VISIT Sudan - HOLIDAY IN Sudan , THE 'GATEWAY TO AFRICA'

Early civilisations sprung along the Nile during the 8th century BC. The kingdom of Kush was formed that conquered Egypt. Egyptian culture and ways became a part of Kush, including burying the kings in pyramids. Christianity was the religion in the 6th century AD and Islam came into the country in the 14th century. Modern Egypt conquered Sudan and turned it into a slave market in the 1820s. Britain was also keen to control the area around the Suez Canal and was resisted by the Mahdist armies. Mahdi Mohammed Ahmed is a revered figure whose armies threw both Egypt and Britain out of Khartoum. However, it was re-conquered in 1898 that left the Sudanese resistance movement again fighting for independence. The country gained independence in 1956.

A civil war on and off between the north and the Christian dominated south broke out. For five decades, the civil war took an estimated two million lives. President Nimeiri granted the south autonomy and ended the civil war in 1972. Civil war returned when the economy of the south went into decline. Sudan saw a history of coups and in 1989 General Omar al-Bashir took control. The South gained its independence in 2011 although clashes continue. President Bashir became the first head of state to be tried by the International Criminal Court for inhuman crimes.

Sudan geography depicts the country as bordered by Egypt in the north, South Sudan in the south, the Red Sea to the northeast and the Central African Republic and Chad in the west. Libya borders the country to the northwest. Eritrea and Ethiopia border the country to the east.

The north and south Sudan regions have differences in culture, climate and geography. Libyan and Nubian Deserts are located in the far north that extends to the capital Khartoum. There are a few oases beside the Nile River.

The two large plateaus in the west and south are the Janub Darfur and Janub Kordofan. There are pockets of fertile land between the Blue and White Niles which meet at the capital. Central steppes cover a region that is made up of coarse grass and open savannahs. There is a vast shallow basin south of the Steppes. This is crisscrossed by the White Nile. 

Sudanese art is noted for its net weaving, pottery, metalworking, wood carving and more. Some of the famous South Sudanese painters are known for their acrylic, water and oil paintings. Look out for contemporary Zande art that is famous for iron, clay and wooden handicrafts. 

The music style in the 1940s, 50s and 60s is referred to as post-Haqibah. This is when tonal instruments such as violin, oud, tabla, accordion and bongo were introduced. Sudan has a rich music culture and traditional music including South Sudanese folk music, Nuba, Northern Sudanese lyrical music, Dervish among others.

Sudan's food is influenced by the people of the region, its geography and historic roots. Cardamom, cinnamon, apricots, and green peppers are commonly used ingredients. Peanuts are added to traditional Sudanese cuisine for texture and flavours.

Ful Medames (mashed fava beans with boiled eggs), Tamia (Sudanese falafel), Dura (maize or millet cooked with vegetables), Kawari (cow hooves soup), Goraasa be dama (beef stew)

Sudanese Cinnamon Tea (black tea with cinnamon sticks), Black Coffee (served with ginger and cinnamon), Karkaday (hibiscus tea), Sudanese Coke, Vimto (soft drink), Stima ( Sudanese appetizer), Vimo (non-alcoholic pineapple malt)

Sudanese people are warm and friendly. Travelling to Sudan is a delight as the Sudanese are extremely kind and honest. So, apart from popular Sudan places to visit, Sudanese hospitality is to be enjoyed. The news about recent revolutions or that the country is dangerous to travel to may put you off. But Sudan is very safe as shopkeepers are friendly and nice. Strangers help out and locals are helpful. You will come across a number of examples of hospitality, kindness and warmth in Sudan.

• Sudan has miles of uninterrupted sand dunes in the Nubain Desert, known as the eastern part of the Sahara.
• To witness the Meroe Pyramids that are three times the size of Texas.
• Explore geographic diversity and expansive reserves.
• Witness environmental wonders in the Dinder National Park in the east of Sudan.
• Witness the confluence of the Blue and White Niles.
• Watch the red stone mountains of Jebel Barkal, known for their religious significance.
• Be among friendly and warm locals and imbibe their culture.
• Experience the diving scene at the Port of Sudan.
• Visit the largest city and capital of Sudan and see the National Museum of Sudan in Khartoum.
• Take a look at the Camel Market and watch the mannerisms of the desert animal.
• Enjoy Sudanese cuisines such as Sudanese falafel or fuli, mashed beans served with tomato chilli sauce.

