Sudan

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Quick Facts

[edit]

Capital

Khartoum

Population

40,181,000

Government

Authoritarian regime

Religions

Islam, Indigenous beliefs, Christianity

Languages

Arabic, Nubian, Ta Bedawie, English

Calling Code

+249

Nationality

Local name

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Introduction

Rural Sudan

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The largest African state is also one of the continent's most troubled. Except for a decade of peace in the 1970s, Sudan has been engaged in civil war since 1955. Millions of displaced refugees have fled to neighbouring countries. International condemnation of the currently ongoing government sponsored atrocities in the region of Darfur have not curbed the onslaught.

For obvious reasons, then, travel to Sudan is not the greatest idea, though the north of the country is certainly safer than the south, where the government launches sporadic bombing raids. The capital of Khartoum even offers something approaching a nice destination, situated as it is where the two Nile rivers meet. But it will be hard to enjoy for those of us who remember that it is from there that the government is directing its humanitarian atrocities.

Brief History

Geography

Sudan shares international borders with Egypt, Libya, Chad, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, Kenya, Ethiopia and Eritrea.

Regions

• Northern Sudan
• Central Sudan
• Western Sudan includes the danger zone of Darfur
• Eastern Sudan
• Southern Sudan is an autonomous region.

Cities

• Khartoum - The capital
• Port Sudan
• Wadi Halfa
• Omdurman
• Juba
• Al Ubayyid

Sights and Activities

Gebel Barkal and the Sites of the Napatan Region

Gebel Barkal and the Sites of the Napatan Region consists of five archaeological sites dating back to the period between 900 BC and 350 AD, during which the cultures of the Napatan and Meroitic, of the Kingdom of Kush. The site stretches over 60 kilometres in the Nile Valley and is placed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Here you will see tombs, both with and without pyramids, temples, living complexes and palaces. The area around Gebel Barkal has always been strongly associated with religious traditions and folklore and even nowadays the largest temples are still considered by the local people as sacred places.

National Museum

The National Museum in Khartoum is worth a visit because of its unique stone sculptures from the Pharaohs and wall paintings from Nubian Christians. In the garden of the museum there are even some old Egyptian temples, brought here when the Aswan dam was built. The museum gardens are close to the confluence of the Blue and White Nile.

Diving

As part of Sudan borders the famous Red Sea, diving in Sudan is a popular and worthwhile experience. Compared to Egypt the tourist infrastructure is rather basic, but the reefs and corals are in good shape. You can base yourself in Port Sudan or a few smaller towns along the coast.

Omdurman

Omdurman is a traditional Muslim city which was founded by the Mahdi in the 1880s. It is situated on the western banks of the Nile, opposite Khartoum. Especially noteworthy are the famous Souqs (market), the largest in the country. The camel market (Souq Moowaileh), just outside of Omdurman, provides an insight into the trading of camels.

Events and Festivals

Weather

Sudan is a hot and for most of the country a dry place. In the north, conditions are similar to that of southern Egypt and other parts of the eastern Sahara, meaning almost completely dry and temperatures between May and October of 40 degrees Celsius or more, sometimes over 50 degrees Celsius. Nights are still warm during this time. Wintermonths from December to February are very pleasant with sunny and warm days and pleasant night.
Khartoum is a little more south and here summers are equally warm, but 'winters' are much warmer, usually well above 30 degrees Celsius. Summers can reach well over 45 degrees Celsius. However, there is short rainy season here from July to September, but rainfall is sparce and unpredictable. About 150 mm of rain falls here.
Along the northeastern coastline temperatures are equal, but humidity is much higher. Here, most rain falls from October to December, peaking in November. The rest of the year is very dry.
To the south, this increases to about 400 mm on the edge of the Sahara to 1000 mm in the extreme south, along the border with Uganda. Here, rain is possible during every month but is concentrated between April and October.
Here, variations regarding temperatures are much more smaller and the climate is more tropical. Nights average between 20 and 22 degrees Celsius year round, while days are usually between 30 and 35 degrees, although December to April is hotter.

