Quick Travel Guide to Sudan
TIME IN SUDAN
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What to do in Sudan
Sudan – Controversial Country, Full of Archeological Treasures Awaiting to be Yet Discovered by the Rest of the World!
Until the separation of South Sudan in 2011, Sudan was the largest country in Africa, covering 8% of the African continent. Deserts, Nile, archeological gems all over Sudan, coral reefs in Red Sea, outstanding mountains and hectic capital Khartoum make it alluring and exotic destination to explore. In one week, if on organised tour with tight schedule and with private transport you can see all the main Sudanese attractions.
- Hike in Taka Mountains
- Get lost in boisterous Khartoum
- Go diving in Port Sudan
- Explore Camel Markets
- See Nuba wrestling
- Ride a boat to Tuti Island
- Shop for Golden jewelry on Gold Souq
- Sufi Dancers in Omdurman at Hamed al-Nil Tomb
- Visit Kassala – the coffee capital in Sudan
- Dive in Red Sea coral reefs in Sanganeb Marine National Park and Dungonab Bay
- Drive across Bayuda Desert
Hike Jebel Barkl for amazing sunset
- Camp at Meroe Pyramids (UNSECO)
- Get invitation to Sudanese Wedding
- Ride a Camel
- See Confluence of Nile from the highest spot in Khartoum – Corinthia Hotel top floor restaurant
- Nasser Lake
- Visit Chimpanzee Sanctuary in Mahale
When is The Best Time To Visit Sudan
The fact is Sudan is huge country and has different climate patterns, but for those who are visiting Sudanese tourist attractions, the best time to visit Sudan is between November and March during dry season. Weather is hot, temperatures oftentimes rise above 40 degrees C, but its bearable since there is low humidity in the air and the air is dry.
The least favourable months to visit Sudan are rainy period between June to October.
Great months to visit Sudan for:
- Scuba diving in Red Sea in Port Sudan: great all year except for months July and August due to high temperatures ofter exceeding 50 degrees C
- Ramadan time in Sudan: if you visit during Ramadan, be aware that museums and sites of interest may well be shut throughout the holy month, and those that are open will have restricted opening hours. The same applies for shops and restaurants.
DRY SEASON
November to MayRAINY SEASON
June to OctoberThings to Know Before Travelling to Sudan
- Getting Visa for Sudan – Getting Visa for Sudan takes a little bit of patience and bureaucracy, specially for US travellers and those who are not able to arrange Sudanese visa directly on the nearest Sudan embassy. Read more here: how to get visa for Sudan
- Bring cash to Sudan – USD bills are the best currency. Due to political reasons, international credit cards are not accepted in Sudan. ATMs in Sudan will not work with international credit cards either, therefore bring all you money intended for spenditure in USD cash.
- Registration of travellers on police stations – very important to register your self at the nearest police station if travelling independently, while visitors to Sudan on arranged Sudan tours will have this covered by tour operator organising the trip.
- Photo permits and travel permits for travel in Sudan – those visiting Sudan with tour operator will have no worries with permits as agents take care of it, while independent travellers must obtain these permits on their own. Permits are necessary for travelling around Sudan.
- Taking photos on sensitive strategic points is forbidden – make sure you know what is allowed for photography and what not, all information on photo permits – some forbidden objects to photograph are: poverty, bridges, military objects, etc…
- Dress code for Sudan – Sudan is muslim country, dressing appropriate to blend in with local culture is mandatory.
- No alcohol in Sudan. Alcohol is prohibited and not for sale in Sudan. Also make sure you dont bring any alcoholic beverages in your luggage as it will be taken away if found on customs.
- Learn some Sudanese Arabic – those travelling independently in Sudan will need some Sudanese Arabic basic for easier travel around Sudan as english is not widely spoken
Good to Pack for Sudan
There are some essentials that are always useful to have in your bag when travelling in Sudan:
- head lamp will save you every time there will be electricity cut, and believe us, it will be!
- solar charger for gadgets and cameras is perfect saviour when hiking in remote areas and of course, again every time there is power cut.
- Deet mosquito repellant (Malaria is existent in Sudan)
- hand sanitizers or disinfection spray
- Sun cream with high protection factor
- UV protective cap
- all copies of your travel documents, including travel insurance policy, passport, visa copies..
- lightweight clothes preferably made from natural, airy fabrics
- long sleeved cardigan for the evenings – nights and evenings can be chilly, its desert weather
- women – pack a headscarf to cover your head
- pack ALL cash you need for travelling in Sudan, ATMs are not working in Sudan!
Eat Like A Local – Must Try Foods and Drinks
While there is no alcohol in Sudan due to country laws, there is a culture of drinking tea and coffee. Must try black coffee with ginger and cardamom if you are a coffee lover! Try also Tamia balls, a Sudanese version of falafel, Kissra, Aseeda, goat meat and goat cheese,…
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This is how you make a travel guide! Quick and easy to access. Very well written and easy to follow. thanks for sharing. Do you have other travel guides like this?
Thanks, sometimes less is more:) You can find other guides for East African countries so far, working on more.
I always enjoy reading your blog, you visit such interesting places. This is full of really helpful information and ideas – a headlamp! I would never have thought of that one! Thank you.
Thanks Marie, yes headlamp is useful, specially in Sudan.
Great information! We have yet to start traveling in Africa, but it’s on our to do list! I think it’s important to read up on all of the information you have provided before going to a destination! So this will be a great one stop read for any travelers looking to do this trip! Thanks for sharing!
Whenever you decide to go, my blog is full of useful information:)
What a great comprehensive guide to Sudan. You really list out everything I would want to know including the weather!
The essence of Sudan, if I wanted to include history I could write a novel:)
What great information I never knew there were so many restrictions to travel there with having to get permits, etc. If I ever visit I would definitley go with a tour as it seems so much of it is already covered and taken care of. Great guide. Happy Roving!!!
I think most of travellers come with organised tour, and yes it is no worries for travellers in this case as agents make all the hard work.
I never had Sudan on my list of places to visit, and now I understand why. I travel independently and have no idea how to arrange travel permits. It sounds complicated.
And, how do you check in with the police? Do you have to find a police station every day and just say hello? In other countries, my hotel reports my passport information to the police, so I don’t have to do anything.
Also in Sudan hotel can register, but you have to pay additionally for this. Once you are registered, you receive a document and stamp in your passport and you are done with police. Sudan is red tape country but the experience of travelling it so much bigger:)
Some great information there. I’d be nervous about flying in with all of the money I’d need for the whole trip though. -_-
I knew nothing about tourism in Sudan before reading this post, how fascinating! What would you say your personal favorite tourist attraction in Sudan is?
Wow — I’m loving the format of your guide! I did a project on Sudan way back in grade 5 or 6 and this was a nice refresher on some things plus I’ve learned so much more about Sudan!
This is an awesome travel guide, it sounds like Sudan is rather intense but interesting country to visit. I have yet to visit the continent but now I’ll be looking more into Sudan. Super cool.