Sudan Desert Tours | Nubian Desert - Trip Notes
Trip Overview
There is a place where the desert stretches out beyond the horizon, where the Blue and White Nile join before meandering over cataracts, where there are more pyramids than in Egypt and where hospitality is simply a way of life. That place is Sudan. We head out in SUV vehicles, camping wild under the stars. We explore the changing faces of the Sudanese desert, visit Nubian villages and discover temples left behind by the Black Pharaohs.
At a Glance
11 Days tour + extra day
Travel by SUV vehicles
Nights & Hotels Wild Camping Wild Camp
Trip Highlights
- Travel off the beaten path in the Western and Nubian Deserts
- Wild camping under the Sahara night sky
- More Pyramids than Egypt
- The remnants of the ancient Black Pharaohs civilisation
- Warm hospitality of Nubians and other Sudanese
Is This Trip for You?
This is an expeditionary style trip spending a lot of time travelling off road in the wilderness and camping wild. There are times when the SUVs can get bogged down in sand and need to be pulled out (we travel in convoy and carry all necessary equipment) and toilets and showers are not readily available (other than on nights 1, 9 and 10) (though there is a water basin available to wash). Drives can be slow and bumpy but the experience of exploring the desert is exhilarating. You will need an open mind and some flexibility as a journey through desert cannot be planned exactly and some small changes to the itinerary may be required whilst on tour. Please see accommodation and transport sections for more information about both the camping and the SUVs. Sudan is a place where violent crimes are rare and contrary to popular conception, the Sudanese are among the most hospitable and friendliest people in Africa who welcome and enjoy visitors. Their country is one of the world's poorest and our trips generate much-needed income to the region. Hygiene standards are generally basic and insect nuisances, snakes, spiders and scorpions are a limited danger. Also whilst the desert climate is generally dry and our trips operate in the ‘cooler’ months, temperatures can reach the high 30’s or even 40’C. The areas of Sudan visited on this trip are very safe and have been for a number of years. There are still troubles in other parts of the country such as Darfur (which is over 800kms from Khartoum), as well as in neighbouring South Sudan (which is a different country) but we do not travel anywhere near any of these problem areas. More information can be found on https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/sudan.
Group
The group is lead by an experienced leader who may be Sudanese or have long time connections with Sudan.
Itinerary
Land Only Itinerary
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Day 1
Day of arrival
The day of arrival from the airport to the hotel
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Day 2
City tour
Moving from the hotel in the morning to take a city tour to see the sights and monuments in Khartoum and visit the National Museum and the meeting place of the blue and white niles, then visit the Dome of the Mahdi, the house of Caliph Abdullah Al-Taishi, the Ethnographic Museum, the old Omdurman market and the camel market and then return to the hotel
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Day 3
Karma
Early in the morning, go to Karma on the North Road, about 600 km from Khartoum, arrive in the afternoon, visit the Karma Museum, then Dufofa, and then stay in a camp in the Nubian desert
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Day 4
Soleb
Early in the morning, head from the camp site to visit Tompes, where there is a statue of Thutmose III, and then engravings and drawings on stones next to the Nile and hieroglyphic writing, then go to the desert road to visit Wadi Sebu and see the engravings and drawings on mountain stones in the valley, and then move to visit the third waterfall where the beautiful scenery Picturesque and visit the old building of the Ottoman Castle next to the waterfall and then cross the river to the West Bank by ferry and head overnight in the village of Soleb in Beit Nubi
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Day 5
Sai island
Early in the morning, head to the north to visit Sai Island, cross to the island with a small boat, then return and head south to visit the Sadanga Temple, and then visit Mount Dusha, then the beautiful Soleb temple until sunset and overnight at the Nubian House in the village of Soleb.
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Day 6
Dongola
In the morning, move from Soleb by asphalt and head south to the city of Dongola about 160 km and visit the city and the market, and then move after that through the Salim Nubian Desert and before reaching the old Dongola staying in a camp amid the beautiful golden sands
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Day 7
Karima
In the morning, move to visit the old Dongola, where there is the first mosque in Sudan after entering Islam, the beautiful Islamic domes, the rubble and columns of the churches that were located at the place of Christianity, and then move to the city of Karima about 170 km from the old Dongola and go to visit the Koro and then the stone forest Then, after that, head to Karima and overnight in a hotel
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Day 8
Jebel barkal
In the morning, move from the hotel to visit Deir El Ghazali, about 40 km from Karima, then a decent market, and then visit the Temple of Amut in Mount Barkal and visit the pyramids of Mount Barkal, and then climb the top of the mountain and stay on top of the mountain until sunset, and then go and overnight at the hotel
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Day 9
Jebel Dalam
Early in the morning move from the hotel, visit Nuri farms, then Nuri Pyramids, and head through the desert road through the Bouda desert to visit a salt place in the Bioda desert, and then visit Jebel Dalam and overnight in a camp
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Day 10
Meroe Pyramids
Early in the morning, move from the camp site through the Bioda Desert, head to Meroi, about 300 km from the camp site, arrive in the afternoon, visit the royal city, and then visit the Meroitic pyramids until sunset and overnight in a camp near the pyramids.
