Port Sudan is a port city and the capital of the state of Red Sea in the northeastern Sudan, located around 820 km northeast of the country’s capital, Khartoum. It is located on the coastline of the Red Sea, holding the most important port of Sudan. Port Sudan is also one of the renowned tourist destinations of Sudan, mainly for nature gifted spectacular beaches and exciting scuba-diving opportunities.

Port Sudan is also well known among pilgrims travelling to Mecca in Saudi Arabia, who start their sea journey from Port Sudan and get down at Jeddah Port in Saudi Arabia. Port Sudan experiences an arid (desert) climate with relatively hot winters and extreme hot summers. Port Sudan originated as a railway terminus during the British colonial period in 1909.

Connectivity to Port Sudan:

Port Sudan is served by the Port Sudan New International Airport with scheduled flights from Khartoum and Dubai, catered by Badr Airlines, flydubai, Nova Airways and Sudan Airways. The airport is situated around 5 km south of the city centre.

Port Sudan has good connectivity by both bus and train to the national capital, Khartoum. Rickshaws, taxis and buses are the prevalent options to get around Port Sudan. Rickshaws are considered best by visitors that cost around SDG 2 – 5 for local travel.

Culture, Food and Shopping in Port Sudan:

The population of Port Sudan comprises of people belonging to different communities, mainly indigenous eastern Sudanese tribes and also Arabs, Indians and Europeans.

Some locally produced handicraft products, leather bags and jewelry can be purchased at shops along the boardwalk area. A cafeteria at the Coral Hotel is famous for dining in Port Sudan.

Things to do in Port Sudan:

• Snorkeling
• Scuba diving
• Traditional shopping

Tourist Attractions in Port Sudan:

Beaches of Port Sudan:

Beaches are the first preference of tourists visiting Port Sudan. Beaches are excellent in condition, offering different water sport activities, including snorkeling & diving during the dry months.

Boardwalk in Port Sudan:

Port Sudan has a long boardwalk area that oversees the port of the city. There are also many ice cream shops and cafes near the boardwalk area offering a wide range of Sudanese specialties.

Red Sea University:

The Red Sea University is one of the identities of Port Sudan, located 1 km away from the city centre, near Portsudan Palace Hotel. Also called Jameat Al Bahar Al Ahmar, the university was founded in 1994 and gained place on the list of the Federation of the Universities of the Islamic World.

List of other places of interest in and around Port Sudan include:

• Minaret in Port Sudan
• Port Sudan Harbor
• Port Sudan Train Station‎
• Atbarah River
• The National Railway Company in Atbara
• Khartoum War Cemetery
• University of Khartoum
• Jabal al-Awliya’ Dam
• Sudan National Museum
• Pyramids of Meroe
• Temple of Amun
• Pyramids of Gebel Barkal
• Al Kabir Mosque
• WWII Cemetery
• Sudan Art Diwan

Best time to visit Port Sudan:

During the summer months, Port Sudan’s temperature generally crosses 45 ° C and during the winter, the temperature exceeds 30 °C. However, the best time to visit Port Sudan is from February to May.

Hotels in and around Port Sudan:

Port Sudan is a colorful city with numerous tourist favor hotels with top class amenities, including spa, sauna, fitness centre, tennis court, TV, AC, food on request and doctor on call service. It is also advised for visitors to book hotels well in advance prior to reaching the city to avoid difficulty in finding hotels during high season. List of the prominent hotels in Port Sudan include:

• Mercure Port Sudan
• Coral Port Sudan
• Samarmaz Hotel
• Portsudan Palace Hotel
• Basiri Plaza Hotel
• Bohein Hotel
• Sudan Red Sea Resort
• Baasher Palace Hotel

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Khartoum is the capital as well as the 2^nd largest city of the African country Sudan. Administratively, Khartoum falls under the Khartoum State and is situated at the convergence of the White Nile and Blue Nile rivers. The Khartoum Metropolitan Area is the state of three urban areas, Khartoum city itself, Omdurman (the largest city of Sudan) and Khartoum North. Khartoum is a city with a proper mix and emergence of culture, education, infrastructure, tourism, shopping and entertainment, which has been geared up Khartoum towards getting place in the developed cities of Africa in recent years. The geographical coordinates of Khartoum measure 15°38′ N 032°32′ E.

