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You’re sure to be aware of the current fighting in Sudan taking place between two military factions. The British government’s FCDO currently advises against travel to anywhere in Sudan. I’ve left this post up in the hope we see an improvement to the situation soon.
Though the third-largest nation in both Africa and the Arab World, Sudan gets little attention from tourists. The best 9 things to do in Sudan were largely empty due to years of instability – thankfully now coming to an end.
Those willing to take the plunge will find a culture that puts great emphasis on welcoming strangers. It is also a nation with attractions that easily rivals its neighbour’s.
Here are what I think are the best 9 things to do in Sudan.
1. Pyramids of Meroe
Proud of its ancient heritage, Sudan is able to boast more pyramids than Egypt and Mexico.
There are more than 220 pyramids in total. They are focussed around Meroe, north of the capital of Khartoum in the Nubian Desert.
Smaller and narrower than the Great Pyramids of Giza, the pyramids of Meroe are nonetheless an impressive sight. They are split into three different groupings, known as the South, North, and West Cemeteries. After all, these pyramids were built as burial places for queens and kings.
The largest cluster is the North Cemetery, containing 41 royal pyramids. Nine more can be found at the South Cemetery. The West Cemetery seems to have been used for non-royal burials, but has 113 tombs all the same.
The pyramids of Meroe were constructed in the capital of the Kushite kingdom from around 300 BCE. This makes the newest still 1,700 years old. Meanwhile the Kushites were powerful enough to be mentioned in the early books of the Old Testament.
Raided during colonial times for their treasure, many had their peaks blown off with dynamite. They are now a recognized UNESCO World Heritage Site.
These amazing relics of a previous age can be combined with desert camping for a truly memorable experience. One which is as far as it can get from the crowds and souvenir stalls of Giza.
2. Sudan National Museum
The Sudan National Museum is situated on the banks of the River Nile in Khartoum. It is without doubt the best place in the country to get the lowdown on this country’s long past.
Its grand main exhibition halls include artefacts from the stone age onwards – and, if you’re very lucky, air conditioning. It houses treasures from each of Sudan’s most important archaeological sites.
It’s a fascinating collection spread over two floors, which continues into the museum’s grounds. Here you’ll find a number of ancient temples protected by greenhouse-like structures. They were moved here to prevent them being lost by the construction of the Aswan High Dam in the 1960s.
3. Wadi Halfa ferry
Roughly once a week for decades the Wadi Halfa ferry has made its stately progress the length of Lake Nasser. It travels from the furthest tip of Sudan at Wadi Halfa, or techically new Wadi Halfa. Old Wadi Halfa was one of the victims of the Aswan High Dam.
The ferry then travels to Aswan, Egypt’s southernmost city, and back again. The only way to cross between the two countries without taking to the air, the ferry is more than just a mode of transport, however.
During the days of international sanctions, it was one of the only means ordinary Sudanese had of obtaining basic goods. Its journey has something of the golden age of travel about it (without the luxury). As a cultural experience, it also has no near comparison.
If the ferry departs on time, it’s also possible to catch sight of Egypt’s famed temple of Abu Simbel from the water too.
4. Dongola
Midway between Meroe and Wadi Halfa, Dongola – or more correctly Old Dongola – is another important archaeological site. It was the capital of the Christian Makurian dynasty during the medieval period.
It has slowly been excavated by a dedicated team of Polish archaeologists since 1964. Its remains include a minor forest of elegant columns as well as the hilltop Throne Hall building.
Built in the ninth century CE, this structure matches anything being constructed in Europe at the same time. Its ground floor walls are 6.5 metres high.
The Throne Hall probably owes it fine level of survival to the fact it was later converted into a mosque. It continued to be used for daily prayers right up until 1969, when it was designated an important historic monument.
5. Red Sea Coast
Sudan’s Red Sea coast stretches for 750 km. It’s (admittedly slowly) generating a name for itself as an alternative snorkelling and scuba diving destination to Egypt’s Red Sea resorts such as Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh.
Its warm shallows are home to roughly 200 different species of hard and soft corals. These in turn provide homes for one thousand different types of invertebrate. They attract everything from the clown fish of Finding Nemo to the sharks of … well, Finding Nemo.
Beyond the turquoise waters, Suakin is an extraordinary example of a medieval Red Sea city. It blends influences from Arabia, the now-lost Ottoman Empire, and Egyptian rule.
6. Republican Palace Museum
Back in central Khartoum, the Republican Palace Museum is a double whammy when it comes to attractions.
For one thing, it is located in the converted British-built Anglican All Saints Cathedral. It still has decorative brass plaques on its walls and colourful stained glass. Both act as an intriguing reminder to what it took to maintain a global empire.
Countering this in its nave exhibition space are highly-detailed descriptions of the almost endless rebellions that took place as the Sudanese fought for liberty. These include the famous Seige of Khartoum by the Mahdi between 1884 and 1885. It led to the death of General Gordon, the then governor of Sudan.
One of the more unusual exhibits in the museum is General Gordon’s upright piano. For many years it was the first and only one to be found in the entire country. Other objects include various gifts given to the country’s rulers during state visits.
7. Meeting point of the two Niles
The Nile – the world’s longest river – has two main tributaries. The Blue Nile flows from Ethiopia’s Lake Tana, while the White Nile starts its long journey north in either Rwanda or Burundi. Here it’s nothing more than a tiny stream. The exact source is still vehemently argued over.
These two rivers meet at Khartoum. It’s possible to see precisely where their waters come together because of the difference in colour – though neither are particularly blue or white.
There are two well-known points at which to enjoy the spectacle. You can do this either from White Nile Bridge and Shambat Bridge, or from the small amusement park known as the Al Mogran Family Park. Check for permission before you pull out your camera though, as photographing national infrastructure is a big no-no.
8. Crossing the desert by train
Recently refurbished, the train journey between Khartoum and Wadi Halfa via Atbara remains one of the most atmospheric in the world.
Linking up with the arrival and departure of the Wadi Halfa ferry, this rail line is an extraordinary achievement. It was first constructed by Lord Kitchener to relieve General Gordon during the Siege of Khartoum. The relief expedition arrived within sight of the city two days after Gordon and all 4,000 males remaining in the city had been killed.
Far more comfortable a proposition since the aging colonial tracks were replaced a few years ago, the desert landscapes are exquisite.
Do note however that the train starts and ends its journey to ‘Khartoum’ in Bahri. Also known as Khartoum North, Bahri is considered a separate city, on the north bank of the Blue Nile.
9. Al Dinder National Park
The arid landscapes of Sudan aren’t known for their wildlife offerings. But a visit to Al Dinder National Park will turn this assumption on its head.
Lying on Sudan’s border with Ethiopia, it is linked to Alatash National Park on the other side of the frontier. It protects a triangular area of land formed by the Dinder and Galago Rivers.
Its species list includes leopard, cheetah and lion, in addition to 25 other large mammal species and 160 birds. This makes it a well-deserved additon to the best 9 things to do in Sudan.
For access, head to the town of the same name.
Best 9 things to do in Sudan
Despite its reputation Sudan is welcoming to foreign visitors. Not only that, but it has truely astonishing sights as this list of the best 9 things to do in Sudan has hopefully demonstrated!
