Khartoum

The Saharo-Sahelian zone, which represents the gradual passage between the Sahara Desert, huge arid regions, and the Sahel, large semi-arid areas, has a hot desert climate with a dry season that occurs throughout “wintertime.”

For the majority of the year, the climate is very dry, with around nine months of average rainfall of less than 5 mm (0.20 in).

The extremely long dry season is broken into two parts: a hot, very dry season from November to March, and a very hot, very dry season from April to June.

The hottest months are the late dry season (April to June), when average high temperatures consistently exceed 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit), and the early dry season (September and October), when average high temperatures consistently exceed 39 degrees Celsius (102 degrees Fahrenheit).

Khartoum is one of the world’s warmest major cities, with yearly mean temperatures hovering about 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit). For such a dry environment, the city nevertheless gets very hot “winters.”

The government of Sudan has undertaken a large development project after the signing of the historic Comprehensive Peace Agreement between the government of Sudan and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLA). The Al-Mogran Development Project, two five-star hotels, a new airport, the Mac Nimir Bridge (completed in October 2007), and the Tuti Bridge, which connects Khartoum and Tuti Island, were the most important developments in Khartoum in 2007.

Khartoum has grown in the twenty-first century thanks to Sudan’s oil resources. Tree-lined streets go across the city’s heart. Khartoum has the country’s greatest concentration of economic activity. As substantial economic advancements occur in other sections of the nation, this has altered.

Printing, glass production, food processing, and textiles are among the city’s industries. Petroleum products are currently produced in Khartoum’s far north, supplying the city with both fuel and employment. Northern Khartoum is home to one of Sudan’s major refineries.

Khartoum Airport (KRT) serves as the primary aviation gateway to Sudan. Numerous European, Middle Eastern, and African airlines service the airport. British Airways (with connections to London), EgyptAir (Cairo), Emirates (Dubai), Ethiopian Airlines (Addis Ababa), Gulf Air (Bahrain), Kenya Airlines (Nairobi), KLM (Amsterdam), Lufthansa (Frankfurt), Qatar Airways (Doha), Turkish Airlines (Doha) are among the cities with direct flights to Khartoum (Istanbul, on Tuesdays, Fridays, Sundays).

Sudan Airways, the country’s national carrier, connects Khartoum to a number of African and regional cities, as well as to Sudan’s internal airports at Port Sudan, Nyala, El-Fashir, Malakal, Juba, Dongola, Wadi Halfa, and El-Obeid.

Airport tax is SDG 35 for international departures from Khartoum and must be paid prior to check-in. The airport tax counter (little signboard) is on your left as you enter the airport building. Arrive early, since the airport may get quite hectic. Prepare yourself for lengthy delays and line jumping. Immigration and other security procedures might potentially take an extended period of time.

There is a bank where you may exchange money that is open at night when there are flights.

How to get there/away: Khartoum Airport is situated near Al-Amarat, close to the city. Taxis should cost between SDG 5 and 15, however locals may pay less. Additionally, you may go out to the main road around 200 meters from the airport terminal and grab one of the minibuses that cruise down the road.

Through Atbara, railway lines connect Khartoum to Wadi Halfa and Port Sudan. Trains depart from Khartoum’s main railway station, which is located in Khartoum North (Bahri).

The chaotic Souq al-Shaabi was once the primary bus station for long-distance south-bound buses in Khartoum, but a new, more orderly terminal has been erected. Buses depart towards Port Sudan, Wad Medani, Kassala, and El-Obeid. Long-distance buses depart from Omdurman in the direction of the north. Again, no buses connect to southern Sudan.

The major tarred route connects Khartoum to Wad Medani, then east to Gedaref (for the Ethiopian border at Gallabat), Kassala (for the presently closed Eritrean border), and finally to Port Sudan. From Khartoum, a route leads south to El-Obeid and then west to the Chadian border through Darfur, which is now rather risky to use. The road enters from the north through Wadi Halfa and Atbara.

There are no roads connecting southern Sudan to the rest of the country. Flying is the only choice.

Khartoum is both simple and challenging to navigate. It’s simple since most of the city is built out on a grid, with long straight highways and handy reference points like as the airport and the Nile. It’s challenging since the city (or, more precisely, the three cities) are very spread apart, making walking a lengthy and exhausting choice.

Maps are scarce, but Google Earth provides some excellent high-resolution photos.

These come in three varieties: bright yellow and frequently battered Toyota Corollas Model 1977, small six-seater minivans, and modern, comfortable air-conditioned metered cabs (operated by LimoTrip at 00249 183 591 313 or info@limotrip.net – rates are reasonable and eliminate haggling; the cabs are also radio controlled). Apart from metered taxis, taxi drivers always overcharge foreigners, and SDG 10 is the standard beginning fee for short journeys around town.