History of Khartoum:

There is no certain theory about the origin of the name Khartoum, though one theory says the name Khartoum may be came from the Arabic term ‘kharṭūm’, which means trunk. According to the historical records, the son of the ruler of Egypt Muhammad Ali Pasha, Ibrahim Pasha, was the founder of Khartoum, founded in 1824 as an outpost for the Egyptian Army. Khartoum witnessed the summits of the Organization of African Unity in 1978 and Arab League in 2006.

Getting Khartoum:

Khartoum is the site of the most important airport of Sudan, Khartoum International Airport. The airport is located around 11 km north of the centre of Khartoum and covers many global cities such as Sharjah, Dubai, Bahrain, Abu Dhabi, Istanbul, Riyadh and Cairo.

Except southern part of Sudan, Khartoum is well linked by bus to all the major Sudanese cities, including Port Sudan, Wad Medani, and Kassala. Khartoum is also connected by train to Wadi Halfa and Port Sudan and Atbara. To move within Khartoum, taxis generally cost between SDG 10 and 20.

Culture, Food and Shopping in Khartoum:

Like country, Khartoum is largely Muslim populated city, though it is diverse, with many cultural clubs, especially that of Germans, Greeks and Indians.

Undoubtedly, the Souq Omdurman is the ideal spot for traditional shopping in Khartoum. Restaurants are abundant in number in Khartoum, spread up all around the city.

What to do in Khartoum?

• Sufi dancing
• Watching movies
• Festival celebrations

Must see in Khartoum:

 Corinthia Hotel Khartoum:

The Corinthia Hotel Khartoum is a five star hotel and one of the identities of Khartoum. Situated on the confluence of the Blue Nile and White Nile rivers, this oval shaped hotel holds many specialties are that of its shape nearly matching Burj Al Arab (7 star hotel) in Dubai and it is funded by Libya, for which it is popularly called “Gaddafi’s Egg”.

Tuti Bridge:

The Tuti Bridge is a recent construction built to connect Khartoum to the nearby Tuti Island. It is the first suspension bridge to be built in Sudan and one of the first in Africa. It is also a great viewpoint.

Nile Street:

The Nile Street is probably the best and beautiful street in Khartoum. The street moves along with many palatial colonial buildings, administrative offices, shopping centres and grandly built star rated hotels. The Nile Street is highlighted by the Presidential Palace and the National Museum of Sudan.

Sudan Presidential Palace Museum:

The Sudan Presidential Palace Museum is one of the recommended places to visit in Khartoum. Located in the premise of the Presidential Palace, the museum is housed inside the Palace Cathedral, which holds more than 100 years of history. The museum is mainly concentrated on showcasing the photographs and belongings of Sudanese presidents.

The Khalifa’s House:

The Khalifa’s House belonged to a Sudanese Ansar General and ruler, Abdallahi ibn Muhammad, who was being popular as ‘Khalifa’. The museum exhibits artifacts relating the history of Sudan, including about the Mahdists and the British rule. Entrance fee is 1SDG. It is worth a visit.

List of other places of interest in Khartoum includes:

• Bombed Al-Shifa pharmaceutical factory
• Souq Omdurman
• Sudan National Museum
• Sudan Ethnographic Museum
• Convergence of the Blue and White Nile

When to visit Khartoum?

Khartoum experiences a hot desert climate with precipitation only during the months of July and August. Probably the best time to visit Khartoum is from December to March.

Where to stay in Khartoum?

Khartoum is a city for all types of tourists, even for those who want to have an ultimate luxurious hospitality services. Advance booking is highly recommended for visitors who are planning to tour Khartoum as the city’s hotels fill up quickly during peak season. Here are some modernized hotels in Khartoum:

• 5M Hotel
• Kanon Hotel Suites
• Bougainvilla Guesthouse
• Coral Khartoum
• Kanon Hotel
• Lisamin Safari Hotel
• Grand Holiday Villa Khartoum
• Taka Hotel
• Rosa Park
• Green Village Hotel
• Dandas Hotel
• Kabri Touristic Hotel
• Corinthia Hotel Khartoum
• Acropole Hotel
• Al Salam Rotana Hotel

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Al Qadarif, also called El Gadarif, Gedarif or Gedaref, is a city belonging to Al Qadarif state in Sudan, situated around 410 km southeast of the national capital, Khartoum. Al Qadarif is famous among visitors for many of its features, including the Russian built grain silo, used to store sorghum, and everyday sesame seed auction. Al Qadarif is located at an altitude of 634 meters and coordinates with 14°02′ N latitude and 35°23′ E longitude. Al Qadarif is one of the popular natural tourist destinations in Suda, gateway to Dinder National Park and Rahad Game Reserve.

