many applicants you will be sent away for the next morning. You can collect your visa the same day after 15 h. The validity oft he visa starts with the day of issue.

Going to Wadi Halfa The ferry from/to Abu Simbel does not operate on fridays.

I forgot. From Kartoum are buses to Gonder etc. Close to the Ethiopian embassy is a Ethiopian club. You will see the corresponding advertisments. As I came from Kassala this was no option to me.

hey joan, do you have any news from travellers who visited sudan since the unrests started last december? what do you think about going there now? i got my visa and planning to go there soon but only have informations from news outlets. thanks a lot! best wishes stefan

Honestly, nobody has told me anything about this topic but this usually means that the current unrests haven’t really affected any traveler

Hi I was there for 10 days in late January. There was armed guards on all street corners in central Khartoum, and even tanks near the nile bridges. I bumped into a ‘tourist policeman’ who accompanied me to the pryamids. He and the taxi driver wouldnt take me to omdurman souk on one day because of protests. Otherwise I had no trouble and Sudan was the most wonderful place. Prices are cheaper than chips and the people are so warm and friendly – probably some of the friendliest i met (i was going cape town to cairo) They bought me meals and wanted nothing in return. Clearly a state of emergency changes things somewhat but the people are great!

hi john, thanks for your message, good to read about your experiences. sounds like you had an epic trip travelling from capetown to cairo. all the best, stefan

cheers.. it was virtually the best three months of my life! everyone so friendly so much fun and not one bad day! This blog site helped alot re Sudan too.

great to hear paul (sorry for calling you john;). im looking forward a lot! hope youll be on the road again soon.

Just came back from the consulate in Aswan. Time to wait for the visa is 3 days without any explanation. They said a “sponsor” or booking is important. Not sure if they check it though. Fee is still 150$

thanks for the update!

Thanks for this great guide, which I used to research my bicycle trip through Egypt and Sudan in early 2020. Just barely made it home in March before they closed everything down! I really appreciated your detailed notes, especially about visiting the archaeological sites. Just wanted to mention that I stayed in Dongola at the Olla Hotel and it was actually one of my favorite towns in Sudan. The market area was one of the friendliest and most relaxing I found anywhere in Sudan.

Thanks, Alissa for sharing your experience and glad you made it home just in time 🙂

Is yellow fever vaccine certificate needed to visit Sudan? I found conflicting information online (CDC: Required for arriving travelers from all countries if traveler is ≥1 year of age; WHO: a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travellers aged 1 year or over arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission). Thanks a lot!

I have never known much about vaccine requirements for each country. I have all exotic vaccines but not sure which one is needed for each country

Thank you Joan for an amazingly well made travel guide. It made us decide to go to Sudan without your contribution we wouldn’t have really known much about this country. The only issue for us, as experienced backpackers but on budget, is if Sudan is still a cheap destination since your trip in 2016: there is crazy inflation and almost all the updates you give are about prices going up wheter for visas, or for attractions, or for accomodations, we are starting to wonder what the total expanse now in 2023 is gonna sum up to.

I am planning to go there too, but the VISA is an issue seems the embassy requires TRAVEL AGENCY LETTER.. AND quote is easy over 2000 USD for 4 days.. it’s not making sense to go through that troubles.. i am a backpacker, i am still searching other way to get the visa and try to travel in reasonable budget …

here’s the latest update on how to get a visa for Sudan: https://againstthecompass.com/en/visa-for-sudan/

What´s your take on travel to Sudan now that the violence has spiraled out of control this month and the country is widely feared on the verge of civil war? I´ve always admired how you cover what many consider dicey or dangerous destinations in a measured, rational way. But surely even you would have to admit that Sudan now seems like a no go?

Hi David, I wouldn’t go to Sudan as of today, and I don’t think you can go there anyways.

Hi I liked the article. Just one quick thing ma fi literally means there is not bidun (بِدون) means without.