Getting there

Plane

Sudan Airways is the national airline of Sudan and is based at Khartoum International Airport (KRT). It has several flights within the region of North and East Africa, the Middle East and to London. Examples of destinations include Nairobi, Entebbe (Uganda), Dubai, Jeddah and Damascus. Other airlines serving the airport are KLM to and from Amsterdam and onwards to Addis Abeba, Lufthansa from Frankfurt and airlines like Turkish Airlines, Royal Jordanian and BMI from London as well.
From Port Sudan New International Airport (PZU) a few cities like Cairo and Jeddah are served by Sudan Airways as well.

By Train

Although no direct train go to and from Sudan, you are able to take a train from Cairo to Aswan and than by ferry to Wadi Halfa (see below).

By Car

You can travel overland by car (4wd recommended) to Sudan from Egypt and Ethiopia. Most main roads are tarred but some back roads are rough.

By Bus

There are no direct bus or minibus connections to te country, you need to travel to the nearest town and walk across the border and take onward transport in Sudan from there.

By Boat

You can take a weekly ferry from Aswan (Egypt) to Wadi Halfa in Sudan. You will need a valid Sudanese visa or otherwise you won't be able to board the ferry. Check departures localy as these may vary.
There are also ferries between Jeddah (Saudi Arabia) and Port Sudan though these are rarely used by foreigners.

Getting Around

Note: independent travel towards certain parts of the country, especially Darfur and the border with Eritrea, requires a travel permit. The northern parts and the road from Khartoum towards Ethiopia don't require this permit. You also have to register at the police offices in every city/town you will visit, regardless wether you need a travel permit in that area or not.

By Plane

Sudan Airways has flights to several airports, including Ed-Debba, Dongola, El-Fasher, Al-Geneina, Juba, Khartoum, Malakal, Merowe, Nyala, El-Obeid, Port Sudan, Wadi Halfa and Wau. The most reliable route is Port Sudan to Khartoum. There is also a charter service operating to Nyala, from Khartoum.
Expect and except delays and cancelations!

By Train

Sudan has a surprisingly extensive network of trains but only the Khartoum to Wau/Nyala, Khartoum to Kassala/Wadi Halfa and Port Sudan to Khartoum routes are relatively reliable and have aircon carriages requiring a supplement fee.
Other routes are badly maintained, uncomfortable and unreliable.

By Car

The main roads in Sudan are tarred, but many other routes are dirt tracks, which can become impassable after the rains. A 4wd car is recommended and if you don't have any experience yourself in comparable countries, rent a car with a driver. Prices are high though, but ther are some offices at more expensive hotels and major cities. You need a national driver's licence and local driving permit, which you can buy at police stations.

By Bus

Buses run between most major towns and cities. Most leave from the central market areas.
Luxury buses run between Khartoum, Kassala, Port Sudan and El-Obeid. Many other services are unreliable and uncomfortable though and not without risk. Trucks and minibuses ply some routes as well and leave when extemely overcrowded.

By Boat

Dongola, Karima, Kosti and Juba along the Nile River are served by local river steamers, but these are really only for the very adventurous!

Red Tape

Almost all nationalities need a visa before arrival into Sudan. Sometimes, these can be hard to get and the easiest options are almost always in neighbouring countries, especially in Cairo, Egypt. Note that proof of a visit to Israel will mean a refusal of getting a visa. Most visas are valid for a month and it can take weeks or more to get one in the first place. Also be aware that travelling to certain regions means that you will need an extra permit, though Khartoum and the central north towards Egypt will mostly be fine to visit on your regular visa.
Have a look at the foreign Sudanese embassies for more information.

Money

See also Money Matters

Work

Study

Language

Eat

Sleep

Drink

Health

See also Travel Health

Safety

See also Travel Safety

Keep Connected

Internet

Phone

See also International Telephone Calls

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