History of Al Qadarif:

Al Qadarif got its name from the Arabic language, initially Gedaref and then that had been converted into current name Al Qadarif. Al Qadarif originated as a market and then grew up as a town with the dwellings of traders from the different regions of the country and bordering countries. Al Qadarif had seen the rule of the Ottomans and the British and many other powerful empires in its long and grand history.

How to reach Al Qadarif?

There is an airport in Al Qadarif but flights are not guaranteed. So it is better to reach Khartoum International Airport in Khartoum first and afterwards taking bus or train or rental car to Al Qadarif. This airport is situated around 415 km from Al Qadarif.

Al Qadarif’s both roadway and railway connectivity extends to Khartoum, Port Sudan and other eastern Sudanese cities. Minibuses are the prevalent options to get around Al Qadarif.

Food and Shopping in Al Qadarif:

Being a tourist favor city, Al Qadarif houses many modernized restaurants with both traditional Sudanese and international menus. There are also many nice shops in the city centre, selling all necessities like food packets, water bottles and a wide range of locally produced handicraft products.

Things to do in Al Qadarif:

• Exploring nearby national park
• Visiting historical sites in the city
• Traditional shopping

Tourist Attractions in Al Qadarif:

Grain silo in Al Qadarif:

Grain silo is one of the notable features of Al Qadarif. It was constructed by the Russians to store sorghum in the past. Currently it is one of the landmarks as well as tourist attractions of Al Qadarif.

Dinder National Park:

Situated around 80 km south of Al Qadarif, the Dinder National Park houses more than 160 bird species, 27 large mammal species and around 30 fish species. Founded in 1935, the park covers a total area of 10,000 sq. km. Exploring it through guided tour is advised for tourists.

Rahad Game Reserve:

The Rahad Game Reserve is a contiguous of Dinder National Park, located around 110 km from Al Qadarif city. The reserve is home to a substantial number of African animal and bird species. Visitors are suggested to take a guided tour or aid of the locals for easy exploration of the reserve.

List of other places of interest near Al Qadarif include:

• Jabal al-Awliya’ Dam
• Nile Street
• Al Kabir Mosque
• WWII Cemetery
• Jebel Barkal
• Tuti Island
• University of Khartoum
• Pyramids of Gebel Barkal
• Khartoum War Cemetery
• Sudan Art Diwan
• Sudan National Museum
• Pyramids of Meroe
• Temple of Amun

When to visit Al Qadarif?

Al Qadarif receives an average annual precipitation of 700 to 900 millimeters. The best time to visit Al Qadarif is from December to March.

Hotels in Al Qadarif:

There are 7 upgraded hotels in Al Qadarif to serve visitors coming to the city throughout the year, including Al-Mutawakil Hotel and El Motwakil. If one wish to stay in star rated hotel can drive towards the national capital Khartoum, where all ranges of star rated hotels are located. Here are some prominent hotels in Khartoum (around 410 km from Al Qadarif):

• Bougainvilla Guesthouse
• Coral Khartoum
• Corinthia Hotel Khartoum
• Acropole Hotel
• Al Salam Rotana Hotel
• Green Village Hotel
• Dandas Hotel
• Kabri Touristic Hotel
• Kanon Hotel
• Lisamin Safari Hotel
• Grand Holiday Villa Khartoum
• Taka Hotel
• Rosa Park
• 5M Hotel
• Kanon Hotel Suites

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Sudan is a North African country situated in the Nile Valley, sharing borders with South Sudan towards the south, Egypt to the north, Eritrea, Ethiopia and the Red Sea to the east, while Libya borders Sudan in the northwest, Chad towards the west and the Central African Republic in the southwest. Khartoum is the capital and Omdurman is the largest city of Sudan. Sudan is the 16^th largest country in terms of area in the world (around 1,886,068 sq. km).

