Sudan Travel Information

Sudan, located in the northeastern corner of Africa, is a country rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. From the ancient pyramids of Meroe to the scenic Nile River, there is so much to discover in this often-overlooked destination. Here are the top 10 things to do when visiting Sudan.

1. Visit the Pyramids of Meroe

The ancient city of Meroe, located near the Nile River, was once the capital of the Kingdom of Kush and is home to more than 200 pyramids. These pyramids, built between the 8th century BC and the 4th century AD, are smaller and steeper than the better-known Egyptian pyramids but are still a fascinating sight to see.

2. Explore the ruins of the Royal City of Musawwarat es-Sufra

This ancient city, located in the desert, was an important religious and political center during the Kingdom of Kush. The ruins include a well-preserved Great Enclosure, several temples, and a palace.

3. Take a Nile River cruise

The Nile River is the lifeblood of Sudan and a cruise is a great way to experience the scenery and culture along the river. Visitors can see traditional villages, visit temples, and learn about the history of the Nile.

4. Visit the National Museum of Sudan

Located in Khartoum, this museum is home to a collection of artifacts from ancient Sudanese civilizations, including the Kingdom of Kush, the Nubians, and the Meroitic civilization.

5. Visit the Souq Arabi Market

This traditional market, located in the heart of Omdurman, offers a glimpse into the daily life of Sudanese people and is a great place to buy souvenirs such as textiles, jewelry, and traditional Sudanese clothing.

6. Visit the Beja Temple of Dakka

This temple, located in the Red Sea Mountains, was built by the Beja people and is dedicated to the god Dakka. It is one of the best-preserved ancient temples in Sudan and offers a glimpse into the beliefs and practices of the Beja people.

7. Visit the Old Cataract Hotel

Built in 1899, this hotel is located in the city of Aswan, Egypt, but it is just across the border from Sudan. The hotel was frequented by famous guests such as Winston Churchill and Agatha Christie, and it offers a glimpse into the colonial history of Sudan.

8. Visit the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

This monument, located in Khartoum, is dedicated to the soldiers who died during the Sudanese civil war. It is a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by Sudanese people and a place to reflect on the country's history.

9. Visit the Sudanese Traditional Music Museum

This museum, located in Khartoum, is dedicated to preserving and promoting Sudanese traditional music. Visitors can learn about the different types of music, instruments, and musicians of Sudan.

10. Visit the Sudanese Traditional Medicine Museum

This museum, located in Khartoum, is dedicated to preserving and promoting Sudanese traditional medicine. Visitors can learn about the different types of medicine, herbs, and healing practices of Sudan.

Climate

Sudan has a diverse climate, with hot and dry desert in the north and tropical rainforest in the south. The best time to visit Sudan depends on the specific region and the type of activities you plan to do.

Dry Season (November to February)

During the dry season, the weather is mild and pleasant, making it the ideal time for sightseeing and exploring the ancient pyramids and ruins in the north. The temperature during this time ranges from 20-30°C.

Rainy Season (June to September)

The rainy season is the best time to visit the south of Sudan, where there is lush vegetation and wildlife. This is also the best time for bird watching and fishing. However, it can be challenging to travel during this time due to heavy rainfall and muddy roads.

Hot Season (March to May)

The hot season is characterized by high temperatures, reaching up to 40°C in some parts of the country. This may not be the best time to visit, but if you're looking for an adventure in the desert, this is the time to go.

Note: Sudan is currently under US sanctions and it is not recommended to travel there.

Here are some general travel tips regarding entry requirements that apply across all countries:

Passport

Make sure that your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of your arrival in the country you are visiting. Some countries will not allow you to enter if your passport is set to expire within a certain period of time.

Visa

Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if you need a visa. Some countries require a visa for entry, while others do not. Make sure to apply for a visa well in advance of your trip as the process can take several weeks. Check the latest Visa requirements and if necessary get an online Visa with our partner iVisa.

