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Typically, Sudan isn’t a hot spot for most vacationers, especially if they’re looking for beach bunnies and Western-style fun. Sudan does have aspects that intrigue tourists enough to lure them to this North African country, however. The country possesses a culture that can’t be experienced elsewhere. 

When Sudan is in the headlines, the news generally concerns the civil conflict that has been taking place for practically half a century. Outside those war zones, tourists experience a different side of Sudan that is very rarely featured in the media. 

The hospitality shown by the Sudanese is inherent in their culture: they are generally very kind, friendly, and welcoming. Northern Sudan tends to attract the majority of visitors because it has the largest territory, including the capital, Khartoum, as well as other urban centers. Since peace treaties that ended the civil war have come into effect, southern Sudan has also started to attract adventurous tourists. 

The Top 6: What to Do in Sudan

1. Red Sea: The Red Sea’s shoreline is a major attraction in Sudan. It is particularly appealing to those interested in diving. The marvelous sea and its surrounding area have been one of Sudan’s top tourist attractions.

2. Ethnographic Museum: This museum in Khartoum gives visitors a chance to go back in time and get a glimpse of Sudanese village life. Its displays show how Sudanese culture has developed, through songs, traditions, religion, and other aspects of day-to-day life.

3. National Museum: This museum is also located in Khartoum and offers a comprehensive overview of Sudanese history. Two reconstructed temples, saved from older sites that had been flooded, are highlights.

4. Camel Market: Visit the camel market in the old capital of Omdurman. Animals from both eastern Sudan and western Sudan are to be seen here.

5. Tomb of Mahdi: After this tomb and mosque was destroyed, in 1898, a son of the Mahdi (the empire that ruled Sudan before English colonization) rebuilt both the tomb and the mosque in 1947.

6. Sudan’s Souks: Visit the various souks in Omdurman. You’ll find original handcrafted Sudanese pieces at great prices. It is also a fine place for people watching and interacting with locals.

When to Go

Eid Al-Fitr occurs right after Ramadan; that is probably the best time to go to Sudan to enjoy music and cultural events.

The weather in Sudan is typically very hot. The rainy season lasts from May until October. Sandstorms can occur during the dry period, from April until September, so plan accordingly.