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Time to visit and explore sudan, sudan tourism has a lot to show for visitors: people, culture, nature, historical sites such as  great meroe pyramids , the nile and many other unique experiences and adventures..

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We, travel sudan tours, set several choices of tour packages for travelers and categories.. such as sudan meroe pyramids tour . as well as we can tailor-made the tours according to our guest requirements. we want people to love our sudan as we do., we guide your tour to sudan, we are open to assist you regarding your visit or tour to sudan, send us email or contact us on whatsapp..

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Luxury SUDAN Tours

Our tailor-made Sudan tours reveal the country’s amazing archaeological treasures that include the striking tapered pyramids of Meroe and Jabal Barkal – believed by ancients to the southern residence of the god Amun. Along the way you will encounter some of the most breathtaking desert and Nile scenery in Africa, follow in the footsteps of General Charles Gordon and the Mahdi, and witness the fervour and devotion of Omdurman’s whirling dervishes. One of the last outposts remaining for those who yearn for discovery, Sudan sits firmly on the final frontier of travel and is a delight to discover. Each one of Corinthian Travel’s tailor-made Sudan tours is unique. Unlocking the past while travelling and making sense of the present while in Sudan, will be an expert handpicked private guide and chauffeur driver. We’ll help you identify the best opportunities to make your tailor-made Sudan tours as perfect as possible.

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Meroe & Ancient Sudan

9 days / 8 nights from £3845 pp, khartoum * el kurru * jebel barkal * tombos * kerma * nuri * meroe * musawwarat.

Explore Meroe's steep sided pyramids & discover Sudan's stunning and rarely visited archaeological sites.

Sudan: Lost Kingdoms of the Nile

11 days / 10 nights from £4595 pp, khartoum * old dongola * tombos * soleb * sai island * jebel barkal * nuri * meroe * musawwarat.

Combine Sudan's great archaeological highlights with a journey into the wilds of Upper Nubia.

Egypt & Sudan Tour: The Two Lands

17 days / 16 nights from £5895 pp, khartoum * jebel barkal * meroe * cairo * luxor * nile cruise * aswan.

A private Sudan & Egypt tour that represents the ultimate prize for enthusiasts of Egyptology.

Young Pioneer Tours

Sudan Tours and Travel – Republic of the Sudan

Travel Update: Sudan Tours are currently suspended due to the on-going conflict.

Young Pioneer Tours are pleased to announce our 2024 and 2025 Sudan Tours and travel packages. Formerly the biggest country in Africa, and home to more pyramids than Egypt, Sudan is truly a country of wonders.

YPT Group Tours to Sudan in 2024 and 2025

YPT were one of the first international tour companies to start regular tours to Sudan and therefore have excellent local contacts, and thus the ability to take you truly off the beaten track, as well as offering real interactions with the wonderful people of Sudan.

All of our Sudan Tours are capped at 16 people, as we like to say group tours for people who hate group tours.

We are hoping that the security situation in Sudan will improve in the upcoming year, so we have tentatively scheduled these upcoming tours. Please get in touch if you want to be included in our waiting list and be among the first to receive the news when we resume the tours.

Sudan Nubian Legends November 10th-17th 2024 – $1595

Sudan Nubian Legends & Bir Tawil Incursion Tour

Bir Taqil Incursion Tour November 15th-22nd 2024 – $1195

Terra Nullius: Bir Tawil Tour and Incursion

BIR TAWIL TOURS

Young Pioneer Tours are the only company to offer group and independent tours to Bir Tawil. We currently run one tour per year every November . Independent tours to Bir Tawil can be arranged, but these are done with security in mind and cannot be done at all points in the year.

Bir Tawil Tours all originate in Sudan and follow the same regime as our Sudan travel packages.

