Khartoum Travel Guide

Located at the picturesque confluence of the Blue and White Nile Rivers, Khartoum is the capital and largest city in Sudan. Far from the dilapidated town most people expect, Khartoum is a sprawling metropolis and the seat of the Sudanese government.

The city is made up of three distinct areas: Khartoum, Khartoum North (also known as Bahri), and Omdurman, divided by the branches of the rivers. Omdurman is older and has a Middle Eastern feel with large souks and winding streets, while Bahri is mostly industrial and residential.

Though most of Khartoum is laid out in an easy-to-navigate grid pattern, the city is large and spread out, ruling out walking as a feasible option for sightseers. However, areas such as Nile Street in Khartoum make for a pleasant stroll, with older colonial buildings, the National Museum, and The Presidential Palace all part of the neighbourhood. The Palace is home to a museum of political history, and on the first Friday of each month, visitors can watch the Changing of the Guard ceremony.

Attractions in Omdurman take on an entirely different character; the district has one of the largest markets in Africa, the Souk Omdurman, where travellers will find all manner of handicrafts and souvenirs. The Khalifa's House is the former residence of the leader of the Mahdists, and has been turned into an excellent museum.

One of the most popular events in Omdurman is the colourful and noisy Sufi dancing that takes place every Friday at the Hamed al-Nil tomb. While many travellers avoid Khartoum due to safety concerns, this modern and colourful city is a fascinating place for those willing to venture off the beaten path.

Things to do in Khartoum

Getting Around

Public transport in Khartoum consists of minibuses that cover most destinations within the city, and operate throughout the day and late into the evening. Private taxis are available and fares can be negotiated. Motorised rickshaws, locally referred to as bajajs or rakshas, provide a cheaper mode of private transport. Rickshaws are best used only for short trips within Khartoum. For trips where one needs to cross the Nile it is better to use a taxi or minibus. Travellers who want to get around at their own pace can hire a car in Khartoum. Car hire companies can also provide tourists with a local driver for an additional fee.

Khartoum Climate and Weather

Khartoum has a hot desert climate. July and August are the only months that feature any significant rainfall. The annual precipitation levels in Khartoum average about five inches (127mm). Khartoum is one of the hottest cities in the world, with summer temperatures averaging as high as 107F (42C). There are no distinct seasons in Khartoum, but the hottest months are May and June and the coolest months are December and January, when average high temperatures drop to approximately 86F (30C). Although daytime temperatures are painfully hot, temperatures cool off considerably during the night. It is worth noting that from mid-July to September Khartoum experiences sandstorms.

Sudan travel info

Electricity

Electrical current is 230 volts, 50Hz. Round two-pin and three-pin plugs are in use.

Language

Arabic and English are the official languages.

Money

The official currency is the Sudanese Pound (SDG), which is divided into 100 piastres. It is advisable to bring cash, preferably in US dollars, rather than rely on credit card facilities. Receipts should be kept after changing money at banks and bureaux de change. Banking hours are from Saturday to Thursday from 8.30am to, at least, 12pm.

Tipping

Tipping (baksheesh) is commonplace in Sudan, though it's always optional. Visitors shouldn't feel pressured to tip any particular service or any particular amount.

Health

A yellow fever certificate is required by those arriving from an infected country. There is a risk of malaria throughout the year and malaria medication is recommended for travel to all parts of the country; dengue fever also occurs, so precautions against mosquito bites should be taken. Vaccinations are recommended for hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid and meningococcal disease. Water and food-borne diseases are common and travellers should purify drinking water and carry anti-diarrheal drugs.

Medical facilities in Khartoum are adequate for routine problems, but the war has resulted in a shortage of medicine and hospital equipment; visitors should ensure they have comprehensive medical insurance, which should include evacuation by air ambulance.

