In Sudan you will find, from north to south, the eastern foothills of the Sahara (desert), the eastern foothills of the Sahel (desert steppe) and the Sudan (grass steppe).
These dry areas are crossed by the Nile from south to north. In Khartoum, the country's capital, the White Nile and the Blue Nile flow together into the actual Nile, which then flows further via Egypt to the Mediterranean Sea. Along these rivers are the most fertile areas of the country. Most people live here.
The country borders Egypt and Libya in the north, Chad and the Central African Republic in the west, South Sudan in the south, Ethiopia and Eritrea in the east, and the Red Sea in the northeast.
The division of the country into a northern and a southern part, the result of the referendum in Jan. 2011, was completed in July 2012.
Although non-essential journeys are generally discouraged by political unrest in the country, traveling through the Nile Valley in the north is considered safe. Tourism to this interesting area is therefore increasing.
Our experiences in Sudan:
In 2011 we traveled through Sudan for the first time. That discovery was really an adventure with many, often unexpected highlights. Hundreds of pyramids and many pharaoh temples lie undiscovered by tourists virgin in the desert, with beautiful decorations that tell the life story of the pharaoh. Thanks in part to our guide, who works at the Sudan National Museum, who was able to show and explain all kinds of details, contacts with the local population, gold diggers we meet along the way, the spontaneous tour by a famous archaeologist and other special experiences, we look back on a unique journey, which we gladly recommend to our customers!
TIP! When planning your trip, try to be in Khartoum on Friday afternoon, then we can include the Dervish dance in the itinerary.
This Sufi group comes together every Friday
an hour before sunrise for a sparkling and exciting joint dance. Impressive to experience!
Practical information:
Click here for information about vaccinations for Sudan.
Please note that Sudan is not yet geared towards tourists and that the accommodation is usually (very) simple. Running water is not always there and hygiene is not the first priority. A pioneering spirit and good fitness are required for such trips!
Bring: sleeping bag, warm clothing and your own cutlery.
Discover the land of the black pharaohs!
During our cultural tours through North Sudan you will discover pure and unspoilt Nubia!
Here is the origin of the Nubian Empire with countless pyramids and many temples.
And here you will find traditional life in the Nubian villages; relaxed, friendly and welcoming.
We show you all the cultural highlights, from Khartoum to Lake Nassermeer in the north.
If you wish, you can take the weekly ferry to Aswan in South Egypt (and fly back home via Cairo). Nowadays there are also daily buses between Aswan and Wadi Halfa, on the Sudanese side of the lake.
The trips start with exploring the Sudanese capital Khartoum where we visit the small but interesting Ethnographic Museum and the Sudan National Museum.
This offers a clear overview of Nubian history and therefore a perfect introduction to the journey. We also sail to the place where the blue and white Nile meet and visit the largest market in the country. The following days we travel to the impressive cultural and historical sights, cross desert areas and see the daily life of the local population, in the villages where we stay, at markets we visit and along the Nile, where we may even see crocodiles.
The journey ends via a boat trip on Lake Nasser in Egypt (Aswan). Or by bus, if you prefer; less adventurous, but more comfortable.
You will visit:
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the 5000 m² temple complex Musawwarat Es Sufrathe Meroitic temples of Naqa: Temple of Amun, the Lion Temple, the Kiosk
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Royal City of Meroe; many pyramids of Nubian kings and queens.
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the excavations at Kerma, where once the capital of the Nubian Empire lay Mount Gebel Barkal, which was once thought the god Amun lived there
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more than 180 Nubian pyramids at the El-Kurru and Nuri cemeteries
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remnants of medieval Christian Nubia (near Dongola)
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ruins from the Ottoman Empire.
On the website of the Sudan National Museum in Khartoum you will find detailed information about all places along the route!