INDEPENDENT SUDAN TOURS

We recognise that our group tour dates may not fit your busy schedule, or you would like to travel alone, or you would like a personalised bespoke Sudan tour. Prices genuinely depend on the number of people and what level of accommodation you desire, but YPT can arrange everything you need for a perfect independent tour to Sudan.

Independent Sudan tours can be done directly in the country, or combined with tours to Egypt , or South Sudan where there are direct flights. Here at YPT we are always continuing on working on new itineraries to give the best travel experience and price, making us stand out from other travel companies!

INDEPENDENT SUDAN TOUR ITINERARY;

Below is our sample Sudanese tour itinerary, which we use for our main Sudan group tour. This can be done in its entirety, in parts, or just used for inspiration.

Day 1 – Khartoum

• Arrive at your own convenience, YPT will arrange for you to be collected at the airport.
• Pre tour meeting to overlook your personal itinerary and answer any questions.
• Dinner at our favourite Syrian restaurant next to Plaza Hotel in downtown Khartoum

Day 2 – Khartoum – Omdurman

• Visit the national museum, which contains various objects dedicated to Nubian history. This Nubian area of the southern Nile was home of Africa’s earliest ancient civilization.
• We’ll also take you to the beautiful temples saved by UNESCO from Lake Nassir and rebuilt entirely inside the museum.
• Cross the White Nile for a trip to technically Sudan’s second largest city – Omdurman. We’ll have a short stop at the Mahdi tomb and tour around the Khalifa house museum. The house served as the HQ of the Mahdist state. This was a short-lived religious and political movement that ruled Sudan until the British reconquered in 1898.

Day 3 – Khartoum – Old Dongola – Kerma

• We’ll travel 500km north of Khartoum. On the way we’ll stop at Old Dongola, the capital of the Christian kingdom of Makuria. Today it’s a deserted city with the population having moved downstream in the 19th century.
• We move onto the cemetery of the Sofi holy men and stopping for lunch on the way.
• Take the ferry across the Nile and drive for a further 40km arriving at Kerma, a 3800 B.C archaeological site.

Day 4 November – Tombus – Soleb

• Early rise to visit the site of Tombus – here there are many Egyptian inscriptions and a huge granite statue dedicated the famous black Pharaoh – Taharqa.
• Continue 50km to the north where we stop to take in the amazing panoramic view of the rock art from the prehistoric period at Wadi Sebu.
• Cross the Nile to the west bank and drive two hours up to Soleb – an ancient Nubian town home to a vast necropolis of which we can visit the tombs which haven’t been destroyed by colonial “archaeologists”

Day 5 – Soleb – Karima

• We visit the holy mountain of Jebel Barkal (Together with Napata, a UNESCO heritage site) and the numerous temples at the foot of Jebel Barkal and lunch on the way.
• We then visit the impressive Kurru, the royal necropolis of Napata. Here we go deep underneath the pyramid to see the amazing painted tomb of the black Pharaoh Tanutamani. You won’t find such vivid painting anywhere else – bar Egypt, but literally without any other tourists.

Day 6 – Nuri – Meroe

• Early morning visit to the nearby Nuri pyramids. While very different to the ones in Egypt, they truly show you how the culture started here, with there being over 60 to view. Plenty of time to enjoy the atmosphere.
• We literally camp right next to the Pyramids of Meroe, in complete safety and offering some of the best views of the sky you will ever see in your life!
• There may even be a night time stroll around said Pyramid.

Day 7 – Meroe – Khartoum

• Sun rise around the Pyramids, again a true wonder for you to see!
• Set off on an off-road/on-road adventure to visit Mussawart. This is a complex of temples dedicated the local god Apedamak – the lion god. This was the biggest construction in the history of Nubia.
• Visit the Roman kiosk, which represents the intersection of various cultures both European and African.
• Head back to Khartoum, stopping a various sites on the way. End of tour, or overnight in the capital

INDEPENDENT SUDAN TOURS – EXAMPLE TOUR PROGRAMS

We do not list all of our bespoke Sudan itineraries, but can offer some examples, such as the following:

Historical Sudan Tours – Learn about the ancient Kushite kingdoms, visiting ancient UNESCO Heritage sites including The Naqa, Pyramids of Meroë, Jebel Barkal and Sudan National Museum.

