Sudan – The Largest African Country Whose Top Pulls are Solitude and Hospitality

Sudan is the nation of tourist tracks that can be explored even without another person, as it is not beyond an ooze. Traveling regions here are the northeast and certain parts in the tropics of south due to ongoing conflicts that makes the other regions as the no-go zones.

One thing that I would like to share is that along with the seclusion, the people are Sudan are simply the most welcoming and cordial people that a visitor can find anywhere else in the world. Only this factor is capable enough to make your trip meaningful. What to say when along with this you have a horde of things to discover!

Prime Attractions

Khartoum

Located on the junction of Blue Nile and White Nile, Khartoum is visitor’s choice of stay and roam due to its cobbled roads, tree-lined streets, tall buildings, and all possible tourist services. This is one of the safest cities in the continent. We visited the following places in this contemporary city.

National Museum

First, we explored the National Museum that exhibits old remains and artifacts of Sudanese history and pre-history such as the glassware, pottery, and statuaries. The Nubia’s Christian period can also be felt with frescoes and murals of damaged churches of 8th to 15th century.

In the garden, there are two restored Egyptian temples of Buhen and Semna, which have been reclaimed from the Nubian land swamped by Lake Nasser. A striking feature of these temples is that they consist of ridged coating of iron, which safeguards them from the moisture in the days of wet. The prime purpose was to move back the covers in the dry days. However, the covers are rusted and that they cannot be moved.

Ethnographical Museum

This little museum displays an attractive collection that depicts the Sudanese village life such as the clothing, cookware, and musical instruments.

Omdurman

This is the next interesting city that we visited to the northwest across the White Nile. Here, we visited Souq – the largest lively market in Sudan where we bought some Ivory and ebony candlesticks and jewelry. The ideal period to visit is on Friday mornings. Next, we visited the Camel Market located at a distance of 2 km north of Souq where animals can be seen from eastern or western parts of the nation. Then, we headed for the Tomb of the Mahdi, where we were not allowed to enter, but was attractive from outside. Originally, the tomb was in a silver-domed mosque in 1885, but Kitchener demolished it in 1898 when the body’s ashes were thrown into the river. Finally, the Mahdi’s son restored the mosque and tomb in 1947. Just opposite is the Beit al-Khalifa, the home of the Mahdi’s successor made from mud and brick, which is a museum. It was good to see the remnants from Mahdiyya battles such as guns and photographs of Khartoum during the time of the Mahdi’s rebellion.

El-Obeid

Located in the center of a vast desert, this city is famous for its production of gum Arabic from the acacia trees used in making ink and medicinal items. Here, we visited a small museum depicting history of Sudan and the stunning Catholic cathedral that is among the largest in Africa. Here, electricity and water both pose a great problem. Be careful in these two matters.

Port Sudan

This is a harbor city founded by the British in 1905. For visitors, the superb lattice woodwork on the windows of ancient buildings is worth visiting. Further, the seaport is the good base for diving in the Red Sea with the help of local hotel’s assistance and dive shops for the arrangements.

Kassala

Located in Eastern Sudan, this is another tourist centre on the Gash River and the home of the Sudan’s traditional family – the Khatmiyas who rebelled against the Mahdi family. Here, we visited the Kassala souq where the veiled women of the Rashaida tribe settled outside the city sell the best fruits of Sudan. This included grapefruit, pomegranates, oranges, bananas, and melons along with local handicrafts, fabrics, and the silver jewelry. Next, we headed many kilometres away from here to see are the strangely shaped sugar-loaf hills called the jebels.

Dongola

This is an important site of excavation that holds the relics of the old northern-Sudanese city. It was exciting to see its palm groves and its date harvest in September to obtain which the young boys scale up the trunks along with sharp knives. Further, the souq of fruits and vegetables is simply a bustling site where the desert nomads trade. Lastly, the ruins of the Cushite temple of Kawa on the eastern bank of the river are worth visiting by crossing river with a ferry.

Karima

About 2 km south of this town of little interest, we visited the 100 m Jebel Barkal hill considered as a holy hill by the Egyptians of the 18th century. Trek this hill to view the breathtaking view of the Nile. In addition, visit the Temple of Amun at the base, which was once accompanied by more six smaller temples whose ruins, statuary, and hieroglyphics are interesting.

Do not miss the Jebel Barkal Pyramids to the west of the temple.

Best Time to Visit

September to April is the ideal period to visit the nation.

Tips

• There are many no-go zones in Sudan, so consult a Safe Travel agent for updates.
• In Port Sudan, do not rely on the water and power supply.

Accommodations

At Khartoum

• Acropole Hotel at $90 for a single room, $140 for double room, and $180 for triple room
• Friendship Palace at $110 for single and $130 for double
• Khartoum Hilton at range of 190$ to 750$ offering different rooms and suites
• Sudan Hotel at $48 for a single room