Tourism: Attractions of Sudan

Xpress (Shatha Khalil)

A photo gallery of eight pictures accompanies the article.

Sudan, Africa’s largest nation, may not be a conventional place to go on holiday but it has lots to offer tourists and is untouched by the millions of visitors who explore its better known neighbour.

A drive around Khartoum, the capital city, will take you through history to a time when the British ruled this rich state.

Khartoum was home to Al Mahdi, the leader of Sudan’s resistance against British colonial rule in the late 19th century, and his residence still stands in the city.
Be sure to pass by the presidential palace to greet the guards, who will acknowledge you with different gestures every time – a gun raised in response, a salute or even a brief march-past. . . .

Getting away from the main cities is a good way to make the most of this vast country. A trip to the north will take you through barren desert but will also allow you to marvel at some of the untouched villages that line the route to the pyramids at Meroe.

Though smaller than those in Egypt and not as well maintained and protected, the Sud-anese pyramids are worth visiting for anyone with an interest in ancient history.