Visitors usually flock to see the pyramids and ancient sites of Egypt. The lesser known pyramid sites in the neighbouring country of Sudan reveal a fascinating glimpse into the lives of the Nubian kings.
Visiting Sudan – Is it Safe for Tourists?
All foreigners need to stay away from the south of Sudan and areas in the east of the country. Darfur is dangerous and insecure.
Other areas in Sudan and the capital Khartoum is safe and the general population are very helpful and friendly.
Street crime is very limited and incidents of theft and extortion almost non-existent, thanks to very strict Sharia law. However, Islamic Sudanese are not religiously tolerant and even the most innocent utterance could be taken up the wrong way and spark an international incident, so err on the side of caution and say nothing that may cause offense to anyone.
Permits to Visit Historical Sites in Sudan
In addition to visitor's permits to the country, usually valid for one month, permits must be obtained in order to visit archaeological or historical sites in Sudan. These permits can be obtained from the Department of Antiquities in Khartoum.
The Sudanese government is very strict about photography in the the country. A permit needs to be obtained from the Tourist Information Office in Khartoum and a list will be provided to the traveler regarding items or areas where photography is forbidden.
Pyramids of Meroe in Northern Sudan
The Nubian kingdom of Kush emerged as a great power in the Middle Nile, where for centuries, pyramids and tombs were built to house the bodies of its kings and queens.
The number of pyramids doubles the pyramids found in the territory of its more famous neighbour, Egypt. Travelers to the Meroe pyramids report having the place to themselves without the harassment and interruption of persistent of hawkers, which is the norm at the pyramid sites in Egypt.
All tombs at Meroe have been plundered, both in ancient and modern times. In modern times the Italian explorer Giuseppe Ferlini (1800 - 1870) was the most notorious. He smashed the tops off 40 pyramids, effectively ruining them, in his quest for gold.
Getting to the Pyramids at Meroe
The famous Nubian pyramid site at Meroe is located approximately one hundred kilometres north of Khartoum in North East Sudan.
The Meroe Pyramids are situated relatively close to the town of Shendi which is on the railway line that follows the Nile. There is a village close to the ruins which may offer some basic accommodation. Day trips can be arranged from Khartoum, but the day will be a long one.
The visitor's permit to visit the pyramids costs $10 per person. There are no cafes, toilets or tourist shops so be sure to bring plenty of water and food along.
There are a few tour operators that offer a visit to Meroe as part of a package, such as Taharka Tours.
Source:
www.AfricaTravelGuide.com, Information retrieved on 6 September 2009
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Fleur Hupston - Fleur Hupston is a professional freelance writer based in Botswana, Southern Africa. From this unique perspective, she writes travel ...
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