The best time to visit Sudan in the cooler months is between December and February. The lowest temperature is an average of 30°C in January. Temperatures can dip a lot in an instant and can halve at night. The months see cold winds and it's a good idea to carry warm clothes and jackets. The months from May to September see rainfall and the Nile begin to fill up, a good time to avoid. Transport becomes difficult and the Nile fills its flood plains. Considering the humidity, the temperatures seem to feel hot most of the year. The hottest months are May, April and June. May can be really hot with temperatures around 41°C during the day and rarely drops below 26.8°C at night.

• Visit Sudan National Museum for history, an interesting Sudan place to visit.
• Explore the ancient ruins of the Meroe Pyramids, the ancient royal cemetery.
• Wander the Nile Street, the most beautiful street in Khartoum.
• Witness the historical site and the temple remains in Naqa.

• See the incredible Sufi ritual every Friday at the Hamed el-Nil Tomb.
• Enjoy a legendary meal at Al-Housh, an eatery in Omdurman.
• Visit the spectacular Khatmiyah Mosque at the base of the Take Mountains.
• Visit the base of Jebel Barkal, a table-topped mountain to witness some well-reserved pyramids.

• Take a trip to Sai Island to view the Ottoman Fort and a medieval church.
• Witness in Khartoum where the Blue Nile from Ethiopia and the White Nile from Uganda meet from the White Nile Bridge.
• Check out the lively musical venue, the Jazz Cafe, a trendy hangout in Khartoum.
• Visit the Egyptian temple of Soleb built way back in the 14th century BC.

• Wander the streets lined with a myriad of traditional items sold at Kassala Souq.
• Explore Nubian artifacts and granite statues at the Kerma Museum.
• Fill your belly with burgers, wraps, pizzas and more at Ice Cream Dream in Port Sudan.
• Visit the Afra Mall and indulge in a great time shopping.

• Handicrafts
• Basketwork
• Ebony, Gold, Silver
• Spices
• Local Crafts
• Jewellery

The popular Sudan place to visit is an archaeological site in Karima. The table-topped mountain has at its base, the Temple of Amun. There is also the fresco-decorated Temple of Mut immediately below the needle of rock. This temple is dedicated to the Egyptian sky goddess. You can also explore a small museum near the Temple of Amun with relics found around Jebel Barkal. Egyptians and Kushites believe that the mountain is home to god Amun and is considered sacred.

Best Time to Visit: December to February
Entry Price: $ 10 (Temple of Mut)

Visit the ancient royal cemetery, a top attraction in Begrawiya. The pyramids on the sand-swept hills is a spectacular sight. The pyramids are built in the Nubian style with a narrow base and steep slopes. These served as tombs for kings and queens and totalled to around 100 pyramids. Some of the well-preserved tombs have antechambers that contain carvings and hieroglyphics.

Best Time to Visit: December to February
Entry Price: $20 (per person)

Visit the tomb in Omdurman where every Friday the Sufi followers perform a sacred ritual called dhikr. They whirl around the tomb in a trance-like state and work themselves to a state of trance. Frenzy dancing while reciting Allah`s name turns ecstatic as the followers perform the ceremony. They wear colourful robes with bright beaded necklaces. Drumbeats and chanting fill the air in a rhythmic fashion. The ceremony begins at 4:30 local time, which you can witness with the help of a guide.

Best Time to Visit: Winter season
Entry Price: Based on the tour

Explore Sudanese history of many millennia from the Black Pharaohs to the Black Sultanate era. The beautiful modern building overlooks the confluence of the two Niles in Khartoum. Witness a collection of stone-age relics of Sudanese Nubia artifacts. There are remains from three temples of Sudanese Nubians on the museum grounds. The museum is also home to Islamic art displays of coins, jewellery and amulets.

Best Time to Visit: Winter season
Entry Price: $0.024

Get into your snorkel gear and explore the marine life of Sanganeb National Park. Get close to coral reefs and various types of fish. Swim past dolphins, sharks, turtles and more. You can take a boat to reach a lighthouse from where you get spectacular views of crystal clear waters below. Get a chance to include Port Sudan in your itinerary and explore the park, one of the top attractions in Sudan.

