khartoum places to visit

Top Things to Do in Khartoum, Sudan

Places to visit in khartoum.

• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Budget-friendly
• Good for Big Groups
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Good for Kids
• Good for Couples
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Adventurous
• Hidden Gems
• Honeymoon spot
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Sudan National Museum

2. University of Khartoum

4. Nile Street

5. Khartoum War Cemetery

6. Tuti Island

7. Mojo Gallery

8. Al Kabir Mosque

10. Al Sabalouga (Sabaloka Gorge)

11. Ethnographic Museum

12. Presidential Palace

13. Sudan Art Diwan

14. Afra Mall

15. Jabal al-Awliyaʾ Dam

16. Al-Rikini Mosque

17. Al Waha Mall

18. International University of Africa

19. Pyramids Of Meroe

20. nubian pyramids.

21. Polo Frenzy

22. coptic orthodox church.

23. Dara Art Gallery

24. st. matthew's cathedral, 25. saints cathedral, 26. fenti golf.

27. Rainbow Kids Center

28. Real Sudan Tours

29. Al Salam Health Club

30. Marawi Bookshop

What travellers are saying.

• Sudan National Museum
• Nile Street
• University of Khartoum
• Tuti Island
• Jabal al-Awliyaʾ Dam
• Travel Sudan Tours

THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Khartoum

Things to do in khartoum.

• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Budget-friendly
• Good for Big Groups
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Good for Kids
• Good for Couples
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Adventurous
• Hidden Gems
• Honeymoon spot
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Sudan National Museum

2. University of Khartoum

4. Nile Street

5. Khartoum War Cemetery

6. Tuti Island

7. Mojo Gallery

8. Al Kabir Mosque

10. Al Sabalouga (Sabaloka Gorge)

11. Ethnographic Museum

12. Presidential Palace

13. Sudan Art Diwan

14. Afra Mall

15. Jabal al-Awliyaʾ Dam

16. Al-Rikini Mosque

17. Al Waha Mall

18. International University of Africa

19. Pyramids Of Meroe

20. nubian pyramids.

21. Polo Frenzy

22. coptic orthodox church.

23. Dara Art Gallery

24. st. matthew's cathedral, 25. saints cathedral, 26. fenti golf.

27. Rainbow Kids Center

28. Real Sudan Tours

29. Al Salam Health Club

30. Marawi Bookshop

What travellers are saying.

• Sudan National Museum
• Nile Street
• University of Khartoum
• Tuti Island
• Jabal al-Awliyaʾ Dam
• Travel Sudan Tours

• Top 10 Things To Do...

Top 10 Things To Do in Khartoum, Sudan

Sudan is often a place overlooked by travellers, but this East African country has some impressive credentials and is definitely worth going off the beaten track for. Incredibly it has 220 extant pyramids, making it the country with the most in the world. But for those looking to experience something different, head to the metropolitan city of Khartoum.

Be at the confluence of the nile.

A boat trip to the confluence of the majestic Blue and White Niles is an absolute must when visiting Khartoum. The Blue Nile begins at Lake Tana in Ethiopia and flows into Sudan, while the White Nile is longer and runs through central Africa. Separated by its distinct colours, you will get an epic view of the river as well as the city while out there. Haggle for a boat (they can be hired on Nile Street next to Tuti Bridge), grab some soft drinks and snacks from nearby vendors, jump in and jet off!

To make the most out of your experience, take two empty water bottles with you before setting off, and when you reach the confluence, carefully fill the bottles with water from each river. You’ll understand why they’re called the Blue and White Niles.

Have shisha on the beach

Tuti Island is a large agricultural island in the centre of the Nile, and its busy cafés provide visitors with lots of ways to have fun. Take a taxi or use public transport to get to the southeastern tip of the island for beautiful views of the Blue Nile and downtown Khartoum. Once there, enjoy the short stroll down to the water’s edge where you’ll be welcomed by numerous tea ladies who provide food, drinks and shisha. Choose between the many colourful chairs, have a seat and relax while enjoying the tranquil surroundings. If it gets too relaxed for you, horse rides are available for those who can summon the stamina.

Pay your respects to the revolution’s martyrs

Between 2018 and 2019, Sudan staged a country-wide revolution and eventually ousted its longtime president, Omar al-Bashir. However, the peaceful protests led by women and youth were met with extreme violence, and many of the participants were wounded, abused and killed. The collective outpouring of grief at the mistreatment of innocent civilians resulted in numerous artworks that were created around the city, particularly around the military headquarters in Khartoum. Learn about the nation and its hardships and victories through art and admire the many murals and paintings, including portraits of those who fought for change and lost their lives. Sudanese artists suffered greatly under the Bashir regime, so this is a way to appreciate the talent and resilience of the artists.

Immerse yourself in history at the Sudan National Museum

Khartoum has a fantastic roster of museums to choose from like the Republican Palace Museum and the Ethnographic Museum. But the main must-visit institution is the Sudan National Museum. Its courtyard alone is home to four ancient Egyptian-era temples, built by some of Egypt’s most famous pharaohs, including New Kingdom rulers Hatshepsut and Ramses II. Stop by and marvel at their crisp hieroglyphic inscriptions. Learn about ancient Sudan and come face-to-face with monumental remains from the country’s Kushite era that took place in Nubia, between Sudan and Egypt. Also on display are large-scale colourful murals from some of Sudan’s medieval churches and cathedrals. If you’re particularly into archaeology, consider spending a few hours here and take breaks by visiting the cafés across the road.

Go to church

Even if you are not a frequent churchgoer at home, you might consider visiting one in Sudan. The majority of Sudanese are Muslims, but there is also an enduring Christian community here, despite having faced years of persecution. To see a different side of the country that many people miss, pay a visit to one of Khartoum’s church services. St Matthew’s Cathedral – an architecturally impressive Roman Catholic church in downtown Khartoum – is a good place to start. With services that run on Sundays, a visit will not only give you a rare glimpse into Sudanese Christianity but also offer a moment of tranquillity away from the bustling streets of Khartoum.

Feel the pulse at the University of Khartoum

The University of Khartoum makes it to this list for good reason. Most importantly this is because many students took part – and were killed – in the 2018-19 revolution. Memorials, posters and graffiti scattered around the campus sadly testify to this and demonstrate how students have often generated the pulse of revolutionary activity. Constructed in the early 20th century, the building itself is a working relic of Britain’s colonization of Sudan and is reminiscent of college buildings in Oxford and Cambridge.

See some skills at Nuba wrestling

Khartoum is a cosmopolitan city and home to many people from a variety of cultural backgrounds. The Nuba from South Kordofan state is one of these groups, and each Saturday and Wednesday they convene wrestling matches in Haj Yusuf in Khartoum North. Watch the fighters as they are split into two groups, where the winner of each round chooses who to face in the next. The competitors are extremely skilled and quite famous, with many dedicated fans sitting in the audience. As you watch the sport, you’ll also be able to enjoy a cup of tea or coffee, banter and sometimes musical performances in the small and intimate arena.

Make sure you arrive at 3.30pm – it’s 40 minutes away from central Khartoum – and stay until sunset to soak up all the buzz.

Get in touch with spiritual Sufi traditions

There is a strong Islamic Sufi tradition in Sudan, and many people belong to one of the Sufi ‘orders’. Sufis tend to emphasise the oneness of the universe and existence, and they gather to perform collective devotions (zikr) in which short phrases or prayers are repeatedly recited. If you’re thinking of whirling dervishes then you’re on the right lines, but to truly understand Sudanese Sufism you should go to Hamad al-Nil cemetery in Omdurman. Each Friday at 4pm, devotees meet for worship, where they sing and chant poems, and dance and move together in the colourful space for several hours. Everyone is friendly and open-minded, so feel free to wander around and ask questions while experiencing authentic traditions.

Admire the herds at the camel market

Camels are a big part of Sudanese culture and it’s worth travelling a bit farther northwest to see them in Umbada. As in much of North Africa, camels are used for trade, transport, racing and also meat. The camels in Umbada have been bred in White Nile state and Kordofan, and have been brought to the market to be sold to local merchants and buyers from the Gulf. Visit the market early in the morning to cruise around and see the biggest display of camels. The knowledgeable traders will happily chat with you and tell you all about their herds. Tea and coffee are on offer as always, or, if you’re feeling brave, you can try some fresh camel milk.

Eat at someone’s house

Everyone who’s been to Sudan will tell you that the Sudanese are some of the most hospitable people you’ll ever meet. One of the primary ways they demonstrate their appreciation for visitors is with food, so if you get asked to go to someone’s house (which you will), say, “Yes!” Expect to be served beans, lentils, bread, falafel, okra (with some spicy chilli on the side), followed by fruit, sticky pastries and sugary tea. Home visits are particularly important if you’re not venturing outside Khartoum, as they may be the best opportunity to get to know local people.

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15 amazing things to do in khartoum, sudan.

The basically untravelled capital in an untravelled country, I really did not have high hopes when I arrived into Khartoum – my first stop in Sudan.

Actually, I felt pretty nervous about this city, what with my lack of Arabic, lack of Lonely Planet and lack of any idea about what to expect!

However, I was amazingly surprised to discover an incredibly safe city jam-packed with interesting stuff to do, and some of the friendliest people on earth.

Khartoum! Who knew?

Ok so there are some grievances, essentially the traffic is horrendous and it’s unbearably hot even for a sun lover like me, but the pluses far outweigh the minuses as you can see from these 15 amazing things to do in Khartoum.

Related Posts

• 33 Things You NEED to Know About Travel in Sudan
• Solo Female Travel in Sudan: Is It Safe?
• How to Cross from Ethiopia to Sudan and on to Egypt

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#1 visit the national museum.

Coming in at the top of my list of things to do in Khartoum, it has to be visiting the National Museum of Sudan .

Costing just 10 SDG (Sudanese Pounds), that’s 0.30 USD to you and me, this is an absolute steal.

In fact, I didn’t even pay when I visited because the guard just waved me in for free!

And what I saw inside blew my mind!

Sudan has just as much aged history as Ancient Egypt, but no one knows about it here and the exhibits of mummy cases, stone tomb statues and hieroglyphics are not even in glass cabinets in this museum.

Were you so inclined, you could even touch these 2,000 year old artefacts and certainly you can take hundreds of photos and marvel at them without any crowds what so ever.

There’s also full stone tombs that have been reconstructed here in the museum, as well as a fascinating exhibition of early Christian art that looks very similar to that which I saw in Lalibela, Ethiopia .

All in all, this museum was a total surprise and a total delight. No trip to Khartoum is complete without visiting it.

#2 Marvel at the Sufi Dancing

Each Friday night, a magical spectacle unfolds in Khartoum whereby members of the Sufi faith, an ancient and mystical form of Islam, work themselves into a trance-like state and dance on holy day.

You’re definitely going to see other tourists at this weekly event, but it’s still a genuine practice that is well worth checking out.

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#3 Walk Over the Nile

I’ve been to both sources of this famous waterway and seeing them come together was like completing the picture!

Strolling across the world’s longest river on one of the impressive bridges that straddle it is definitely one of the best things to do in Khartoum – just don’t take any photos of the bridges, it’s strictly forbidden.

#4 Check out the Jazz Café

Pretty much the only live music venue in the city, heading down to the Jazz Café is definitely one of the best things to do in Khartoum.

Situated in the Riyhad part of the city, this is where the local hipster youths hang out and it’s great to see this side of modern Sudanese culture.

With open mic night on a Wednesday, there’s live music almost every other night and a good crowd of trendy, young students always happy for you to join them.

5 Essential Packing Items for Sudan

#1 Headscarf or Sarong – Female travellers especially may feel they want to wear a headscarf in Khartoum like I did. Although it’s not strictly necessary for travellers, it may make life easier.

#2 Long, Thin Trousers – Legs need to be covered in this strict Islamic culture, but due to the extremely hot climate, having a thin linen or cotton pair like this is ideal.

