Exploration of the Northern Sudan

Welcome to Khartoum, the capital of Sudan! Our guide and driver will greet you at the Khartoum International Airport (KRT) on time and then transfer you to the hotel. The distance is about 7 kilometers. For the rest time of the day, you can relax in the hotel and overlook the beautiful view of the Nile River.

Accommodation: Corinthia Hotel Khartoum or similar

Today, you will enjoy a private guided tour of the capital Khartoum and its neighboring city Omdurman. We will spend this morning in the Sudan Archaeological Museum, where the largest and most comprehensive Nubian archaeological collections are perfectly preserved.

After Lunch, we will driver across the White Nile to Omdurman for a visit to the Museum of the Khalifa's House, the Mahdi Tomp, and the old Suq (market) of Omdurman. Later, we will return to the hotel for a break. A sunset cruise is arranged for you to see the meeting point of the Blue and White Rivers.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Corinthia Hotel Khartoum or similar

After breakfast, our guide and driver will pick you up from hotel and drive 160 kilometers (100 miles) along the Nile to the ancient cultic center of Naga, including a visit to the temple of Amun, the Roman chapel and the lion temple. Next, we will proceed 15 km/9 miles to the enigmatic site of the Musawwarat es-Sufra, where is an extensive temple area with numerous depictions of elephants. Afterwards, we drive 80 kilometers (50 miles) to the small town of Shendi for a short break, then continue north 30 kilometers (18 miles) to arrive at Meroe and check into a hotel located near the Pyramids.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Raidan Tourist Village or similar

More than 200 pyramids stand silently like warriors in the ancient city of Meroe on the banks of the Nile. These pyramid tombs were part of the Kush Kingdom in ancient times, when Meroe was once the capital of the Kush Kingdom in Africa between the 3rd century BC and the 4th century AD. Now it has become the most precious and important historical relic in Sudan, and was listed as a world cultural heritage in 2011. Today, we will tour around the enigmatic remains of the Royal City of Meroe, visit the necropolis in the Nile valley and the Kaboshia market close to the south of the pyramids. You will see dozens of black pyramids rising from the desert sands while beautiful sunset going down slowly.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Raidan Tourist Village or similar

In the morning, you will get a chance to take a stroll and photograph the pyramids. Then we will drive 100 kilometers (62 miles) to El Damer, and cross the Nile to Umm Tuyur on the west bank. Next, continue driving on the route leading through the Bayouda desert for 400 kilometers (248 miles), we will visit the ancient monastery of Deir Ghazali. Afterwards, stay overnight in Karima at a Nubian traditional house.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Nubian Traditional House or similar

Considered to be the source of all creation and residence of the god Amun, Jebel Barkal is a holy mountain located in Karima of the northern state in Sudan, which is close to a large bay of the Nile River and belongs to the area of Nubia. Jebel Barkal and El Kurru together are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

First, we will visit the cemetery containing the pyramids of the 25th dynasty, among them that of Pharaoh Taharqa in Nuri. Next, continue driving 18 kilometers (11 miles) to visit the necropolis of El-Kurru, whose highlights are decorated subterranean tombs of Pharaoh Tanwetamani and his mother Qalhata. Our guide can lead you to go inside the tomb of Queen Qalhata (circa 680 BC) to visit the mysterious burial chamber. Afterwards, we will explore the temples and sanctuaries of Jebel Barkal that was once the most important religious center of Kush.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Nubian Traditional House or similar

Early in the morning we will depart by a 4-wheel drive crossing the open desert to Kerma about 300 kilometers (186 miles), which is around 4 hours’ drive away. Kerma ancient city was once the capital and one of the largest archaeological sites of Upper Nubia during the 3rd and 2nd millenium B.C. We will visit the “Diffufa” that belongs to large mud brick constructions slightly younger than the Giza pyramids.

After having lunch by the river Nile bank, you may stroll around the Kerma market and have a close contact with the genuine local Sudanese in the bustling village. We will proceed to drive north to Tombos and have an evening walk leisurely upon arrival. Tonight, stay in Tombos traditional house.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Tombos Traditional House or similar

Today we will arrange for you a beautiful drive from Tombos, and you could see the brightly painted traditional houses in the Nubian villages that are located in oases amongst the dunes. Next, continue north to Wadi Sabu across the sands and appreciate the pre-historic rock carving art, with well-preserved inscriptions of more than 1600 rock drawings from different historical periods.

There are 6 cataracts of the Nile between Sudan and Egypt. With a distance of 5 kilometers, we will get into the third Cataract to admire the spectacular views crossing the Nile River. Later, drive 70 kilometers (43 miles) to the Soleb Traditional House.

Friendly Tip: The rock art site may be submerged due to threats from a dam project. You could consult our guide in advance according to your travel time, and we could change it to drinking tea at a local family if this site cannot be seen.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Soleb Traditional House or similar

After breakfast, we will pay a visit to the temple of Soleb, which is considered to be the most complete Egyptian temple standing on the Sudanese Nile, and its pillars remind travelers of the Luxor temple. Then our guide will escort you to take a boat from Delgo to Seseibi and reach the island of Sai, which is one of the largest islands in the middle Nile. There are tumbled ancient Egyptian ruins from old Nubian, Pharaonic city and Christian too. You can continue north to explore the Sai Island and return to Soleb for dinner.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Soleb Traditional House or similar

Today, we will drive 120 kilometers (75 miles) from Soleb to Old Dongola. Built in the fifth century AD, Old Dongola was once the Christian capital of the Nubian kingdom of Makuria from the 6th to the 14th century, and later became a major Islamic city. The ruins of churches, monasteries and cathedrals are still visible today. A guided tour will take you to visit the Coptic Christian temples at Old Dongola, the first and oldest mosque in Sudan.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Nubian Traditional House or similar

You are advised to get more sleep this morning and have a good breakfast since we will have a long drive today. After you are ready, we will drive 420 kilometers (260 miles) back to Khartoum, which takes around 6 hours driving time on the asphalted road. Upon arrival, you can fully relax yourself in the hotel or spend some leisure time along the Nile.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Corinthia Hotel Khartoum or similar

Your journey to Sudan ends today. According to your outbound flight schedule, the driver will wait for you at the hotel lobby and then transfer you to the Khartoum International Airport (KRT). We wish you a smooth trip home!

Meals: Breakfast