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Day 11
Khartuom
After watching the sunrise, move to Mussurat saffra through the city of Shendi about 180 km from Meroe and visiting the ruins of the ancient city and then the Lion Temple and then go to visit the Naga about 30 km south of the place and visit the Temple of Amun surrounded by statues of sheep and visit the Roman kiosk and the temple of Abadmak and then after that Heading to Khartoum about 150 km from the Naga and arriving at the hotel before sunset and preparing to leave Tour includes :- Travel permit + accommodation + tents + mattress + pillow + blanket + 4x4 Toyota + Cook + all meals + cold water for all days of the tour +Tickets to visit places. Note :- ( Your Option ) With Guide And without Guide
Accommodation
Old temple, pyramids, beautiful desert landscapes and warm welcoming people
Sudan is characterized by its vast and extended area and the land varies from place to place where you feel like you visit several countries and not one country because there are a large number of different tribes and ethnicities in the north and east and west where you can see in the north colored Nubian houses and land and high sandy hills in the desert Nubia and the desert of Bioda and in the east visit the dive resorts and the ancient port of Swakin and high mountain highlands and in the green West everywhere and will cross the Nile several times during visits to the tourist sites by ferry and bridges along the Nile.
Food & Transport
Eating & Drinking
All meals: - Breakfast, lunch. the Dinner
Meals include local and international dishes. The most common local dishes are a kind of lentil soup, mutton and roast. Meals are grilled and cooked meals including meat, fish, vegetables, pasta, rice, soups, fruit, tea or coffee. Lunches are picnic and usually include things like tomatoes, rice or salad pasta, cheese, tuna and fresh fruit. Drinks are usually water, tea, coffee, hot hibiscus and also used hibiscus juice as light appetizers before dinner. It is possible to buy soft drinks along the way and even non-alcoholic beer sometimes from markets and shops in major cities.
Transportation
We travel by SUV vehicles using either Toyota Land Cruisers or Toyota Hilux cars. These are fully equipped for a desert expedition including GPS navigation and satellite phones. Each car can take three or four passengers plus a driver and we will travel in convoy. As some cars take 3 passengers and a driver and others take 4 passengers and a driver, you will be asked to rotate between different cars.
Weather & Seasonality
When to go
Northern Sudan enjoys a desert climate with temperatures changing vastly between day and night. Autumn (October/November) and spring (March/April) enjoy temperatures between 30’C and 38’C during the day and between 12’C and 18’C at night. Winter (December – February) is cooler with temperatures between 25’C and 30’C in the daytime and between 5’C and 10’C at night. There is normally no rain or cloud-cover during this period.
Weather Information
Northern Sudan enjoys a desert climate with temperatures changing vastly between day and night. Autumn (October/November) and spring (March/April) enjoy temperatures between 30’C and 38’C during the day and between 12’C and 18’C at night. Winter (December – February) is cooler with temperatures between 25’C and 30’C in the daytime and between 5’C and 10’C at night. There is normally no rain or cloud-cover during this period.
Joining Instructions
Travelling flight inclusive: 11 Days
The group flight from where they are to Sudan is a daytime flight departing on Day 1 of the itinerary.
Travelling land only: 11 days starting and ending in Khartoum
Your trip normally starts at our accommodation in Khartoum in the evening of Day 1 of the itinerary. Details of how to reach the start point are provided in the Final Joining Instructions ‐ sent approximately two weeks before departure.
In the unlikely event of any of your luggage being misplaced or damaged, a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) must be filed with the appropriate airline if you subsequently wish to make a claim against the airline or on your travel insurance. This must be done at the airport where your baggage arrived, or should have arrived.
Regional Flights
The Flight Inclusive price is based on a London departure, but we are happy to tailor this to your local or regional airport. Please ask about flights from local or regional airports.
If booking regional flights other than with Sudan Desert Tours, you must allow a minimum connecting time (in addition to the international check-in time) of 1 hour at Gatwick, and 1.5 hours at Heathrow; this is longer than the official minimum, but baggage handling is known to be subject to delays.
Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.
Transfers Details
Airport transfers are included for those on the group flights. Please note that transfers are not included for clients arriving on any other flight, even if Sudan Desert Tours has booked it.
If you require airport transfers, you may (by prior arrangement only) be able to join the group transfer. Transfers are arranged to coincide with the arrival time of the group flight - please check the group flight details 2 weeks before departure. If you do not take this transfer, or miss it, you must make your own way to the joining point at your own expense.
