From deserts in the south to mountains in the north, the unique Meroë pyramids to romantic bridges across the magnificent Nile — Sudan is only beginning to appear on travel itineraries for tourists across the world. The citizens of this nation are well-versed with hospitality and the country itself is a confluence of old and new. In fact, the capital itself was formed only in 1821. Visiting Sudan is about looking beyond the archetypal, mostly Westernised assumption of the nation, and understanding that — like every other country — Sudan, too, has a complex traditional and historic lineage mingling with natural and man-made wonders. By Shubhanjana Das
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Meroë
A hundred pyramids, older than those in Giza, stand in the Nubian desert, making it a rightful UNESCO World Heritage Site. Right from 8th Century BC to 4th Century AD, when the central city of Kingdom of Kush was ruled by Black Pharaohs, Meroë has served as the royal burial site. There isn’t anyone around to hassle you by selling tours. Simply go inside the pyramids and admire the hieroglyphs.
2. Khartoum
Not the most advanced capital that you may have seen, but definitely one that deserves a few days to just soak in Sudan’s efforts at modernising the long war-torn country. The National Museum of Sudan is reason enough to visit Khartoum. It costs less than a dollar to enter the museum, but it takes you around the wonderful country through one of the most significant archaeological findings and temple ruins!
3. Jebel Barkal
Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Jebel Barkal, or the Holy Mountain is a sight to behold. The best time to visit is during sunset when a golden light bathes this mesmerising sandstone structure. Stretching for around 37 miles, Kurru, Nuri, Sanam, and Zuma, along with living complexes, tombs, pyramids, temple, mounds, and chambers surround this butte.
4. Dinder National Park
Dinder National Park can perhaps be best described as 2,500 square miles of Sudan’s pride, joy, and an absolutely awe-inspiring display of her biodiversity. This birdwatcher’s paradise is one of the biggest national parks of the continent and serves as a home to lions, leopards, and elephants. There are facilities to stay inside the park if you want to go on longer safaris.
5. Omdurman
The largest city in the country, Omdurman was once the Sudanese national capital and is now a condensed treasure of preserved Sudanese history. It has the largest market in the country, Souk Moowaileh, and a number of museums, each offering the perfect opportunity to dive headfirst into the country’s cultural and ethnographic histories.
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