War and Conflict Tours in Sudan – the impact of the Sudan civil war has unfortunately taken the lives of 2 million people, mostly civilian, and displaced over 4 million people. We at YPT understand the value of the voices of the people and fully support academic studies. YPT can arrange local tours and meet people who experienced the recent tragedies.

Tribal and Indigenous Peoples Studies in Sudan – if you are currently studying or researching on the life of tribal and indigenous people, YPT can help arrange a bespoke tour of Sudan to fit your study needs. You can check our sister film location company here .

Photography or Filming Tours in Sudan – Sudan has more pyramids than Egypt and a number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. YPT can arrange special tour tailored to your needs and requirements.

Football Tours in Sudan – Football is the main sport in Sudan and they are very strong internationally. Lee Clark was also briefly a manger here. We can arrange packages for sports teams visiting Sudan, or fans traveling for matches.

School Trips to Sudan – Young Pioneer Tours can arrange school trips to Sudan that are not only safe, but can be fixed to work around a set syllabus, or study program.

University Trips to Sudan – Much like our school trips to Sudan our university trips to the country can be tailored to fix whatever you are studying.

SUDAN TOUR GUIDES

All our guides are carefully selected and trained closely to ensure YPT can provide the best tours experiences, something that makes us stands out from the rest. We work closely with our local partners continuing to improve, providing the best service for our customers, hence why so many return!

As Sudan is still off the radar, we get high demands for tours from all over the world, however not all of our guides can speak every language. If you require a private tour to Sudan with a language other than English, please get in touch so we can see what we can do.

HOW TO GET A SUDAN VISA

Visas can be applied for at your nearest Sudan Embassy; they have varying requirements. Embassies in Africa, such as Cairo, Addis Ababa and Nairobi tend to be more relaxed than European embassies (with the exception of Vienna). YPT can assist you in getting a letter of Invitation (LOI).

The processing fee of visas for Sudan varies from one embassy to another, with prices going from $20 to $100 (USD) You will need your LOI, two recent visa-type photos of you, a copy of your passport photo page and your original passport to the embassy along with small denominations of USD (preferably clean crisp bills from the most recent run).

If you would rather avoid having to visit the embassy, YPT can arrange a per-clearance document which will allow you to get a visa on arrival at Khartoum airport

SUDAN TOURS FAQ

Below we have compiled the most frequently asked questions regarding travelling to Sudan. We feel that we answered pretty much everything you might need to know before you go to Sudan, but please feel free to get in touch for any additional questions regarding your Sudan tour.

Is it safe to travel to Sudan?

How do you travel to sudan, are there atms in sudan.

What currency should I bring to Sudan?

Should i tip on a sudan tour, can you drink on a sudan tour, is it safe for lgbtq community to travel to sudan, what should i wear in sudan, what are the toilets like in sudan, why should i do a sudan tour with ypt.

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Mashansharti Sudan tours

A unique travel experience to sudan and around, helping set a new world record from cape town to london.

Midhat and the Mashansharti Tours was proud to assist in the setting of a new world record for fastest drive from Cape Town on the southern tip of Africa, to London. The old record stood for some 30 years, set by the British Army in a Land Rover. Midhat met them at the Ethiopian border…

Itinerary, Jebel Uweinat Expedition

Itinerary, Jebel Uweinat Expedition (Sudan), 14 days   Day 1. – Khartoum   Welcome at Khartoum airport, complete visa formalities. We will need a working day to sort out police registration, travel and photo permits mandatory to all tourists. This provides an opportunity to visit the National Museum in the morning with numerous Meroitic and…