Health Requirements and COVID-19 Rules

Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if there are any health requirements for entry. Some countries require vaccinations or proof of medical insurance. Check the latest health requirements and if necessary get an online Visa with our partner iVisa.

Travel Insurance

Consider purchasing travel insurance, especially if you are traveling internationally. Travel insurance can cover you in the event of trip cancellation, medical emergencies, and other unexpected events. Our travel insurance partner is SafetyWing. For dangerous activities and/or countries consider a rescue service like those offered by our partner, Global Rescue.

Customs

Be familiar with the customs and laws of the country you are visiting. Some countries have strict laws regarding drug possession, alcohol consumption, and dress codes.

Currency

Check the currency exchange rate and make sure you have enough local currency for your trip. Some countries may not accept credit cards or travelers cheques, so it is always good to have some cash on hand. At WhereNext we recommend use a Wise debit card, which provides low cost currency conversions and ATM withdrawals.

Research the country

Research about the culture, customs and laws of the country you are visiting. It will help you to understand the place more and also prepare you better for the trip.

Contact Information

Make a copy of your passport and keep it in a separate place from your passport. Also, leave a copy of your itinerary and contact information with a friend or family member at home.

Sudan offers a range of accommodation options for travelers, from budget-friendly guesthouses to luxury hotels. However, it's worth noting that due to US sanctions, tourism infrastructure is limited and many hotels are closed.

Hotels

Sudan's capital city, Khartoum, offers a variety of hotel options, including international chains and local options. Luxury hotels can be found in Khartoum and other major cities, offering amenities such as swimming pools, fitness centers, and restaurants.

Guesthouses and Bed and Breakfasts

Guesthouses and bed and breakfasts are a more affordable option and can be found in cities and towns throughout Sudan. These accommodations are often run by local families and offer a more authentic experience.

Camping and Tented Accommodation

For those looking for an adventure, camping and tented accommodation is available in the desert and wilderness areas of Sudan. These options provide a unique way to experience the desert and are often organized by tour operators.

It is worth noting that due to the US sanctions, it is not recommended to travel to Sudan and tourism infrastructure is limited.

Sudan offers a variety of transportation options for travelers, including air, bus, and train. However, it's worth noting that due to US sanctions, transportation infrastructure is limited and some routes may not be operational.

Air

Sudan's main airport is Khartoum International Airport, which offers flights to destinations within Sudan and other countries in the region. However, due to the US sanctions, many international airlines have suspended flights to Sudan, and those that operate do so on a limited schedule.

Bus

Bus transportation is widely available in Sudan and is a popular option for travelers. Buses run between major cities and towns, but the service can be slow and uncomfortable.

Train

Trains run between Khartoum and other major cities in Sudan, but service is limited and not always reliable.

Taxi and Car Rental

Taxis and car rental are also available in Sudan, but it's worth noting that driving can be challenging due to poor road conditions and lack of signage.

Money Tips for Travel

• Research the currency and exchange rates of your destination before you depart.
• Notify your bank and credit card companies of your travel plans to avoid any potential issues with international transactions.
• Bring a mix of cash, credit, and debit cards--and possibly a travel money card.
• Be aware of the fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad.
• Make sure to have a backup option for accessing money in case your primary method doesn't work.
• Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
• Be aware of the local customs and etiquette when it comes to paying.
• Keep an eye on the exchange rate throughout your trip and try to make large purchases or withdraw large sums of money when the rate is favorable.
• NEVER accept currency conversion at ATMs! Always get your home bank to convert at much better rates.
• Think about getting a Wise or other travel debit card; these can provide much better rates and some free ATM withdrawals.

ATM and Credit Cards

• Research the availability of ATMs and credit card acceptance at your destination before you depart.
• Keep your ATM card in a safe place and be mindful of your surroundings when using it.
• Try to stick to using ATMs that are affiliated with major banks.
• Keep your credit card information safe and secure, and be aware of potential scams.
• Make sure your cards have the necessary security features, such as chip and pin.
• Be aware of the fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad.

