Sudan holiday
| country: | Sudan |
| trip type: | Potentially dangerous. Click here to check Foreign & Commonwealth office advice |
| departures: | 2008: 18 Oct, 25 Oct, 1 Nov, 15 Nov, 22 Nov, 29 Nov, 22 Dec, 26 Dec, 27 Dec 2009: 3 Jan, 24 Jan, 31 Jan, 7 Feb, 14 Feb, 28 Feb, 7 Mar, 14 Mar, 21 Mar, 4 Apr, 11 Apr, 18 Apr, 25 Apr |
| price: | From £1600 (8 days) - £2400 (15 days) ex flights. We can arrange flights from the UK. Archaeological sites fees €120. Single supplement £290. Group size 4-12 people |
the amazing things you'll be doing
We offer 4 different groups tours to Sudan, each concentrating on a different aspect of this country, and the local culture.
Meet Bisharin nomads in the Western desert, visit royal necropolises, explore ruined temples and perfectly preserved pyramids, cross the Nile by ferryboat, discover local markets & encounter hospitable local people who often invite travellers into their houses to drink a cup of spicy 'chai'.
Sudan is divided into four main geographical regions. The north is desert stretching out either side of the Nile that receives little or no rainfall. In the west is the Libyan Desert, part of the Sahara proper.
To the east is the Nubian Desert, the most barren land in the country and entirely devoid of oases. South Sudan is made up of a huge clay plain that extends into the centre of the country, with Khartoum at its apex.
There are 19 major ethnic groups in Sudan, divided into 500 subgroups and speaking over a hundred languages. At different times the North, with its riverine culture along the Nile, has represented the interests of Pharaonic Egypt, the indigenous civilisations of Kush and the Arab culture of Islam. The South, with its African heritage, has stood for the natural wealth of the continent and has provided many of the resources that allowed the North to prosper. For centuries this North-South tension has provided the motor for cultural exchange, trade, exploitation and war – a fact that continues to overshadow the political scene in modern Sudan.
The Kingdom of Black Pharaohs
From £1600 (8 days) ex flights, departing April
Along Sudan’s remarkable Nile Valley, a wealth of archaeological treasures awaits the intrepid traveller. Join us on this rare opportunity to discover a land of preserved temples dating back to ancient Egyptian times, painted tombs and numerous pyramids. Based on staying at a superb rest house and comfortable permanent camp this soft adventure tour is the perfect introduction to Sudan. Route: Khartoum - Karima - Jebel Barkal - El Kurru - Nubian Desert - 4th Cataract - Meroe - Naga and Musawwarat Temples - Omdurman - Khartoum.
Ancient Nubia
From £1830 (10 days) ex flights, departing October, November & December
Taking in the country’s most important archaeological sites, including the pyramids of Meroe and El Kurru this tour also includes travel through the remote Nubian Desert, known for its impressive dunes, flat plains and red boulders. For many travellers the real attraction is the opportunity to meet the hospitable Nubian people. Route: Khartoum - Naga - Musawwarat - Meroe - Atbara - Bayuda Desert - El Kurru - Karima (Jebel Barkal) - Nubian desert - Old Dongola - Nubian villages - Western desert - Wadi El Milk - Omdurman - Khartoum.
Nile Valley and the Desert
From £2270 (15 days) ex flights, departing October & December
Similar to our Ancient Nubia tour this programme is aimed at those travellers wishing to explore more of the desert, and continues north to the Nile’s Third Cataract. As with all our Sudan tours there will be plenty of contact with the local people, keen to welcome visitors. Route: Khartoum - Western desert - Wadi El Milk - Dongola - Temple of Soleb - Jebel Dosha - Temple of Sesibi - Delgo - Third Cataract - Tombos - Kerma - Nubian villages - Old Dongola - Nubian Desert - El Kurru - Karima - Jebel Barkal - Bayuda desert - Meroe - Temple of Naga and Musawwarat - Omdurman - Khartoum.
Nuba People and Villages
From £2400 (15 days) ex flights, departing February & November
An amazing journey of discovery for the intrepid traveller. A pioneering adventure for those who are fascinated by cultures and people little touched by the outside world. You will travel through little visited villages and some of the most amazing landscapes in this vast country. Join us for the ultimate Sudan adventure. A popular tour amongst our well-travelled clients so early booking is essential. Route: Khartoum - Wad Medani - Jebel Moya - Kosti - Renk - Fashoda - Kau, Niaro, Fungor, Western Nuba villages - Talodi, Nuba Masakin’s villages - Kadugli - Kauda & the mountain Nuba - Rahad - Kosti - Khartoum.
Meet Bisharin nomads in the Western desert, visit royal necropolises, explore ruined temples and perfectly preserved pyramids, cross the Nile by ferryboat, discover local markets & encounter hospitable local people who often invite travellers into their houses to drink a cup of spicy 'chai'.
Sudan is divided into four main geographical regions. The north is desert stretching out either side of the Nile that receives little or no rainfall. In the west is the Libyan Desert, part of the Sahara proper.
To the east is the Nubian Desert, the most barren land in the country and entirely devoid of oases. South Sudan is made up of a huge clay plain that extends into the centre of the country, with Khartoum at its apex.