#3 Sunglasses – Did I mention Khartoum was hot! Like 40 degree hot! Sunglasses are essential here to protect your eyes from the UV rays and the dust!

#4 Long-Sleeved Thin Top – Like legs, arms should be covered in Khartoum, so a cotton, thin long-sleeved top is going to be necessary.

#5 Arabic Phrasebook – Even in the capital of Sudan, few people speak English, so getting your hands on the Lonely Planet Middle East Phrasebook before you leave home will help you in Khartoum no end.

#5 Wander to the Art Galleries

Sticking with the cultural scene, there’s a number of good art galleries in Khartoum that I’d highly recommend visiting while you’re in the city.

My favourite is Mojo, but Dabanga also gets favourable reviews from local ex-pats.

Both are situated near the Khartoum 3 district.

#6 Sail on the Nile

Surely one of the best ways to take in Khartoum’s riverside setting is to jump onboard a local boat and enjoy an hour long trip along the water here.

Possible from a number of places within the city, this is an activity best organised as a group to help keep the price down.

TOP TIP: Download the app Tirhal onto your smartphone. The Khartoum version of Uber, this is an amazing tool for helping you get around the city without being ripped off. Learn more HERE .

#7 Take Coffee with Locals in the Al Sunut Forest

This place looks less like a forest and more like an unused patch of urban scrub, but it’s situated right next to the university and is where many students hang out during their lunch hour.

Even just walking past, I was invited for coffee with them and it was great to hear about life in Khartoum from some local young people and to swap and share stories with them.

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#8 Watch the Wrestling

Not only is Friday night the time to see Sufi Dancing in Sudan, but another of the best things to do in Khartoum also takes place on this evening – namely local wrestling!

This is a bizarre aspect of Sudanese culture, which otherwise is very modest and restrained, but the locals love it and if you head to see the matches each and every weekend you’re likely to be the only tourist!

TOP TIP: The traffic can be horrendous in Khartoum, especially between the hours of 10am and 4pm, so do allow plenty of time (perhaps double what you estimate) to get to anywhere in the city during this time.

#9 Drive to Tuti Island

Situated in the centre of the Nile, Tuti Island is like an urban retreat in Khartoum and hiring a taxi to drive you round this peaceful enclave is a lovely afternoon activity.

Here you can see the confluence of the Blue and White Nile specifically, as well as ride on the world’s most famous river.

It’s also just nice to take in the views of a very genuine Khartoum life demonstrated by the people who live here and to marvel at the agricultural production that happens so close the country’s capital.

#10 Hit Up the Camel Market

The capital of Sudan is actually comprised of 3 separate cities that come together under the umbrella of Khartoum for administrative purposes.

The northern part of the city, Omdurman, is home to a great camel market and if you’re yet to witness such a spectacle heading here to check out the chaos is definitely one of the best things to do in Khartoum.

TOP TIP: Banks shut for the day at lunchtime across Khartoum, so if you need to change money, always make sure to do it before 12pm.

#11 Wander the Stalls of Souk Shabi

Khartoum’s largest souk, aka market, is a feast for the sense on all levels.

You can easily get lost in here for a few hours as you wander the many food, clothes, jewellery, fabric, homeware and spice stalls.

#12 Be Amazed by the Presidential Palace

Situated on Nile Street with some incredible riverside views, the Presidential Palace in Khartoum is hard to miss!

Again, do not take photos of this site as it’s strictly forbidden – even to walk past it on the same side of the street isn’t allowed –  but enjoy the view of the gated luxury that seems to go on for ver as you drive past in a taxi or tuk-tuk.

TOP TIP: The best wifi in Khartoum can be found at the Corinthia Hotel. This 5* accommodation was definitely out of my price range, but brilliantly you can sit in reception and use the wifi for free to your heart’s content!

#13 Drink Tea on the Nile

A lovely, early evening thing to do in Khartoum is to head towards the Burri Alsharif section of Nile Street and enjoy a local tea or coffee by the river.

There’s tons of cafes here that line the water and you can relax outside with a hot drink and watch the world go and the sun set.

Parista Café does an excellent western-style coffee I can definitely vouch for if you’re longing for a good cappuccino!

#14 Swim at the Greek Club

If Khartoum’s heat and dust is getting to you, why not head to the one place in the city where you can enjoy a swim.

The Greek Club near the corner of Africa Street and El Mek Nimir Avenue is a haven in this desert city and the pool and lounges here give travellers a good chance to enjoy the sun without the need for layers of clothing.

Entrance is just 100 SDP and it’s open all day, everyday, until 7pm.

TOP TIP: MTN is the best provider of SIM cards in Khartoum, which can be picked up for as little as 10 SDP.  You then have to buy scratch vouchers and enter the codes to top up credit for calls and texts. Data packages are also available and the 3G here is good right across the country – hoorah!

#15 Lunch at Ozone Cafe

The number ex-pat café in Khartoum, Ozone is the place to head if you want some international food for lunch, like a delicious salad or freshly-pressed juice.

The garden setting is super peaceful and if you’re craving a bit of home and familiarity heading here is definitely one of the best things to do in Khartoum.

Nearby, other great places to eat in Khartoum include Laziz (amazing falafels) and Top Kapi – a yummy Turkish restaurant.

PIN IT TO PINTEREST!

So that’s my list of the best 15 things to do in Khartoum, Sudan.

Who knew this capital was so full of amazing stuff to discover and how safe and relaxing I would find my time here to be.

Have you visited Khartoum?

What was your favourite thing to do there?

Creator of Big World Small Pockets, Stephanie Parker is a travel addict! Originally from Jersey in the Channel Islands, Stephanie adventures the world collecting tips, advice and stories, to share with a smile

36 thoughts on “ 15 Amazing Things to do in Khartoum, Sudan ”

An interesting article about an amazing off the beaten path destination – I´ve posted it on my twitter 🙂 What was your experience with the local people like? From what I´ve heard they are very hospitable

Hi Guini, thanks so much for sharing the piece and yes the Sudanese are INCREDIBLY hospitable! Mind-blowingly so!

i am in sudan right now for the first time and the people here are amazing good and helpful

Totally agree! Glad you’re enjoying the Sudanese hospitality 🙂

Sudan is actually full of such interesting places and people- I wish more people could visit. Did you get out of the city at all? They have lovely pyramids there in the NW.

Hi Deah, such an interesting place with some AMAZING people indeed! Sounds like you’re in the know! Yes, I actually travelled from Khartoum all the way north following the Nile and then into Egypt – the pyramids at Karima and Meroe were definitely a highlight. Loads more on the blog coming out about these destinations too – Khartoum is just the first installment!

Havent been there yet, but one day I will!

Yes yes Johnny, definitely get it on your list! 🙂

Thank you Steph for visiting my home town Khartoum And experience yourself not from the media about my country Sudan

Thank you Muna for reading the article and for your wonderful comments. It was a pleasure to spend time in your country and to be the recipient of such excellent Sudanese hospitality. I would encourage anyone to travel here, it was an amazing experience!

you should give me a tour am here in khortum

Thanks Steph for the highlights about my country,next tome when you come i will invite you to do an amazing activities,it seems you haven’t experienced the famous Sudanese generosity,this’s the best thing in Sudan,i hope you come again and give me a chance to take you to local places that will never be forgotten

Hi Sarah, I certainly did appreciate the Sudanese hospitality and found it like no other on earth. This is truly one of the most welcoming countries to travel and I feel very privileged to have been there. I look forward to returning and exploring more soon. 🙂

Glad you,ve enjoyed our country… and thanks for the warm words about us 🙂

Thank you Salah – I had a wonderful time in Sudan and would recommend travelling there to anyone.. especially as the locals are so friendly! 🙂

I worked inKhartoum for some time. The people and the shop owners are very hospitable and friendly if you show them a smile! You hit some great spots in Khartoum, a few a didnt know about.

Hi Valerie. Thanks so much for your great feedback and wonderful to hear from someone who worked in Khartoum… that must have been quite an experience. I found everyone in the city, in fact the whole of Sudan, incredibly friendly and hospitable. Loved my time there and look forward to returning one day. Do you have any plans to go back?

Planning my December trip now…airfare already booked. What a FANTASTIC list you’ve put together, which I will surely use. THANK YOU!!! I have less than 48 hours in Khartoum, so this really helps!

Nice to hear! I’m sure you are going to have an amazing time in Sudan and December will be cooler in Khartoum – which is good! Where are you headed afterwards? Sounds like it could be an exciting trip!

Did you Visit the Funfairs? They are really cool!

Funfairs? Where are they Jenny?

Thank you for all this nice feeling and comments about your trip to sudan

Thank you. I really loved my time there 🙂

Thank you Steph for your nice article I’ve shared in my twitter so people can know more about this country, my country many thanks dear again

Thank you Waleed and so delighted you liked the post 🙂

Thank you for sharing your travel experience in Sudan. I am moving to Khartoum next summer(2019) with my family and i am now definitely looking forward the experience after Reading your article.

Thank you so much for your comment Fifi. Wishing you all the best with the move 🙂

Thank you for your nice feelings to my country I so appreciate you

Thank you Hassan

Thanks for sharing! Looks like some cool unique things to do

Sudan is an amazing country. Loved my time travelling there. Just sad to learn about what is happening in Khartoum right now.

Both the museum as well as Ozone are unfortunately closed (autumn 2020).

Thank you so much for the update Coco. That’s such a shame to hear, but will certainly help other travellers out. Steph 🙂

Hi Steph. Thank you for your time and kind words. There’s a lot to do to make it better as tourist destination.

Thanks Mazin, that’s great to know. Best, Steph 🙂

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Top Things to Do in Khartoum, Sudan - Khartoum Must-See Attractions

Things to do in khartoum.

• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Budget-friendly
• Good for Big Groups
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Good for Kids
• Good for Couples
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Adventurous
• Hidden Gems
• Honeymoon spot
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Sudan National Museum

2. University of Khartoum

4. Nile Street

5. Khartoum War Cemetery

6. Tuti Island

7. Mojo Gallery

8. Al Kabir Mosque

10. Al Sabalouga (Sabaloka Gorge)

11. Ethnographic Museum

12. Presidential Palace

13. Sudan Art Diwan

14. Afra Mall

15. Jabal al-Awliyaʾ Dam

16. Al-Rikini Mosque

17. Al Waha Mall

18. International University of Africa

19. Pyramids Of Meroe

20. nubian pyramids.

21. Polo Frenzy

22. coptic orthodox church.

23. Dara Art Gallery

24. st. matthew's cathedral, 25. saints cathedral, 26. fenti golf.

27. Rainbow Kids Center

28. Real Sudan Tours

29. Al Salam Health Club

30. Marawi Bookshop

What travellers are saying.

• Sudan National Museum
• Nile Street
• University of Khartoum
• Tuti Island
• Jabal al-Awliyaʾ Dam
• Travel Sudan Tours

Explore Khartoum

• It is currently recommended to avoid all non-essential travel to this area due to armed conflict and serious safety risks.

Plan Your Trip to Khartoum: Best of Khartoum Tourism

Essential Khartoum

Khartoum Is Great For

Eat & drink.

Art & history

Getty Images/Gallo Images

Built where the Blue and White Niles meet, Khartoum defies expectations. It's a boisterous, modern, flashy city with an ever-increasing number of glass tower blocks altering its skyline. As well as an excellent museum, some fascinating souqs and fantastic Nile-side views, Khartoum's good facilities, hospitable people and laid-back vibe mean that most people find it an agreeable destination in itself.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

National Museum

This museum, the best in Sudan, has some breathtaking exhibits. The ground floor covers the rise and fall of the kingdoms of Kerma, Kush and Meroe. There…

Hamed el-Nil Tomb

Every Friday afternoon you can see an incredible Sufi ritual, where a colourful local troupe of whirling dervishes belonging to the Sufi community stirs…

White Nile Bridge

The confluence of the Blue and White Niles, best seen from this bridge, is a languid high point of the world's longest river. You can actually see the…

Ethnographical Museum

This museum contains a small but fascinating collection of tribal artefacts from across Sudan. Displays are ordered by geographic region and illustrate…

Commonwealth War Cemetery

This WWII cemetery contains numerous headstones (but no actual bodies). The Allies used Khartoum as a base to invade present-day Ethiopia to expel the…

Nuba Wrestlers

In this Khartoum wrestling area, you’ll find traditional wrestlers going through their paces at roughly 4pm on Fridays. The tournament attracts hundreds…

Camel Market

On the far western edge of Khartoum, this market is spectacular, especially on Saturday, but there is no public transport (a taxi will cost at least S£150…

Omdurman Souq

This famous souq – the largest in Sudan – is abuzz with noise, activity and colour, and a couple of hours' exploration is bound to turn up all manner of…

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Get to the heart of Khartoum with one of our in-depth, award-winning guidebooks, covering maps, itineraries, and expert guidance.

