Sudan Travel Guide

Sudan

A place full of history and myths, Sudan will impress you with its unique landscapes, people and traditions.

Sudan – Geography

Lying on the shores of the Red Sea, the country’s topography is marked by the presence of the River Nile and of the Libyan and Nubian Desert. These two deserts offer some of the harshest conditions on the planet, the Nubian Desert having no oasis, both with a topography marked by dunes, stony plains and small depressions.

The highest point in the country is located in the Marrah volcanic mountains, Deriba Crater (3042m) and the lowest is on the shores of the Red Sea. Due to its location the country has an arid climate in the north with high temperatures and almost no rainfalls throughout the year and a humid tropical one in the south with a rainy and dry season. The sand storms are a common phenomenon here, occurring in the central part of the country from May to July.

Regarding the fresh water resources we must mention that the country is crossed by the Nile and its tributaries, and there are also several lakes with high importance in agriculture and fishing.

The country also comprises the Suakin Island, located 58km south of Port Sudan, a place full of history, a former flourishing trading port.

Sudan – Flora and Fauna

Sudan has a flora and fauna adapted to the local topography and climate, therefore in the northern arid area there are many desert animal and plant species whereas the south abounds in broad leaf forests. Many of the local natural beauties can be admired in the Dinder National Park, Radom National Park or Royal Natal National Park.

Sudan – Tips for Tourists

Sudan is a spectacular country for visitors, surprisingly wild and genuine, offering decent accommodation.

If you decide for Sudan as your holiday destination you must take into account that a visa is required for every foreign citizen and should be bought before departure. For traveling here you need a valid passport and must also check with you physician about the necessary immunization before leaving.

The official language is Arabic and the regional currency is the Sudanese Pound which can be converted in all border cities and in the capital city of Khartoum.

Sudan – Transport

Sudan’s transport infrastructure is represented by paved roads, ports and several international airports. Traveling inland can be by bus, train or rent a car, but if you are coming from a neighboring country then the car is the safest. Still, the easiest option is by plane, arriving on the Khartoum International Airport or Port Sudan International Airport. The country has several important ports like Juba, Port Sudan, Khartoum that receive ferries weekly and connect Sudan with other countries near the Red Sea.

Sudan – Resorts

Most of the tourists come here to visit the Red Sea coast, the ancient cities, the pyramids, see the Nile or for different specific outdoor activities. In this respect one can find here good accommodation and the unique hospitality of the locals. If you enjoy diving, you surely know that the Red Sea is one of the most appreciated diving places on earth, therefore you should try it. The Red Sea Resort is a good option, offering wooden bungalows with eco friendly basic facilities and nearby restaurant. The resort organizes diving programs and can also offer you the required equipment.

For a more adventurous vacation to go climbing or caving in the mountains, the Nuba Mountains are a good choice. Here you can go camping or you can stay at locals ready to offer you a simple accommodation for a day or two.

For a more luxurious stay you should definitively choose Khartoum with its five stars hotels and well trained personnel.

Sudan - Cuisine

The Sudanese cuisine is a mix of Arabic and African influences, famous for its coffee and tea served on low tables surrounded with beautifully decorated pillows for the guests. Some of the traditional meals here are the shorba, a puree of lamb, the maschi, tomatoes stuffed with beef, koftah, ground meat balls and more. Usually the locals serve cold fruit juice, cinnamon tea or coffee before the meal.

With such beautiful places, captivating history and wonderful traditions, Sudan will surely amaze any tourist visiting it.