Sudan is one of the worlds great overlooked destinations. While it shares many of the characteristics that make Egypt such a popular destination, it receives just a fraction of the visitors. Incredible historic sights, a spectacular Red Sea coastline and the mighty Nile River are just some of the common attractions that the two countries share. Add in some fascinating Sudanese market towns and the fast evolving capital city of Khartoum and you soon come to realise that Sudan is an an amazing destination that’s ripe for exploring.
Sudan’s lack of visitors isn’t because of a lack of attractions, it’s largely driven by the countries tumultuous political situation. The recent history of Sudan has been one of internal struggle and civil war. Hope for a long lasting peace were raised when the country was split in 2011 following the independence vote in South Sudan. However its not been plain sailing since then with issues in the country continuing to flare up. Despite this, the vast majority of the country remains safe and it’s increasingly accessible on new Chinese funded roads.
So with the unsecure political setting, why make the effort to visit Sudan? Firstly, people come to experience Sudan’s rich history and the country is home to many ancient ruins and historical sights. The Pyramids of Merow and Nuri are hugely impressive archaeological sites and you’ll see few, if any other tourists here. The capital city of Khartoum is surprisingly cosmopolitan with modern architecture that wouldn’t be out of place in Dubai, or other Gulf States. It contrasts with the traditional market towns of Dongola and Karima, which provide a fascinating insight to Sudanese life. There’s also the Red Sea coast to explore with some excellent diving opportunities.
Sudan is located in north east Africa and is primarily a desert nation. Only the southern most areas and the areas immediately alongside the Nile are able to support crops and significant plant life. The country shares a border with 7 other African nations; Egypt and Libya to the north, Chad to the west, Central African Republic and South Sudan to the south and Ethiopia and Eritrea to the east. Sudan also has a 530 mile long coastline to the east along the Red Sea.
Sudan has a hot and dry climate with little meaningful rainfall throughout the year. As visitor numbers are low throughout the year, the best time to visit is largely dependent on your appetite for how hot you like the weather to be. Even in winter (December to February) the temperatures regularly hit 85°F, although nights are considerably cooler. During the summer months of June through August, the temperature exceed 100°F on a daily basis, while 110°F isn’t uncommon. To avoid this extreme heat, we’d recommend a visit between the months of November and April. Prioritise the early or late part of this period if you intend to camp out in the desert to see the Pyramids of Meroe.
Sudan’s big draw is it’s stunning historical sights which can be enjoyed without the crowds you often find in Egypt or other established destinations. Alongside these historic sights are some fascinating towns and cities that give you a real sense of Sudan’s past, present and future. Any visit to Sudan should try to include as many of these destinations as possible to make the most of your time in Sudan.
Sudan’s towns and cities provide a variety of different views of the country. From friendly market towns to the bustling city of Khartoum, there’s a range of places to experience and explore.
From Kushite to Nubian and even Pharaonic, there’s a wealth of excellent historical sights to discover in Sudan.
Our top 5 historic sights in Sudan are:
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