Taxi costs for ‘foreigners’ are basically as follows:

• SDG 5 within Khartoum 1 (central Khartoum)
• SDG 5-10 Khartoum 1 to the airport / Amarat / Khartoum 2
• SDG 10 to Riyadh or Afra Mall
• SDG 15 from Riyadh to Khartoum

Generally, crossing the river doubles the cost. They may want SDG 15-20 from the city center to go to Afra Mall. To get the ‘Sudanese’ fare, you’ll need a little luck and the willingness to walk away when drivers refuse to reduce the fee. Keep in mind that gas costs roughly SDG 7 per gallon, which means drivers may earn even on an SDG 2 fare.

Finally, be aware that the majority of taxi drivers do not understand English, are unable to read maps, and often cannot read Arabic; they frequently have limited knowledge of Khartoum’s geography, particularly in relation to the area in where you pick him up.

Minibuses are the most affordable mode of transport in Khartoum, particularly between the three cities. There are easily hundreds of minibuses, and the sight of them all congregating around the Great Mosque and Souk al-Arabi is breathtaking. They are, however, rather difficult to operate. None of them display destination signs, and you will need to be able to communicate with their conductors in a little Arabic in order to know which minibus to take. Additionally, they are constantly crammed to the brim. Even cross-river fares are always less than SDG 1.

The majority of minibuses depart from the plaza surrounding the Great Mosque (Mesjid al-Kabir) or from neighboring locations in Khartoum.

To call Khartoum’s traffic crazy would be an understatement. The present economic boom has resulted in a significant increase in the number of automobiles on the road, despite the fact that driving attitudes have remained same, resulting in almost comedic pandemonium at intersections. Due to Khartoum’s grid layout, there are several junctions where automobiles from all directions may flood in and compete for space. Having said that, the modest pace of automobiles guarantees that severe accidents are rare, at least in cities. If you are not used to such driving conditions, it is recommended that you take a cab.

Car rental is accessible and is somewhat more expensive than the norm in Africa, approximately 150 SDG per day for a Corolla and 300 SDG for a 4×4 (with compulsory driver). However, if you choose to go into the desert, the charges increase significantly, since the first 100 kilometers are free, and then 1 SDG each extra kilometer, thus a visit to the Meroe pyramids adds 400 SDG to your expenditures. However, fuel is inexpensive, costing roughly 1.8 SDG per litre (March 2008). ‘Limousine’ is the Arabic word for automobile rental; look for car rental locations near Airport Road or Ibed Khetim Road (east of the airport).

There are no boat services connecting the three cities, which are well linked through road bridges.

Between Khartoum and Tuti Island, a rural islet in the midst of the Blue Nile, there is a ferry service. Boats depart from the river bank along Nile Street, west of the city center, opposite the Friendship Hall. Additionally, a boat connects Tuti with Omdurman (except on Fridays)