What to Take
Essential Equipment
Sudan is a conservative country. Women should wear long skirts/trousers and have their shoulders covered. If/when entering mosques women will also be expected to cover their head. Men can wear knee-length shorts but may prefer to wear long trousers. Nights can get chilly and a fleece is recommended.
Luggage should be a soft bag, such as a backpack or hold-all and not a hard suitcase. We recommend you keep the weight down (below 15kgs). You will also need to bring a sleeping bag (a 2 or 3 season bag should be sufficient depending on how cold you sleep), pillow (an inflatable pillow being more practical for space reason) and towel.
You should also bring sun protection (hat, cream, glasses) insect repellent, a water bottle and a torch/flashlight (a head torch is recommended). Whilst there won’t be access to showers for up to 8 days, there will be washbasins available.
It is possible to get laundry done at the Nubian Rest House (though not socks or underwear).
Do not bring binoculars into Sudan as they may be confiscated at the airport (if this happens they will be kept at the airport until you depart the country).
PLEASE NOTE: You will need to bring 2 passport photos for the travel permit that will be obtained for you on arrival.
Plastic bottles are a big issue in many countries where recycling isn't yet widely available; they often end up in landfill sites or get burnt, both processes are harmful to the environment and we would like to reduce our impact here. For your trip we have decided to include drinking water in order to reduce the amount of plastic used. This means that safe filtered drinking water will be available throughout which means all you need to do is bring a bottle to re‐fill along the way. Please add this to your packing list!
At time of writing the standard weight limit for hold baggage on the recommended international carrier for this trip is 20kg. We recommend packing only one piece of checked baggage.
As advice about luggage allowances for both hand and hold luggage is subject to change, we suggest
you check the airline's website for the latest information prior to your departure.
Please remember that you are expected to carry your own luggage at times, so don't overload yourself.
Water Included
Plastic bottles are a big issue in many countries where recycling isn’t yet widely available; they often end up in landfill sites or get burnt, both processes are harmful to the environment and we would like to reduce our impact here. For your trip we have decided to include drinking water in order to reduce the amount of plastic used. This means that safe filtered drinking water will be available throughout which means all you need to do is bring a bottle to re-fill along the way. Please add this to your packing list!
Optional Equipment
You may wish to bring a car cigarette lighter/inverter adaptor to charge your electrical equipment or bring spare batteries for your camera.
Practical Information
Visa
Sudan
All nationalities require a visa for Sudan. Passports must be valid for at least 6 months and preferably one year and have two free consecutive pages and no Israeli stamp (visa will be automatically refused if there is evidence of travel to Israel in the passport). Visas can be obtained through the local Sudanese embassy. This requires an invitation letter (we will need your passport details). You need two passport photos and two free passport pages.
If you wish to arrange a visa through the Embassy, you will need a letter of invitation from the Sudanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs that we can send to you at the Embassy of Sudan in your country, where you will pay for the visa there (check with the Embassy for this cost), we will ask for a scanned copy Of your passport. If you wish to arrange a visa upon arrival, we will request a scanned copy of your passport US $ 150 The visa you will pay to the immigration officer upon arrival at Khartoum Airport.
Visa regulations can change and it is worth double checking this
information with your local Sudanese embassy. Do not try to bring
any alcohol in Sudan as they can have severe penalties.
For visa assistance, please send an invitation to +249912279987 .
Visa regulations can change without notice: please check the current regulations in good time to obtain a visa if one is required.
Vaccination
Sudan
There are no specific health risks. The risk of malaria is slight but you may wish to consult your GP or travel health clinic for further advice. Malaria is present in all areas of the Sudan, though the chances of becoming infected in the desert are small.
Zika fever is a mosquito‐borne viral disease and a known risk in places visited on this trip. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available, we therefore strongly recommend you take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites.
Travel health can often be something people forget about before going away, but a little preparation and knowledge can go a long way to help you stay fit and healthy while abroad.
Malaria prophylaxis is essential on this trip, and we suggest that you seek advice from your GP or travel health clinic about which malaria tablets to take.
Bilharzia is known to occur in some of the lakes or rivers visited on this itinerary, we therefore advise all to take advice from your guide or leader locally before venturing for a swim.
Dengue fever and/or Chikungunya are known risks in places visited on this trip. Both are tropical viral diseases spread by daytime biting mosquitoes. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available for either, and therefore the best form of prevention is to avoid being bitten. We recommend you take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites.
The above information can change at short notice; as we are not qualified to answer all your questions about travel health we strongly recommend you contact your Medical Professional or a Travel Health Clinic at least 8 weeks prior to departure for up-to-date information.
For additional information please visit: https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/countries
Insurance - are you adequately covered?
It is a condition of joining any of our holidays that you must be fully insured against medical and personal accident risks (to include repatriation costs and air ambulance or helicopter rescue services where appropriate). On arrival in destination for your trip, you will be asked to present details to your leader or local representative of your policy.
