Sudan, Sudan - Travel Guide

Sudan is home to more pyramids than Egypt, including the stunning Nubian pyramids of Meroë. This ancient land of the Kingdom of Kush offers incredible archaeological sites, the confluence of the Blue and White Nile in Khartoum, vast Saharan landscapes, and genuine hospitality from locals rarely exposed to tourism. A destination for adventurous travelers seeking authentic discovery.

Quick Facts

Recommended Stay10 days

Budget$30/day

Mid-range$60/day

Luxury$150/day

Known For

sudankhartoummeroenubian_pyramidsnileancient_nubiaarchaeologicalpyramidsdesertsaharaafricanorth_africaoff_beaten_pathancient_historynile_confluencekermajebel_barkalunescounexploredadventurecamel_marketomdurmansufi_dancingred_seaport_sudan

🇸🇩 Country Information: Sudan

CapitalKhartoum

CurrencySudanese pound (.س.ج)

Language Arabic , English

Phone Code+249

Electricity230V (Type C, D)

Tap WaterNot recommended

Tipping

Tipping is not widely practiced but appreciated for good service
For taxi drivers, round up the fare
For restaurant staff, a small tip (5
10%) can be given

Money & Payments

ATMs are scarce and unreliable; it's better to bring cash or use informal money exchange
Credit cards are generally not accepted
Bringing USD cash is highly recommended for exchange
There is a black market for cash, offering better exchange rates

Cultural Norms

Greetings are important, often involving handshakes (avoid shaking hands with the opposite gender unless offered)
Public displays of affection are frowned upon
During Ramadan, eating, drinking, and smoking in public during fasting hours are prohibited

LGBTQ+ Information

Exercise caution. Homosexuality is illegal and can be punishable by death. There is no legal recognition for LGBTQ+ individuals.

Alcohol & Drug Laws

Alcohol consumption is illegal for Muslims and tightly restricted for non
Muslims
Drug laws are extremely strict, with severe penalties for possession and trafficking

Special Laws

Dress modestly, especially for women
Photography of government buildings or military installations is forbidden
Be aware of local customs during prayer times
Women should not travel alone to certain areas

Common Phrases

HelloMarhaba (mar-ha-ba) مرحبا

Thank youShukran (shook-ran) شكرا

Climate

Hot desert climate with extreme heat in summer (April-September, 95-115°F/35-46°C). Winter (November-February) is cooler and more pleasant (75-95°F/24-35°C). Minimal rainfall except in the south. Dust storms (haboob) possible April-September.

Best Time to Visit

Best Season: November
February (cool, dry, comfortable)
Hot Season: April
September (extreme heat, avoid if possible)
Shoulder: March, October (transitional, still warm)
Rainy Season: July
September in south only

Getting There

Khartoum International Airport (KRT) has connections from Cairo, Dubai, Istanbul, Addis Ababa, and Jeddah
Visa required for most nationalities
apply in advance
Overland from Egypt via Wadi Halfa ferry/bus combination possible
Ensure you have proper documentation and travel permits

Getting Around

Domestic flights connect major cities
4WD vehicles essential for desert and archaeological sites
hire with driver
Buses and shared taxis for main routes
Roads vary dramatically in quality
For remote sites, organized tours recommended
Travel permits may be required for certain areas

Health & Vaccinations

Yellow Fever certificate required
Malaria prophylaxis essential
Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid strongly recommended
Meningitis vaccine recommended
Bring all medications
limited pharmacies
Medical facilities very basic outside Khartoum

Staying Connected

MTN and Sudani provide coverage
Very limited 3G/4G outside cities
eSIM unlikely to work
Internet heavily restricted
WiFi very limited even in hotels
Plan for minimal connectivity

Local Cuisine

Ful Medames must_try

Slow-cooked fava beans with olive oil, lemon, cumin, and chili. The breakfast staple of Sudan, served with fresh bread and often topped with eggs, che

Kisra must_try

Traditional fermented sorghum flatbread, thin and slightly sour. The Sudanese equivalent of Ethiopian injera, used to scoop up stews and meats.

Mulah must_try

Rich meat stews made with lamb, beef, or chicken in various preparations - dried okra (mulah bamia), peanut butter (mulah ful sudani), or vegetables.

Shaiyah local_favorite

Grilled lamb chops, a prized dish for celebrations. Simply seasoned and charcoal-grilled to perfection. Often served with salads and bread.

Jebena Coffee must_try

Traditional coffee ceremony using a clay pot (jebena). Coffee is roasted, ground, and brewed with ginger or cinnamon, served in small cups. A social r

Book in Advance

Plan ahead for the best experience. Here's what to book before your trip:

🔴 Must Book in Advance

Visa visa

Apply 1-3 months in advance

Sudan visas require application in advance. Processing can take weeks.

Travel Permits permit

Arrange 1-4 weeks in advance

Permits required for travel outside Khartoum to archaeological sites.

Guided Tours tour_or_activity

Book 1-3 months in advance

Very limited tourism infrastructure. Reliable operators are few.

Fun Facts

1. Sudan has more pyramids than Egypt - over 200 Nubian pyramids at Meroë alone.
2. The ancient Kingdom of Kush rivaled Egypt in power and once ruled over Egypt as Pharaohs.
3. The Nile's Blue and White branches meet in Khartoum - you can actually see where the two different-colored waters join.
4. Sudan was home to the legendary Suakin, the Red Sea's most important port for 3,000 years, now a ghost town.

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