Sudan

If you’d like to experience the impressive Sahara desert, warmly hospitable Islamic culture, and ancient Nubian archaeology without the tourist crowds of Egypt, Sudan is the perfect destination. Its vast borders, between which northern and sub-Saharan Africa meet and blend, contain a wealth of varied cultures, lifestyles, and ethnicities that will keep visitors guessing and learning.

Most visits to Sudan center around the capital city of Khartoum, Sudan’s economic and cultural center. Though the country’s culture is still highly conservative, ripples of progressiveness are slowly spreading outward from Khartoum, bringing more rights to Sudanese women in particular. This vibrant city is a great place to view the convergence of the Nile rivers, visit the national museum, or simply make new friends over a cup of tea.

Along the Nile to the north of Khartoum lie several impressive ancient archaeological sites, including the pyramids of Karima, Nuri, and Meroë, as well as the well-preserved temples at Naqa and Musawwarat. Archaeology enthusiasts can find even more hidden gems throughout the region, often tucked away near relaxed Nile villages. Experienced divers won’t want to miss a trip to Port Sudan on the Red Sea coast.

If you travel independently, which can be a fun adventure, Sudan is a very affordable country to visit. You’ll find decent pavement on the main roads and sandy tracks everywhere else, with adequate bus routes in some areas and easy hitchhiking in others. Expect lots of bread and ful (a staple food made from beans), tea, and a generally warm welcome from locals in this complex country that is still lightly touched by tourism.

Excerpt by Exploring Wild

LANGUAGE: Arabic, English

CURRENCY: Sudanese pound (SDG)