There is a travel warning issued for this country. Please check the website of your country's foreign office for the latest information.
Last update: 12 Oct 2026
* We earn a commission from some links on this page.
Sudan Summary
These place ratings give you a quick overview of how well a destination matches different types of trips.
‘Best for’ scores:
The specific interest scores show where this place really shines – whether it's ideal for hiking, food & drink experiences, museums or other activities. These highlights help you understand what makes the destination special at a glance.
‘Your personal’ scores:
This reflects how well a place matches your personal preferences. You can adjust the importances of travel topics or other personal requirements categories in your account settings.
‘Suited for’ badges:
These give you a quick overview of how well a destination suits specific types of travellers, to help you find the places that match your lifestyle, preferences or travel situation.
Suited for
Sudan – Quick facts
| Power Grid: |
230 V, 50 Hz Plug: Type D , Type G
Type D:
  Read about power adapters |
|---|---|
| Currency: |
Sudanese Pound (SDG) £1 ≈ SDG 799.02 |
| Cashless info: |
Rating 2/5
Cashless payments are not widely accepted in Sudan. Cash is the preferred method of payment.
Save with a travel credit card |
| eSIM providers: |
Best value: Saily Read our in-depth comparison |
| Tipping: | Tipping is not common in Sudan, but small tips are appreciated for good service in restaurants and hotels. |
|---|---|
| Public drinking: | Public drinking is not common and is often restricted to private or licensed establishments. |
| Public smoking: | Smoking is allowed in public places, though indoor smoking may be restricted in some areas. |
| Independence Day (1 January) |
Commemorates Sudan's independence |
|---|---|
| Eid al-Fitr (variable dates) |
Celebrated by Muslims to mark the end of Ramadan |
| Emergency contact: | Emergency Number: 999 |
|---|---|
| Taxi apps: | |
| Other: | Sudan is rich in cultural history and natural beauty, including ancient Nubian pyramids and the Sahara Desert, but it is currently facing political and social instability. |
Best times to travel
The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.
Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.
Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.
Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.
Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.
for Sudan, Sudan
Security situation and entry rules can change at short notice; most governments advise against travel to Sudan, check official travel advisories before planning
Climate varies by region: the south has a rainy season May to October, the north and the Nubian desert are almost rainless and best November to February
Red Sea diving at Sanganeb and Sha'ab Rumi is best October to May, with the calmest seas in winter
Don't miss
- 🏜️ Explore the ancient pyramids of Meroë in the desert
- 🚤 Cruise along the Nile and visit archaeological sites
- 🛍️ Wander through Khartoum’s bustling Omdurman Souq
- 🌊 See where the Blue and White Nile meet
- 🏛️ Visit the National Museum of Sudan for Nubian artifacts
- 🌀 Watch a colorful whirling dervish ceremony at sunset
You've been here?
Log in to manage your own bucket list! Why travel to Sudan?
What makes Sudan truly special is its remarkable historical treasures that rival those of its northern neighbor Egypt, yet receive only a fraction of the visitors. The Pyramids of Meroe, with their distinctive steep sides, rise dramatically from the desert sands, offering a surreal experience of having world-class archaeological sites almost entirely to yourself. The country's diverse landscapes range from the confluence of the Blue and White Nile rivers to the underwater wonders of the Red Sea coast. Beyond the monuments, Sudan's appeal lies in the genuine warmth and hospitality of its people. Whether you're sharing tea at local village stalls, witnessing the mesmerizing whirling dervishes during Friday rituals in Omdurman or exploring bustling markets, the cultural experiences feel authentic and unscripted. For travelers seeking meaningful connections and off-the-beaten-path adventures, Sudan offers a journey through millennia of human civilization in a setting that feels untouched by modern tourism.
🏯Places worth seeing
🎡Places for activities
🏞️Natural landmarks
🛍️Shopping
🎈Events
-
Friday Afternoon Sufi Rituals
-
Coptic Christmas Celebrations
-
Independence Day
-
Eid al-Fitr
-
Eid al-Adha
-
Mawlid al-Nabi
-
Republic Day
-
Islamic New Year
-
Khartoum International Book Fair
-
Sufi Festival in Omdurman
Knowledge before you go
- Avoid travel now; conflict and kidnapping risks are severe.
- If you must travel, monitor official advisories daily and keep evacuation plans flexible.
- Road travel is highly risky; expect roadblocks, poor conditions and little lighting at night.
