Sudan – 10 days
We would like to invite you to a journey to a country with the largest number of pyramids in the world. The territory occupied by present-day Sudan was a cradle of civilisations that were strongly linked to the Egyptian Empire but were nevertheless separate.
Like in the present, also in the ancient times the life of humans was strictly associated with the Nile River that can certainly be called the river of life. The majestic Nile cuts through the flat and dry desert, giving life and transforming the plains around its shores into a magical land whose remains still fascinate the people who visit those areas. During our expedition, we will see relics of antiquity, a mighty river and a sunburnt desert. We will also get to know the culture and traditions of the inhabitants of today’s Sudan.
itinerary
Flights usually arrive in Khartoum most probably in late evening hours, transfer to the hotel for dinner and night rest
After breakfast, we will visit the capital of Sudan. To start with, we will see the place where the Blue Nile joins the White Nile. Next we will go to Omdurman, a town on the left side of the White Nile. Omdurman is a seat of the tomb of Mahdi – a Sudanese hero who led an insurrection against the British occupants. Then we will go to the local market, and in the afternoon we will go to the Sheikh Hamad al-Nil Mosque where we should be able to watch dances of dervishes belonging to local Sufi fraternities. Dinner and return to the hotel.
B. L. D.
In the morning departure from Khartoum, then we will drive through Wadi Malik, a place famous from unique rock formations and many dinosaur remains. Next we will see Old Dongola – a town which was the capital of the Nubian kingdom in the times when the territory of today’s Sudan was inhabited by Christians. Next we will set off to Al Debba. Homestay for the night or, if available, hotel accommodation.
B. L. D.
After breakfast, a drive to the ruins of Sesibi, a town from the Pharaoh Akhenaten times. After some sightseeing and rest, we will go to Soleb, where we will see the remains of Egyptian temples (including the Amon temple). We will also visit other ancient relics, including pyramids. We have accommodation planned in a traditional Nubian house
B. L. D
In the morning, we will start a day trip along the Nile. We will visit the Sai island on the Nile and the town of Sadinga where we will see the remains of Egyptian and Nubian temples and pyramids. In the afternoon, return to Soleb. Accommodation in a Nubian house.
B. L. D.
After breakfast, we will set off to the south to Tumbus and next to Messaida. En route, if time and road conditions permit, we will stop at interesting places where it will be possible to see not only how contemporary inhabitants of Sudan live but also admire the remains of ancient Nubian, Kush and Egyptian civilisations. Accommodation in a traditional Nubian house.
B. L. D.
After breakfast, we will continue our journey to the south. We will stop in Kerma where remains of the old Kerma kingdom culture, dating back to over 5,500 years ago, can be found. Then we will drive to Karima which is close to the ruins of Napata, an ancient capital of the Kingdom of Kush. At the end of the day, a hike to the peak of Jebel Barkal (which will take less than an hour) – it is a perfect site to see the panorama of the whole area cut in two by the majestically flowing Nile. Accommodation in a traditional Nubian house
B. L. D.
In the morning, we will start a day trip in the ruins of the city of the ancient kingdoms that once ruled in the area of present-day Sudan. At the beginning we will visit El Kurru were we can see tombs of the rulers of the Kingdom of Kush. Moreover we will visit the sites of pyramids, temples from the Kushan periods. Next we will see Nuri which is locate on the west side of the Nile near Fourth Cataract. Nuri was royal necropolis Nubian kings we will see tombs and also pyramids (over 20). In the afternoon, return for an overnight stay in a traditional Nubian house in Karima.
B. L. D.
In the morning, we will drive to Atbara and after that we will visit Meroë. The most famous archaeological sites in Sudan. Meroë was capital of the Kingdom of Kush after Napata which was sacked by Egyptians in 593 B.C. The monuments of Meroitic culture that we will see have also preserved traces of the influence of Egyptian and Greek culture. The wealth of archeologically finds and monuments like temples tombs, and pyramids clearly testify to the power and extensive trade relations of Meroë. Accommodation in a traditional Nubian house.