Best Time to Visit: September to June (diving season)
Entry Price: Based on the tour

Wander down the wide street lined with a number of restaurants and cafes. Witness buildings from the colonial era and overlook the wide river as you enjoy your day. The trees provide shade during the day while the street turns into a nightlife hotspot at night. Enjoy your Khartoum holiday by spending time in this interesting Sudan place to visit. Witness locals wearing white robes, drinking hot coffee or enjoying a meal at Corinthia, a major attraction.

Best Time to Visit: December to February
Entry Price: Based on the tour

• Tuti Island
• Merowe Dam
• University of Khartoum
• Naqa
• Al Kabir Mosque
• Soleb Temple
• Third Cataract of the Nile

Most Popular Regions and Cities to Visit in Sudan

The capital city of Sudan, Khartoum, is just south of the confluence of the Blue Nile and White Nile. The huge city is made up of three distinct cities, Khartoum, Khartoum North and Omdurman. Khartoum is the seat of the Sudanese government and has many attractions to see. Among them are the Sudan Presidential Palace Museum, Sudan National Museum and more.

Visit For: Souq Arabi, Sudan National Museum, Sudan Botanical garden, Souq Omdurman

This is an attractive port city located in eastern Sudan. It is the country's main seaport and the capital of the Red Sea state. Port Sudan was built in 1905 and an important oil pipeline was built between the port and Khartoum in 1977. Port Sudan lies on the splendid Red Sea coast and is an important tourist destination.

Visit For: Sanganeb National Park, Temple of Sedeinga, Red Sea Secret Diving Center

Discover the many things to do in El Obeid such as the Chaminuka Game Reserve, Shikan Museum and more. El Obeid is also known as Al-Ubayyid and is the capital of the North Kurdufan state. The Catholic Cathedral of Our Lady Queen of Africa is considered one of the oldest churches in Sudan.

Visit For: Shikan Museum, El Obeid Airport, Chaminuka Game Reserve, Catholic Cathedral of Our Lady Queen of Africa

Kassala is the capital of Kassala state. It is noted for the University of Kassala. The city is located in eastern Sudan. Kassala is a market town and lies along the banks of the Gash River. It is famous for its fruit gardens and amazing coffee. It is an important trade centre due to its location.

Visit For: Taka Mountains Nature Preserve, Kassala Mountains

This is the most populated city in Sudan and lies on the east banks of the River Nile. It is located opposite the capital Khartoum. There are a number of attractions such as Tuti Island, Museum of the Khalifa's House and more.

Visit For: Omdurman Ahlia University, Al Mogran Family Park, Tuti Island, Nilian Mosque

• Nyala
• Al Fashir
• Al Qadarif
• Khartoum North
• Dongola
• Suakin
• Kosti

This is a traditional Sufi music and dance festival. People celebrate by dancing and portraying brotherhood. Cultural kinship with traditional hymns and songs called qasidas is sung in big parades. Travellers get to imbibe the spiritual tradition and cultural revelry.

Location : Sudan
Date : October

The Spring Holiday festival is held every year in April. It takes place on the first Monday after the Easter holiday. The day is celebrated with music, dance and merriment. Although there is no reason to celebrate the festival, crowds swell to enjoy the festivities.

Location : Sudan
Date : April

The Muslim festival is celebrated at the end of the month of holy Ramadan. The celebrations are family-based with the exchange of gifts and goodwill. It is held all over the Islamic nation in August with mass prayers that happen in mosques.

Location : Sudan
Date : August

This is an important Islamic day also known as the Feast of the Sacrifice. Believers resonate with the story that tells the willingness of Ibrahim to sacrifice his firstborn to Allah. Sheep are slaughtered and feasts are held among family and friends. The festival lasts for two or three days with prayers offered at the mosque.

Location : Sudan
Date : October

This is a large export event that happens in January. It brings together the business community and encourages export trade. The event sees participation from within Sudan and outside. The international fair is a multi-sector fair for capital goods.