About Sudan

Formal Name: Republic of the Sudan (Jumhuriyat as-Sudan). Term for Citizen(s): Sudanese. Capital: Khartoum. Other Major Cities: Omdurman, Khartoum North, Port Sudan, Kassala, Al Ubayyid, and Nyala (according to decreasing size, 1993 census). Sudan gained independence from the United Kingdom and Egypt on January 1, 1956. Climate: The climate varies from tropical wet and dry…

How to get a Sudanese Visa

Sudanese travel visas can be expensive and difficult to obtain on your own. It is best to try and get your visa in your home country, though it can sometimes be obtained in Egypt, or we can obtain them from the government here. If you are in Egypt and a little lucky you can obtain…

Hotels in Khartoum

In the last few years many hotels have been springing up in Khartoum. There is a wide variety from the posh Corinthia Burj Al Fateh, Rotana and Coral 5 star hotels  to the shared room lokandas that fill Khartoum II. Sudan has tourism dedicated police stationed at hotels to ensure that tourist are not molested….

What do travelers say about Midhat

Midhat has been in the tourism business for 8 years and has built a reputation as one of the best in Sudan.  Just google “Midhat Mahir” to get an unfiltered account of what his previous customers have to say. Yes, you could do it all yourself, but this guy has all the contacts and knowledge…

Explore Nubian Civilization and Northern Sudan

For adventurers who want a thorough experience of Nubian Culture and Northern Sudan we have complied an 11 day travel schedule. Every day is a new adventure, if you have any special requests let us know and we can adjust the itinerary. Day One : Wadi Halfa Arrive on the ferry in Wadi Halfa.  We…

Wadi Halfa is a small town on a hill with one main street and a lot of traffic once a week when the ferry comes in.  The processing for entering Sudan is usually painless but plodding.  Though it has many steps and you will probably have to ask directions a few times along the way….

Al-Nilain Mosque in Omdurmon

Al-Nilain ( آنلاين) is the largest mosque beside the Nile from Lake Victoria to the Mediterranean. It was built almost 30 years ago and was designed to resemble the Muslim prayer cap known as a tagia. If traffic is good it is a scenic 10 minute taxi ride over the white nile bridge from downtown Khartoum….

Ferry from Aswan to Wadi-Halfa

It’s a right of passage into Sudan for most adventurers, the ferry ride into Sudan.  The ship keeps a plodding pace along Lake Nassar.  Early in the morning it passes the ancient settlement of Abu Simbel, which can be seen towering up from the shore. This weekly ferry is run by the Nile River Transportation…

SUDAN INBOUND TOURS

HISTORY & ARCHEOLOGICAL SITES

Sudan enjoys magnificent ancient heritage reflected in 300+ pyramids representing kingdoms of Meroe, Kush and Napata.

RED SEA MARINE PARKS

Colorful, pristine reefs, healthy shark populations, uncrowded dive sites, unforgettable wrecks and big schools of fish

DINDER NATIONAL PARK

lions, leopards and cheetah; and their preys – such as: reed buck, bush buck, water buck, oribi. Herds of buffaloes.

Why Amal Tours?

Exceptional Service

We are committed to offer our clients the best overall solution to suit their individual travelling needs and make sure your tour will be an extraordinary informative, well– executed, authentic and amazing experience!

Value for Money

Private Guided Tours

Great online reviews

Planning Flexibility

Sustainable Travel

Itineraries.

BLACK PHARAOHS & WILDLIFE

KUSHITE HIDDEN TREASURES

EXPLORE GEMS OF NUBIA

NUBIA TREASURES AND CENTRAL-EAST BEAUTY

Find perfect trip.

AMAL TOURS is fully prepared to get your inquiry. Please get in touch NOW and we make it our upmost mission to find value deal for you while not sacrificing your needs and tastes.