B. L. D.
After breakfast, we will drive to Khartoum, through the town named Musawwarat es-Sufra where we will stop for a short rest and the last visit of a Kush temple that may date back to even 5,000 years ago. Also ancient travellers left their marks in the temple – Latin inscriptions made by Romans can be found there. In the afternoon, a drive to Khartoum and transfer to the airport or to an additional overnight stay at a hotel, if the flight is planned for the next day.
In the case of a morning flight, a supplementary payment for the additional accommodation in Khartoum will be necessary.
B. L.
Practical information
- the length of the tour : 10 or 11 days in Sudan;
- start of the trip: Khartoum;
- end of the trip: Khartoum;
- the highlights of this expedition: The main attractions of the expedition are the monuments, temples and ruins left by ancient civilisations of the Nile valley (Egyptian, Nubian and Kushite kingdoms). Moreover, the encounter with the inhabitants of Sudan, a country of many cultures and traditions, will be an unforgettable experience.
The tour will have the features of a sightseeing trip combined with an expedition to one of the regions of the world least visited by tourists. The tour is oriented on heritage, sightseeing and cultural tourism. Because of the special nature of the visited places and of the expedition features, the travellers are required to be physically and mentally fit. Long car rides through the Saharan wilderness, often at more than +30°C, and also overnight stays in traditional Nubian houses with limited access to toilets and showers may be very tiresome and cause considerable discomfort. Furthermore, as the expedition will take place to very remote areas, during its course there will be practically no access to medical services, except for the capital of Sudan. No long hikes or activities that require strenuous physical effort are envisaged during the tour. The itinerary was designed to enable best possible viewing of the places away from mass tourism routes, while meeting basic safety standards and ensuring comfort to the travellers. Bear in mind that the Republic of Sudan is mostly inhabited by Muslims, which means the need to respect cultural differences and adhering to the appropriate dress code.
Depending on the political situation, the length of the tour and the order of visited places may change. In a situation of a serious threat to travellers’ safety, the tour may be cancelled. We will keep you updated as to whether the expedition is possible.
- Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the planned end of the tour.
- Visa can be obtained at the airport upon arrival for most for European Union citizens. If you travel with a passport of a non-EU country, contact the BTP Adventure office
- The visa cost is USD 100, paid at the airport. The cost of obtaining the visa (visa agency + invitation necessary to obtain the visa) is EUR 50, paid upon arrival.
- You should take with you for the trip a photocopy of your passport (the photo page) and an additional ID document.
- Before departure, we recommend a consultation with a family physician and a tropical medicine specialist.
- Vaccination against yellow fever, tetanus, diphtheria, viral hepatitis A and B, meningococci, typhus and meningitis is recommended.
- Despite a low risk, it is worth preparing to malaria prevention: protective clothes and insect repellents.
- We recommend visiting https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/countries.
- During our expedition, we will drink only bottled water. You should avoid ice in your beverages and eating raw or undercooked foods. Only private medical care exists in Sudan, and this only in the capital.
- Because of difficult travelling and accommodation conditions and particularities of the country, good general health and physical fitness are necessary. Furthermore, you patience will definitely be tested and you should prepare for hardships of long journeys, lassitude and discomfort.
- Please take with you a first aid kit and a sufficient supply of your regular (prescription) medicines, if any. Some useful contents of the first aid kit:
- insect repellents – absolutely necessary
- high sun protection cream (recommended SPF 50)
- disinfectants, wound dressing materials
- analgesics and antipyretics
- antibiotics, as a precaution
- anti-diarrhoeals, electrolytes and vitamins
The Republic of Sudan is currently a moderately stable and relatively safe country. The actual terrorist threat or armed conflict risk is nowadays relatively low. We design our itineraries so as to avoid places that are potentially dangerous (Darfur, border region with South Sudan).