Exchange Rates

• Research the currency and exchange rates of your destination before you depart.
• Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
• Be aware of the local customs and etiquette when it comes to paying.
• Keep an eye on the exchange rate throughout your trip and try to make large purchases or withdraw large sums of money when the rate is favorable.
• Be careful of places that may offer to exchange money at rates that seem too good to be true.

Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for travellers in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies. It covers a wide range of needs--even some you might not expect!

Medical Coverage

Travel insurance can provide coverage for medical expenses if you become ill or injured while traveling. This can include coverage for doctor visits, hospital stays, and emergency medical transportation. It's also a good idea to ensure that your travel insurance covers COVID-19 related illness and delays!

Trip Cancellation and Interruption

Travel insurance can provide coverage if you need to cancel or interrupt your trip due to unexpected events such as illness, weather, or travel bans. It can also provide coverage if your trip is delayed or if your travel provider goes out of business.

Lost or Stolen Luggage

Travel insurance can provide coverage for lost or stolen luggage, as well as personal items such as passports and electronic devices.

Emergency Assistance and Evacuation

Many travel insurance plans offer emergency assistance services, such as providing information on local hospitals and doctors, assistance with replacing lost or stolen documents, and help with arranging transportation in the event of an emergency. At WhereNext we have partnered with Global Rescue for evacuation services, which are highly recommended if you are undertaking dangerous activities or are travelling to dangerous parts of the world.

Liability coverage

Travel insurance can also provide liability coverage in case you cause an accident or harm someone while you are traveling.

Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for travellers in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies. It can help cover the costs of medical expenses, trip cancellations, lost or stolen luggage, and more. It's always a good idea to review the coverage and compare the different options available before making a decision. At WhereNext we both use and have partnered with Safety Wing for general travel insurance.

When traveling, getting mobile access is very important these days. If you are working remotely, wanting to update social media, or need to access your banks SMS authentication messages having a reliable service is a must. At WhereNext we recommend:

eSIM

Services such as those offered by our partner, Airalo, allow you to easily order and install an eSIM for different countries or regions that you are traveling in.

Dual SIM phone

If you have a phone that supports dual SIM's then you can get a SIM on arrival for each country, this is probably better done at a telco store rather than at the airport.

Extend your home plan

Depending on where you live and your mobile service provider you may be able to extend your plan to cover mobile roaming at reasonable rates.

Keep your primary SIM

With the amount of accounts we all have that require two factor authentication via SMS, keeping a constant number for these accounts is a must.

There are several online communities and platforms that you can use to meet people while traveling, both for making new friends or for networking professionally. Some popular options include:

Facebook groups

There are many Facebook groups dedicated to connecting people while traveling, from expat groups and travel communities to groups specific to certain cities or regions of the country. You can search for groups based on your interests or location and connect with others who share similar interests.

Meetup

Meetup is a platform that allows you to find groups of people that share your interests in your local area. There are Meetup groups all around the world, and they cover a wide range of topics, such as language exchange, sports, and cultural activities.

Internations

Internations is a social network for people who live or work abroad. It has a large community of expats and organizes regular events, activities and gatherings that allow members to connect and socialize.

Couchsurfing

Couchsurfing is a platform that connects travelers with local hosts, who offer free accommodation and a chance to experience the local culture. It's a great way to meet locals and make friends!

Reddit

Reddit has a large community, and there are several subreddits dedicated to connecting expats and travelers. You can use it to ask questions, get advice, and connect with others who are also living or traveling in the country.

Linkedin

LinkedIn is primarily a professional network, but you can also use it to connect with people who work in the same industry or have similar backgrounds. It can be useful to connect with people before you arrive and establish a few professional contacts to help you get started.

At WhereNext, we use Nomad List as a global community and then research more local ones for our destination. These are just a few examples of online communities you can use to meet people; please suggest any others that you think are appropriate for this destination.