Most people probably know Sudan because of Darfur and the events that are still affecting the African nation to the present day. The country is bordered by tourist-favorite Egypt and the less-traveled Libya, Chad, Central African Republic, South Sudan, Ethiopia, and Eritrea.Sudan is slowly trying to develop its tourism sector, rightly so because it is home to stunning UNESCO World Heritage Sites, rich cultural spots, expansive savannas and grasslands, and the pristine coast of the Red Sea. Its tourism sector is yet to boom, but lucky are those who have already conquered its humble destinations. Sudan is indeed so good.
10 Khartoum
Khartoum is where the White Nile and Blue Nile river meets, an arid city teeming with activities, thanks to said waterways. A stroll along the river is already enjoyable, but tourists should also explore the town’s superb attractions. A visit to the museums is a must, and it should start at the National Museum, which hosts the world’s largest and most comprehensive Nubian archaeological collection. The Ethnographical Museum, meanwhile, exhibits tribal items. Another top attraction is the Hamed el-Nil Tomb, where tourists can watch as Sufi dervishes have a trance as they whirl around for a sacred ritual. Khartoum is nothing but charming.
9 National Parks
Sudan is one of the largest countries, so tourists can expect that it's jam-packed with attractions, including thriving national parks. One such reserve is Dinder, where wildlife watchers can check out such animals as cheetahs, lions, giraffes, gazelles, hyenas, antelopes, buffalo, and elephants. Hikers, meanwhile, can explore the shrublands, forests, rivers, and woodlands of Radom. The two parks are tentatively listed as World Heritage Sites, with the former praised for its biodiversity while the latter for its valleys and rivers. Nature lovers are guaranteed an escape in Sudan’s wilderness.
8 Pyramids Of Meroë
Egypt is not the only African nation with pyramids. Sudan is also home to such structures that date back to the time of the Kingdom of Kush or 2,300 and 2,700 years ago. There are around 100 archaeological spots in this World Heritage Site. The pyramids range from six meters to 30 meters, proud of their Nubian architecture. This royal cemetery is a stunning desert attraction, and though it can’t match the magnificence of Egyptian pyramids, it’s an ideal place to see a spectacular ancient attraction.
7 Kerma
Kerma is another playground for amateur and expert archaeologists. The area was once misidentified as a part of Egyptian culture until extensive research was done from the 1970s to the 1980s. Kerma is the only place in the world where tourists can see a deffufa, which means “mud-brick-building.” The most famous is the Western Deffufa because it's the best-preserved example of Nubian architecture. The Eastern one, meanwhile, was a royal cemetery where ritual sacrifices happened. There’s also a museum in the area where tourists can end their “throwback” journey. Kerma is real.
6 Soleb
Nubian wonders continue in the ancient town of Soleb, where an awe-inspiring 14th-century Egyptian temple can be seen. Its design is similar to the structures in Luxor because both sites were developed under the same pharaoh. The area is tentatively listed as a World Heritage Site and praised by UNESCO for being a "unique edifice." Tourists can explore its sanctuary and hypostyle hall with towering columns, prehistoric graves, and a cemetery. Stepping back in time is always soulful in Soleb.
5 Red Sea
Tourists familiar with the movie The Red Sea Diving Resort will be excited to know that there’s an actual resort on the Sudanese coast, and though it’s not involved in any covert mission, it offers sun-kissed memories. The Red Sea is a charming inlet where sun-worshippers can have a fun day on the shore. Divers are also welcome as Sudanese waters have a thriving marine world, thanks to the Suakin Archipelago National Park and the World Heritage Site of Sanganeb Marine National Park, and Dungonab Bay – Mukkawar Island Marine National Park. Anyone can paint the town red in this sandy destination.
4 Khatmiyah Mosque
It might not be as mesmerizing as the structures of Timbuktu in Mali, but the mud-brick architecture of Khatmiyah Mosque is as awe-inspiring. Located in the foothills of the Taka Mountains, this religious site is a unique attraction that offers a different kind of retreat. Non-Muslims are welcome to look at this stunning building and explore the area’s peaks. Touring this destination means appreciating Sudanese Islam, all the while taking in scenic sights. A mosque, after all, is a place of rest.
3 Toteil
Hikers who just finished conquering the trails of the Taka Mountains and exploring the enriching Khatmiyah Mosque must head to the village of Toteil. This small community is a tourist-friendly destination packed with cafes where travelers can end their day with a drink and snacks as they take in the serene sight of the mountain and the sounds of the vibrant village. The town is also popular for honeymooners, as it should be because the surrounding is not just lively but lovely.
2 Sai Island
Another top Sudanese attraction, Sai Island, is an archaeological paradise because it's home to ruins from Egypt's Middle Kingdom, Ottoman Empire, and medieval age. Its history dates back to the Paleolithic period, and its prehistory narrates the once-thriving culture of Kerma. The island hosts church pillars of the little-known Makuria Empire, an Ottoman fort built on an ancient Egyptian town, and many other ruins that tell stories of a rich Sudanese past. Sai is an island of sun, sand, and surprises.
1 Karima
The town of Karima is small, but it’s filled with wonders that will satisfy even picky tourists. For starters, it has Jebel Barkal, a mountain with archaeological spots listed as World Heritage Sites. Among its must-see attractions are well-preserved pyramids engulfed by sand and the Temples of Amun and Mut. There are also museums and a royal cemetery waiting to be explored by would-be Indiana Jones. With such destinations, it’s only a matter of time before Sudan is flocked by curious tourists.