Pyramids in the desert, sudan

The Temples and Pyramids of Nubian Sudan

  • TAILOR-MADE HOLIDAY IDEA

Duration

9 Days

Prices Start from

$4,451pp(ex. flights)

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.

Key Highlights of this Itinerary

El Kurru murals, Meroe, Sudan 1

Royal Tombs

Visit the Kushite Royal Cemetery at El Kurru, home to muraled Egyptian tombs.

Bayuda Woman, Sudan 2

Desert People

Encounter the Bisharin nomads in the harsh Bayuda Desert.

Pyramids of Meroe, Sudan 3

Black Pyramids

Visit the pyramids of Meroe, home to tombs containing the remains of kings and queens

Temple at Musawarrat, Sudan 4

Ruined Temples

Explore the ancient cities Naqa and Mussarawat – impressive remains of a once-great civilisation.

Why we like it

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.

Explore our suggested itinerary

  • 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

El Kurru murals, Meroe, Sudan

Royal Tombs

Visit the Kushite Royal Cemetery at El Kurru, home to muraled Egyptian tombs.

Day 6

Karima - Meroe

Bayuda Woman, Sudan

Desert People

Encounter the Bisharin nomads in the harsh Bayuda Desert.

Day 7

Meroe

Pyramids of Meroe, Sudan

Black Pyramids

Visit the pyramids of Meroe, home to tombs containing the remains of kings and queens

Day 8

Meroe - Khartoum

Temple at Musawarrat, Sudan

Ruined Temples

Explore the ancient cities Naqa and Mussarawat – impressive remains of a once-great civilisation.

Day 9

Khartoum

Our travel experts can tailor this itinerary to suit you.

More Details

Meroe, Sudan
Meroe, Sudan

Desert Treasures

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.

Camels, Meroe, Sudan
Meroe, Sudan

Nubian Pyramids

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.

Amon Temple from Jebel Barkal, Karima, Sudan
Karima, Sudan

Ancient Oasis

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.

Omdurman Market, Sudan
Khartoum, Sudan

Khartoum

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.

View from Tent Terrace, Meroe Permanent Tented Camp, Meroe, Sudan
Meroe Permanent Tented Camp, Meroe, Sudan

Fixed Departure Dates

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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A note on price

Prices will vary depending on the time of year you are travelling. Prices do not include international flights. Please ask one of our Travel Experts for an accurate quote. Flights purchase through Steppes Travel departing from the UK are ATOL protected.

This Itinerary
Price
From $4,451 Per person

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