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.
Banking and Currency
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.
Travel, Transport and Getting Around
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, Drink and Cuisine Advice
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.
Climate and Weather
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.
Clothing and Dress Recommendations
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 Availability
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
Electricity and Plug Standards
Plug Type: C, D
Voltage (V): 230 V
Frequency (Hz): 50 Hz
* A travel plug adapter and voltage converter might be necessary depending on your appliances.