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Heroes and Heroines Karima
Little more than a dusty market town, remote Karima is notable for its proximity to an extraordinary array of ancient sites.
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Our Team Steppes Travel is made by the people who work here. Incredible holidays are made possible because of their vast travel experience and the great enthusiasm they bring to their work.
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Our Tour Experts We carefully select our experts based on their knowledge, companionship and influence, ensuring that you can travel with the most knowledgeable leaders in the field.
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Heroes and Heroines The people who lead the way when it comes to those things which matter to us: exploration, the environment, women’s empowerment and education.
Sudan
Lying just south of the Great Cataract on the Nile, Sudan has more ancient pyramids than the whole of Egypt.
A holiday in Sudan is so far off most people’s radar that expectations have probably not yet entered the equation. But here are a few thoughts. Lying just south of the Great Cataract on the Nile, Sudan has more ancient pyramids than the whole of Egypt. It was here that Gordon of Khartoum was killed and where Kitchener massacred the army of the Mahdi at Omdurman.
History aside, there are two things that are unexpected in Sudan. The first is the standard of the desert camps outside the cities which have been run by an Italian company for many years and are excellent. The second is the friendliness and hospitality of the people – a feature that makes any visit so rewarding.
Why we like Sudan
The history, the noble bearing of the people, the space to yourself and scenes such as this: the buzz and hum of greetings filled the air, smiles of recognition and welcome and the slapping of shoulders as is the Sudanese way. Some sat on stools for coffee and a chat. The woman of the shack wafted charcoal to speed up the boiling of her battered kettle – the only hint of pace in this unhurried start to the day.
Some ideas for a Sudan holiday
- The temples and pyramids at Meroe, the ancient capital of the Kingdom of Kush, where over forty kings and queens were buried.
- Visit the souq and camel market at Omdurman as well as the site of the battle.
- Hopefully an opportunity would arise allowing time to interact with the Bisharin nomads.
- Rising out of the flat Nubian plain, Jebel Barkal can be seen for miles and has remained a place of worship for centuries
- Cross the Bayuda Desert to see the Christian frescoes of Dongola.
Suggested Itinerary
The Temples and Pyramids of Nubian Sudan
Uncover Nubian pyramids, Kushite temples and crumbling cemeteries – all engulfed by the golden sands of the eastern Sahara. Encounter the traditional Nubian culture of this remote region and explore Sudan’s ancient desert ruins, harking back to Nubia’s long-forgotten heyday.
Explore Sudan
- Karima
- Khartoum
- Meroe
Experiences
Tell us what you love doing and we’ll curate a journey that’s perfect for you.
Meet our experts
A passion for travel runs right through every one of our experts - meaning they're always ready with first-hand insight about their specialist countries.
Illona Cross
Born in a small South African town, I have always followed my passion for nature and discovery. After studying Nature Conservation in Pretoria, I was one of the first women to complete a very tough cadetship in the Natal Parks Board. It was here where I cut my teeth in African wildlife management. My desire to see more led me to work as a guide for AndBeyond, first in South Africa, then in Tanzania as the company expanded. Here, I lived and worked in the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro, guiding and running safari camps.
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Bridget Cohen
Aged five and with my Curious George toy safely tucked under my arm, I set off with my family to travel around Europe in an orange VW minibus. Looking back on the adventures we had along the way, I now know that this was where my love for travel and exploring began.
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Can I drink alcohol in Sudan?
No. Unfortunately, you will have to appreciate the spectacular sunset views without a sundowner in hand. Alcohol is prohibited in Sudan and anyone found in possession of it risks criminal prosecution.
Is Sudan safe to travel around?
Large swathes of Sudan, including Darfur and the areas bordering South Sudan, are off-limits to tourists. However, outside these danger areas, the risk level is relatively low. Sudanese people are incredibly welcoming and greet foreign visitors with genuine warmth. There is little petty crime and tourists are rarely hassled, although pickpocketing can be a problem in busier areas.
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01285 601 784Why Choose Steppes?
These may be uncertain times but they are, without a doubt, still full of opportunity to discover the extraordinary safely. Through knowledge and expertise, we can connect you to those destinations embracing travellers with the added confidence of flexible booking and decades of insight.
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