The Sudan is not typically thought of as a tourist destination, but the country boasts stunning natural beauty, ancient historical sites, and hospitable locals, despite negative media coverage. Visitors can gain more insight into the culture and way of life by drinking freshly made smoothies with the Khartoum residents, as Sudan is officially an alcohol-free country, than they could by browsing the city's museums. Khartoum, a relatively new city, was established in 1821 at the confluence of the Blue and White Niles when Britain and Egypt jointly ruled the country. The city is a blend of history and modernity, with classical Islamic architecture in red ochre hues juxtaposed with modern glass and steel skyscrapers funded by the country's oilfields. Sudan was once a collection of city-states before colonial rule, with Meroë being one of the most enduring. This ancient city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is located about 200 km (125 miles) northeast of Khartoum and features more than 200 steep-sided pyramids, which were built as elaborate royal mausoleums. The Nubian Desert, a part of the Sahara, offers unspoiled natural beauty and solitude, stretching eastward all the way to Port Sudan and the Red Sea, which is a hub for Sudan's growing diving scene.
Get StartedMore widely associated with desert landscapes than coral reefs, Sudan has a burgeoning diving industry centred on the Red Sea's Port Sudan from where scuba expeditions are led to various sites, including Jacque Cousteau's underwater village and Sanganeb reef.