Khartoum Travel Guide

• What to see
• Region: Khartoum

Facts and practical information

Sudan, with its rich cultural tapestry and historical depth, presents a unique experience for travelers in search of the road less traveled. At the heart of this diverse nation lies Khartoum, the capital city, which serves as a bustling hub of African and Arab cultures.

Strategically situated at the confluence of the Blue and White Nile rivers, Khartoum is a city where ancient traditions seamlessly blend with modern life. The confluence, known as Al-Mogran, is a sight to behold and provides a peaceful respite from the city's energetic pace.

Among the city's key attractions is the National Museum of Sudan, which houses a remarkable collection of artifacts that tell the story of Sudan's history, from ancient kingdoms to its colonial past. The nearby Ethnographical Museum also offers insights into the country's diverse cultures.

The Omdurman market, one of the largest traditional markets in Africa, is a must-visit for an authentic Sudanese experience. Here, visitors can browse through an array of goods, from intricate handicrafts to aromatic spices, providing a sensory feast and a chance to engage with local artisans.

Khartoum is also home to impressive architectural feats, including the striking Al-Fateh Tower and the modernist Parliament building. The city's mosques, such as the grand Al-Kabir Mosque, highlight Sudan's Islamic heritage.

For those interested in the performing arts, the Sudan National Theatre showcases the country's artistic talent, offering performances that range from traditional music and dance to contemporary plays.

Culinary enthusiasts can explore Sudanese cuisine in Khartoum's eateries, sampling dishes like ful medames, a hearty fava bean stew, and kisra, a type of bread made from sorghum. The city's diverse population means a variety of international cuisines are also readily available.

Region: Khartoum Sudan

Khartoum Attractions - What to See and Explore

Khartoum offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: National Museum of Sudan, Souq al Arabi, The Mahdi's tomb, Masjid Al-Nilin. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

• National Museum of Sudan

Nestled in the heart of Khartoum, the National Museum of Sudan serves as a custodian of the country's rich history and cultural heritage. Established in 1971, this repository of antiquities is a treasure trove that attracts history buffs, researchers, and tourists from...

• Souq al Arabi

Nestled in the heart of Khartoum, the capital city of Sudan, lies Souq al Arabi, the city's bustling central market and a hub of commercial activity. This sprawling marketplace is not just a shopping destination; it's a vibrant tapestry of Sudanese culture, trade,...

• The Mahdi's tomb

The Mahdi's Tomb is a historic and significant site located in the heart of Khartoum, Sudan. It is the final resting place of Muhammad Ahmad bin Abd Allah, a religious leader who declared himself the Mahdi, or the guided one, in 1881 and led a successful military...

• Masjid Al-Nilin

The Al-Nilin Mosque in Sudan is a unique place of worship that has gained recognition among both residents and tourists visiting the country's capital, Khartoum. This distinctive mosque is not only an important religious center but also a symbol of the strength...

• Tuti Bridge

Spanning the Blue Nile in the heart of Khartoum, Sudan, Tuti Bridge is a vital artery connecting the bustling capital to the serene Tuti Island. This bridge represents not just a physical crossing, but also a symbolic link between the urban landscape of Khartoum...

Tuti Island

Tuti Island is a serene and unique geographical marvel nestled at the confluence of the Blue Nile and White Nile rivers in the bustling city of Khartoum, the capital of Sudan. This lush island offers a tranquil escape from the urban sprawl, providing visitors...

Omdurman Bridge

Spanning the Nile River, the Omdurman Bridge serves as a vital artery connecting Omdurman to Khartoum, the bustling capital city of Sudan. This strategic bridge facilitates the flow of traffic and commerce between the two cities and stands as a testament to the...

St. Matthew's Cathedral

St. Matthew's Cathedral stands as a beacon of faith in the bustling city of Khartoum, Sudan. This sacred edifice serves as the primary church for the Anglican community in the capital, providing a space for worship and spiritual solace amidst the vibrant urban...

El Mek Nimr Bridge

Spanning the majestic Nile River in the heart of Khartoum, Sudan, El Mek Nimr Bridge stands as a testament to the city's urban development and infrastructural prowess. This vital artery connects the bustling areas of Khartoum North and Omdurman, facilitating the flow...

Blue Nile Road and Railway Bridge

The Blue Nile Road and Railway Bridge is a vital artery in the heart of Khartoum, Sudan, connecting the capital with its sister city Omdurman. This dual-purpose bridge facilitates both road and rail transport, making it a critical infrastructure piece for the region's...

Kober Bridge

Kober Bridge is a bridge for road traffic that links the neighbourhood of al-Riadh in Khartoum with Kafouri in the industrial city Khartoum North across the Blue Nile in central Sudan. Named after the adjacent neighbourhood Kober in Khartoum North, it is also called "Armed Forces Bridge" and was opened on 23 October 2014.

Khartoum Memorial

The Khartoum Memorial is a war memorial in Khartoum War Cemetery on the south-eastern side of Khartoum, Sudan. The memorial lists the names of 590 Commonwealth military personnel who died during the 1940-1941 East African campaign of World War II and for whom there is no known grave.

The Al-Mogran Development Project is an over $4 billion development project undertaken by the Alsunut Development Company that seeks to develop several thousand acres in downtown Khartoum along the spot where the White Nile and Blue Nile merge to form the Nile.

Sudan Presidential Palace Museum

Sudan Ethnographic Museum

Aksha is an ancient Egyptian temple, rebuilt in part at the National Museum of Sudan in Khartoum. The temple was built around 1250 BC by Ramses II.

University of Khartoum

The University of Khartoum is a public university located in Khartoum, Sudan. It is the largest and oldest university in Sudan. UofK was founded as Gordon Memorial College in 1902 and established in 1956 when Sudan gained independence.

Almorada is an ancient district in Omdurman city, Khartoum State, Sudan. Almorada neighborhood is one of the most prestigious districts in the Eastern part of Omdurman city.

Omdurman is a city in Sudan. It is the most populated city in the country, and thus also in Khartoum State. Omdurman lies on the west bank of the River Nile, opposite and northwest of the capital city of Khartoum.

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Best Time To Visit Khartoum

Learn when is the best time to travel to Khartoum weather-wise and what to expect in each season.

Average temperatures in °F

The highest air temperature is in April , May , June , July , August , September and October . While the coldest is in January, February and December.

Monthly rainfall in inches

The lowest rainfall is recorded in January , February , March , April , November and December . Most of it rains in August.

Length of day in hours

The length of the day varies only slightly throughout the year. The difference between the longest and the shortest day is 1 hr and 51 min.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the top attractions to visit in khartoum.

8 Amazing Things To Do In Khartoum

With a population of 5.8 million, Khartoum is the second-largest city in North Africa so you can expect a bustling atmosphere. It is believed that the name Khartoum in Arabic means ‘trunk’, most likely referring to the narrow strip of land extending between the Blue and White Niles.

The Nile splits Khartoum into three cities – The downtown business district, Omdurman (west bank), and the Khartoum North. Take a couple of days to take in the sights and find the top things to do in Khartoum .

Best things to do in Khartoum

Stand at the  confluence of the nile .

The two major tributaries of the river are the Blue Nile and White Nile. Flowing down from Lake Victoria, Africa’s biggest lake, the White Nile flows north and is thought to be the source of the River Nile. It runs through Tanzania, Uganda, and South Sudan, and the basin is Rwanda or Burundi. The Blue Nile starts in Lake Tana, Ethiopia, and flows south then northwest to Khartoum.

There are a few spots to see this momentous phenomenon, we stood at  Al Mogran Family Park  not far from the Sudan National Museum to watch the confluence of the Nile, known locally as Al Mogran. You can see the two distinct colours of the Blue and White Nile, however, this is not reflected in their names. In reality, it is two hues of mud determined by the silt swirling around until they are mixed together at the confluence to form the almighty River Nile, the world’s longest river or the father of African rivers then runs down to Egypt.

Delve Into History At The Sudan National Museum

You will be surprised at the wealth of artifacts displayed at the Sudan National Museum both indoors and in the gardens covering all periods of Sudanese civilisation from the Stone Age to Islamic, Nubian and Christian monuments.

The indoor museum houses two floors, the lower one covers the kingdoms of Kerma, Kush, and Meroe. It was amazing to get some historical insight before I headed out to  visit the forgotten pyramids of Meroe . Unbelievably, some of the ancient artifacts are uncovered so you get to view them in all their glory.

The upper floor houses frescos from Christian Nubia depicting Christ and the Virgin Mary, along with a host of archangels, saints, and apostles. Many were painted between the 8th and 14th centuries taken from Faras Cathedral and Old Dongola churches to name just a couple.

On the grounds of the Sudan National Museum are structures that display tombs and temples submerged under Lake Nasser. Discover the tomb of the Nubian prince Djehuti-Hotep at Debeira and rescue temples such as Buhen Temple, Temple of Kumma, and Temple of Semna. 

A visit to the Sudan National Museum will be the perfect place to immerse yourself in Sudanese history. It is well laid out and informative, well worth spending a couple of hours there.

Stay In Khartoum’s Oldest Hotel

I stayed in the Acropole Hotel, the oldest hotel in Khartoum which has been frequented by many celebrities and NGOs. The simple hotel was opened in 1952 by a Greek couple who fled from poverty in 1944 caused by WWII. The gallery of photos in the lobby documents the history of time as they have watched Khartoum evolve through wars, protests, coups, and famines.

Visit Khalifa House Museum

Located in Omdurman is the Khalifa House Museum which houses a range of weapons, artefacts such as General Gordon’s chair. The house belonged to Kalifa Abdallahi ibn Muhammad also called Al Khalifa who succeeded Mahdi as leader of the Sudanese uprising in 1891. As well as a residence, it was also the headquarters of the administration of the Mahdi State and was made into a museum in 1928.

Discover Madhi’s Tomb

The Tomb of Muhammad Ahmad (Madhi) in the city of Omdurman serves as his resting place. Madhi’s mission was a fundamentalist Islamic leader whose campaign included the capture of Khartoum and then establishing a theocratic state in Sudan, with its capital at Omdurman.

Mahdi died of typhus in 1885, only 6 months after the capture of Khartoum. His body was entombed in a silver-domed mosque which was completely destroyed by British General, Kitchener, in the Battle of Omdurman in 1989. Mahdi’s body was burned in the fire and his ashes were thrown in the Nile. Madhi’s son had the mosque tomb rebuilt in 1947 in his memory. Today, Sudanese Muslims hold Madhis’ Tomb as an important place of pilgrimage.

Foreigners are allowed to visit in the correct, respectful dress. The interior is quite understated compared to the exterior. The men praying gave us a welcoming smile ushering us to be seated. Outside a man played the tambourine and sang with real passion.

Haggle At Omdurman Market

Omdurman is the most populated city in Sudan and Khartoum State, lying on the western banks of the River Nile, opposite the capital, Khartoum. Souk Omdurman dates back to the 19th Century and houses thousands of shops and stalls for locals and tourists alike.

