Sudan’s Hottest Spots
While Sudan may not be the safest place on the planet to visit as a tourist, as well as not the richest, there are numerous diamonds in the rough you would be crazy to miss if you’re a world-class traveler. The mix of cultures, the art, and the languages may be too much for those that like easy travel arrangements, but a true connoisseur will definitely enjoy them.
The Pyramids of Meroe
Ask anybody – the first thing to visit in Sudan would be the pyramids of Meroe. It is one of the places on the globe where you can still see and enjoy the splendor of ancient civilizations and times long passed. The pyramids are slightly different than those in Egypt. They were built two and a half millennia ago, and visitors are more than welcome to explore the tombs of ancient royalty, provided, of course, they do it with a guide. Since they are not generally as popular as their Egyptian counterparts, there shouldn’t be too much of a crowd that would prevent you from feeling like Indiana Jones.
The National Museum in Khartoum
Khartoum boasts an amazing museum which offers its visitors a comprehensive guide to Sudan’s history. You will see the artifacts and art from the kingdoms of Meroe, Kerma, and Kush. The statues older than anything you’ve ever seen, as well as medieval frescoes left behind, are well worth the visit.
If the museum is not your thing, you can still enjoy the many beauties Khartoum has to offer in the form of several temples, the Nile Street, and the Presidential Palace. Khartoum is one of the gems of the river Nile and should definitely be on your list.
Western Deffufa
There is a chance that this is the oldest man-made structure intended for worship in Africa. The experts disagree on what type of worship was taking place, but they agree that this was most probably the purpose of the structure. It is about 50m long, and you can enjoy other structures and tombs near it.
Omdurman
This is one of the largest, if not the largest, city in the whole Sudan. The age and strength of this city are even more impressive when you consider that this was once Sudan’s capital. If you are not the kind of person that enjoys tombs (let’s face it, sometimes they’re just creepy), but still loves history, make sure you visit Souk Moowaileh, the largest market Sudan has to offer. If you want history and culture that is down-to-earth, this place is a must.
Port Sudan
The Red Sea is beautiful in its own right. Its grace and beauty are further enhanced by the fact that it’s mentioned in the Bible. Tourists from all over the world flock together to witness it in all its splendor and take a chance diving. That’s right, you can dive in the Red Sea and get up close and personal with this historic site.
A Few Things
Before you decide to take Sudan’s sites on, make sure you are prepared for the trip. The best time to visit the tourist attractions is during winter months, as the temperature is only pleasant at this time. Harsh climate is not the only problem. Eating at a restaurant could prove to be challenging if you are visiting during Ramadan when Muslims fast. You can only do so after the sun sets.