If you are resident in the UK we strongly recommend the Sudan Desert travel insurance policy, this is specifically designed to cover all activities on your trip. If arranging your own policy please ensure that you are covered for all activities that are part of the trip, optional activities that you intend to take part in and/or on high altitude itineraries, that you are covered up to the maximum altitude of the trip.
Local Time
Electricity
Sockets in Sudan are type C (two-pin, round) and type D (three-pin, round), similar to in mainland Europe. Electricity runs at 230 Volts. You will be able to charge things when we stay at Nubian Rest House and Meroe Tented Camp as well as in Khartoum. There are no inverters in the vehicles but there are cigarette lighters so if you bring a cigarette lighter/inverter converter you should be able to charge in the vehicle as well.
Money
ATM Availability
Only Sudanese credit or debit cards work in Sudan. Also, please note that as there is a ban on foreign cards in Sudan any associated product such as insurance from credit card companies are not valid in Sudan.
Extra Expenses & Spending Money
There aren't too many places where you will have opportunity to spend money. That said you will need money for meals in Khartoum (dinner on the last night ‐ about Euro25 per meal).
The cost of the photo permits is included in the tour but if you wish to take video then there is an extra fee for video cameras at archaelogical sites (US$20 per site) This permit will need to be organised in advance so please advise us before you travel if you plan on bringing a video camera. Beyond that you need just a bit of spending money for the odd soft drink (alcohol is illegal) or souvenir.
Optional Excursions
Camel ride at Meroe Pyramids ‐ between US$3 and 20 depending on length of ride.
Tipping
Our crew in Sudan are well paid and tipping should be used to reward good service so is at your own discretion. The crew is made up of a driver per vehicle along with a leader and a cook.
Responsible Tourism
At Sudan Desert we believe in the power of Responsible Travel.
Every time we travel, we are part of a global movement that creates jobs, builds more sustainable societies, encourages cultural understanding and safeguards common natural and cultural heritage.
Sudan Desert Community
Join the Sudan Desert online community
Don't forget to visit the Community area on our website. You can view the range of Sudan Desert videos and podcasts, read trip write-ups which have featured in the national media and take advantage of some special deals on travel gear and equipment.
In the Community Travel Forum you'll find the Departure Lounge where you can discuss your trip with fellow travellers before you depart. When you get back from your holiday remember to upload your images to the relevant trip page on our website. This helps other people see what our holidays are really like and you'll be entered automatically into our monthly photo competition.
To make full use of the Community you'll need to join My Sudan Desert. It's free, registration is simple and easy, so what are you waiting for?
Important Information
On all guided trips
Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely partake in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity.
Although rarely enforced, by booking this trip you agree to section 16 of our Booking Conditions which clearly states that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these circumstances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred.
On all trips
In booking this trip you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability you should call the Sudan Desert office and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary.
In an emergency, please contact our 24 hour out of hours service on +249912279987.
Every time that you travel abroad you should take the time to read the warnings in the essential information in the brochure.
Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers, and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately 2 to 3 weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.
The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure or website, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure and website. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; in order to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, as stated in our brochure, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons - climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.
As fuel prices, airport taxes and exchange rates fluctuate, and airlines manage their rates to match demand, it is proving harder than ever to guarantee our Flight Inclusive prices. Although we endeavour to keep our website as accurate as possible, daily fluctuations mean that our Flight Inclusive price may be out of date. For accurate prices we recommend that you contact one of our Travel Experts, or your Travel Agent.
TRAVEL AWARE –STAY SAFE & HEALTHY ABROAD
The Foreign & Commonwealth Office and the NHS have up-to-date advice on staying safe and healthy abroad.
Advice can change so check regularly for updates.
For all latest travel information about your holiday, please visit our Travel Safety Advice page.
Please note, although this trip doesn’t visit any FCO no-go areas, it does visit a region close to an area where the advice is not to travel. If joining this trip, or if planning any additional travel pre or post tour in the area, you should ensure you visit their website to familiarise yourself with the advice. Any independent travel to these areas is entirely at your own risk and is likely not to be covered by your insurance.
How to Book
1. Check availability
Go online to check availability, or contact us by phone or email.
2. Secure your place
You can provisionally hold a place on this trip, usually for between three and seven days.
3. Complete your booking and payment
When you're ready to book, book over the phone or you can complete a booking form (available online or on request by calling us). We accept Cash only on arrival. Book with confidence.
TRIP NOTE VALIDITY
These Trip Notes are valid from the "Current as" date on page one. They will occasionally be updated post booking and pre-departure; if there are any updates that significantly impact the inclusions or itinerary bookers will be written to separately. All customers will also receive a link to the most up-to-date version of the Trip Notes with their Final Joining Instructions pre-travel.