Whilst you can buy all everyday items, Omdurman Market is famous for traditional products by skilled artisans of silver, gold, and leather. You will find the traditional dress, spices, and Sudanese folk memorabilia and get a real glimpse into the hustle and bustle of life in the city. 

|| SUGGESTED READ:  VISIT THE FORGOTTEN PYRAMIDS OF MEROË

Watch The Sunset On The Nile

There’s no better place to see that life in Khartoum revolves around the Nile than by taking a boat ride along the river at sunset. Glide past families with picnic tables sitting on plastic chairs laughing and paddling at the water’s edge, guys playing football, fishermen bringing in their catch, and kids splashing around. Life on the Nile at sunset is a fabulous people-watching activity!

Drink Tea In Burj Al-Fateh

The Burj Al-Fateh is an iconic 5-star Corinthia Hotel located in the business district. Opened in 2008, its’ iconic shape adds a new dimension to the skyline in Khartoum. It has been dubbed the ‘Egg Building’ but I feel it is more reminiscent of a fat Burj al Arab in Dubai!

Take in the tremendous 360 views whilst sipping tea at Burj Al-Fateh. It overlooks Tuti Bridge, the meeting point of the Blue Nile and White Nile, and the city of Khartoum.

KHARTOUM | TRAVEL ESSENTIALS

Is khartoum safe.

Petty street crime is low due to the military presence but it does happen so best to be alert and keep your belongings safe.

One of my visits to Khartoum was a period of political uncertainty, civil disobedience, and incidents of violence against peaceful protestors making Omdurman Market a no-go area! Omar al-Bashir was removed as President in April 2019 and now a civilian-led transitional government is in place. Sudan is in a period of transition toward elections in 2023. 

IMPORTANT: Conflict between the SAF and RSF erupted on April 15, 2023. It is advised that   no one should travel to Sudan because the risks are too high . 

How To Get A Visa For Sudan

If your country has a Sudanese embassy, you can obtain a visa but check what is required as each may have different rules. Generally, an LOI (Letter of Invitation) will be needed by a Sudanese sponsor. An LOI can be obtained by the tourist company or some visitors have got one from Acropole Hotel.

All visitors must hold passports valid for a minimum of 6 months from the arrival date. If you have the LOI, some passports can obtain a visa on arrival.

Within 3 days of arrival in Sudan, you must register with the Aliens Department. Bring 2 passport-sized photos, and a copy of your passport and the fee is the Sudanese Pound equivalent to around £35. If you don’t register within 3 days of arrival, you may be fined. 

Travel Insurance For Sudan

Not all companies will cover Sudan so it is worth checking what level of cover for the regions you will be travelling to.

IATI INSURANCE  covers all destinations with a range of packages to suit your budget.  GET YOUR QUOTE WITH 5% DISCOUNT

Best Time To Visit Khartoum

The best time to visit Khartoum is between September and October and March is the best time to visit. After March, the temperatures can soar to around 45°C, sometimes higher making the summer months a little unbearable for travel.

Useful Links For Your Khartoum Trip

Ready to get planning and check these links for visiting Khartoum in Sudan?

• Explore what to do and where to eat with  Tripadvisor
• Not booked your flights yet? Find deals with  Skyscanner
• Get your  WATER-TO-GO Bottle  with 15% OFF (Code WM15)

PIN FOR LATER – BEST THINGS TO DO IN KHARTOUM

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What to visit in Khartoum the capital of Sudan

Table of Contents

Visit Khartoum

Khartoum, the capital city of Sudan, remains as a dark memory in the minds of many people. The North-American bombings, in 1998, associated Sudan with international terrorism in the front pages of newspapers. But visiting today is quite an interesting experience, as this is now a different country and it has fewer tourists.

The country’s capital is actually a group of three cities, Khartoum, Bahri, and Omdurman. In the first one, you’ll find the city’s historical traces, signs of colonial presence, and the older buildings.

Bahri is an industrial and residential area, closer to what a suburb feels like. As for Omdurman, where you’ll find Sudan’s most famous souk, it has an atmosphere closer to what you’d expect to see in the Middle East, with narrow and secluded streets.

Khartoum is worth the visit, with days well spent visiting some of the museums, strolling the important Shari’a Al-Nil street, exploring its street markets, and visiting the unmissable spot where the waters of the Blue Nile meet the waters of the White Nile.

Visit Khartoum – Top Places

Khartoum best tourist attractions and monuments

1. Shari’a Al-Nil Street

Shari’a Al-Nil Street, also known as Nile Street, is considered to be the most beautiful street in the Sudanese capital. Flanked by the Blue Nile on one side, it has many classical, colonial style houses, mostly used as government offices.

This is the street where the National Museum of Sudan and the Presidential Palace are located. The Presidential Palace can’t be visited, unfortunately.

You can’t even walk by it and the guards will ask you to cross the street for security reasons. This is also where you’ll see the more modern side of new Khartoum, with modern buildings like the Al-Fateh tower built by the Libyans.

Trees line the street, offering a much-appreciated shade in the warmer days. Khartoum locals enjoy spending time sitting on the wall along the river shore, which makes it an excellent location for people watching.

2. Arabi Souk

This souk, or market in Arabic, is vast and stretches for several blocks in the center of Khartoum, south of the Grand Mosque. It’s said that until the early 1990s the area where the market is today was the center of intellectual life and artistic creation, with bars, clubs, and art galleries.

From then onward, the Sudanese society became gradually more austere and the bohemian spirit of this part of the city was lost. Nowadays it’s just a market, a place where you can buy anything from jewelry to construction materials. It’s a bustling sea of people: vendors showcasing their products, buyers looking for something, taxi drivers who always find customers here.

3. Omdurman Souk

The Arabi Souk may be easier to reach, but the Omdurman one is far more spectacular, despite being in a part of the capital that’s already a city in itself and, therefore, farther from the city center. Folklore performances are one of the highlights of this market.

Although there’s a small part of this market that caters to tourists, it’s still mostly geared towards the local community and local customers. That means that on Fridays, Islam’s sacred day, there are fewer things to see and do, especially during prayers.

In addition to this market named after the city, here you’ll also find the Libya and Aljilod markets and, a little farther outside, the Abu Zayd souk, which is the famous Camel Market.

4. Commonwealth War Cemetery

More than a cemetery, the Commonwealth War Cemetery in Khartoum is a monument to fallen soldiers. No one was ever actually buried there. Most of the tombstones are dedicated to soldiers killed during the Ally attacks to take back current Ethiopia from the Italians during the Second World War.

At the time, Khartoum was the main camp base. There are also some inscriptions dedicated to soldiers killed in the First World War, but most of the tombs are of men who died in times of peace. There is a memorial in honor of the soldiers who died in battle between 1885 and 1886. Nevertheless, it’s a well-kept landmark in the center of the city that’s worth the visit.

5. The confluence of the Blue Nile & the White Nile Rivers

Al Mogran is the name of the spot where the Blue Nile and White Nile converge. There the waters of both rivers, which have different colors because of the different types of mud in the bottom, flow side by side for a while before meeting. The flow of the Blue Nile is usually stronger and overpowering, a situation that becomes dramatic in some summers when the waters force the White Nile to recede and cover the inhabited lands on the shore.

The place is worth a visit but there are a couple of things to know about the best spot to see the phenomenon: most people go to the bridge over the Blue Nile but the security guards don’t allow to take pictures at that spot. It’s best if you go to the Al Mogran Family Park nearby and go for a ride on the Ferris wheel. At the top, not only you won’t be bothered by the police, but the view is spectacular.

6. Turkish Graves

In Khartoum city center you can find a set of picturesque Turkish graves. In this places many Turkish leaders are buried.

Famous people such as Ahmed Basha Abu Adan, Ahmed Basha Alminkly, Mohamed Basha Momtaz, and others. This graveyard was restored in 2013.

7. Omdurman

In a way, it’s a suburb of Khartoum on the western shore of the Nile. Here you can visit the market, which is one of the biggest in Africa and a good place to buy authentic handicrafts.

There’s a local History Museum at the Khalifa House, near the market and the Mahdi tomb, but keep in mind the museum is only open in the mornings.

On Friday evenings you can see the Sufi dancers for free. It’s at Ghobba al-Hamed al-Nil, a bit further, about 2 km away, but you can ask a taxi driver to take you there.

Museums in Khartoum

Khartoum best museums

1. National Museum of Sudan

The building that houses the National Museum of Sudan was built in 1955 but only became a museum in 1971. It’s perhaps the best museum in the country and houses the biggest collection of Nubian art in the world, composed mostly by archaeological findings from the many historical places in the country and parts of three temples that were submerged after a dam was built.

The collection is spread across four areas: first floor, second floor, the garden, and the Monumental Alley that connects the parking lot with the main entrance. The museum is located in an area of Khartoum called Auguram, close to the place where the Blue Nile meets the White Nile.

Photos of the National Museum of Sudan

2. Khalifa House Museum

The building where the Khalifa House Museum is was built in 1888 and expanded three years later with the addition of a floor. It’s a traditional adobe house with different blocks and interconnecting courtyards that are worth the visit. It opened to the public as a museum in 1928.

Before that, it was the official residence of Khalifa Abdallahi ibn Muhammad and the headquarters for the Mahdi State government. The museum is focused on pieces from 1881 to 1899, and most of the artifacts and documents included in the permanent collection are from those dates. It’s open in the mornings and closed on Sundays.

Photos of Khalifa House Museum

3. Sudan Ethnographic Museum

This museum is located in Al-Gama street. Up until 1955, the building was used by the British Army and then changed hands to the Department of Antiques at the time. After one year reorganizing the assets that had been in the building’s warehouses since 1945, the museum opened to the public in December 1956.

Photos of Sudan Ethnographic Museum

The collection was curated in a way that conveys the History, customs, and traditions of the different tribes that live in Sudan. It’s a relatively small museum and you shouldn’t need more than half an hour to visit. The museum closes on Mondays.

4. Sudan Museum of Natural History

This museum has a long history. It was founded in 1902 and housed at that time at the Gordon Memorial College. It was renovated in 1958 when it began to be managed by the University of Khartoum. They added a section with reptiles in 1968.

Nowadays the museum houses a broad collection, including bones and skeletons of different animals, thousands of embalmed birds, some of them extinct, and hundreds of mummified animals, some of them massive such as African elephants, hippopotamus, rhinoceros, and buffalos. There are specific departments, dedicated to geology and botany for example, and all pieces on display have informative captions.

Photos of Sudan Museum of Natural History

5. Republican Palace Museum

The Republican Palace Museum opened for the first time on 31 December 1999 and is located inside an unlikely building: an old Anglican church built in 1912. The museum is southwest from the Republican Palace, on Gamiaa street, right in front of the Martyrs Gardens. The permanent collection is divided into several sections: the wing of presidential vehicles; the wing for oil paintings and portraits, which includes portraits of all the rulers before and after the independence; the collection of pieces offered to the Presidents of Sudan; musical instruments and furniture used in the Republican Palace; significant documents from when Sudan fought for independence; décor items and memorials.

Home » Travel Guides » Sudan » 15 Best Places to Visit in Sudan

15 Best Places to Visit in Sudan

There’s no question about it: Sudan is no safe place for travelers these days. A duo of civil wars, repeated armed conflicts with their near neighbors (and recent compatriots) to the south, and destabilisation in other countries of the Sahel and North Africa, are all things that have added to the problem.

Today the country ranks second on the fragile states index, and most all foreign offices recommend against all travel there. Perhaps one day that will all be over though. Perhaps one day we can once again look forward to donning the desert gear and delving into the shifting sands of ancient Kush and Nubia. Perhaps one day the burgeoning Red Sea dive scene in the west can reveal the sparkling corals and ocean treasures, and the Twirling Dervishes of Khartoum can showcase their cylindrical gyrations for all to see.

Lets explore the best places to visit in Sudan :

The onetime epicentre of the ancient Napata Kingdom is a truly otherworldly place to explore.

Set out between the ochre-hued rises of the Sudanese desert, just north of the capital, its comprised of over 200 individual pyramid structures, along with a whole serious of fascinating ruins of another type.

