Royal Tombs
Visit the Kushite Royal Cemetery at El Kurru, home to muraled Egyptian tombs.
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.
Visit the Kushite Royal Cemetery at El Kurru, home to muraled Egyptian tombs.
Encounter the Bisharin nomads in the harsh Bayuda Desert.
Visit the pyramids of Meroe, home to tombs containing the remains of kings and queens
Explore the ancient cities Naqa and Mussarawat – impressive remains of a once-great civilisation.
This journey explores a part of Africa that is rich in ancient treasures, uncovering magnificent sites that lie untouched in an oft-overlooked area of the world. Nestled amidst the sands of the eastern Sahara Desert, the ancient region of Nubia lies forgotten.
Day 1
Khartoum
Day 2
Khartoum - Karima
Day 3-5
Karima
Day 6
Karima - Meroe
Day 7
Meroe
Day 8
Meroe - Khartoum
Day 9
Khartoum
Day 1
Khartoum
Day 2
Khartoum - Karima
Day 3-5
Karima
Visit the Kushite Royal Cemetery at El Kurru, home to muraled Egyptian tombs.
Day 6
Karima - Meroe
Encounter the Bisharin nomads in the harsh Bayuda Desert.
Day 7
Meroe
Visit the pyramids of Meroe, home to tombs containing the remains of kings and queens
Day 8
Meroe - Khartoum
Explore the ancient cities Naqa and Mussarawat – impressive remains of a once-great civilisation.
Day 9
Khartoum
Once home to the mighty Kingdom of Kush, this barren area flourished for over 1,000 years, reliant on the invaluable waters of the colossal Nile. As the Kushite dynasty crumbled, its treasures became lost amongst the vast expanses of the Nubian Desert. They now lie beside earlier Egyptian relics – similarly engulfed by the desert’s sand and solitude, abandoned to the elements.
Begin this Nubian odyssey in Khartoum, but quickly leave behind Arab-dominated culture and raucous city life for the sandy Sudanese interior. Cross the endless desert towards the iconic Nubian pyramids of the ancient Kushite royal city of Meroe.
Camp in comfort amongst the sand dunes of the Nubian Desert, with the jagged-tooth pyramids of Meroe silhouetted against the dusty horizon. From here, explore the isolated desert temples of Naqa and Musawwarat, once great Kushite cities and now impressive tributes to a forgotten civilisation.
Escape this harsh landscape for the Nubian town of Karima – a precious oasis for weary travellers. Stay in the relaxing Nubian Rest House, characterised by its traditional dome roofs. Set out into the desert to visit the myriad of impressive sites that litter the sands.
Discover the crumbling temples of Napata, lying at the foot of the Jebel Barkal, as well as the royal Kushite cemetery of El Kurru. Finish with a visit to the markets of Karima, a cruise on the waters of the Nile and a final trip to the black pyramids of Nuri.
Experience a ‘Whirling Dervishes’ ceremony (Fridays only) as the sun goes down. Not originally intended as entertainment, this spiralling religious dance is practised in order for the participants to attempt to reach a state of religious ecstasy.
Cross the Nile to visit the Mahdi’s tomb – the resistance leader whose uprising caused so much embarrassment for the British. And continue on to the Omdurman Souk, where trading has remained largely unchanged for centuries.
On your final evening, attend a demonstration of Nuba wrestling. Originating in the Nuba Mountains of South Kordofan, this traditional sport revolves around attempting to slam an opponent to the ground.
This trip also operates on a group basis, departing at several times during the year, usually between the months of October and April. Please enquire for information on exact departure dates.
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