Location : Sudan
Date : January

• Independence Day
• Mawlid an-Nabi
• Annual Flower Festival
• Al Bugaa International Theatre Festival
• Khartoum Cycle Race
• Mafrosh Book Fair

All travellers must have a valid passport to apply for a Sudan visa. The passport needs to be valid for a minimum of six months from the arrival date. Your passport must have at least two blank pages for visa stamping.

Travellers to Sudan can obtain a visa from the diplomatic missions of Sudan unless they belong to a visa-exempt country. The visa-exempt countries are

• Egypt (except 18 to 49-year-old male)
• Kuwait
• UAE
• Qatar (valid for 1 month)
• Yemen (valid for 1 month)

• Kenya
• Malaysia (valid for 30 days)
• Turkey (valid for 1 month with the condition that passenger must arrive directly from Turkey)

You can avail a South Sudan evisa via an online application. The system was implemented in 2020 during the coronavirus pandemic. The South Sudan online visa application can be processed digitally to help travellers apply from their homes. The online portal is available for the various types of Sudan visa depending on the number of entries and length of stay. The necessary documents have to also be provided.

South Sudan evisa is a single entry visa, 3 months multiple entry evisa and 6 months multiple entry evisa. The South Sudan evisa can be used for entry by air (to Juba International Airport), by river or by land at the following borders;

• Nimule
• Nadapal
• Kaya
• Renk
• Majok-Nyin-Thiou

The user-friendly online system provides Tourist Visa, Visit Visa, Business Visa, Medical Visa, Education Visa, Work Visa and Official Duty Visa.

Sudan Airways operates flights from Khartoum. The airways are among the worst hit in terms of safety in Africa since 2010. The airline has been banned from flying in the EU. Please note that changing schedules and cancellations are common. There are smaller airports that Sudan Airways operates its flights to such as Wadi Halfa, El Debba, Dongola and others.

Nile Express operates passengers between Khartoum and Atbara. Tracks have been renovated and repair work is ongoing. The new train has been brought in from China and operates limited services around the capital. There is also a weekly service from Wadi Halfa which is timed with the ferry service from Egypt. Sudan Railway Corporation is the sole operator of the railways.

Road travel is chaotic and dangerous in Sudan. It is best to hire a driver or taxi and a 4WD is advisable. Minivans ply in different directions most days. Most roads are dirt tracks and visitors who are inexperienced international drivers may find it difficult. The Chinese have financed a tarmac highway that vehicles can use freely with few military roadblocks and less traffic.

Buses run frequently in the cities. However, in remote areas, passengers use 'boxes’ or trucks. People sit on top and the buses are usually crowded. They wait for the buses to fill up which can take half a day before they start. You can hire a whole bus for yourself if you have enough money!

Cycling is legal in Sudan however difficult. Most often due to bad roads, you may have to push the cycle through the sandy tracks. Lack of shade and thorny pathways can lead to punctures in the far north.

Sudan Airways is the main carrier which is not a recommended airline to travel due to safety. There are indirect stopover flights via Cairo on Egyptair and via Istanbul via Turkish Airlines. There are no direct flights from the USA or UK.

The road with a land border at Gallabat is rarely used. The border with Egypt for road travel is periodically closed for foreign travellers.

There is a weekly ferry from Wadi Halfa to Aswan in Egypt down Lake Aswan. Beware of piracy that is common in the area. There are few barges that depart up the Nile from Kosti to Malakal.

• Sudan is one of the hottest countries, so pick your travel in winter from November to February.
• Arabic is the official language and basic English is spoken. Carry a travel guide to help.
• Keep away from tribal conflicts, especially in Darfur province.
• Pack carefully for hot weather and keep belongings safe.
• Don't exchange money at banks or official exchange offices and use the black market for better rates.
• Sudan`s exchange rates fluctuate constantly. Do follow a guide to be accurate.
• One good piece of advice is to tell the waiter “Mafi Zed” means “without oil” as most cuisine comes with plenty of peanut oil.
• Always keep your travel documents and identity safe.
• Remember that the internet connection is slow or non-existent. It is good to plan in advance and to connect via a SIM card.