This bears all the hallmarks of a grand architectural undertaking in the same ilk as the Nubian cities of old, and today the whole area has been accredited by UNESCO, and archaeological findings have confirmed the presence of an advanced civilisation of iron smelters and traders with mercantile links all the way to China and India!

Sand-blown Suakin stands tall and firm against the gusts of the Red Sea.

An iconic and historic place that still touts its medieval past with pride, it was once one of the major staging points for Muslim pilgrims making the hop across to Arabian Mecca from North Africa.

Consequently, there are gilded mosques and interesting religious structures carved from coral stone, all of which mingle with the occasional Ottoman relic – Suakin later succumbed to the Turks, but fell into swift decline as European traders opened up routes around the Cape of Good Hope.

3. Khartoum

Khartoum is perhaps best known as the mythical location where the two great strands of the River Nile combine before heading northwards into the ancient lands of Nubia and Egypt.

The city straddles the banks of this famous water way, and even pokes out into the famous confluence at the headland known as al-Mogran.

In the heart of the town, strips like Nile Street (which unsurprisingly run alongside the Blue Nile) are packed with pretty buildings of arabesque design.

This is also where you’ll see the grandiose Presidential Palace, protected religiously by zealous guards.

Nearby is the hustle and bustle of Souq Arabi – the more frenetic and mercantile hub of the capital.

Another great ancient relic left on the meanders of the Nile River from the civilisations of old, Kerma promises to be an experience like no other in the country.

At its center rises the soaring and mighty Western Deffufa – one of the largest and oldest adobe worshipping houses on the planet! And once you’re done getting over the sheer awesomeness of that centrepiece, you can move to tour the seemingly endless array of ruins that surround it (one of the largest in all of North African, in fact). These go from burial complexes to the unearthed statues of old Nubian deities, all of which boast a history going back more than 5,000 years!

5. Dinder National Park

The Dinder National Park is a triangle cut-out of protected land that buts right up to the Ethiopian border in the south-east of the country.

Made up of sprawling arid grass plains that glow yellow and come sun-baked under the heat of the equatorial sun, it occupies a unique habitat right where the great highlands of Ethiopia drop down to the northern African flats.

That means visitors can see the likes of lions prowling, their beady eyes focused on the bushbucks and springing antelope.

And then there are the curious long-legged North African ostriches, which are a common and eye-opening sight.

6. Sanganeb National Park

The first and only oceanic national park in all of Sudan, the Sanganeb National Park is made up of shallow reef habitats that showcase the sheer biodiversity of the Red Sea in all its glory.

The protected area is adjoined directly to the jetties and harbors of Port Sudan, making it a very accessible place to visit.

Divers can go underwater and case out layered coral gardens, witness multi-coloured tropical fish, and understand why the spot was added to the UNESCO list back in the early 1990s (along with the greater Dungonab Bay). There’s also an old lighthouse where snorkelers can moor up and spend some days enjoying the wonder!

7. Port Sudan

Situated more than 20 hours by rattling train through the dusty deserts of upper Sudan from the capital, the country’s only large port is home to nearly 500,000 people.

It crashes down to the sparkling waters of the Red Sea in a medley of creaking cranes and endless depot complexes, all ticking over to the lurch of massive tankers prepping for the Suez Canal and the chatter of down-to-earth dock workers from all over the globe.

For tourists, it’s the diving that really takes the biscuit though –  it’s undeveloped, unchartered and offers a cheap way to see the coral-clad depths of this crystal-clear sea.

8. Omdurman

The largest city in Sudan is actually now more or less contiguous with the capital at Khartoum.

It can be found facing its near brother on the far side of the White Nile, rising up from the banks at the legendary confluence at al-Mogran.

However, where Khartoum comes crowned with old palaces and blue-domed mosques, Omdurman is peppered with throbbing souqs and bazaars.

The most impressive of these is surely the eponymous Souq Omdurman, which is said to be the single largest market in all of Africa! The house of the old Khalifa is also located here, and makes a perfect stop for those interested in unravelling tales of Sudan’s colonial relations with the United Kingdom.

Oh, and be sure not to miss the shows of Twirling Dervishes that erupt here each Friday!

9. North Khartoum (Bahri)

Technically a standalone city from its namesake across the bends of the Blue Nice, the area of North Khartoum, also known locally as just Bahri, claims the title of the third-largest city in the country.

For visitors, there’s not that much in the way of sights and attractions, mainly on account of Bahri’s clear industrial and mechanical character.

However, you’ll see sprawling docks on the river, and endless depots bursting with cotton and kiln-cooked red bricks, all waiting for transportation north.

There’s also the striking ruins of the Al-Shifa plant, which was destroyed by a cruise missile during the troubles of the late 90s!

10. Arkawit

Perched over 1,000 meters above the crashing waters of the Red Sea, the resort town of Arkawit is the perfect escape for travelers finding it hard to handle the soaring equatorial temperatures of the Sudanese coast.

With the soothing breezes of the highlands at hand, visitors can take some time to kick back and relax in rustic guesthouses, enjoying the green-hued hills and rocky landscapes that abound around the area.

Walking is prime here too, with treks out to case the acacia-spotted ridges of Jebel Danaieb often done in the company of Sudan’s native monkeys!

Tawkar sits just down the ridges of the mountains from Arkawit, nestled between the rising massifs and the rollers of the Red Sea.

It’s a pretty place; a town of sleepy vibes and only 40,000 people.

Surrounded by cotton plantations made possible by irrigation along the edge of the Baraka River, it’s long been an important growing community.

Today though, there’s the Tokar Reserve to draw visitors, where the dusty wildernesses of this equatorial nation glow under the sun.

And there are a couple of diving operators (although no one knows how qualified any of them really area!) thrown in for good measure!

12. Jebel Marra

Rising in sinewy ridges atop the dusty plains of Darfur in the western reaches of Sudan, the Jebel Marra are perhaps the original African badlands.

They are carved and chipped massifs of ancient volcanic stone that have been forged from eruption after eruption over the millennia.

The most recent additions to the landscape are a colossal water-filled caldera known as the Deriba Crater, which is thought to have appeared following the pyroclastic flows of an explosion in 1,500 BC (that’s like yesterday to a volcanologist!). Jebel Marra itself is the highest peak in the country, clocking up more than 3,088 meters, and boasting beautiful waterfalls and canyons around its base.

13. Kassala

Don’t let the sweeping flatlands of farming land and irrigated fields of green fool you as you make your way to far-flung Kassala in the south-eastern reaches of Sudan, close to the border with Eritrea.

The wild throws of Mother Nature are still very much in command in these landscapes, and you only need to look upwards towards the horizon to see why! That’s where the bulbous peaks and troughs of the Taka Mountains loom, surrounded by sandy canyons and carved gorges of desert stone.

From the top of these you can see into Eritrea, while around the bottom you can settle for a traditional Sudanese coffee with the locals!

Mind-blowing Naqa sits in the shadow of the Jabal Naqa, some 170 kilometers from the capital at Khartoum.

A place of ancient treasures, the town has been reduced to a conglomeration of ruined peristyles and sun-cracked stone by the centuries.

But the magic is still very much alive, thanks largely to the trio of temples that form the centrepiece here.

These start with the haunting Temple of Amun, which bursts with old steles of the Egyptian deity Amun-Ra.

Then there’s Apedemak’s worship house, adorned with the figures of the ancient kings of Kush.

Finally, there’s the Roman Kiosk, displaying a fusion of Mediterranean, Hellenistic, Arabic and North African styles.

15. Wadi Halfa

One of the northernmost towns in the nation, the low-rise sprawl of Wadi Halfa sits between two ridges of desert rock and the waters of Lake Nubia.

While today it bustles with the coming and going of traders from Egypt, its main draw lies in its onetime inhabitants from the Middle Kingdom period.

And while Wadi Halfa itself might not be of mega importance in the search for Nubian treasures, the occurrence of Lake Nasser in the 1970s meant that archaeologists came here to focus their efforts in recovering the relics that had been submerged up and down the valley.

15 Best Places to Visit in Sudan:

• Dinder National Park
• Sanganeb National Park
• North Khartoum (Bahri)
• Jebel Marra

Destinations

14 Fascinating Places to Visit in Sudan

The situation in Sudan has unfortunately deteriorated since I was there, and as of April 2023 there is active armed conflict between factions of the military in Khartoum and elsewhere. I sincerely hope the country finds peace again soon, but in the meantime travelers should stay away.

There seem to be two types of people when it comes to travel in Sudan. Those who’ve never been will raise their eyebrows and ask about safety. But the few who’ve been will say Sudan is one of the nicest and safest countries they’ve ever had the pleasure of visiting.

As someone who spent several weeks in Sudan in early 2020 (in fact, I rode my bicycle solo through much of the country), I am firmly in the latter camp. Though Sudan as a country faces some deep economic and political challenges, the mood most travelers will encounter is peaceful and friendly.

Most travelers come to Sudan for the ancient Nubian archaeological sites, less developed than Egypt’s but also more relaxed and atmospheric. There is also plenty of interest in the colorful culture of this transition zone between Arabic northern Africa and the Sub-Saharan rest of the continent. And for  mindful travelers  with the opportunity and inclination to dig deeper, some very interesting conversations with friendly locals and expats await.

Sudan is a huge country but has only the faintest glimmer of tourism infrastructure, which is part of its charm as well as its challenge. Still, there’s no shortage of things to do and places to visit in Sudan. In this post I’ll highlight the most popular tourist attractions in Sudan, as well as a few of the low-key secrets, to help you plan your trip.

Sudan Travel Tips

Safety : Not all of Sudan is accessible to visitors. Areas like Darfur are currently off-limits due to continuing tribal conflict. Be sure to check government travel advice before planning a trip. The rest of the country is quite safe by any standards.

Costs : Sudan can be quite cheap to travel in if you’re backpacking. You can get by for just a few dollars a day. Guided tours can cost much more.

Money : ATMs and credit cards can’t be used by foreigners in Sudan (and aren’t reliable anyway). Bring cash (US dollars) and change it to Sudanese pounds in small amounts as you go. Seek out the much better black market rate by discretely asking at your hotel. Don’t change too much at once; rates fluctuate a lot and it can be difficult to change back if you end up with too much.

Language : Arabic is the official language of Sudan, and many regional languages are also spoken. Don’t expect more than a few words of English, but you can still get by with hand gestures and a smile.

Dress : Sudan is a very conservative Muslim country. Both men and women should cover shoulders and knees out of respect for the local culture. Women may want to be even more conservative by dressing in loose pants or skirt, a long-sleeve shirt, and potentially a headscarf in some circumstances. For more detail, see What Should Travelers Wear in Sudan?

Female travelers : Considering how conservative the culture is for local women, Sudanese are surprisingly welcoming and respectful toward foreign women. Harassment is uncommon, though culturally uninformed misunderstandings about the desires of western women can and do happen. Just firmly say no thanks.

Guided or independent : Many travelers visit Sudan on organized tours which certainly does make for a more relaxing trip. But it’s absolutely possible to travel Sudan independently as a backpacker or overlander, and many find it highly rewarding due to the welcoming culture.

Food : Not the highlight of a trip to Sudan. Ful (beans) is a staple, as is falafel. Limited selection of fresh fruit and vegetables is usually not hard to find. Tea is available and offered everywhere.

Transportation : Variable but decent for the region. Main roads are generally well paved. Buses are fairly orderly but usually not on a strict schedule. Traffic can be chaotic so think twice before renting a vehicle to drive yourself. Hitchhiking is common.

Weather : Generally hot, mostly dry in the desert north, with a rainy season further south from June – October.

Guidebook : There isn’t much to choose from, but the Bradt Sudan Travel Guide from 2012 is helpful for understanding the main attractions and learning the country’s history.

Now that you have a general sense for travel in Sudan, let’s get to the fun part: the most popular things to do in Sudan.

Sudan Within A Longer Trip

Some people visit Sudan as a stand-alone destination, and this makes perfect sense if you have less time. But for travelers on a more leisurely schedule, a great option is to combine Sudan with a visit to its northern neighbor Egypt.