Safety

A military coup on 25 October 2021 triggered an ongoing political crisis. A civilian-led transitional government is now in place and there are ongoing efforts and talks to resolve the crisis, but the political situation remains fragile. The transitional government has brought a degree of calm across Sudan, though there have been protests, and further mass action cannot be ruled out. All visitors are advised to exercise caution, avoid all large protests or gatherings, and to follow the instructions of local authorities.

Local customs

Northern Sudan and Khartoum are predominantly Islamic, and religious customs and sensitivities should be respected, particularly with regard to dress and public conduct. Women, in particular, should wear loose fitting clothes that cover most of the body, although covering the head is unnecessary. Eating, drinking and smoking in public during the holy month of Ramadan should be avoided, as it is forbidden by Islam. Sharia law applies in Sudan. Travel outside of Khartoum may require a permit and visitors arriving in any town or city are required to register with the police. Photography permits are also required by anyone intending to take photographs while in the country; certain subjects are forbidden. Homosexuality is illegal. Visitors are advised to avoid political discussion and any kind of street protest.

Doing business

Businessmen should wear a lightweight suit and, in keeping with Islamic culture, women should wear loose-fitting garments that cover most of the body. Visitors should let their local associates know that they are women in advance, as this will allow locals to prepare for their visit accordingly, such as by providing appropriate chaperones. English is widely spoken in business circles, but knowing a few words of Arabic will be well received. Punctuality is less important than patience and politeness. Personal introductions are advantageous; business cards should have an Arabic translation on the reverse.

Duty free

The import and export of local currency is prohibited. Passengers over the age of 20 can bring in 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 450g of tocabbo; perfume for personal use; and a reasonable amount of gifts into the country duty-free. Alcohol is prohibited, as are goods from Israel.

Communications

The international dialling code for Sudan is +249, and the outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the UK). Mobile-phone reception is excellent throughout the country; visitors can purchase local SIM cards for calls and mobile-phone data. Most midrange and top-end hotels have WiFi.

Passport & Visa

Most nationalities require a visa for entry to Sudan. Visitors should be aware that if their passport contains evidence of a visit to Israel, a visa for Sudan will be refused, as will entry to the country even if in possession of a valid visa. Visitors who are travelling on a single entry visa will need an exit visa to leave the country, though this is not always enforced. Extensions of stays are possible and should be paid at the Ministry of Interior. All travellers need to register with the Aliens Department at the Ministry of Interior within three days of arrival in Sudan. Hotels may do this automatically but it is worth checking. It is highly recommended that travellers' passports have at least six months' validity remaining after the intended date of departure from their travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Entry requirements

US nationals require a passport valid for six months and a visa for entry into Sudan.

UK nationals require a passport valid for six months and a visa for entry into Sudan.

Canadians require a passport valid for six months and a visa for entry into Sudan.

Australians require a passport valid for six months and a visa for entry into Sudan.

South Africans require a passport valid for six months and a visa for entry into Sudan.

Irish nationals require a passport valid for six months and a visa for entry into Sudan.

New Zealand nationals require a passport valid for six months and a visa for entry into Sudan.

Useful contacts

999 (Police)

Embassies / consulates in other countries

Embassy of Sudan, Washington, D.C., United States: +1 202 338 8565

Embassy in Sudan, London, United Kingdom: +44 20 7839 8080

Embassy of Sudan, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 235 4000

Embassy of Sudan, Canberra, Australia (also responsible for New Zealand): +61 2 6290 2635

Embassy of the Republic of Sudan, Pretoria, South Africa: +021 342 4538

Embassy of Sudan, Dublin, Ireland: +353 1537 1441

Embassies / consulates in Sudan

Embassy of the United States, Khartoum, Sudan: +249 18 702 2000

British Embassy, Khartoum, Sudan: +249 156 775500

Embassy of Canada, Khartoum, Sudan: +249 156 550 500

Australian Embassy, Cairo, Egypt (also responsible for Sudan): +202 2770 6600

Embassy of South Africa, Khartoum, Sudan: +249 183 585 301

Irish Honorary Consulate, Khartoum, Sudan: +249 155 117 886