Owing to the good relations we have with local contractors, we keep following the news to be aware of any potential threats and safety risks. We also recommend you to read the latest news on the Foreign & Commonwealth Office website: https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/countries.
The legal tender in the Republic of Sudan is the Sudanese pound. Currency exchange is possible only in the capital – at the airport and in hotels. It is very difficult elsewhere. Facilities for payment card transactions are very limited outside the capital. The best foreign exchange rate is for euros and US dollars. UK pounds are not generally exchangeable.
For current foreign exchange rates see www.xe.com or install xe.com on your phone.
The legal tender in the Republic of Mali is the Central African CFA franc. Currency exchange is possible only in the capital – at the airport and in hotels. You cannot change money anywhere else. Using payment cards is impossible outside the capital. The best foreign exchange rate is for euros. US dollars or UK pounds are not generally exchangeable.
For current foreign exchange rates see www.xe.com or install xe.com on your phone.
The Republic of Sudan is a multi-ethnic country with predominance of Sunni Muslims who are often very conservative. There is no obligation of wearing headscarves by women but out of respect for the local customs wearing them will be very much appreciated by the locals. The same applies to wearing long trousers by men or loose-fitting clothing that hides the figure by women. When visiting some mosques and other places of worship, women may be asked to put on a chador that may be borrowed free-of-charge at the entrance to the building. You should bear in mind that there are considerable differences between the conservative province and relatively liberal large towns.
It is very important to respect local customs and abide by local laws. You will receive the relevant information from your local guide or the tour leader.
The tour dates are proposed in periods of the best possible weather conditions at the sites included in the itinerary. The best time for expeditions to the Republic of Sudan is the period between October and the end of February. Temperatures exceed +30°C during the day and +15°C at night. During our stay in the northern region, the temperature may drop to +15/+10°C (January – February). Rainfalls are not expected. High density of dust particles is a major issue, and also sandstorms may appear. For detailed information about the weather, see https://www.meteoblue.com/en.
Mobile network coverage is available in most towns and villages. In areas outside of large towns, mobile network services are mostly unavailable. Purchase of a local SIM-card is complicated and of little benefit. Before the trip, please enquire with your mobile network operator whether they have a contract signed with operators in Sudan and what the prices of call and SMS roaming are. To avoid a nasty surprise, we recommend disabling mobile data usage.
- Wi-Fi is available only in hotels in Khartoum – the capital city – and in a handful of restaurants there.
- Additionally, we recommend taking a capacious power bank, solar charger or car charger. In national parks and in the course of car rides, it will be possible to charge electronic equipment only from vehicle power supplies.
- Power sockets of type C, D and E. Voltage 230 V, frequency 50 Hz.
For climatic and cultural reasons, loose garments will be most appropriate: long trousers, long skirts, long-sleeved shirts, which can be easily washed and will quickly dry. The most comfortable footwear for the tour will be lightweight boots. Palladium brand boots are recommended. You may walk in open sandals but in towns and desert regions this may be uncomfortable because of stones, thorny plants and sharp grasses. Hiking boots are not necessary. The following are worth taking:
- aluminium sleeping pad or light self-inflating mat and thin summer sleeping bag; we provide a mattress during the trip but taking your own pad or mat will improve your sleeping comfort
- sachet for documents and money
- wet wipes for body cleaning and antibacterial gels
- dry shampoo
- polar fleece jacket or warmer blouse, especially useful at evening and night times
- head cover and sunglasses – mandatory, the sun is no joke!