The border between Egypt and Sudan is a relatively recent division, and much of the region’s deep history spans vast areas of both countries. Much of the landscape is similar – sandy desert bisected by the green Nile – and the language of Arabic is another common factor.

Logistically speaking, there’s only one highway serving the far north of Sudan – one of the country’s nicest areas in my opinion – and following it overland to or from Egypt flows a bit better than an out-and-back journey. The ferry crossing of Lake Nasser is scenic and interesting, and border crossings in Africa tend to be exciting affairs in any case.

It’s also possible, though less common, to continue south through Sudan to Ethiopia overland. The transition from desert to savanna to mountains must be experienced gradually to be fully appreciated.

For those who seek out the least-visited of rarely visited countries, Eritrea is right next door to Sudan and has even fewer visitors and more red tape. Travel in Eritrea is difficult because of the many restrictions on foreigners, and crossing the border overland from Sudan may well be impossible. However, those who’ve been report that it’s a fascinating country to visit.

Now that we’ve covered some travel tips and ideas for structuring your trip, let’s get into all the things to do and places to visit in Sudan.

Khartoum and Omdurman

The capital city of Khartoum feels almost like its own country. In this relatively progressive place you’ll find more women on the streets, some even without headscarves, and foreigners won’t usually get much of a second look. The city is cramped and bustling in some places and surprisingly modern in others, with an overall friendly and polite vibe.

The most highly recommend thing to do in Khartoum is technically in Omdurman, the older and grittier city right next door. Every Friday before sunset sufi mystics dance and chant in a highly charged ecstatic atmosphere at the Hamed-al Nil tomb.

In Khartoum proper, the National Museum and the confluence of the Niles are both worth a visit and relatively nearby each other. For more ideas, see this more detailed guide to things to do in Khartoum .

Pyramids at Meroë

Sudan technically has more pyramids than Egypt, though they’re smaller and often less well preserved. If you’re going to see one pyramid site in Sudan, make it the pyramids of Meroë.

Usually visited as a day trip from Khartoum or en route from Atbara, this site is the best preserved and also the most popular pyramid site in Sudan (meaning you might have to share with a handful of other tourists).

The pyramids here are in varying stages of disrepair and reconstruction, revealing a complex history of both building and excavating. While chatting with one of the site’s archaeologists I was surprised to learn that a fair amount of their effort goes into simply holding back the desert sand that threatens to sandblast the remaining structures, destroying them faster than they can be preserved.

The pyramids at Meroë can be reached easily by public transit from either Khartoum or Atbara. Just ask to be let off at Bajrawia village. Coming back is trickier, and is usually done by hitchhiking. It’s possible to camp at the pyramids if you’re prepared with your own gear.

Note that Meroë is the ancient city (you can still wander around the ruins, which are near the pyramids), and NOT the same as Merowe, an area near Karima.

Naqa and Musawwarat

These two Meroitic archaeological gems are a bit harder to get to than most of Sudan’s other tourist attractions, requiring some kind of private transportation. They lie 26 km (Naqa) or 30 km (Musawwarat) east of the highway from Khartoum to Atbara on sand and dirt track, sharing the same road for the first 15 km after leaving the highway.

Their locations can be found on the iOverlander app, but it’s probably best to go with an experienced guide/driver who can navigate the faint and sandy desert tracks.

If you can manage to get there, the temples at these sites are among the nicest in Sudan. Naqa is home to the temples of Amun and Apedemak (the latter notably depicting the queen with the same size and power as the king), as well as the small but surprisingly intricate Roman Kiosk.

At Musawwarat Es-Sufra, which dates from the 3rd century BC, you can wander the extensive labyrinthine Great Enclosure and visit the well-preserved Lion Temple. The old reservoir is usually dry these days, but standing there you can almost imagine how it would have looked and felt when the now-barren desert was teeming with life centered around this ancient temple complex.

Atbara has a bit of a gritty feel compared to the gentler towns further west and north. There’s not too much to do in this industrial and railroad town, besides the usual chatting and wandering, but many travelers will pass through on their way along the Nile toward the Meroë Pyramids and Khartoum.

The “new bus station” in the southeast corner of town (still north of the river) is surprisingly nice and orderly, with buses leaving every hour or so for Khartoum throughout the morning.

Karima: Pyramids, Jebel Barkal, Nuri

Across a long empty stretch of desert from Atbara is the town of Karima. The town is more relaxed than Atbara, though it can feel a bit less friendly than the smaller towns further down the Nile due to the area’s relative popularity with tourists.

The area around Karima is home to three of Sudan’s tourist attractions.

Jebel Barkal and Temple of Mut

Jebel Barkal is a small mountain popular for its great views and for sunset climbs (bring a light for the way down). At its base there is a cemetery and ancient ruins of the Temple of Mut.

Karima Pyramids

Free and literally right beside the road, these are certainly worth a visit especially if you haven’t yet been to the Meroe Pyramids. They’re quite well preserved (please don’t climb them in order to keep them that way) and clustered in a small easy-to-reach area.

Nuri Pyramids

On the east side of the Nile and a bit of a drive outside of town, these pyramids are quite deteriorated but said to be atmospheric. Personally I skipped them since I had already seen the nearby Karima pyramids and was headed to Meroë next, but for pyramid connoisseurs they are easy enough to get to and worth a visit.

Dongola was among my favorite towns in Sudan for its relaxed and friendly vibe. The refreshing breeze coming off the Nile probably didn’t hurt either. Wandering the streets and markets there felt pleasant and welcoming in a way I’ve rarely found anywhere on the African continent, making the simple errand of shopping for food an attraction in itself.

Otherwise, there isn’t too much else to do in Dongola besides relax and recover from a few days in the desert.

Old Dongola

Old Dongola, not to be confused with the present-day town of Dongola, lies about 50 miles upstream (south) and is an archaeological site. Notable for its more recent history – relatively speaking compared to some of Sudan’s ancient sites – it contains the ruins of a number of Christian churches from the 7th – 14th centuries AD.

The Throne Hall, Church of the Granite Columns, and Muslim cemetery are some of the most prominent ruins at Old Dongola.

The temple of Soleb is a relatively well-preserved Egyptian temple built in the 14th century BC. It lies on the west bank of the Nile across from the village of Wawa, about 3/4 of the way from Dongola to Abri.

Most travelers will need to hire a small boat to take them across the Nile, which can supposedly be done at the small guesthouse in Wawa (check the iOverlander or Maps.me app for location). This may take a bit of time though, as you’ll need to track down the owner first. There’s also an informal homestay on the Soleb side for those wishing to spend the night near the temple, but you should bring your own food.

Kerma is a town on the east side of the Nile just north of Dongola. Its main attractions are two “deffufa” (burial mounds) and a small museum. There are one or two small guesthouses in town; check Maps.me and iOverlander to find them.

Abri is a pleasant small town on the banks of the Nile in northern Sudan. Few travelers make it this far north unless continuing to Egypt, and the town feels relaxed and gentle. The best thing to do in Abri is sit by the Nile and rest up before or after a few days of desert travel.

The Nubian Guesthouse is where most travelers to Abri stay. The owner speaks good English, and there’s hot water and wifi. Rooms are available for moderate prices and camping is allowed in the courtyard for a few dollars.

There’s not much reason to visit the far-north border town of Wadi Halfa unless you’re crossing between Egypt and Sudan. Still, it’s an interesting transit town where you can watch the ferries come in from Aswan and Abu Simbel, and out on the highway you’ll see a trickle of large trucks on their way to and from Egypt via Lake Nasser.

If you just arrived in Sudan from Egypt, head downtown for plenty of cheap hostels and some places to buy a local SIM card.

Kassala is a market town in the east of Sudan, near the border with Eritrea. It’s not as commonly visited as the towns and archaeological sites along the Nile, but if you have the time and enjoy traveling off the beaten path it’s worth the 7 hour bus journey from Khartoum.

Kassala is known for its ethnic blend as tribes from near and far come to trade at the market, and for its dramatic location at the base of the distinctive Taka Mountains.

Port Sudan is the place to go if you want to see the Red Sea from Sudan. It’s Sudan’s second-largest city (after Khartoum) and only port city, connected to Khartoum by both weekly train and busy paved road.

Among tourists it’s best known for its small but interesting scuba diving scene, though I’ve heard that only those with experience should dive here as instruction and safety standards can be questionable.

Dinder National Park

On the way south to the Ethiopian border, Dinder National Park offers a completely different environment from the sandy desert of the north. Best visited during the dry season (November to May), it draws visitors looking to spot wildlife and relax in the peaceful environment. To explore the park fully you’ll want a 4wd vehicle and ideally a guide and driver.

Final Thoughts

As you can see, Sudan is home to a wealth of historic sites and interesting experiences. For travelers who enjoy getting off the tourist trail and exploring on their own, Sudan will be an adventure to remember and learn from for many years to come.

More Africa Travel Resources

If you’re curious about things to do in Sudan, you might also be interested in these:

• 12 Essentials From My Africa Packing List
• How to Travel Mindfully in Challenging Places
• Must-Know Cultural Tips for Visitors to Uganda
• Where to go Hiking in West Africa

About the Author

Hi there, I’m Alissa, founder of Exploring Wild. I’ve had the pleasure of traveling independently and solo on six continents, including some unusual destinations like Liberia and Sudan, and it has forever changed the way I see the world and myself. Learn more about me here .

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Local leadership is what it took to make a cva breakthrough in sudan.

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When it came to the cash distribution in Sudan, local actors’ understanding of the target neighbourhood contexts and fast changing dynamics were central to success. Without local leadership there would have been no way forward for effective cash programming in Khartoum. NIDAA’s Sara Elgieli and CORE’s Tenzin Manell unpack their recipe for success and the 4 key ingredients needed.

By Sara Elgieli, Executive Director –NIDAA, Tenzin Manell, Sr. Advisor, Cash and Markets – CORE

Sudan context – a massive crisis

Sudan is currently home to the highest number of internally displaced people (IDPs) in the world yet is receiving limited humanitarian assistance — far less than other countries affected by armed conflict, such as Ukraine and Syria.

Conflict-affected households in Khartoum State are particularly underserved with a dearth of international organizations willing to navigate the fluid context and donors slow to deliver on their commitments. It’s local actors who are leading the way and who have already proven their capacity to deliver cash assistance in Khartoum despite the challenging operational context. Lessons learned provide real and tangible approaches to pave the way for Cash and Voucher Assistance (CVA) at scale in Khartoum, and lessons for wider reflection globally.

On April 15th, 2023, conflict erupted in Sudan resulting in widespread displacement, including 8 million IDPs, and more than 25 million people in critical need of assistance. Today, food insecurity has already reached alarming levels, the healthcare system has crumbled and communicable diseases, including cholera, are running rampant. The ongoing fighting between the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) which began in Khartoum has spread across the country. Ongoing humanitarian access issues, as well as limited funding, have limited external support. Meantime, grassroots local volunteers have formed Emergency Response Rooms (ERRs), with satellite Women’s Response Rooms (WRRs), and have become the main avenue for assistance provision in Khartoum alongside a few remaining local organizations working to support the population.

Successful CVA – a locally-led response was the breakthrough for getting multi-purpose cash assistance (MPCA) to households encircled by the conflict. Together with Financial Service Provider partners, NIDAA and CORE broke through with the first delivery of cash in Khartoum to 600 households in July 2023. The two agencies built an alliance grounded in mutual learning and dialogue which positioned NIDAA as the compass to follow. For example, it was NIDAA’s team who knew the importance of blanket targeting to mitigate risks for cash recipients and humanitarian staff alike. Trying to target based on vulnerability is not only tone-deaf but ineffective, given that all who remain in Khartoum are now vulnerable. Given the duration and intensity of the conflict those sheltering in one place or moving from neighborhood to neighborhood seeking safety – have universally been selling off assets, reducing food intake, and have been unable to access healthcare, including for chronic health issues. What’s more, cultural and religious norms of mutual aid would have meant assistance would have been redistributed in any case, to make sure that all had some.