AMAL IS LARGEST INBOUND TOUR OPERATOR IN SUDAN

AMAL TOURS aims to give you that quality service and go extra miles to make your holiday perfect one. We ensure not only a perfect holiday, but we also consider it our mission to make it spectacular.

One Stop Shop

One Stop Shopping through our head office in Khartoum.

Accommodation

Confirmation for accommodation, touring, guiding, admissions, rental cars and cruises.

Itineraries

Individually designed itineraries and competitive programs

Coordinators

Fully trained & experienced multicultural coordinators.

Continuous contact with our multilingual local guides to provide tour updates.

Support & Assitance

Tours with an assistance 24 hours a day and 7 days a week.

HAPPY TRAVELLERS SAY

Dear Mohamed, greetings from Italy. The experience in Sudan was very interesting, and the organization of your father very very perfect: at the end of tour we were all satisfied for the sites we’ve seen and for the travel agency level of service. Our guide, Mohamed, was very good, and also the drivers really professional. My compliments also for your father and your mother;they are very nice and friendly. See you again.

Excellent trip we have had at the beginning of 2020. We have seen spectacular monuments during our trip to Sudan. Pyramids in Merowe and Nabta are fantastic and fascinating, besides the amazing remains of Christian Kingdoms. Tour guide was excellent, 4×4 vehicles are great, and food is good. Best of all is the quality services offered by AMAL TOOUR of Sudan. Simply the best trip we had.

Visit South Sudan

— A journey to explore, experience and empower —

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The African Encounters - excellent at crafting Trips in South Sudan, culture safaris to South Sudan and Best South Sudan Tours!

As recent as July 2011, the country was able to gain its delayed independence and it was granted the request however much it came along with various civil unrests that later relaxed in 2018. It is an incredible place for intrepid travelers, off-the-beaten path finders, and for tourists longing to see the origin of glorious developments that they have in their respective countries that originated from the state in which South Sudan is in at the moment. A tour in South Sudan is relaxing, heart-warming, and refreshing.

Diverse culture of the people of South Sudan is unmatched anywhere in the world, as much of it is undisturbed by civilization. In Sudan, the countryside life is natural, intact and rich with cultural diversity that would leave any tourist wondering how they never got here much earlier.

National parks are an array of diverse wild life and flora waiting for discovery by many who have continuously kept away from one of Africa’s most gifted gem.

Delay your trip no further, to this unique piece of adventure!

TOP AFRICAN DESTINATIONS

South sudan

Central African Republic

Why should people visit south sudan.

Watch the ancient glorious wrestling

Most African countries had wrestling as their traditional sporting activity but most of the cultures have gone modern and dropped the prominent sport apart from the South Sudanese. Visitors can get to enjoy bare chested youthful wrestlers that look as though they are impenetrable. This sport is basically done from the Bor's freedom square and the winners walk away with various herds of cattle.

South Sudan is a home of unique water sports

This country is a dessert but chances the magnificent flows of River Nile before they reach Egypt. The White Nile is a glory to this country because it possibly supplies water to all most the whole country but to get to the other side, it renders water sports activities like white water rafting, fishing, kayaking among others like sport fishing.

Mix and mingle with the exciting Mundari tribe and other rich cultures in South Sudan

Have you ever moved around and spot individuals with very long earrings, spotted faces, piercing around the mouth, various bangles on their both their arms and wrap shawls over their bodies are clothes, those are the typical South Sudanese and while most cultures have been abandoned due to modernization, these individuals still have their culture at the tip of their fingertips as though they still leave in the barbaric eras and its fascinating to watch them still dwell in their authentic culture.

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Duration: 5 Days

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Popular Places To Visit During South Sudan Tours?

Worship places

Just like elsewhere in the world, people of South Sudanese are God fearing with major religions being Christianity, Islam and the African traditionalists. Visitors can enjoy touring and praising from churches like Saint Joseph’s Catholic church, Juba Christian Centre, Saint Theresa cathedral, Juba market mosque, main mosque, Konyo Konyo mosques, Kuwait mosques among others to appreciate the architecture and sculptures found in these sites.