- comfortable summer clothes, useful during practically the whole trip
- light T-shirts/shirts
- useful odds and ends: torch, Swiss Army knife, sewing kit (usually is not needed but is not heavy and does not take much place), chargers, mug (for special occasions); inflatable neck pillow, useful on the plane and during car rides; small wallet for the local currency; books to pass the time on flights and car rides
Price
Price depends on number of participants. Please refer to list below:
- £ 3590 p/p – group of 2
- £ 3150 p/p – group of 3
- £ 2590 p/p – group of 4
- £ 2390 p/p – group of 5
- £ 2290 p/p – group of 6
- £ 2190 p/p – group of 7 – 8
- £ 1990 p/p – group of 9 -10
During the expedition, we will travel by 4WD vehicles. Expected number of travellers in one vehicle: 3 + the driver. We will spend 7 to 9 hours travelling by car every day. Our cars may not be equipped with air conditioning or the air conditioning system may be switched off because of too much dust particles in the air. Speed depends on the road surface conditions, terrain characteristics and number and length of stops.
We are not able to guarantee a uniform accommodation standard at each of the planned sites during the stay in the Republic of Sudan. Our priorities are your comfort, appropriate location, character of the site and historical, cultural and natural values. We always place emphasis on the support of local community when selecting the sites for our accommodation. In general, rooms will be assigned on the assumption of two people sharing a twin room (rooms with individual bathrooms). The surcharges for single rooms are quoted in the “Price” section.
- Two overnight stays in 3-star hotels are planned during the trip, only in the capital, Khartoum.
- Elsewhere, depending on availability, we will sleep in traditional Nubian houses, at camping sites or in simple hotels.
Meals according to the schedule B – breakfast, L – lunch, D – dinner and mineral water.
Apart from the capital and larger towns, only very basic foods can be bought. For information about the local costs of living see https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/.
Services of a local guide – if necessary
Admission tickets for the visited sites and national parks
The price includes the cost of tips and porters’ fees.
Trip preparation, visa mediation, the invitation necessary to obtain a visa
Costs of the main flight to and from Khartouml.
Costs of flight tickets are not covered by the tour price. BTP Adventure does not directly arrange and buy tickets for international flights. However, we may suggest the best connections and airlines. For this purpose, contact us by e-mail or call us.
Visa costs (depend on your nationality) For UK and UE passport The visa cost is USD 100, paid at the airport. The cost of obtaining the visa (visa agency + invitation necessary to obtain the visa) is EUR 50, paid upon arrival.
- Insurance is not covered by the tour price. Having valid insurance is a condition for taking part in the trip. We recommend taking out insurance that will be appropriate for the planned itinerary and for your individual state of health and needs. Please send us the proof of your insurance contract.
- You can purchase insurance on your own on the website of Axa or any other insurance company: https://www.axa.co.uk/travel-insurance.
- BTP Adventure may help you obtain adequate insurance cover. If you want our help, please contact us.
Meals other than those listed in the final itinerary.
Surcharge for a single room: 170 £
supplementary payment for the additional accommodation In the case of arrival or departure on a different date,
Personal expenses and souvenirs.
FINAL NOTES
We will keep updating the detailed information on the safety and final itinerary of the tour. Before you decide to submit the booking form, please learn about the current political and sanitary situation in Sudan.
The planned expedition is an exclusive proposal prepared on the basis of our experience and knowledge of the local peculiarities and major sightseeing attractions of Sudan.
We can arrange a self-guided tour – if you are interested, please contact the office.
We are committed to ensure the best possible and safe and, as far as feasible, comfortable travelling through this little-frequented and extremely interesting country with a fascinating history.
Because of the particularities of the country and its political instability, the price and itinerary of the tour may change.
In view of the nature of this tour, its optimum dates are periods from the period between October and the end of February
For those interested and willing, it is possible to combine tour may be combined with trips to South Sudan, Eritrea, Chad, Djibouti and Somaliland, Somalia, for this purpose, please contact BTP Adventure
You are welcome to take part! BTP Adventure.
1990 £ Per Person for 9 - 10 person group
In view of the nature of this tour, its optimum dates are periods from the period between October and the end of February
We can arrange a self-guided tour – if you are interested, please contact the office.
For those interested and willing, it is possible to combine tour may be combined with trips to South Sudan, Eritrea, Chad, Djibouti and Somaliland, Somalia, for this purpose, please contact BTP Adventure