There are 19 major ethnic groups in Sudan, divided into 500 subgroups and speaking over a hundred languages. At different times the North, with its riverine culture along the Nile, has represented the interests of Pharaonic Egypt, the indigenous civilisations of Kush and the Arab culture of Islam. The South, with its African heritage, has stood for the natural wealth of the continent and has provided many of the resources that allowed the North to prosper. For centuries this North-South tension has provided the motor for cultural exchange, trade, exploitation and war – a fact that continues to overshadow the political scene in modern Sudan.
The Kingdom of Black Pharaohs
From £1600 (8 days) ex flights, departing April
Along Sudan’s remarkable Nile Valley, a wealth of archaeological treasures awaits the intrepid traveller. Join us on this rare opportunity to discover a land of preserved temples dating back to ancient Egyptian times, painted tombs and numerous pyramids. Based on staying at a superb rest house and comfortable permanent camp this soft adventure tour is the perfect introduction to Sudan. Route: Khartoum - Karima - Jebel Barkal - El Kurru - Nubian Desert - 4th Cataract - Meroe - Naga and Musawwarat Temples - Omdurman - Khartoum.
Ancient Nubia
From £1830 (10 days) ex flights, departing October, November & December
Taking in the country’s most important archaeological sites, including the pyramids of Meroe and El Kurru this tour also includes travel through the remote Nubian Desert, known for its impressive dunes, flat plains and red boulders. For many travellers the real attraction is the opportunity to meet the hospitable Nubian people. Route: Khartoum - Naga - Musawwarat - Meroe - Atbara - Bayuda Desert - El Kurru - Karima (Jebel Barkal) - Nubian desert - Old Dongola - Nubian villages - Western desert - Wadi El Milk - Omdurman - Khartoum.
Nile Valley and the Desert
From £2270 (15 days) ex flights, departing October & December
Similar to our Ancient Nubia tour this programme is aimed at those travellers wishing to explore more of the desert, and continues north to the Nile’s Third Cataract. As with all our Sudan tours there will be plenty of contact with the local people, keen to welcome visitors. Route: Khartoum - Western desert - Wadi El Milk - Dongola - Temple of Soleb - Jebel Dosha - Temple of Sesibi - Delgo - Third Cataract - Tombos - Kerma - Nubian villages - Old Dongola - Nubian Desert - El Kurru - Karima - Jebel Barkal - Bayuda desert - Meroe - Temple of Naga and Musawwarat - Omdurman - Khartoum.
Nuba People and Villages
From £2400 (15 days) ex flights, departing February & November
An amazing journey of discovery for the intrepid traveller. A pioneering adventure for those who are fascinated by cultures and people little touched by the outside world. You will travel through little visited villages and some of the most amazing landscapes in this vast country. Join us for the ultimate Sudan adventure. A popular tour amongst our well-travelled clients so early booking is essential. Route: Khartoum - Wad Medani - Jebel Moya - Kosti - Renk - Fashoda - Kau, Niaro, Fungor, Western Nuba villages - Talodi, Nuba Masakin’s villages - Kadugli - Kauda & the mountain Nuba - Rahad - Kosti - Khartoum.
small group cultural tours
Typically you will be sharing your experiences with between 4-20 like minded travellers (depending on the trip, operator and how many others are booked on the trip) and you'll have a group leader with you. Whether you are travelling alone or with friends it's good value, and a great way to meet new people! While itineraries are pre-planned there is some flexibility and you'll have plenty of privacy. This trip will appeal to travellers of all ages who enjoy meeting new people as well as experiencing new cultures.how this holiday makes a difference
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Sudan is an emerging destination for adventurous travellers. Perhaps the greatest attraction for most visitors is its fine collection of archaeological ruins. We are pleased to report that the Government of Sudan has gone to great lengths to protect these sights. Your payment of archaeological fees directly contributes to the up-keep and essential preservation of these important sites.
Our tours in Sudan travel to some very remote and untouched tribal areas. The tribes that we meet have no idea of tourism and we have a huge responsibility when exposing them to different cultures. For this reason, our operations in this area remain very limited with an average of only two group departures per year. To minimise our impact, everyone who travels with us is briefed on the customs and beliefs of the local tribes. We only employ local staff and unlike many operators we believe that to send a foreign Tour Leader along to accompany your trip is an unnecessary burden on your wallet and our carbon footprint. We believe that locals know best. Our local operators only use locally owned accommodation. This means your money stays in the area to benefit the local community. When possible we use local transport, (i.e. rail or bus) and we always use local restaurants, markets and shops. In doing this your travels are supporting and encouraging the development of local services.  We only work with operators who are as committed as we are to putting something back into the communities we visit. This may include giving a percentage of the profits from each tour to a foundation to help street children or local conservation projects. Furthermore, in order to allow our clients to make an informed decision on where a greater proportion of their money should be spent, we avoid including pre-paid full board meals where possible. Local restaurants and cafes then benefit. Our groups average only six clients, and many tours operate on a private basis with just two travellers. This has much less impact when travelling through rural areas, reducing our environmental and social affects. Finally to emphasis our commitment to Responsible Tourism all clients will receive a copy of our Travellers Code of Conduct with their travel documents. |
Tourism can be good and bad for destinations & local people. We carefully screen every holiday against our criteria for responsible travel. 'Look behind the brochure' to find how each holiday makes a difference (see left). We don't claim to be perfect - there is no global accreditation - but we've led the way since 2001 and screened 1000's of holidays. We invite every traveller to write a review about their experiences and responsible tourism. This valuable feedback is sent to the people who run the holidays. We keep a very close eye on it and take off holidays that don't live up to our standards. |