Local markets

Because majority of the Sudanese Dinkas are pastoralists, cattle keeping is part of them and a means through which they survive. Big markets include Juba market, Jebel market and Konyo Konyo market. Just as the name suggests in Juba Arabic, Konyo Konyo market is always congested as it nearly feeds the entire country. Most of the indigenous people buy their necessities like food, clothes from this market.

Nimule National Park

Best things come in small packages but Nimule describes it all because it is probably the smallest National Park in the country but offers the most magnificent and enchanting views compared to other parks. Probably because its location at the borders with the glorious Pearl of Africa, the park gets a sneak peek of the climate of this country.

Nimule Park has a variety of lush green vegetation, Savanah woodlands, beautiful landscapes that permit filming and also provide a warm habitat for animals like Hippos, kobs, giraffes, gazelles, African dogs among other wildlife that tourists can sight only if their destination is South Sudan.

Full, fola or Nimule whatever you would wish to call these rapids that thunder down joyfully over gigantic rocks into a glorious water spout of Bahr al Jabal which is part of River Nile. This alone is amazingly enough to assure tourists that a journey to South Sudan will make them realize how good it is to be lost in right direction because falls in a dessert country is something undespicable.

CLIENTS' FEEDBACK

All went very well and I very much enjoyed the trip in South Sudan. I never felt unsafe or in an un-controlled situation. Donald and Joel were a great guiding team. He stayed always very calm and diplomatic and handled everything very well. Joel the driver drove extremely safely. Even after many hours on dirt roads he drove very smoothly and reliably. In my opinion he was more like a second guide than just the driver and definitely had the harder part of the job, navigating on these roads. I am sure it was not my last tour with your organization.

- Cecilia Harlitz (London, UK)

I really enjoyed this trip. It was great meeting the tribes and camping among them. I purchased some very nice items from them and needless to say, got great photos. The accommodation was of very good standard and the food as well.

- Frank Fleischer (London, UK)

Uganda was my first African destination and I loved it. The gorilla experience was superb but what I liked about The African Encounters was the respect for the local communities. Uganda is nature, yes, but also its people and The African Encounters made me enjoy and understand both realities. Thank you Joan and Donald. I look forward for another trip in Africa with your company.

- Carlos Micó (Valencia, Spain)

Safety guidelines to observe during a trip in south sudan.

While on any safari, travelers should ensure that they are safe and secure from any harm especially in countries that are universally known to be unstable. The following are some precautions tourists should take to safe guard themselves from any likely danger in this country.

Avoid moving at night

Since most of the violent crimes and activities are done in the wee ours of the morning and night hours, tourists should consider being in doors by around 7:00pm in the evening and avoid busy / crowded like local markets, down town areas, or big parties.

Hire an experienced tour guide on your South Sudan safari

Because most visitors are not very conversant with the local cities and towns in South Sudan, a local guide would work perfectly as they know the most chaotic areas and can clearly understand the meaning of different sounds and speak the local languages.

Follow guide’s instructions

Having a guide on a safari is advantageous but following their instructions give surety to travels that they will definitely get back home safe and become story tellers for the beautiful sights they see while on safaris in South Sudan.

Purchase a local Simcard in South Sudan.

Mobile phones aid in communication and staying connected with people back at home, hence tourists are encouraged to purchase local simcards so that they can effectively and efficiently communicate to their family, colleagues, friends and communicate to the booking office while they face any challenge or need to offer feedback.

Take photography but some places are prohibited

A safari that was meant to bring joy and happiness can turn into woes after the travelers is faced with charges such as taking pictures in confidential and restricted areas. Therefore, they should put it into account that military bases, parliament and other government buildings do not allow photography.

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Travel tips for south sudan.

When to go to South Sudan for a tour?

