Things to Do in Sudan

About Sudan

Sudan hides more pyramids than Egypt. The Blue and White Nile carved this country from desert, supporting civilizations for thousands of years—from the black pharaohs of Kush to the Sufi traditions you'll still hear in Khartoum at dusk. The Sahara crashes into the Sahel here. Wind-shaped dunes shift into green riverbanks, and the pyramids at Meroe stand over land where time moves differently than elsewhere. Sudanese hospitality changes every interaction. You'll share sweet tea with nomadic herders and walk through packed souks where frankincense mixes with baking bread. This isn't just another African country—it is a place where desert sunrises reveal stories of resilience and a people whose generosity runs deep.

Travel Tips

Transportation: Private drivers cost $15-30 daily, book through Blue Nile Travel app. Khartoum city taxis 200-500 SDG ($0.30-0.75), negotiate beforehand. Sudan Airways domestic flights $80-120. Avoid public buses due to security concerns.

Money: Sudanese Pound (SDG), roughly 600 SDG = $1 USD. Use forex apps like XE Currency for live rates. ATMs scarce, bring USD cash. Al Baraka Bank offers best exchange rates. Budget $25-40 daily for meals and transport.

Cultural Respect: Dress conservatively, women cover hair/arms. Download offline Quran app for prayer times (5 daily). No photos of government buildings. Handshakes common between same gender. Friday prayers reduce business hours significantly.

Food Safety: Bottled water 50-100 SDG ($0.10-0.15). Traditional ful medames $0.50-1 at local spots. Eat at hotel restaurants for safety. Download iFood Sudan app for delivery. Avoid street vendors and ice in drinks.

When to Visit

Sudan's optimal travel window spans November through March, when temperatures hover between 20-30°C (68-86°F) and humidity drops significantly. December and January offer the most comfortable conditions with minimal rainfall (under 5mm monthly), making this peak season with accommodation prices 40-60% higher than off-season rates. The shoulder months of November and March provide excellent value with 20-30% savings while maintaining pleasant weather. April marks the beginning of the hot season, with temperatures climbing to 35-42°C (95-108°F) through June. The rainy season (July-October) brings heavy downpours, flooding, and temperatures of 25-35°C (77-95°F), making travel challenging but offering 50-70% discounts. Key festivals include Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha (dates vary with lunar calendar), and Sudan's Independence Day (January 1st). Cultural ensoiasts should visit during Ramadan for real feels, while archaeology buffs benefit from cooler months for exploring Meroe pyramids. Adventure travelers comfortable with heat can capitalize on dramatic off-season savings, though many remote sites become inaccessible during rains. Business travelers should avoid Ramadan and major holidays when government offices close.