Sudan is found in North Africa; bordered by Egypt, the Red Sea, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Kenya, Uganda, Central African Republic, Chad, Libya and Democratic Republic of Congo. Travel restrictions are in force in parts of the country, specifically the south, due to ongoing conflict and civil war.
Sudan's Capital of Khartoum
Khartoum is found in the north and is built where the Blue Nile and White Nile rivers converge. Subject to desert storms, dusty and congested, some travelers to Sudan spend a minimum amount of time here before moving on. Yet there is an amazing culture of hospitality and friendliness among the local people that is worth experiencing and the city is said to be one of the safest in Africa.
Museums and Sightseeing in Khartoum
The National Museum of Sudan contains artifacts from different times throughout Sudanese history. The temple of Buhen, originally built by Queen Hatshepsut and the temple of Semna originally constructed by Pharoah Tuthmosis III can be viewed here. Both temples were relocated to Khartoum upon the flooding of Lake Nasser, which was created as a result of the construction of the Aswan High Dam across the waters of the Nile between 1958 and 1970.
Some of archaeological remains date back nearly four thousand years and are very well preserved. The museum is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon and from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., except on Fridays and Mondays. It is located east of the Hilton Hotel on Sharia Al Neel (Nile Avenue).
The Palace Museum of Khartoum is located in Al-Jaima Street. Open to the public on Friday, Sunday, and Wednesday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., and from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. On display are a variety of Presidential cars used from 1924 onwards, an Anglican cathedral built during British colonial rule and a library in the west wing containing a large number of reference books that can be browsed through by the public.
Whirling Dervishes
A trip to Hamad Al Nil in Omdurman is considered a must for visitors to the capital. This weekly ritual is a vital part of one particular religious order and another facet of Islam. This can only be seen on a Friday from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. or until dark and there is no dancing during the period of Ramadan.
Markets in Khartoum
Khartoum doesn't have as many open markets as neighboring Omdurman, but one of the largest is the Souq Arabi. The market is spread over several blocks in the center of Khartoum, south of the Great Mosque. It is divided into separate sections, including one focused entirely on gold.
The camel market, found on the western edge of the city (Souq Moowaileh) is a spectacular sight and really gets going on a Saturday.
For visitors to Sudan, three days in Khartoum is generally accepted to be enough time to visit most of the sights in the city, including trips to see the neighboring city of Omdurman and excursions into the desert.
More Articles on Travel to Sudan and Ethiopia:
Meroe Pyramids and Sudan Tourism examines the lesser known pyramids of North Africa as well as general tourist information.
Egyptian Nile Cruise Holidays looks at cruise options available and what times of the year are best to take a cruise down the Nile.
UNESCO World Heritage Site in Ethiopia will help readers discover the churches of Lalibela which are carved out of solid granite.
Sources:
Book "Africa" published by Lonely Planet publications, pages 197 - 205, June 2007 edition
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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