Generally, safaris in South Sudan are undertaken during the dry season but it’s always hot in this country almost the whole year, with temperatures shooting to over 50 0 C but safaris can be done from December to February since the temperatures are always somewhere about 20 0 -37 0 C and can drop to almost half that temperature during the night which is reliably enough to guarantee a favorable weather to the tourists while on their safaris.

Getting a South Sudan visa

Travelers considering a visit to South Sudan should consider obtaining their visas before entering into this country because there are no visas on arrival anymore. South Sudan visas can be obtained by applying and paying for them online.

The traveler can then download their visa, print and present them to the responsible visa officers to obtain a stamp and check other travel documents upon arrival at the airport. South Sudan tourist visas range from $50 – 350$ per person depending on duration of stay and nationality.

Entry requirements

A passport with at least 6 months of validity while in the country and before leaving it is the first requirement that tourists should fulfill before granted entry into the country.

Tourists should possess necessary visas specifying their purpose of visit and period of stay in the country.

Travel permits shouldn’t be missed out especially in areas where they are required because if the travelers don’t have them, they won’t access the site or activity intended to be done.

Tourists should come with US dollars, Euros or local currency because ATM transactions for tourists are not in South Sudan.

The people and culture in South Sudan

Culture in South Sudan consists of religion, foods, ethnic groups, languages but the most prevalent of them all are the rich traditions of indigenous people. South Sudanese are diversely divided into 64 tribes with closely related cultural traits.

Dinka is the largest ethnic group in the country, occupying 36% followed by the Nuer making 16%. The love and attachment South Sudanese have for their tribes is magical.

The people of South Sudan are still typically indigenous and fully attached to their cultures. They have family dynamics similar to most of the African cultures like men inheriting their father’s fortune, women looking after the home and children being groomed by whole community.

Typically, Arabic and English are the official languages in South Sudan, however majority of the people still can’t speak, write and read English.

Their staple food is sorghum, millet, fish, milk which can as well be blended to make other cultural foods like okra stew called Bamwya in the local dialect.

Traditional acts of female genital mutilation are still common in the country.

Christianity is prevalent in South Sudan with over 60 % individuals but they have other religions like Islam and African tradition religions.

Suggested Packing List:

Travel documents and other personal requirements..

This seems obvious but usually the obvious things are forgotten. Tourists should endeavor to pack their passports, visas, travel permits at the fore front before getting anything for their safari. Yellow fever and Covid-19 vaccination certification, anti-malarial pills, insect repellants, etc.

Visitors should consider moving with all their important documents and cash in their wallets and not exposed to attract conmen and pick-pockets.

Tourists should also take up travel insurance that covers cancelation, emergency evacuation so that they are catered for incase of any emergency.

Tipping is not compulsory in South Sudan, but visitors can voluntarily choose any amount to tip a waiter at a local restaurant, porter and even the driver guide.

Photography equipment

Memories obviously cause a dejavu but they become more realistic if visitors have photography evidence. They shouldn’t miss binoculars, cameras, smart phones on their packing lists because they will make them better story tellers if they have evidence of the sites they talk about.

This sounds obvious because we can barely move without them on, but here we mean clothes appropriate for a destination like South Sudan. Light clothes are recommended due to the hot temperatures in this country.

Flash lights

This is Africa! therefore tourists should know that a torch is a must while visiting remote areas of the country because facilities like electricity might still be a challenge in a few places. Therefore, a torch will patch up the whole dark mood created by lack of electricity.

Light hand luggage

Travels are always different hence amount of luggage to be packed, depending on the needs but it’s advisable to carry lighter luggage with only essential items that can be frequently accessed or requested by officials.

Travelers are encouraged to obtain their own travel insurance as most tour operators here don’t provide. Anything can happen while they are here since they are not familiar with the environment and climate. In situations where they meet up with unfortunate incidents like accident or ailment, they can get evacuation services, and access treatment from the best hospitals in t

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