MARKET / SUPERMARKET

RESTAURANTS

ENTERTAINMENT

CLOTHES / SHOES

TRANSPORTATION

• Nile Street or Shari’a Al-Nilشارع النيل الخرطوم: Possibly the most beautiful street in Khartoum. On one side, the boulevard is lined with lovely, albeit crumbling, colonial buildings, the majority of which are utilized as ministries, schools, and even a hotel, the Grand Holiday Villa Khartoum. The Presidential Palace, which also faces the Blue Nile, is a lovely structure, but visitors are not permitted to stroll in front of it; instead, they must cross the road and continue behind and around the palace. Along this route, you’ll also witness Khartoum’s contemporary side – the egg-shaped, Libyan-owned Al-Fateh Tower and the Chinese-built Friendship Hall. Additionally, the National Museum is located on Nile Street. The route is mostly tree-lined (save in the west) and has a sidewalk, making walking extremely pleasant. Numerous people sit beside the river’s concrete barriers.
• Sudan Presidential Palace Museum – This Museum is set in the magnificent century-old Palace Cathedral on the grounds of the Presidential Palace. The palace houses several antiquities and artifacts from Sudan’s administrative and contemporary political history, ranging from Sir Gordon Pasha’s paintings to the Presidential automobiles of more recent monarchs.
• The Changing of the Guard – This is a monthly ritual in which the Black Guard and the White Guard of the Presidential Palace alternate. The Ceremony takes place at the Palace’s South Gate.
• Confluence of the Blue and White Nile: If you have the energy, continue going west along Nile Street for about 3–4 kilometers from the Presidential Palace. Al-Mogran is the name given to the confluence, which is best seen from the metal bridge (the older one, not the current concrete one) between Khartoum and Omdurman, or from Al-Mogran Family Park. According to legend, one can really see the two distinct colors from the several branches come together and flow independently for a distance downstream before combining. Near the bridge lies the Al-Mogran Family Park, which has a Ferris wheel and other attractions. Warning: There is a notice on the bridge that states NO PHOTOS. Please take note of this, as individuals have been detained for photographing the confluence!
• Souq Arabi: This is the spot to watch people and activities. Souq Arabi (Arabian Market), the town’s commercial hub, can supply all you need (see “Buy” section for more details on shopping options). The market is enormous and sprawls over multiple squares in the heart of Khartoum, immediately south of the Great Mosque (Mesjid al-Kabir) and the minibus station. Visit this location to see Khartoumites going about their everyday lives.
• Sudan National Museum, 1SDG, Nile Street (Next to the Friendship Hall, just west of the Libyan-financed Burj el-Fatih sail-hotel.). Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Unexpectedly impressive museum that has lately undergone some renovations. The enormous hall has exhibits that equal those seen in the British Museum or the New York Metropolitan Museum’s ancient Egypt sections; yet, if you’ve come in Khartoum straight from temple gazing in Egypt, some of the displays may appear familiar. Three temples transferred from Aswan are included in the grounds. The pleasure of this location is that you will have it almost entirely to yourself. Visit in the mornings and allow two hours; the museum closes at 12 p.m. but does not reopen until 3 p.m., notwithstanding the sign on the entrance.
• Sudan Ethnographic Museum. On the junction of Al Gamaa Street and Mak Nemir Avenue is a wonderful little museum. This Museum is devoted to the study of Sudan’s multiple ethnic groups’ diverse cultures and customs. The exhibits range from intricate handicrafts to miniature representations of traditional homes. If you have the time, this museum is well worth a visit.

• Souq Omdurman: This market is said to be one of the biggest in Africa, and you may purchase handicrafts here. The handicraft street is extremely difficult to locate; it is located towards the market’s northern end, near the gold sector (not on the western side, as stated in the Bradt guide). The roadway is really a covered path that connects two buildings and has gates on both ends. It’s not very busy (in compared to the rest of the market), and they may close up shop in the evenings, and sometimes on Fridays as well.
• The Khalifa’s House: Abdullah al-Taaisha, often known as “The Khalifa,” replaced the Mahdi as Mahdi’s successor. His home has been converted into a museum and is well worth seeing if you want to gain a sense of Omdurman’s history. Exhibits include numerous relics from previous conflicts and some fascinating vintage British newspaper clippings reporting on the British struggle in Sudan. The museum closes early (often between 1 and 2 PM) and charges 1 SDG. It is located next to the Mahdi’s mausoleum and is a short walk from Souq Omdurman.
• Sufi dancing (aka dhikr / whirling dervishes): Appropriately suggested as a must-do for Khartoum tourists. Every Friday (except during Ramadan), tourists and international charity workers with cameras gather to the Hamed al-Nil mausoleum. A vibrant and boisterous party. It is located around 2 kilometers south of the Omdurman souq.

• Bombed Al-Shifa pharmaceutical factory facility is an intriguing destination to see and is way off the beaten tourist track in Khartoum (if Khartoum even has such a thing). The bones, which were tomahawked in 1998, serve as a chilling reminder of Sudan’s tenuous relationship with the West. It’s fairly simple to get there (GPS / Google Earth coordinates: 15°38’46.99″N, 32°33’41.60″E), just take a minibus to Bahri and then a cab. The guards are fairly kind and will allow you in for a walk if you make a donation of 10SDG.
• Nuba Wrestling – Each Friday at 4 p.m., two teams of wrestlers square off in front of several hundred fans – and it’s quite a sight that’s well worth the journey. It concludes about 6PM and costs one SDG. It’s around 12 kilometers from downtown Khartoum, adjacent to souq Sita Al Haj Yousef — better to take a cab there (roughly 20 SDG), although you can easily locate a bus returning to al-Arabi for 1 SDG..

Numerous professional and international clubs are located across the three towns. They are a vibrant relic of British influence, providing opportunities for athletics, cultural events, and just gathering.

