Things to Do in Khartoum

The Blue and White Nile merge here to form the main Nile River, creating one of the world's most famous confluences. This sprawling capital encompasses three distinct areas—Khartoum proper, Khartoum North (Bahri), and Omdurman. Each has its own character. The city surprises visitors with its mix of colonial architecture, busy souks, and surprisingly green riverbank spaces. Khartoum faces plenty of urban challenges but offers genuine cultural experiences unfiltered by mass tourism. You'll navigate between air-conditioned government buildings and traditional markets where life hasn't changed much in decades.

Khartoum's food scene reflects Sudan's position at the crossroads of Arab, African, and Mediterranean influences. You'll find excellent grilled meats, particularly lamb and chicken, often served with kisra (a thin flatbread) and various stews. Street food is generally safe. Choose busy stalls with high turnover, and the ful medames (fava bean stew) served at breakfast time is genuinely delicious. For sit-down meals, many restaurants don't serve alcohol due to local laws, but the tea culture here is exceptional—the spiced tea served in small glasses is a ritual worth participating in.

The cooler months from November to February offer the most comfortable weather, with daytime temperatures that are warm but not overwhelming. March through May can be quite hot, while the rainy season from June to September brings humidity and occasional flooding. Temperatures drop somewhat though. The rains can be spectacular if you don't mind the inconvenience, and the city becomes surprisingly green. Winter months also coincide with various cultural festivals and events, making it the peak season for the limited number of visitors the city receives.