Pyramids at dawn, Meroe, Sudan

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.

Meroe Pyramids, Sudan
Meroe, Sudan
A sunset view of Nile River in Khartoum, Sudan
Khartoum, Sudan

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.

Bayuda Woman, Sudan
Sudan
View from Tent Terrace, Meroe Permanent Tented Camp, Meroe, Sudan
Meroe Permanent Tented Camp, Meroe, Sudan
Amon Temple from Jebel Barkal, Karima, Sudan
Karima, Sudan

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.
Pyramids in the desert, sudan
Meroe, Sudan

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.

9 days

from £3,450 pp

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Explore Sudan

  • Karima
  • Khartoum
  • Meroe

Experiences

Tell us what you love doing and we’ll curate a journey that’s perfect for you.

Omdurman Market, Sudan
Sudan

Omdurman Souq

Visit the souq and camel market at Omdurman, as well as the site of the historic battle between the British and Sudanese.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Meroe Pyramids, Sudan
Sudan

Pyramids

Visit the temples and pyramids at Meroe, the ancient capital of the Kingdom of Kush, where over forty kings and queens were buried.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Bayuda Woman, Sudan
Sudan

Meet the Bisharin People

Have the opportunity to interact with the Bisharin nomads.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Sudan landscape, Sudan
Sudan

Jebel Barkal

Rising out of the flat Nubian plain, Jebel Barkal can be seen for miles and has remained a place of worship for centuries.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Where to stay

Some of the wonderful places to stay that we frequently recommended.

Meroe Permanent Tented Camp £££££

  • Sudan
  • Tented Camps

Sitting three kilometres away from the Royal Necropolis, the Meroe Camp is located in the small village of Bagarwiya and offers beautiful sunset views of the nearby pyramids.

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Nubian Rest House £££££

  • Sudan
  • Boutique

Incorporating local architecture and influenced by Nubian styles, this charming small hotel is surrounded by carefully cultivated gardens. Its weather-worn and ornate Nubian door presents an intriguing welcome for arriving guests.

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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.

Talk with our experts
  • 01285 880 980

Frequently asked questions about Sudan

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