Sudan Tours & Holidays
Small Group Tours & Tailor-Made Holidays
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Overview
Experience the rich history and culture that this diverse country has to offer on one of our Sudan tours or tailor-made holidays.
Boasting nearly 600 different ethnic groups, divided between the Muslim north and the Christian south. Speaking over 400 different languages and dialects, this cultural and religious divide has had a profound effect on the history of the country. It is these people though, and their remarkable diversity of traditions and histories, that are a key highlight ...
Experience the rich history and culture that this diverse country has to offer on one of our Sudan tours or tailor-made holidays.
Boasting nearly 600 different ethnic groups, divided between the Muslim north and the Christian south. Speaking over 400 different languages and dialects, this cultural and religious divide has had a profound effect on the history of the country. It is these people though, and their remarkable diversity of traditions and histories, that are a key highlight to any visit to this incredible country.
Once the largest country in Africa, before South Sudan gained independence in 2011, Sudan has long enjoyed a connection with Egypt and the Nile that stretches back to antiquity. Its capital, Khartoum, lies at the convergence of the White and Blue Niles, where they meet to form the great river itself. From here these mighty waters then begin the long journey north, through the desert landscapes of ancient Nubia and into the fertile ribbon of the Nile Valley to the Mediterranean.
The country's recent history has been blighted by civil, political and religious unrest, but this vast land was the power-base of the powerful Kushite and Meroitic kingdoms for centuries. As with its neighbour to the north, Sudan’s landscape is littered with ancient pyramids, from those of Jebel Barkal, dating back to the 1st century BC, to the ancient city of Meroe, once the capital of the Kingdom of Kush.
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Group tours
Travel to Sudan with like-minded people on one of our small group tours (usually max size 12), featuring knowledgeable local guides and an expert tour leader.
HIGHLIGHTS OF SUDAN
BEST EXPERIENCES
Explore the pyramids of Meroe
Explore the pyramids of Meroe, consisting of more than 200 pyramids in three different locations.
Explore Khartoum
Witness Nubian wrestling, whirling dervishes and busy markets in the Sudanese capital.
Follow the Nile
Follow a much less-frequently visited section of the Nile than in Egypt, meeting friendly Nubian villagers along the way.
Discover more
WHEN TO GO
Being the largest country in Africa, Sudan has a wide variety of climactic patterns but in the north, where this trip spends its entire time, hot days (around 30-35 degrees) & cool nights (around 15 degrees) can be expected as is typical of desert regions. Rain is unlikely but not unheard of.
USEFUL INFORMATION
Health and Vaccinations
There are no mandatory immunisations for travellers to Sudan though you should be up-to-date with Typhoid, Tetanus, Polio and Hepatitis A. Malaria is present throughout Sudan so we recommend you seek advice from your local GP or travel centre as to the correct immunisations and preventative treatments.
Currency
In Sudan the official unit of currency is the Sudanese Pound.
To check out the latest exchange rate for the places that you are visiting you can go to www.oanda.com.
Cultural Sensitivity
On our tours you will frequently interact with local people, each with their own distinct customs and traditions. We therefore ask you to be considerate and to treat them with respect. Your tour-leaders and guides will always be able to advise you accordingly.
It should be noted that Sudan is a conservative country and both men and women should dress accordingly. In general, loose fitting cotton clothing is best. Neither men nor women should wear shorts; long trousers or long skirts are recommended. Women in particular should be prepared to cover their shoulders when in habited areas. Please note there is no need for women to wear a headscarf, though it’s a good idea to when in the more traditional areas and when visiting religious sites.
Language & Religion
In Sudan almost, the entire population of the country follows Islam (around 97%). The other 3% is made up of various animist beliefs and Christianity. Sudan has around 70 different languages, of which Arabic is the most widely spoken alongside various tribal languages. Sudan’s official languages are Arabic and English, with English being spoken by the educated and elite.
Time
Sudan is 3 hours ahead of GMT.
A useful website to check the time zone differences is www.worldtimezone.com.
Food and drink
In Sudan, as much of the time will be spent camping, you can expect picnic lunches and dinners which will be a mixture of international and local food. The most common local dishes are ful and fasolija (both bean-based soups), lamb, falafel (taamiya), meat or vegetable stews.
Please remember that alcohol is strictly forbidden in Sudan and you should not attempt to bring any into the country.
Travelling Solo In Sudan
All of our small group tours are designed to cater for solo travellers: the number of solo travellers will vary from tour to tour, but usually over half will be travelling alone. Get all of the excitement of discovering new places combined with the security of travelling with an organised group, with like minded people.