There are many different images of Sudan. Often the country is thought to be dangerous, and everyone is starving. This is part of the truth, of course, but the country is also much more.
Africa’s least visited country
Sudan in North Africa is not easily perceived as a tourist destination according to countryaah. Sudan may be the first to come to mind the various conflicts that have existed in the country throughout its independent history since 1956. There have been armed conflicts, and there has also been drought and famine. The country cannot be recommended to a basic tourist, as the situation in the whole country is still not completely calm or safe.
Until 2011, Sudan was the largest country in Africa, but since South Sudan’s independence, borders have had to be redrawn. The country shares a border with Egypt and Libya in the north, Chad and the Central African Republic in the west, and South Sudan, Ethiopia, and Eritrea in the south. Despite the new zoning, the land is still a mixture of desert and savannah, mountainous regions and the coast.
Hot and dry all year round
Sudan’s climate is hot and dry all year round. In summer, the mercury rises to +42 degrees and even in winter, temperatures of +32 degrees are measured. The daily temperature fluctuations are staggering, as the temperature drops by as much as 20 degrees in the evenings and at night.
It rarely rains in Sudan. The rainy season is June-July, but there is very little rainfall. The relative humidity averages 27 percent, making the air extremely dry.
When traveling in Sudan, it is also good to be prepared for desert storms, habobas. They are typical weather phenomena that usually last about three hours and carry sand statues up to nearly 900 meters high.
Ancient culture and friendly people
Sudanese tourism is quite undeveloped. It can only be recommended as a holiday destination for real adventurers who feel they have seen everything else. However, the country impresses those who traveled there with its ancient culture as well as the kindness of the people.
There are numerous temples, monuments, tombs and pyramids in the desert regions of Sudan. Destinations don’t have to suffer from the crowds like Egypt’s attractions because the number of tourists is so small. However, the lack of tourists also has its downsides: many culturally valuable sites have been left to decay at the mercy of desert winds and the sun.
Sudan also surprises as a dive site. The country is bordered on the east by the Red Sea, which is known to be one of the most spectacular dive sites in the world. The Sudanese coast is largely an unexplored area, so there is plenty to see there, especially for the experienced diver.
The capital Khartoum has a few museums that tell the history of the country to visit.
Sudanese have been called the friendliest people in the world. They are interested in tourists and are very hospitable. They are happy to invite travelers to enjoy lunch at local street restaurants as well as their homes.
Good to know about Sudan
Short for SU by abbreviationfinder, Sudan is a strictly Islamic country mixed with Arab influences. This is very strongly reflected in the street scene. Women are subordinate to men, even though Sharia law is not literally followed. A woman traveling to the country should dress conservatively and with respect for culture. Men are also expected to wear long pants and closed shoes instead of shorts and sandals.
Homosexuality and extramarital affairs are not allowed in the country. The sale and consumption of alcohol is also not permitted. Military sites, public buildings and, for example, gas stations, airports and bridges may not be photographed. You should always ask permission to photograph people first.
Sudanese are generally very friendly and hospitable. Crime is low, but normal caution is still warranted. It is not recommended for women to move alone, especially in the dark. It is safer and more comfortable for women to move in a larger group or with a man during the day as well.
When traveling to Sudan, a Finn needs a visa, which must be obtained before the trip. The nearest embassy is in Oslo, Norway. Check-in within 3 days of arriving in Sudan is the easiest way to do this through the hotel. The registration will be checked upon leaving the country.
Due to sanctions against Sudan, the country does not accept international credit cards. All payments must be made in cash. The easiest way is to exchange US dollars, which are also paid for in hotels, for example. Money can be exchanged at banks and hotels. There are also plenty of illegal money changers on the streets offering a rate higher than the official exchange rate. The use of illegal money changers is not recommended.
The level of public health care is weak. There are high-quality private hospitals in the country with high fees. It is therefore important to take care of your travel insurance before leaving. Making a travel report is also highly recommended.
