Sudan has only recently been developed as a tourist destination, and communications and facilities are still limited outside Khartoum. Travel restrictions are also in force in much of the country (see
Passport/Visa section) owing to the presence of separatist insurgents. There is currently a civil war in the south of the country and this, for obvious reasons, has negatively impacted upon the recent attempt to kickstart tourist growth in the country.
KhartoumThe capital is situated at the confluence of the Blue and White Niles. With Omdurman, the old national capital,
and Khartoum North, it forms one unit called the ‘three-towns capital’. Among the tourist attractions are the Omdurman camel market and the Arab
souk. A good selection of Sudanese handicrafts is sold in several shops in the center and in the reception halls of bigger hotels.
Particularly noteworthy from a historical and artistic point of view is a visit to the well-organized National Museum , which contains archaeological treasures dating back to 4000 BC and earlier. A visit to the Khalifa’s House Museum will reward those who are interested in Sudan’s more recent history, especially the reign of the Mahdi (1881-1899).
ExcursionsA visit to the Gezira model farm and a trip along the Nile to the dam at Jebel Aulia, where the Nile is especially rich in fish, are recommended. Sunset on the river is spectacular. The main areas of archaeological interest in Sudan are to be found beside the Nile north of Khartoum. They include Bajrawiya, El Kurru, Meroe, Musawarat, Naga and Nuri.
Dinder National ParkCovering 6475 sq km (2500 sq miles) southeast of Khartoum on the Ethiopian border, the Dinder National Park is one of the largest in the world. There are many species of wild animals, including lion, giraffe, leopard, kudu, bushbuck and antelope, and birds such as guinea fowl, vulture, pelican, stork, kingfisher and the beautiful crown crane. Special three-day trips from Khartoum are organized in the high season (December to April).
The Red SeaWith the transparency of its water, the variety of its fish and the charm of its marine gardens and coral reefs, the Red Sea is one of Sudan’s main tourist attractions. The busy Port Sudan, Suakin, famous during the Ottoman era, and the Arous Tourist Village, 50km (30 miles) north of Port Sudan, are just three centers from which to explore the coast. Erkowit, 1200m (3930ft) above sea level, is a beautiful resort in the coastal mountains and is famed for its evergreen vegetation.
The WestJebel Marra, at more than 3088m (10,100ft), is the highest peak in the Darfur region of western Sudan. It is a region of outstanding scenic beauty, with waterfalls and volcanic lakes and a pleasant climate and, consequently, a favored resort.
The SouthThe Southern Provinces are characterized by green forests, open parkland, waterfalls and treeless swamps abounding with birds and wild animals such as elephant, black and white rhino, common eland, Nile lechwe, lesser kudu, bisa oryx, zebra, crocodile, hippo, hyena, buffalo and the almost extinct shoebill. The Gemmeiza Tourist Village, situated in the heart of East Equatoria, is considered of special interest, owing to the abundance of game in that area.
NoteThe people of the south are largely Christian and this has led to friction with the ruling Muslim factions in the north. Check with the Embassy before traveling if a visit to this region is intended (see
Passport/Visa section).
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