When it came to the cash distribution, in partnership with RedRose and Cashi, NIDAA’s contributions to troubleshooting the proximity between the Cashi merchant locations and recipients, as well as understanding the target neighborhood contexts and kinetics were central to success. It was the local community and NIDAA’s team who advocated for expanding the number of Cashi merchants to reduce the distance for collection, with the added benefit of diversifying income streams for neighborhood vendors as they joined the Cashi network. And again, it was the local community and NIDAA’s team who nudged partners to test digital wallets as a parallel delivery mechanism to offer recipients and implementing partners flexibility. CORE knew to listen, follow, help problem-solve, pivot and adapt, and backstop. Without local leadership there is no way forward for cash in Khartoum.

The recipe for success – key ingredients

The recipe for successful implementation has been equitable partnership, risk sharing, piloting and adaptation, and embracing the complementarity of MPCA and group cash transfers to address gaps in services.

1. Equitable partnership

Local actors, including the ERRs, are ready for equitable partnership. International actors need to dive in ready to truly act with mutual trust, respect, transparency, and flexibility and ensure a fair share of effort and resources. International actors need to show up to backstop local experts and do-ers, not to add to the obstacles that local actors are already facing and overcoming as front-line responders.

2. Risk sharing

During a momentous ERR envoy to New York and Washington, D.C. in late January the message was clear: unless there is a greater threshold for risk, and risk-sharing among international and local actors, lives will unnecessarily be lost. Donors and many international actors continue to be stuck in the quicksand of compliance and have largely been apprehensive and sluggish to deliver on their commitments on localization globally and in Sudan in particular. Accountability is critical, yet bending the arc of expectations away from heavy requirements among donors and international actors and towards what is feasible for the ERRs requires a middle path with greater flexibility in procedures and formats. ERRs have shown in their partnership with NIDAA and CORE that they can deliver financial and narrative reporting with some pointers on data quality and patience in the face of connectivity issues.

3. Learning, adapting and sharing

Piloting, adapting, documenting and sharing lessons is key, and already taking place. Moving forward incrementally allows for testing and sharing to figure out how it IS possible to reach households with lifesaving assistance, despite the context being fluid. NIDAA and CORE selected two neighborhoods for the MPCA pilot in Khartoum; one is a largely static population while the other is displaced, thereby affording greater learning. Diligently working with RedRose and Cashi, we were able to test multiple approaches to cash collection – including bulk collection, remote collection, localized-relationship-based collection, in order to determine which strategies were the safest and most feasible for recipients, staff and FSPs.

4. Deploying multiple CVA solutions

Using Group Cash Transfers (GCT) in parallel to MPCA helped stretch resources to cover gaps in services. This combination has proven to be an effective and cost-efficient combination, meeting households’ basic needs and making available and accessible community-identified solutions to the challenges communities are facing, which together enable broader type and coverage of services. The complementarity of MPCA and GCT is particularly clear when it comes to addressing gaps in services for marginalized groups, including women and children. In parallel to MPCA, GCT were used to support 11 of the WRRs to scale up and expand upon their activities providing life-saving support across Khartoum. With a support package of group cash transfers and training, the WRRs carried out health, protection, psychosocial support and nutrition activities targeting women and children, which complemented MPCA.

It’s time to walk the talk

Without the local leadership of the WRRs – in both their vision and execution of community-identified solutions to community-identified needs – there would not have been the myriad of GCT outcomes which complemented MPCA: safe relocation of women activities and individuals at risk of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) as well as GBV survivors; safe births/deliveries by transferring women in labor to clinics inside and outside of Khartoum to access life-saving medication and operations; referral pathways for health, protection and psychosocial support services; women’s and children’s safe spaces; and communal kitchens.

International actors do not need to reinvent the wheel. There are already documented lessons learned from locally led Cash and Voucher Assistance that should be taken forward. In doing so, vast unmet needs that communities are facing right now can be addressed.

Well into a decade of localization commitments, action is thin. Aren’t we all tired of not walking the talk? Let’s walk the talk on CVA and localization now in Sudan – and around the world – and in doing so, we will implement higher quality programming and save more lives.

Sara Elgieli is Executive Manager at Sudanese Development Call Organization (NIDAA), a Sudan-based non-governmental organization that aims to serve, mobilize and motivate Sudanese society longing for desirable change through training, advocacy and sustainable community development. To learn more visit www.nidaa.org and contact Sara ([email protected]).

Tenzin Manell is Sr. Advisor for Cash and Markets at Community Organized Relief Effort (CORE), an international non-governmental organization that aims to empower communities in and beyond crisis towards a more equitable world in which underserved communities are prepared and can respond effectively to crisis from within. To learn more visit www.coreresponse.org and contact Tenzin ([email protected]).

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Sudan: famine prevention plan 2024 - through accelerated mitigative actions to halt deterioriation of food insecurity, livelihood impoverishment and malnutrition, urgent action needed to prevent humanitarian catastrophe in sudan as the lean season begins, unicef sudan humanitarian situation report no. 16 - february 2024.

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Blame South Sudan’s Civil War on Elites, Not “Ethnic Tensions”

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South Sudan’s post-independence instability is often blamed on ethnic tensions. But exploitation by international companies and zero-sum competition over resources between local elites are the real causes of ongoing violence in the country.

Salva Kiir, the president of South Sudan, attends the meeting of the National Liberation Council at the Freedom Hall in Juba on December 2, 2022. (Samir Bol / AFP via Getty Images)

In South Sudan, generals and politicians have siphoned off the country’s oil wealth ( 98 percent of state revenue in 2013 alone), bolstered by a “ gun class ” of government soldiers, community militias, cattle raiders, and private guards who then fight over cattle, mining, and timber industries. While public reporting and official narratives largely focus on the ethnic nature of South Sudan’s violence, an unrestricted race for wealth and power is what really undergirds this contest. South Sudan may be the world’s youngest country, but the ongoing conflict is a process decades in the making. Since the 1950s, foreign governments and corporations have consistently legitimized the most predatory actors in the region.

Elite Conflicts

After two civil wars spanning virtually all of independent Sudan’s history (1955–72, 1983–2005), South Sudan achieved independence by popular referendum in 2011. The conflicts were often framed as “Arab” Khartoum versus “African” South Sudanese tribes, but struggles for oil wealth and factional enrichment were far better explainers. Indeed, some of the most brutal fighting , including the massacre of two thousand people in Bor in 1991, was between South Sudanese factions.

Accordingly, only two years after independence, coalitions under President Salva Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar (architect of the Bor bloodbath) came to blows in the capital of Juba, initiating a civil war that engulfed much of the country. Parties to the conflict would employ systematic sexual and gender-based violence , hate speech and ethnic cleansing , and starvation as a weapon of war . Kiir’s centralization of access to state oil revenues was important to the war’s initiation, and the oil fields of Unity State and Upper Nile became key battlegrounds . Though the conflict technically ended with a peace deal in 2018 and a power-sharing government in 2020, the parties have merely decentralized their economic and political contests. Accordingly, violence against civilians and between proxy forces and militias persists.

But rather than a “two feuding generals” narrative (as we see again in discussion of Sudan today), violence in the country has always been tied to local realities. The many factions in South Sudan are hardly top-down or ideologically driven. Elites in Juba and provincial capitals can only fight over personal wealth by paying off militias and mobilizing patronage networks that took decades to build. Since the 1980s, Kiir, Machar, and others have been arming communities, promoting ethnicized violence, and cynically politicizing traditional beliefs and rituals that had once regulated murder and theft.

Rather than intrinsic hatred, ethnic/tribal identity became a tool to create networks of mutual protection and profit during the deprivations of civil war. In instances in which the supposed ethnic loyalties of factions have come into conflict with their material interests, the latter have often won out. For example, the Nuer White Army , diffuse bands of cattle raiders responsible for Bor and essential to the 2013 civil war, have often ignored or killed Nuer elites that opposed them.

The official peace of 2018, focused on formal institutions and power-sharing in Juba, could hardly resolve the zero-sum economic competition, instrumentalized identities, and coercive nature of such diffuse networks. South Sudan is now in its sixth year of “transition” with very little to show for it. The unified armed forces are starved of money and support, political offices are treated as personal coffers, and Kiir’s repression in the run-up to December elections is creating a powder keg for renewed violence.

The money for these essential patronage networks has had to come from somewhere. Despite war crimes and repression, international corporations have been active and essential in all phases of South Sudan’s violence. In the eleven years between the First and Second Sudanese Civil Wars, Chevron (with investment from Shell) discovered and began developing oil fields in the Greater Upper Nile region. In 1980, in contravention of the 1972 peace deal, Sudanese president Gaafar Nimeiry created “Unity” State to take the fields completely out of the hands of the South’s already marginalized regional government.

Nimeiry routed oil through a pipeline northward to Port Sudan rather than southward to Kenya, which has ensured Sudan takes a cut of South Sudanese oil to this day. This extraction was an important catalyst for the second war, as cited by the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army (SPLM/A) when it declared itself in 1983.

After an attack on the oil fields by unaffiliated Nuer soldiers, Chevron halted operations. The SPLM/A, which still rules South Sudan, told Chevron not to restart work. Khartoum pressed for the opposite, and Chevron countered with a five-point plan to build locally inclusive oil infrastructure and invest in local health, water, and education. However, not only did this investment never materialize, but Chevron ignored the fact that Khartoum-armed Baggāra militias and Nuer proxy forces under Paulino Matiep were violently clearing the lands around the oil fields of Dinka and Nuer villagers. Furthermore, the oil conglomerate had reportedly been the party that asked Khartoum for these “oil protection” forces; both South Sudanese officials and a journalist with the Economist even accused Chevron of directly supporting the militias.

Protection Rackets

This “protection” effort intersected nicely with Khartoum’s operations against the civilian population. As seen in Darfur a decade later, gunships bought with oil money buzzed villages while well-armed and coordinated “protection forces” besieged and cleared communities (often robbing them and enslaving the women and children). Beyond oil profits that funded Khartoum’s indiscriminate war effort, the oil industry’s infrastructure — roads, airstrips, physical facilities — enhanced the mobility of the militias and government forces. These “oil protection” units then became key participants in the profiteering “South-South” violence of the 1990s (like the Bor massacre) and perpetrators of some of the worst atrocities of the South Sudanese Civil War (the Padang Dinka “Oil Protection Force” campaign against the Shilluk in 2017).

Loosely affiliated, opportunistic militias thus proliferated throughout the 1980s and 1990s to alternately protect or procure oil rents for the highest bidder. The new coup government of Omar al-Bashir eventually ran Chevron out of Unity in 1985 and all of Sudan in 1992. Khartoum partnered with a less risk-averse consortium comprising the state-owned China National Petroleum Corporation (the largest in China), Malaysian state-owned Petronas, and private Canadian firm Arakis (later bought up by a larger Canadian firm, Talisman). Chevron would not reap the full profits of an industry it had carved out amid Greater Upper Nile’s suffering. This was the beginning of Chinese, Malaysian, and later Indian and East African corporate domination of South Sudan’s resources.

The United States also offers a common thread in this period. Then US ambassador to the UN George Bush Sr reportedly facilitated Chevron’s contract with Nimeiry. Later, the United States pressured Chevron into exiting Sudan as it soured on al-Bashir’s coups, violence, and support for international Islamist fundamentalism. The United States became a leading driver of the southern “peace” process, pressuring Khartoum with sanctions while corralling the main South Sudanese actors to the table, culminating in the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA).

But the main South Sudanese actors were often the same self-styled “oil protection forces” and various other predatory power players (SPLM/A factions included). The CPA largely excluded South Sudanese civil society and did more to get Khartoum and Juba to divide up oil rents than work toward actual equity and accountability after years of destructive war. It not only glossed over but exacerbated the violent economic contestation underneath much of the vicious South-South violence of the 1990s. Salva Kiir’s SPLM/A government ramped up violent “ disarmament ” campaigns against rivals while plundering the opaque, state-run oil conglomerate Nilepet (created in 2009).