• Greek club. Khartoum 2, entrance off Mak Nimir Ave. It is available to the public and has sporting facilities (tennis, volleyball, basketball, football, and jogging), a swimming pool (entry charge of 30 SDG), and basic food and beverages.
• Coptic club.
• German club. Nothing particularly German, just a basketball court, a tree-shaded lawn, and a swimming pool. Additionally, it functions as a motel.
• Indian club. Omdurman. The social hub of the capital’s sizable Indian population, it hosts festivities for all major Indian holidays.
• A stroll around Tuti island is highly suggested if you’re looking for anything other than Khartoum’s brown. If you’re traveling to Omdurman, a fantastic way to decompress after the souq’s mayhem is to take the boat over to Tuti (except on Fridays) or the recently opened Tuti Suspension Bridge. Aim for around 5-6PM to enjoy Tuti in the early 7evening.
• A Nile trip is possible from many boats docked at Tuti Bridge. A tour on one of the smaller boats starts at only 15 SDG.

• Centre Culturel Français. Downtown, Ali Dinar St. Provides French and Sudanese Arabic classes, as well as a library and cultural activities (music, art, literature, conferences, movies).
• Goethe Institute. Downtown, Al Mak Nimir St. Offers German courses, cultural events (music, art, literature, conferences, movies).
• British Council. Downtown, Abu Sinn St. Offers English courses, cultural events (music, art, literature, conferences, movies).
• Iranian Cultural Center. Al Amarat, corner of Airport Rd and St 27.

• Evening tea on Nile Avenue. With the completion of the Nile Avenue extension to Manshia, the stretch of road between the Mak Nimir and Manshia bridges has developed into the hub of Khartoum’s nighttime life. Numerous tea women attend to the needs of the audience as they relax on the grass, overlooking the road and the river.

• Concerts. Sudanese music is vibrant. Contemporary artists perform live in clubs, primarily on weeknight nights. Look for Arabic posters scattered across the city or speak with residents.
• Weddings. Sudanese typically engage celebrity musicians to play one or two of their favorite pieces at wedding ceremonies. The performance footage is often used as an unauthorised video clip on Sudanese television networks.
• Creative events. At one of the various and often changing cultural events, the Khartoum youth and amateur scene may be noticed. Whether it’s Wapi (British Council), Makaan, Space, or Khartoum Open Mic’, these venues provide a platform for young musicians, hip hop artists, dancers, slammers, and poets.
• Khartoum International Music Festival.

• Cinemas. Although the final commercial theatres closed in 2009, open-air structures such as the Coliseum (Souk al Arabi), Halfaya and Watania (Khartoum North), or Watania (Omdurman) may still be seen. Afra Mall’s cinemas continue to screen films, mostly Bollywood or Egyptian.
• Film festivals. Annual film festivals are organized by the European Union and the Venezuelan Embassy. The French Cultural Center and, on occasion, the Goethe Institute also give free weekly projections.

Khartoum has a smattering of restaurants, with new ones opening every couple of months – apart from eateries affiliated to hotels, the city core offers nothing in the way of fine dining. Amarat has the bulk of the more upscale restaurants, however Ridyah and Khartoum 2 also have several. Omdurman and Barhi both offer a smattering of unpretentious eateries. All restaurants are subject to a government tax of around 15% and a service fee of between 3% and 14%.

• Universal Amarat St. 27. Italian-inspired, giving delightful al fresco eating at an affordable price for expats. (15°34’33.97″N, 32°32’42.82″E)
• Solitaire Amarat St. 15. Affordably priced ‘international’ food, air conditioning, free internet, and low ceilings. It has a café vibe, but the cuisine is excellent.(15°34’48.47″N, 32°32’48.08″E)
• Korean Restaurant. Africa Street (next to Hotel Africa). Regrettably closed, but still legendary for serving the only kimchi for 1,000 kilometers! Korean cuisine is very wonderful, particularly the cook-your-own bulgolgi and other favorites.(15°34’34.39″N, 32°33’0.70″E)
• Mat’am 15 Cha’abi – Popular Restaurant 15. Al-Amarat, St 15 (on the square off Macro Supermarket / Syrian Fresh Food 2, facing Kanon Hotel).Serves classic gurasa (a big thick wheat pancake) or kisra (a large thin wheat pancake) with your choice of sauce (bamya with lamb or chicken) or yoghurt with sugar (gha’ib) from the north of Sudan. Additionally, there is a juice bar. It is a favorite among local employees and touk touk drivers due to its affordability (all meals are under 5 SDG).
• Amwaj Restaurant. Airport Road, Al-Amarat (on the corner with Street 15 or “Shari’a Khamsa ta-Ashaara”). Large, spacious, and immaculate, with very excellent meals. Locals and tourists alike find it quite popular. The menu include shawarmas, kebabs, grilled chicken, and lamb stews, as well as bread, soup, and salad. Additionally, we provide delectable fruit drinks and smoothies. Dishes range in price from 20 to 60 pounds.
• Royal Broast. Airport Road, Al-Amarat. Another popular hangout spot only a few doors down from Amwaj.
• Laziz Delicious Restaurant. Al-Amarat Street 1. Nice place to eat in. They have another branch in Ryad area.
• Afra Mall Chinese restaurant and food court. Afra Mall, Africa Street, Arkawet.

