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Guide to Khartoum, Sudan
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Click to go to Flight Prices for Khartoum
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KhartoumA city known for everything but its tourism business, Khartoum is a capital that produces foods, cotton, and textiles, is the administrative center of Sudan, and all in all, is surprisingly the safest city in the country. It is widely known throughout the world that Sudan isn't the model nation for civilian amiability, but Khartoum is something of an exception to the rule. Much of the strife that engulfs the rest of Sudan tends to leave Khartoum out of it, and only in cafes and at newsstands will you hear commotion where the topics are covering the instability that lurks across the land. It's a hot, dry, and exasperating place, but we've grown fond of this city because unlike many a tourist would think of visiting. Nearly all of its sites are more attuned to the everyday businessman than to visitors (apart from the pirated-DVD stands, which are marketed in a pleasantly democratic fashion: to all), but if you stick around (which most don't bother to), you may be surprised by how many specialties the city really holds. Don't get us wrong. This isn't a city for the average traveler looking for a suntan and easy strolls through shopping districts. But if you're a roughnik ready to brave the African sun and are addicted to crowded streets with historic sites just about everywhere you turn, you'll do quite well to opt for Khartoum as your next destination.
When to go:
Though Khartoum sits on the edge of the Blue Nile, it also lies in the north of Sudan, where it has been associated with soaring temperatures and dry, desert-like conditions since before its creation. Khartoum is both a capital city and a province, and it is sometimes difficult to pinpoint what time is best for a visit. The region furthest from the water receives a significantly greater annual rainfall, but this also calls for intense summer-time humidity. If you visit during winter, you can enjoy much cooler nights in the capital, but either don a hat or make for the shade when daylight comes as peak temperatures vaccilate little throughout the year. The city is busiest in summer and winter too, and given that it can feel a tad boring and uneventful in spring and autumn, we suspect you'd enjoy keeping with the crowds.
Getting there and around:
Khartoum Airport is just 5km from the city center, which makes for an easy trip to and from your hotel, but not so fast; you have to get to Khartoum first! Luckily for African and European travelers, Khartoum is a destination with minimal trouble obtaining tickets for. Travelers from North America and Asia will have to endure a lengthier process, but if you're flying from these parts of the world, you'll get here all the same. Walk is the method of transport for many in Khartoum, but as it is not the most compact of Sudanese cities, you may want to hop aboard a city bus or taxi if you're traveling long distances. Some buses are not air-conditioned, whereas most, if not all taxis are. You'll find it a much easier task to find a vacant taxi for all your transit needs, whenever they may arise, but be prepared to pay a premium.
Attractions:
Improvisation is key to both an exciting and rewarding time in Khartoum, and you can do so many ways. After taking a roundabout tour of the city, roam the banks of the Blue Nile, where you're sure to discover birds native to the region, flowers that grow so rapidly you can almost see them rise and bloom in real time. Of course, it may be fascinating for some to view industries progress, so why not stop by a cotton factory or glass warehouse to the magic of creation. Note: Drink only bottled water.
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