Khartoum Sudan 7 Day Itinerary

7-Day Itinerary for Traveling in Khartoum, Sudan

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration

  • Morning: Arrive at Khartoum International Airport. You can hire a taxi or take a shared minibus (called “beetas”) from the airport to your hotel.
  • Afternoon: Check-in at your hotel and freshen up.
  • Evening:
    • Visit the Omdurman Market, a bustling souk where you can find traditional Sudanese handicrafts, clothing, and spices. Be prepared for haggling!
    • Try some local street food like “kisra” (Sudanese flatbread) or “gurasa” (a type of fried dough).
  • Accommodation: Stay at a hotel in the city center, such as the Khartoum Palace Hotel or the Sunset Hotel.

Day 2: Historical Sites

  • Morning: Visit the Convent of the Sacred Family, a historic Catholic church that dates back to the early 20th century.
  • Afternoon: Explore the National Museum of Sudan, which houses a vast collection of artifacts and exhibits on Sudan’s history, culture, and prehistory.
  • Evening:
    • Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant like The Old Convent Restaurant, which serves traditional Sudanese cuisine.
    • Take a leisurely stroll along the Nile River and enjoy the sunset.

Day 3: Sailing on the Nile

  • Morning: Take a safari (traditional wooden boat) along the Nile River. You can hire a boat and a guide for the day.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Meroe Pyramids, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located about an hour’s drive from Khartoum.
  • Evening:
    • Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant like The Nile View Restaurant, which offers stunning views of the river.

Day 4: Outdoor Activities

  • Morning: Go on a safari (hunting) in the nearby desert or savannah. You can hire a guide and a vehicle for the day.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Khartoum Zoo, which is home to a variety of animals, including giraffes, lions, and monkeys.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant like The Safari Restaurant.

Day 5: Cultural Experiences

  • Morning: Attend a traditional Sudanese dance performance or music concert at a local cultural center.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Sudanese Craft Center, where you can learn about and buy local handicrafts.
  • Evening:
    • Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant like The Cultural Restaurant.
    • Take part in a traditional Sudanese tea ceremony.

Day 6: Day Trip to Meroe

  • Morning: Take a day trip to the ancient city of Meroe, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The site is about an hour’s drive from Khartoum.
  • Afternoon: Explore the ruins and take in the stunning views of the surrounding desert landscape.

Day 7: Departure

  • Morning: Return to your hotel and pack up.
  • Afternoon: Visit any last-minute sights or do some shopping before departing for the airport.
  • Evening:
    • Enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant like The Sunset Restaurant.
    • Depart from Khartoum International Airport.

Transportation

  • The best way to get around Khartoum is by taxi or beetas (shared minibus).
  • You can hire a car and driver for the day if you want to explore the surrounding area.

Things to Know

  • Sudan has a strict dress code, so it’s essential to dress modestly when visiting cultural sites.
  • Be prepared for haggling when shopping at markets or souks.
  • Try some local street food like “kisra” (Sudanese flatbread) or “gurasa” (a type of fried dough).

Tips and Tricks

  • The best time to visit Khartoum is during the winter months (December to February).
  • Be prepared for hot temperatures and dust storms during the summer months.
  • Try to avoid visiting during the rainy season (June to September) as it can be difficult to get around.

Note: This itinerary is just a suggestion, and you may want to adjust it based on your personal preferences and interests. Additionally, please keep in mind that Sudan is a developing country with limited tourist infrastructure, so it’s essential to be flexible and prepared for any challenges that may arise.