10 Day Sudan Small Group Tour

Situated at the confluence of the Blue and White Nile, Sudan is an off-the-beaten-track destination in the heart of East Africa. It is a nation of spectacular, unspoilt natural beauty, friendly people, a rich cultural heritage and numerous ancient archaeological sites. Sudan is home to more pyramids than Egypt- rising up from the Nubian Desert, the ancient city of Meroe, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, features over 200 pyramids dating back to 300 BC. Visitors can look forward to exploring Port Sudan, the centre of Sudan’s thriving world-class diving scene, and discover the 3500-year-old Western Deffufa Temple, said to be the oldest manmade structure in sub-Saharan Africa. Don’t miss the mesmerising whirling dervishes of the Sufi Qadiriyah order, who gather at the Hamed al-Nil Tomb in Omdurman to dance and pray on a weekly basis.

Currency 
Local currency: Sudanese Pound 
Symbol: SDG 
ISO code: SDG 
Subunit: Piastre (1/100 of a Pound) 
Banknotes: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 pounds 
Coins: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 piastres 

Banking 
Card Transactions: Limited acceptance 
ATMs: Available, but reliability can vary 
Mastercard: Limited acceptance 
Visa: More widely accepted 
American Express: Rarely accepted 
Diner’s club: Not accepted 
 
Banking Hours: Weekdays: 08:00 – 15:00 
Weekends: Closed 
Public Holidays: Closed 
Foreign exchange services: Available at major banks and authorized dealers.

Air: 
Main airlines: Sudan Airways, Badr Airlines 
International Airports: Khartoum International Airport 
Domestic Airports: Port Sudan, El Obeid 

Road: 
Driving on the: Right 
Tar roads: Mainly in urban areas 
Gravel roads: Common in rural areas 
Valid International Driver's License needed: Yes 
Car hire available: Yes, mainly in Khartoum 
Taxis: Available, with some services in major cities 
E-hailing services: Limited to major cities 

Bus: 
Inter-city bus services: Extensive network, varies in quality 
Local city bus networks: Available in larger cities 

Rail: 
Railway system: Operational, connecting major cities and towns 
Subway System: None 

Water: 
Ferries: Available for crossing the Nile and traveling to other riverine locations 
Water taxis: Not commonly used 
Leisure cruises: Not commonly available 

Food and water safety: 
Can you drink the tap water: No 
Fresh fruit and veg: Yes, but ensure they are cleaned properly 
Ice: No 
Meat: Yes, ensure it is well cooked 
Street food: Exercise caution and choose reputable vendors 

Local cuisine: 
Sudanese cuisine is characterized by its use of unique spices and herbs, staples such as millet and sorghum, and dishes like Ful medames (mashed fava beans), Kisra (a type of bread), and Shaiyah (grilled meat). 

Drinks: 
Popular drinks include hibiscus tea (karkade) and fruit juices. 

Tipping: Not traditionally expected but is becoming more common in urban areas, around 5-10% in restaurants. 

Annual rainfall: Ranges from very low in the north to up to 800 mm in the south 
Average temperature: Varies widely from north to south, 25°C to 40°C 

Summer: 
Average highs: Can exceed 45°C in the north 
Average lows: Around 30°C 

Winter: 
Average highs: Around 30°C 
Average lows: Down to 15°C in the north 

Best time to visit: 
The best time to visit Sudan is during the winter months from November to February, when temperatures are more moderate, especially in northern regions. 

Spring and Summer 
Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes 
Lightweight warm clothes: No 

Winter and Autumn 
Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Recommended for northern and desert areas 
Heavyweight clothing and boots: Not needed 

General 
Umbrella and raincoat: Yes, during the rainy season (July to September) 
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: Not typically needed 
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes, for hotel pools 
Hat, sunglasses, and sunblock: Essential 
Walking shoes: Yes, especially for rural and rugged areas 
Casual: Yes 
Smart-casual attire: Yes, especially in urban settings 

Internet cafes: Available in urban areas 
Accommodation options: Internet service varies by location, generally better in hotels 
Restaurants: Some may offer Wi-Fi in urban areas 
Cafes: Increasing availability of Wi-Fi in city cafes 
Shopping malls: Limited but growing in major cities 
Public parks: Rarely available 
Libraries: Limited