From 2005 to 2013, international “peacebuilders” and “statebuilders” reveled in crafting the “new” South Sudan. The United States, United Kingdom, and Norway (the “Troika”) and various African governments (often with their own political and economic stakes) played the roles of mediators, bureaucrats, and humanitarians. Militia leaders, community elders, and militarized businessmen who had spent years appealing to ethnic hatred, religious prophecy, and pure force were expected to freely commit to formal institutions and winner-take-all elections. Though Khartoum and Juba reached a relatively stable working arrangement on the Port Sudan pipeline, it should hardly be surprising that frequent enemies of the 1990s (Kiir’s Dinka Titweng troops and Machar’s White Army allies) returned to violence in 2013.

After the interregnum of the civil war, South Sudan returned to similar processes. The oil fields began to dry up, but international commodity traders allowed the government to trade in prepayments for future oil sales, mortgaging South Sudan’s main income source tomorrow so leaders could buy mansions and luxury cars today. Massive cattle herds (built through violent raiding ), destructive logging , and exploitative mines are often overseen by soldiers, funded by foreign companies, and integrated into transnational supply chains. Juba is more stratified than ever, with new luxury hotels overlooking the Nile and waterfront bars catering to aid workers, diplomats, and government officials. The short distance from the international airport to the Vatican Embassy is covered with a pristine paved road, built solely for the Pope’s February 2023 visit.

But in this microcosm of South Sudan’s inequity, much of Juba remains a sea of uneven dirt roads, emaciated goats and cattle, tuk tuks and biker gangs, cash lenders and charcoal traders. Walls near the Presidential Palace are marked by bullet holes from the 2013 battles. Not-so-hidden machine guns ring the infamous Blue House , from which Kiir’s military and intelligence services torture and terrorize the population. Embassies, NGO compounds, and UN offices make up islands of barbed wire “tranquility” for foreigners. Campaigning season is underway, meaning media repression, arbitrary arrest and detention of rivals and activists, and extrajudicial killings .

In this context, narratives of ethnic hatred or purely localized violence are not only inaccurate but actively harmful to the cause of understanding the kinds of exploitation taking place in the country. State and national officials claim that despite their commitment to the peace process, they’re simply being undermined by “local” violence. And while they search for solutions through conferences and unfunded initiatives, they plead innocence as the patrons and profiteers of specific raids and industries. In this internationally financed status quo, they have no incentive to share power, lay down arms, or introduce regulation and oversight.

December elections may destroy the house of cards. To paraphrase one advocate: “There are 550 seats in the transitional legislature, but only 250 in the post-transition assembly. That means three hundred powerful people will lose parliamentary immunity to everything from corruption charges to The Hague.” It remains to be seen whether South Sudan will fragment violently or Kiir will become more powerful than ever. Either way, there is money to be made and lives to be lost.

Top Things to Do in Khartoum

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• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

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2. University of Khartoum

4. Nile Street

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10. Al Sabalouga (Sabaloka Gorge)

11. Ethnographic Museum

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17. Al Waha Mall

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• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
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• Adventurous
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• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Sudan National Museum

2. University of Khartoum

4. Nile Street

5. Khartoum War Cemetery

6. Tuti Island

7. Mojo Gallery

8. Al Kabir Mosque

10. Al Sabalouga (Sabaloka Gorge)

11. Ethnographic Museum

12. Presidential Palace

13. Sudan Art Diwan

14. Afra Mall

15. Jabal al-Awliyaʾ Dam

16. Al-Rikini Mosque

17. Al Waha Mall

18. International University of Africa

19. Pyramids Of Meroe

20. nubian pyramids.

21. Polo Frenzy

22. coptic orthodox church.

23. Dara Art Gallery

24. st. matthew's cathedral, 25. saints cathedral, 26. fenti golf.

27. Rainbow Kids Center

28. Real Sudan Tours

29. Al Salam Health Club

30. Marawi Bookshop

What travellers are saying.

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Sudan: How elite team of British troops evacuated UK diplomats from warzone capital

The team of British soldiers with the diplomats had to travel from their assembly point in Khartoum to the airfield - a journey of about 30km (18 miles), through multiple checkpoints.

Security and Defence Editor @haynesdeborah

Monday 24 April 2023 09:45, UK

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The covert mission to evacuate British diplomats and their families from Sudan's warzone capital began under the cover of darkness.

A team of elite British troops flew into Khartoum late on Saturday night on board an American military aircraft that was part of a separate but coordinated US evacuation mission .

Upon landing, the British soldiers left their American counterparts, acquired a number of local vehicles and drove across the city towards where the UK embassy is located.

Sudan latest: 'We need to get out' - British nationals make rescue plea

The British mission and its diplomats are in an area of Khartoum that sits between Sudan 's two warring factions, making their extraction particularly perilous.

During the day on Saturday, those who were due to be rescued had gathered themselves together.

It was thought to be around two dozen British diplomats plus family members as well as a handful of officials from other nations that Britain had offered to help.

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The troops met with the evacuation party of around 30 people, including children, and prepared for the extraction.

They had to assess the situation on the ground - the scene of deadly fighting for the past week and a half - and work out if it was safe enough to bring them out without more back-up.

In tandem with this first leg of the mission, two Royal Air Force transport planes - a C-130 Hercules and an A400M Airbus - had taken off from RAF Akrotiri, a sprawling British military base in Cyprus.

The aircraft, operating in coordination with the French and US armed forces and with permission from the Sudanese military, landed on a Sudanese airfield called Wadi Seidna which is about 30km north of Khartoum, at around 1am on Sunday morning, UK time.

This was about an hour and a half after the US aircraft - carrying the initial team of elite British soldiers - had landed in Khartoum.

The potentially most hazardous stage in the UK rescue mission came next.

The elite team of British soldiers with the diplomats had to travel from their assembly point in Khartoum to the airfield - a journey of about 30km (18 miles), through multiple checkpoints.

Read more: British woman trapped by deadly clashes tells of ordeal PM chairs COBRA meeting over 'extremely concerning' situation Here's what's happening on the ground

If heavy fighting was taking place, UK defence planners had been ready to send in more aircraft and troops, with the ability to "punch through" the checkpoints and reach the diplomats.

In that event, the soldiers with them would have been tasked with protecting the diplomats from the fighting until help came, rather than driving them out.

In the event, however, a window opened of relative calm to allow the soldiers on the ground to drive their passengers to the airfield.

A unit of troops from the two aircraft, which brought in military vehicles as well for the operation, also mobilised and moved towards the initial rescue team to assist.

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It was not immediately clear if the British troops encountered any gunfire or shelling.

Once at the airfield, the diplomats and families boarded the aircraft and the two British planes took off at around 9am, UK time, and headed back to Cyprus.

It is thought the aircraft had been on the ground for about seven to eight hours.

British nationals, or those with UK passports, can tell the government if they are trapped in Sudan by using this form .

Related Topics

Top Things to Do in Khartoum, Sudan - Khartoum Must-See Attractions

Things to do in khartoum.

• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
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• Budget-friendly
• Good for Big Groups
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Good for Kids
• Good for Couples
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Adventurous
• Hidden Gems
• Honeymoon spot
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Sudan National Museum

2. University of Khartoum

4. Nile Street

5. Khartoum War Cemetery

6. Tuti Island

7. Mojo Gallery

8. Al Kabir Mosque

10. Al Sabalouga (Sabaloka Gorge)

11. Ethnographic Museum

12. Presidential Palace

13. Sudan Art Diwan

14. Afra Mall

15. Jabal al-Awliyaʾ Dam

16. Al-Rikini Mosque

17. Al Waha Mall

18. International University of Africa

19. Pyramids Of Meroe

20. nubian pyramids.

21. Polo Frenzy

22. coptic orthodox church.

23. Dara Art Gallery

24. st. matthew's cathedral, 25. saints cathedral, 26. fenti golf.

27. Rainbow Kids Center

28. Real Sudan Tours

29. Al Salam Health Club

30. Marawi Bookshop

What travellers are saying.

• Sudan National Museum
• Nile Street
• University of Khartoum
• Tuti Island
• Jabal al-Awliyaʾ Dam
• Travel Sudan Tours

Top Things to Do in Khartoum, Sudan

Things to do in khartoum.

• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Budget-friendly
• Good for Big Groups
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Good for Kids
• Good for Couples
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Adventurous
• Hidden Gems
• Honeymoon spot
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Sudan National Museum

2. University of Khartoum

4. Nile Street

5. Khartoum War Cemetery

6. Tuti Island

7. Mojo Gallery

8. Al Kabir Mosque

10. Al Sabalouga (Sabaloka Gorge)

11. Ethnographic Museum

12. Presidential Palace

13. Sudan Art Diwan

14. Afra Mall

15. Jabal al-Awliyaʾ Dam

16. Al-Rikini Mosque

17. Al Waha Mall

18. International University of Africa

19. Pyramids Of Meroe

20. nubian pyramids.

21. Polo Frenzy

22. coptic orthodox church.

23. Dara Art Gallery

24. st. matthew's cathedral, 25. saints cathedral, 26. fenti golf.

27. Rainbow Kids Center

28. Real Sudan Tours

29. Al Salam Health Club

30. Marawi Bookshop

What travellers are saying.

• Sudan National Museum
• Nile Street
• University of Khartoum
• Tuti Island
• Jabal al-Awliyaʾ Dam
• Travel Sudan Tours

Top Things to Do in Khartoum

Things to do in khartoum.

• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Budget-friendly
• Good for Big Groups
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Good for Kids
• Good for Couples
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Adventurous
• Hidden Gems
• Honeymoon spot
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Sudan National Museum

2. University of Khartoum

4. Nile Street

5. Khartoum War Cemetery

6. Tuti Island

7. Mojo Gallery

8. Al Kabir Mosque

10. Al Sabalouga (Sabaloka Gorge)

11. Ethnographic Museum

12. Presidential Palace

13. Sudan Art Diwan

14. Afra Mall

15. Jabal al-Awliyaʾ Dam

16. Al-Rikini Mosque

17. Al Waha Mall

18. International University of Africa

19. Pyramids Of Meroe

20. nubian pyramids.

21. Polo Frenzy

22. coptic orthodox church.

23. Dara Art Gallery

24. st. matthew's cathedral, 25. saints cathedral, 26. fenti golf.

27. Rainbow Kids Center

28. Real Sudan Tours

29. Al Salam Health Club

30. Marawi Bookshop

What travellers are saying.

• Sudan National Museum
• Nile Street
• University of Khartoum
• Tuti Island
• Jabal al-Awliyaʾ Dam
• Travel Sudan Tours

Top Things to Do in Khartoum

Things to do in khartoum.

• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Budget-friendly
• Good for Big Groups
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Good for Kids
• Good for Couples
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Adventurous
• Hidden Gems
• Honeymoon spot
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Sudan National Museum

2. University of Khartoum

4. Nile Street

5. Khartoum War Cemetery

6. Tuti Island

7. Mojo Gallery

8. Al Kabir Mosque

10. Al Sabalouga (Sabaloka Gorge)

11. Ethnographic Museum

12. Presidential Palace

13. Sudan Art Diwan

14. Afra Mall

15. Jabal al-Awliyaʾ Dam

16. Al-Rikini Mosque

17. Al Waha Mall

18. International University of Africa

19. Pyramids Of Meroe

20. nubian pyramids.

21. Polo Frenzy

22. coptic orthodox church.

23. Dara Art Gallery

24. st. matthew's cathedral, 25. saints cathedral, 26. fenti golf.

27. Rainbow Kids Center

28. Real Sudan Tours

29. Al Salam Health Club

30. Marawi Bookshop

What travelers are saying.

• Sudan National Museum
• Nile Street
• University of Khartoum
• Tuti Island
• Jabal al-Awliyaʾ Dam
• Travel Sudan Tours