• Assaha Restaurant. In any city, this would be a wonderful restaurant; in Khartoum, it is a jewel. A pleasant environment is enhanced by the professionalism and competence of the wait staff. They provide a varied menu that includes luncheons, light fare, and full dinners. A broad range of appetizers, main courses, desserts, and a “hubble bubble” costs around 90 SDG (US $37) each person. They levy a government tax of 12% and a service fee of 14%.
• Bawabi Tourist Restaurant. Khartoum 2 St 47 (east of Souk Khartoum 2). A well-known spot for spicy grilled chicken and beef. Mains cost between 15 and 20 SDG.
• Hadramawt Restaurant. Khartoum 2 St 47 (west Souk Khartoum 2). Yemeni restaurant serving classic deserts such as salta, fahsa, mandi, lahm hanith, and fatah. Mains cost around 15 SDG.

• Habesha Ethiopian restaurant. Arkaweet Area, east of Afra Mall. +249 912302410. Excellent atmosphere, excellent cuisine, and extremely reasonable prices. The restaurant is divided into two levels (the third floor has a lovely internet café); the upstairs is more active, with Ethiopian pop playing on the plasma screen. Around 25SP per person for a substantial dinner and coffee. A nice pick if you’re searching for a place with live music and some atmosphere.
• Salt n Peeper. Buri area, north end of Obeid Khatim Street – Next to Buri family park. +249 918678748. Sudan’s only Pakistani restaurant. Pakistani spicy and delectable foods are a specialty.

• Kandahar, souq Libya – Eating at Kandahar in Khartoum’s souq Libya is undoubtedly the most distinctive and genuine gastronomic experience available in the city. There, the format is rather different. To begin, you choose the kind of meat you want to cook, which is often camel or lamb. You then give over the meat to be cooked and prepared as part of a meal. Kandahar is one of the few locations in Khartoum where camel meat is available. It is situated on the outskirts of Omdurman in Souq Libya.

The majority of shopping continues to take place in street marketplaces or souqs. While the souqs in Sudan are not as visually appealing as those in other Middle Eastern nations, they do provide an insight into Sudanese economy. And, if you’re a visitor, you can undoubtedly get whatever you need from these marketplaces, including handicrafts. Prices are not incredibly low owing to the high cost of transporting imported (mostly Chinese) items, but they are lower than at Afra Mall or in regular stores. Upmarket Khartoum features just one shopping center, which includes a supermarket and a variety of stores and restaurants.

Khartoum

• Souq Arabi: Located in the heart of the city, this is your typical bustling market overflowing with life. The market is segmented into various segments, each of which is focused on a certain product. There is even a gold block, albeit it seems to be less sophisticated and organized than its Dubai equivalent. This souq, on the other hand, is a little short in handicrafts and fresh foodstuffs. You are better off shopping for handicrafts in Souq Omdurman.
• Afra Mall: Located on Africa Road in Arkawet’s southern suburbs. Afra is the sole mall in Khartoum and Sudan, but don’t anticipate too much. Afra has already begun to lose some of its initial luster – it now resembles a tiny neighborhood mall rather than the kind seen in Hong Kong, Singapore, or Dubai. It has a grocery and shop businesses offering clothing and other items found in a mall. Additionally, money changers and pre-paid mobile telephone kiosks are available. Afra Mall is by no means a must-see sight or a destination for a night out.
• Al-Amarat Centre: This is probably your best chance as a tourist for locating foreign goods and home supplies. Of course, the prices are exorbitant, but you are paying for convenience.

Omdurman

• Souq Omdurman:: Sudanese market is quite huge. The majority of goods are less expensive, and the vegetables and fruits are fresher than at Souq Arabi. Handicrafts are available here. The handicraft street is extremely difficult to locate; it is located towards the market’s northern end, near the gold sector (not on the western side, at stated in the Bradt guide). The roadway is really a covered path that connects two buildings and has gates on both ends. It’s not very busy (in compared to the rest of the market), and they may close up shop in the evenings, and sometimes on Fridays as well. There are several local buses that connect Souq arabi to this location. The bus price from here to Souq Arabi is 1 SDG.

Khartoum North (Bahri)

• Saad Gishra: This is a covered market, and it is the primary shopping area in Bahri. While prices may be somewhat more than in souq omdurman, this area is significantly more accessible to travelers.