Sudan is one of the member nations of the African Union, the United Nations, the Arab League and many other international organizations. Sudan offers a wide range of different attractions for tourists, ranging from world heritage sites to natural attractions to palatial annual entertainment events.

History of Sudan:

The name Sudan is an Arabic origin term ‘bilād as-sūdān’, which means ‘land of the Blacks’. The history of Sudan is very long and broad, which starts with the reign of the Nubian kingdoms around 3500 BC and since then it was continually ruled by many regional and European powers, particularly by the British, whose colonization began over Sudan in the second half of the 19^th century and that ended up with the independence of Sudan on 1 January 1956. Another most noted event happened in Sudan’s history is South Sudan carved out from indiscrete Sudan in 2011 becoming an independent country.

Connectivity to Sudan:

Khartoum International Airport is the primary airport of Sudan, situated around 11 km north of the heart of the national capital Khartoum. It operates flights from Cairo, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Sharjah, Doha and many other Middle Eastern and African cities.

Sudan has a public railway system that is limited to few Sudanese cities from the capital Khartoum. Buses and minibuses are mainly used for intercity travel in Sudan.

Culture, Food and Shopping in Sudan:

Sudanese are predominately Muslims, while Arabic is their mother language. Athletics and football are widely popular sports in Sudan. Sudanese pound is the currency of Sudan since 2007, replacing Sudanese dinar. For the best experience of Sudanese traditional shopping, Souq Omdurman in the capital Khartoum is a perfect spot. A main dish consumed by Sudanese is Foul.

Must see in Sudan:

National Museum of Sudan:

The National Museum of Sudan is situated on El Neel Avenue in the capital city Khartoum. Established in 1971, the museum covers the complete history of Sudan from the ancient Nubian Kingdoms to modern Sudan. The Egyptian temples of Buhen Temple and Semna Temple placed in the museum garden are also very much famous among visitors.

Sudan Presidential Palace Museum:

The Sudan Presidential Palace Museum is a place where visitors can get valid information of Sudan’s political history that is interesting and very informative and information is exhibited through relics and pieces. Collections include paintings of Sir Gordon Pasha and cars of presidents. It is situated within the premise of the Presidential Palace.

Dinder National Park:

The Dinder National Park is located on the Sudan-Ethiopia border in the eastern part of Sudan. Established in 1935, the park is home to many typical African animals including tora hartebeest, African elephant and black rhinoceros hippopotamus. It is situated around 400 kilometers from the capital Khartoum.

Sudan Ethnographic Museum:

The Sudan Ethnographic Museum is a small but distinct museum, showcasing the diversity of people belonging to different ethnicities in Sudan. Models of traditional homes and a wide range of colorful traditional handicraft products shouldn’t be missed here. The museum is located in Khartoum.

Souq Omdurman:

Being one of the largest markets in Africa, the Souq Omdurman is one of the identities of Sudan. Located in Khartoum, it is a perfect place for those looking to buy genuine Sudanese handicraft products, clothes and food products.

List of other places of interest in Sudan include:

• Jebel Barkal
• Sudd
• Pyramids of Meroe
• Temple of Amun
• Pyramids of Gebel Barkal

When to visit Sudan?

Sudan experiences diverse climatic conditions, mainly arid and tropical wet-and-dry climate. Like most African countries, from November to March is the best time to visit Sudan.

Where to stay in Sudan?

Sudan holds moderately developed hospitality industry with star rated hotels to mid range BB and inns to budget guest houses. Most top end hotels of Sudan are located in the capital Khartoum. Advance booking is also prevalent in Sudan. List of the prominent hotels in Sudan (Khartoum) include:

• Corinthia Hotel Khartoum
• Acropole Hotel
• Al Salam Rotana Hotel
• 5M Hotel
• Kanon Hotel Suites
• Bougainvilla Guesthouse
• Coral Khartoum
• Kanon Hotel
• Lisamin Safari Hotel
• Grand Holiday Villa Khartoum
• Taka Hotel
• Rosa Park
• Green Village Hotel
• Dandas Hotel
• Kabri Touristic Hotel

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