• Remain alert and updated on travel advisories.
• Street crime is low in Khartoum and other cities with the exception of Darfur.
• Petty theft and burglary will occur, so please be mindful.
• Do not leave valuable items on display.
• Avoid confrontation and be careful of aggressive begging.
• Keep away from local demonstrations and monitor local media for advice.
• The FCDO (Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office) advises travellers against travel within 100 km of the border with Egypt.

• It is always good to drink only bottled water.
• Several vaccinations are essential that CDC and WHO recommend; Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B,  Typhoid, Cholera, Yellow Fever, Rabies, Meningitis, Polio, Measles, Mumps and Rubella, Tdap, Chicken Pox, Shingles, Pneumonia and Influenza. 
• South Sudan is considered a high-risk country for Yellow Fever. A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is required especially if the traveller comes from a country with Yellow Fever cases.
• Malaria is also rampant, so come prepared with repellent and malaria medicine.
• Carry a medical emergency kit for use.
• Invest in good Travel Insurance for emergency purposes.
• Stay aware of the current health tips, and drink and eat safely.
• Bugs, fleas and ticks can be bad. Protect yourself with long-sleeved shirts, pants and hats.

• Important Travel Documents
• Insect Repellent
• Clothes to cover exposed skin
• Travel Insurance
• Boots, Walking Shoes
• Bed Net
• Medical Kit
• Lightweight Clothing
• Toiletry
• Sunscreen Creams
• Cash

• The dress code is conservative as Sudan is an Islamic country.
• Lightweight clothing that is long-sleeved pants/shirts is worn to protect from sunburns and insects.
• Use your right hand for greetings or handshakes as the left hand is used for cleaning and hygiene purposes.
• Modest behaviour is a must, especially towards Sudanese women.
• It is inappropriate to inquire about female family members unless you know the person well.
• Sudanese locals are very relaxed and lateness does not imply rudeness.
• Malesh means sorry, a word used if things don't go according to plan.
• Do not walk in front of a person in prayer.
• Follow the rules during the holy month of Ramadan with respect.
• Do not show soles of your feet to another person whilst sitting. It is considered rude.

Visit the famous attractions of the Pyramids of Giza, Luxor's Karnak Temple, the Valley of the Kings, the Great Sphinx and more. Cruise down the Nile, dive in the Red Sea and explore Cairo, the capital city. Egypt is a popular destination with millennia-old monuments to see.

Eritrea welcomes you with popular attractions, religious sites, architectural buildings and more. Witness the Fiat Tagliero, Cattedrale di Asmara, Cinema Roma, Medebar Market among other famous tourist spots.

Visit Ethiopia for beautiful landscapes, tasty food and plenty of festivals. Watch the breathtaking Blue Nile Falls, great wildlife and plethora of birds. Ethiopia is home to many unique animal species such as the Gelada baboon, the mountain nyala and the Ethiopian wolf among others.

Central African Republic - 1230 km, Chad - 1272 km, Libya - 2019 km

• Sudan is the third-largest country in Africa.
• It is where the Blue Nile and the White Nile Rivers meet.
• Khartoum, the capital, is the largest country in Sudan.
• Sanganeb National Park was listed as a UNESCO site in 2016.
• The Pyramids of Meroe were built by the Meroitic Pharaohs.
• Northern Sudan was known as the kingdom of Nubia during ancient times.
• Sudan got independent on January 1, 1956.
• Sudan's most popular sports are football and athletics (track and field).

CALLING CODE: + 249

EMBASSY Of UAE: +249155888888 | For more info Embassy of UAE in Sudan

Fire brigade: 999

Ambulance: 999

Police: 999

Traffic Police: 777 777

The official currency of Sudan is the Sudanese pound and the currency code is SDG. The Sudan currency symbol is SDG. The Sudanese pound is broken up into 100 qirshes. Sudan central bank exchange rate for some of the most popular currencies are.

Symbol: SDG

Code: SDG

1 SDG = 0.17  INR (Sudanese pound to INR)

1 SDG = 0.0024 USD ( Sudan currency to USD)

1SDG = 0.0088 (Sudanese pound to AED)

1 SDG = 0.0020 (Sudanese pound to Euro)

Sudanese currency banknote denomination: 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 pounds

Sudanese currency coin denomination: 1, 5, 10, 20, 50 piasters, 1 pound

Please note that Travelers Cheques are NOT accepted in most places.

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