6 Amazing Things You Must See In Sudan

With its rich cultural heritage and stunning natural beauty, Sudan is a wonderful hidden gem. Under the country’s sweeping sand dunes lie many ancient treasures and things to do in Sudan that the world at large is only just beginning to discover. The few travellers who venture here all also agree that the Sudanese are some of the friendliest people you’re likely to meet.

Sudan is perhaps best known these days for its two civil wars (1955-1972 and 1983-2005) and the recent military coup in April 2019. But this ever-changing security situation is mostly restricted to western and southern Sudan, leaving the northeastern region of the country quite safe to visit.

# Meroë Pyramids

Once the centre of the Nubian kingdom of Kush (from the 8th century BC to the 4th century AD), Meroë was also where most royal burials took place. So, there are over 100 pyramids at this heritage site, smaller and narrower than those in Egypt, but equally impressive. You can even enter the pyramids and get up close to the hieroglyphs and carvings.

# The Temple of Soleb

The temple of Soleb, dedicated to the Egyptian Sun God Amun-Ra, was built in the 14th century BC by Pharaoh Amenhotep III. It sits on the west bank of the Nile and is one of the best-preserved sandstone temples in Sudan. Soelb is also the location of a vast necropolis.

# Jebel Barkal

This small sandstone mountain is located to the north of Khartoum, in the present-day town of Karima. It was used as a landmark in ancient times, and the Egyptians believed that the God Amun lived in this “Holy Mountain”. Also here are the ruins of temples, tombs, and palaces grouped into four archaeological sites: Kurru, Nuri, Sanam, and Zuma.

# Nuri

Across the Nile from Jebel Barkal is the Necropolis of Nuri. It is home to over 20 ancient pyramids of Nubian kings and queens which are some of the oldest and largest in Sudan. They date all the way back to the 7th century BC. Entry tickets can be bought from the museum in Karima.

# Khartoum

The colourful capital of Sudan is located at the point where the Blue Nile and White Nile meet, a point known as al-Muqran. Don’t miss the National Museum of Sudan, which has a fascinating archaeological collection and the remains of temple buildings and the Ethnographic Museum.

# Hamed el-Nil Tomb

Located very close to the capital of Khartoum is the Sheikh Hamed al-Nil mosque in Omdurman. Every Friday afternoon you can see an incredible Sufi ceremony here, where hundreds gather around whirling dervishes, dressed in colourful outfits, who chant, dance, and spin accompanied by cymbals and drums. The crowds form a circle around the dervishes, but keep in mind that women will be asked to move to the second line, as the inner circle is males only.