Sudan

Sudan the land of the black pharaohs

Sudan is the third largest state on the African continent and is a country full of charm and history.

What is now northern Sudan was formerly the kingdom of Nubia, which came under Egyptian rule after 2600 BC.

An Egyptian and Nubian civilization called Kush flourished until 350 AD and built temples and tombs of very high architectural interest, the remains of the dynasties of the black pharaohs are today incredible archaeological sites.

The country, in the past as today, is influenced by the Nile River which crosses it from south to north and which is the main source of water supply for north-eastern Africa.

In particular, in Sudan the White and Blue Nile flow, which converge in Khartoum, the capital of Sudan.

Khartoum, which in Arabic means elephant trunk, features a mix of traditional Sudanese red clay buildings that create an incredible contrast to the new glass and concrete skyscrapers.

Khartoum with the twin cities of Bahri and Omdurman, forms an unusual city defined as the Capital of the three cities.

The camel market and the whirling dervish dance, together with the National Museum of Sudan are the main activities not to be missed in the capital as well as a walk on the banks of the river at the confluence of the two Nile.

Not far from the capital is the most important archaeological site in Sudan: Meroe, a complex of over 200 pyramids located among the ocher heights of the Sudanese desert.

The pyramids of Sudan are smaller than their Egyptian cousins, however they have a much more pronounced inclination and have a small temple as an entrance to the structure.

Another unmissable destination in Sudan is Jebel Barkal, which from afar appears as an anonymous hill rising from the sandy plains of central-eastern Sudan, but this mountain retains a unique charm and magic.

The sacred mountain boasts unparalleled views of the Nile River and its nearby pyramids. Under the imposing rocky massif there are ruins of an ancient temple, the temple of Amun, consumed by the elements and almost lost in time.

Even if a log remains in the water for a long time, it does not become a crocodile.

Sudanese proverb

In 2003 Jebel Barkal and the historic city of Napata were declared World Heritage Sites by UNESCO.

The Napata ruins, today’s Karima, represent the southernmost permanent settlement of the New Kingdom of Egypt, represent the main Nubian center of worship of the god Amun and were once of great importance for the Kushite kingdom.

Sudan also boasts two marine national parks which are home to some of the most diverse marine tropical habitats in the world; both Sanganeb Atoll and Dungonab Bay-Mukkawar National Park are famous for their natural beauty.

The parks are overflowing with spectacular marine life moving through breathtaking underwater seascapes making them one of the best diving spots in the world.

Sudan in addition to its natural beauty and archaeological sites is inhabited by the friendliest and most generous people in the world.