- Destinations
- Africa
- Sudan
Sudan
'Bilad al-sudan', or 'land of the blacks', is not a country to
visit for remarkable tourist sites, but rather for those curious to
meet the wonderfully hospitable people or interested in
experiencing a culture far removed from most Western societies.
In the north, the Nubian Desert forms a large part of the
country, where huge wetted clay water pots are located under every
tree or shady shelter for drinking, whereas the narrow strip of
land following the length of the Nile River, in contrast, is green
and agricultural. The south is characterised by swamps and
rainforest. Desert towns have wide, dusty roads, which remain empty
for the main part of the day due to the heat. In the evenings,
however, streets come alive with movement and colour, the women's
vivid wrap-around clothing and hennaed fingers standing out from
the crisp, white kaftans and turbans of the men.
Sudan has been afflicted by violent civil wars for nearly half a
century, and more often than not makes headlines on most
international news broadcasts. Yet outside these conflict areas the
country is generally safe to travel in, and those who get there
will be treated with extreme courtesy and friendliness. The
Sudanese take Arabic hospitality very seriously and it is unlikely
that a traveller will pass by without an invitation to share in a
meal or to visit someone's home.
Torn into Northern and Southern Sudan by cultural and religious
disputes, it is the north that occupies the largest area and
includes most of the urban centres, including the capital,
Khartoum. The largely Muslim, Arabic-speaking population of this
area are proud of their country and will take great delight in
showing it off. For those in search of what Sudan has to offer, the
peaceful capital at the junction of the White and Blue Niles, and
its sister city Omdurman, are good places to begin, with the
National Museum, a large souq (covered market), camel market, and
the Tomb of the Mahdi. To the north of Khartoum are the ruins of
the Royal City of Meroe as well as the pyramids in which the kings
are buried. Kassala to the east boasts a wonderful souq known for
its local variety of fruit and silver jewellery, and a desert
landscape dominated by jebels, or hills. The war-torn south is
largely rural and lacking in infrastructure, and holds little of
interest for the visitor.
Information & Facts
Business
English is widely spoken in business, although a greeting in
Arabic will be appreciated. Business cards should be printed in
both English and Arabic. Punctuality is unimportant, and it is
considered rude to be in a hurry. Sudanese prefer to do business
with people they know and trust, so relationship building is
essential. Businesswomen travelling to Sudan should let their
contacts know in advance that they are female. Office hours are
generally Saturday to Thursday 8am to 2.30pm.
Climate
North and South Sudan have very different climates. The north is
made up largely of desert and is hot and dry, with temperatures
reaching 110°F (43°C), while the south has an equatorial climate
with high humidity and lots of rain, which falls mainly between
June and November. The desert is prone to severe sand storms, known
as 'haboobs'. Khartoum's temperature averages about 81°F
(27°C).
Communications
The international dialling code for Sudan is +249. The outgoing
code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the
UK). City codes are in use e.g. (0)183 for Khartoum. Outgoing
international calls must go through the operator. GSM mobile
coverage extends as far south as Malakal, and covers most cities
and towns. Internet cafes are increasing in major cities, but can
be hard to find outside of these areas.
Customs
Northern Sudan and Khartoum are predominantly Muslim, and local
customs and sensitivities should be respected, particularly with
regard to dress and public conduct. Women, in particular, should
wear loose fitting clothes that cover most of the body, although
covering the head is unnecessary. Eating, drinking and smoking in
public during the holy month of Ramadan should be avoided, as it is
forbidden by the Muslim culture. Sharia law applies to Northern
Sudan, but not to the south. Travel anywhere outside of Khartoum
requires a permit, as do any historical or archaeological sites,
and visitors arriving in any town or city are required to register
with the police. Photography permits are also required by anyone
intending to take photographs while in the country; certain
subjects are forbidden. Homosexuality is illegal. Visitors are
advised to avoid political discussion.
Duty Free
Passengers over the age of 20 can bring 200 cigarettes or 50
cigars, perfume for personal use, and a reasonable amount of gifts
into the country without paying any costs. Alcohol is prohibited,
as are goods from Israel or South Africa.
Electricity
Electrical current is 230 volts, 50 Hz. Round two- and
three-pin plugs are in use.
Health
For health in Sudan, visitors should ensure they are vaccinated
against yellow fever, typhoid, tetanus, polio, measles, hepatitis A
and meningococcal meningitis. A yellow fever certificate is
required by those arriving from an infected country. Malaria is
rife, more so in the south of the country, and dengue fever occurs,
so precautions against mosquito bites should be taken. An outbreak
of Rift Valley Fever, spread by mosquitoes, killed over 222 people
between November 2007 and January 2008. Cholera outbreaks occur.
Water and food-borne diseases are common and travellers should
purify drinking water and carry anti-diarrhoeal drugs. AIDS is a
growing problem. Medical facilities in Khartoum are adequate for
routine problems, but the war has resulted in shortage of many
medicines and hospital equipment; visitors should ensure they have
comprehensive medical insurance, which should include evacuation by
air ambulance.
Language
Arabic is the official language, but English is spoken by
those with an education.
Money
The official currency is the Sudanese Pound (SDG), which is
divided into 100 qirush or piastres. It is advisable to bring cash,
preferably in US dollars, rather than rely on credit card
facilities, and travellers cheques are often not accepted. Receipts
should be kept after changing money at banks and bureaux de change.
Banking hours are from Saturday to Thursday 8.30am to 12pm.
Passport Visa
Most nationalities require a visa for entry to Sudan. Visitors
should be aware that if their passport contains evidence of a visit
to Israel, a visa for Sudan will be refused, as will entry to the
country even if in possession of a valid visa. Only holders of a
business visa or permit may conduct business in Sudan. Entry visas
are valid for one entry only, unless otherwise stated. Extensions
of stays are possible and should be paid at the Ministry of
Interior. It is highly recommended that passports have at least six
months validity remaining after your intended date of departure
from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply
different rules to those stated by travel agents and official
sources.
Safety
All unnecessary travel to Darfur should be avoided due to the
current conflict and unstable security situation, and all travel to
the Eritrean border should be avoided. Travel south of Juba is also
not advisable. Travellers to Khartoum, in particular, should be
aware of a heightened threat of terrorism to Western interests. The
crime rate is relatively low in Khartoum and other large northern
cities, but banditry in Darfur is widespread.
Time
Tipping
Tips are accepted for good service and are usually 10-15% of the
bill.