- Carry extra cash, fuel, water and backup communications; consular help may be limited or unavailable.
How to travel to Sudan
Most international visitors arrive in Sudan through Khartoum International Airport, which has connections to several Middle Eastern and African cities. Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways and Ethiopian Airlines offer regular flights to Khartoum. Land borders with Egypt are also open for entry, though the political situation may affect border crossings. Visitors to Sudan typically need a visa arranged in advance. Tourist visas require an invitation or sponsorship from a Sudanese travel agency in most cases. Additionally, all travelers need to register with the police within three days of arrival, which is usually handled by hotels or tour operators.
Access summary
- Fly into Khartoum (KRT) from Middle East/Africa hubs; taxis to city.
- From Egypt: Ferry Aswan to Wadi Halfa; buses south to Khartoum.
- Sudan Airways based in Khartoum; no major alliance, regional flights.
Check your route from anywhere
Where to stay in Sudan
Accommodation in Sudan ranges from basic to mid-range, with few luxury options outside Khartoum. The capital offers international-standard hotels, while smaller cities and towns have simpler guesthouses. Near archaeological sites, options are limited and basic. Some tour operators offer camping experiences in the desert near the pyramids, which can be a magical way to experience these ancient sites. Advance booking is recommended as options are limited in popular tourist areas.
Hotel recommendations
*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.
We couldn't find any nearby hotels for now.
How to get around Sudan
Getting around Sudan is relatively straightforward but requires some patience. Public transportation consists mainly of minivans that depart when full and connect all major cities at very affordable prices. Roads are surprisingly in good condition, making travel comfortable. For more flexibility, especially to reach remote archaeological sites, hiring a private jeep with a driver is recommended though more expensive. Hitchhiking is also a viable option and relatively easy since there's typically only one main road going in each direction. Within cities like Khartoum, taxis are the primary mode of transportation for tourists.
Budget snapshot
Costs compared to home
We calculate the average costs when travelling to destinations and compare those with the living costs at your home. With this you can get an estimate of how expensive or cheap the destination is for you.
To customise this, you can set up which location and price level are used for the calculations in your account settings.
Daily expenses in Sudan are around 61% lower than the average across United States. That means you'll spend a lot less on meals and getting around.
Exchange rate trend
The exchange rate price factor shows how expensive or cheap a currency currently is compared to its historical average. It's a quick way to see if a country is currently more or less affordable due to exchange rate changes.
Your exchange rate (GBP to SDG) is 21% better than in recent years. That means travelling now is considerably cheaper compared to the past.
Travel costs
To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.
Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.
Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.
To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.
Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.
Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.
Daily cost summary
Travel style categories explained:
Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.
Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.
Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.
Travel style categories explained:
Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.
Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.
Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.
| Backpacker | Mid-range | Luxury | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 💵 Total costs per day, including accommodation | |||
| 🏨 Accommodation per night, per person | |||
| 🍝 Food per day | |||
| 🚕 Transportation per day |
Food & Drink
| 🍽️ Restaurant Dinner, per person | |
|---|---|
| 🍛 Lunch Set, per person | |
| 🍟 Fast food combo | |
| 🍝 Preparing your own food, per day | |
| ☕ Cappuccino | |
| 🍺 Beer in a restaurant, 0.5 l |
Transportation
| 🚌 Public transport ticket | |
|---|---|
| 🚕 Taxi Ride, 10 km / 6 mi | |
| ⛽ Petrol, 1 l |
Other
| 🎞️ Cinema ticket | |
|---|---|
| 👩⚕️ Doctor's consult | |
| 🤧 Cold medication | |
| 💇 Basic haircut |
Safety information overview
General safety
Sudan is generally considered safe for travelers in government-controlled areas, though the current political situation requires caution. Petty crime like pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas, but violent crime against tourists is rare. Always check current travel advisories before visiting.
Health & Medical
Medical facilities in Sudan are limited and below Western standards. Yellow fever vaccination is required and malaria is present throughout the country. Antimalarials, insect repellent and comprehensive travel insurance with evacuation coverage are essential for all visitors.
Accessibility
Sudan has minimal infrastructure for those with mobility challenges. Historical sites, desert areas and even urban centers often lack proper accessibility features. Assistance is typically needed when visiting archaeological sites and public transportation is not equipped for wheelchair users.
Tap water
Tap water in Sudan is not safe to drink. Bottled water is widely available in cities but bring purification tablets or filters when traveling to remote areas. Stay well-hydrated, especially during hot months when dehydration risk is extremely high.
