Bordered by Egypt and Kenya, Sudan is the third largest country in Africa. It is also a very diverse country with plenty to see and do.
Mountains, deserts, historic pyramids and ruins, coral reefs, and farms of fruits and vegetables are just some of the things you can find here.
Add in friendly locals and a cuisine that spans multiple cultures and it makes for a memorable trip.
This Sudan travel guide will help you plan your next vacation.
Fast Facts
- Power voltage is 230 V at 50 Hz.
- The official currency is the Sudanese pound (SDG) and 1 Sudanese pound is equal to 0.022 USD.
- The best way to get around is by bus or car.
- To enter, you will need a U.S. passport valid for 6 months as well as an entry visa from a Sudanese embassy.
- Sudan is under Sharia Law. Due to this, alcohol is prohibited, and men and women should follow the dress code. For more information, click here: https://traveltips.usatoday.com/clothes-wear-traveling-sudan-105798.html
- Zain Sudan, Sudani by Sudatel, and MTN Sudan are the main mobile provider and a prepaid SIM card can be purchased through any of them.
- To use these SIM cards, you must have an unlocked GSM phone.
- The value-added tax (VAT) rate is 17%.
- NOTE: As of April 2019, the Travel Advisory has placed Sudan under Level 4: Do Not Travel status.
Budgeting
ACCOMMODATION
Budget – You can find prices for hostels for 2,000 Sudanese pounds per night. Enjoy dorm-styled rooms, a fan, a bathroom and shower, and nearby restaurants and tourist destinations
Mid Range – For mid-range hotels, expect to pay about 3,200 Sudanese pounds per night. Enjoy private rooms and suites with TVs and minifridges, a hotel restaurant, airport shuttle, free breakfast, and good locations.
High End – Upscale hotels can cost about 9,200-13,000 Sudanese pounds per night. These hotels come with room service, an indoor or outdoor pool, sauna, massage services, a fitness center, and a hotel restaurant serving fine dining.
FOOD
The food in Sudan is a mix of various cuisines and cultures, including African and Arab cuisines. Bread, porridge, fruits and vegetables, soups and stews, and pepper and spices are common staples.
Tamia (made from mashed and fried chickpeas) and goraasa be dama (beef stew with green peppers, tomato, cardamom, and cinnamon) are popular dishes.
If you’re looking for something sweet, try some kuindiong (sweetened semolina). For an average restaurant, expect to pay around 500 Sudanese pounds.
Transportation
GETTING TO SUDAN
The main airport is the Khartoum International Airport, located 2.5 miles from Khartoum city center. Port Sudan and Juba both have international airports as well.
Bus: Buses are a cheap way to get around Sudan. It is best to book a ticket at least one day in advance. A bus from Khartoum to Shendi will cost about 40 Sudanese pounds.
You can also look for minibuses that do not operate on a fixed schedule and leave whenever the car is full, but you should be able to converse in Arabic at least a little.
Taxis: Taxis are a good way to get around, though they are not metered, so agree on a price before getting in. A ride from the Khartoum airport to the city will cost about 100 Sudanese pounds.
Rent a car: Renting a car requires you to be at least 21 years old and have both a U.S. license and an International Driver’s Permit. Prices start at 1,350 Sudanese pounds.
Packing Tips
- Power Adapter: As the voltage is higher than the US, bring a power adapter to charge your electronics.
- Sudanese Arabic Phrasebook: It can help to know some popular phrases, so bring a phrasebook.
- Cash: Your credit cards will not work in Sudan, so bring cash with you to pay for your travels.
When to Go
The best time to visit for good temperatures would be December-February. Temperatures around this time are about 86 degrees Fahrenheit, which is cooler than the average of 104. If you’re heading to Sudan for camel races, come in September-October.
Things to Do
ADVENTURE
The National Museum of Sudan: Explore Sudan and its history at this two-story museum. Highlights include artifacts from the Kush civilization, royal statues, medieval fresco paintings, hieroglyphic carvings, and temples from the Egyptian empire.
Meroë Pyramids: Head to the city of Meroë to see these Nubian pyramids from the Kush civilization. Once used as tombs for kings and queens, the pyramids are now declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Sanganeb National Park: Marine and nature lovers will enjoy this national park, which has marine life and over 120 coral reefs that are considered to be some of the best in the world. Other points of interest include the lighthouse, which has stunning views of Sanganeb, as well as Dungonab Bay and Mukkawar Island.
Tuti Island: Come explore Tuti Island, where the Blue and White Niles merge. Consisting of a village and plenty of agriculture, spend a peaceful morning or afternoon near nature.
Soleb Temple: Head to the town of Soleb to see this temple. Built from sandstone in 14th-century BC, it makes for an impressive sight.