Packing recommendations for Sudan
Log in to add this place to a travel list and get a summary of all recommended items for your whole trip.
📷
Camera
🌞
Sun cream
👕
Light, breathable clothing
🪰
Insect repellent
🔋
Power bank
🩹
Basic first aid kit
👒
Sun hat
for women
📃
Travel insurance
🚰
Water bottle with filter
🪪
Copies of passport and important documents
💊
Anti-malarial medication
👛
Cash in multiple currencies
limited access to cash machines
💉
Vaccination certificates
📱
Travel eSIM
🔌
Universal travel adaptor
🩺
Prescription medicines
💳
Credit card with no foreign transaction fees
🛂
Passport
Related articles & guides for Sudan
Nearby recommended places
Looking for inspiration?
Discover
Top street food cities and local culinary markets
The best street food destinations treat the cart, stall or hawker counter as a serious culinary format rather than a budget substitute for a real meal. In cities with strong street…
Read more
Discover
Top ancient ruins destinations and archaeological sites
The world's most significant ancient ruin destinations range from the ceremonial complexes of early river civilisations and the monumental remains of classical empires to the less…
Read more
Discover
Top historical destinations and historic sites
The most compelling history destinations are places where the past is still physically present and legible in the landscape, the architecture and the daily life of the people who…
Read more
Discover
Best value travel destinations
The best value destinations aren't necessarily the cheapest: they're the ones where money goes furthest relative to what's actually on offer, whether that's food, accommodation or…
Read more
Discover
Top scuba diving destinations and coral reefs
The world's best diving destinations share a few things in common: visibility, healthy reef structure and enough marine biodiversity to reward repeated dives in the same spot.…
Read more
Discover
Best street food destinations in Africa
Africa's street food reflects ingredients and cooking methods that rarely make it onto restaurant menus, with grilling techniques and snack traditions operating on customs passed…
Read more
Discover
Best diving destinations in Africa
A long stretch of warm northern coastline anchors Africa's diving reputation, with visibility regularly exceeding 30 metres and reef systems largely untouched by the coral…
Read more
Discover
Best ancient ruins destinations in Africa
Africa's ancient sites span a wider chronological range than any other continent, with the Nile Valley alone containing a sequence of monumental construction that stretches across…
Read more
Discover
Best historical destinations in Africa
Africa's historical record is the deepest on earth, encompassing the origins of humanity itself alongside the rise and fall of great empires, ancient trading civilisations and…
Read more
Discover
Most beautiful beaches and coastal escapes
For a lot of people, a beach is the whole point of a holiday, but what makes a beach day perfect really depends on personal taste. Some travellers want isolation and the feeling…
Read more
Discover
Stunning national parks and wilderness areas
National parks exist because someone decided that certain landscapes were too important to lose. The best of them protect ecosystems, wildlife and natural processes that would…
Read more
Discover
Intimate escapes and romantic getaways
The most memorable trips for couples tend to have less to do with luxury and more to do with the quality of shared experience. A place that slows you down, removes the usual…
Read more
What other users say about travelfilters
“travelfilters made it easy for me to find ski areas and compare what else they offer, so that I could find the best place for my personal travel style.”
Chris
Snowboarding & Onsen trip to Japan
“I love how transparent the data feels. There is no pushy upsell, just honest information and settings I can tune to my own travel style.”
Maria
After booking her 2027 winter escape
“The level of detail for each destination and how well those are displayed, make planning feel confident instead of overwhelming.”
Mina
Planned a week in New York City
“We used travelfilters for our planning from start to end. The trip turned out even better than expected, thanks to all their tools and customisation options.”
Allan & Etienne
Trip to Japan to see autumn foliage
“Thanks to travelfilters, I found some hidden gems to see. Being able to filter for exactly your interests is a game changer for my travel planning.”
Michael
Tour through the old cities of Northern Italy
“The customizable filters helped me find a quiet beach town with good wifi and low season crowds in under five minutes.”
Diego
Weekend Escape to Llanes, Spain
“The airport connection map saved me hours by showing good flight options from my home airport to lesser-known cities.”
Nguyen
Planning a 2027 trip to France
“The website is clean, fast and focused on the search itself, which makes travelfilters feel more like a professional tool than an ad-heavy booking site.”
Hassan
Christmas Market trip, Germany
