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    • Khartoum

    Khartoum travel guide

    View Sudan travel guide

    Overview

    Located at the picturesque confluence of the Blue and White Nile Rivers, Khartoum is the capital and largest city in Sudan. Far from the dilapidated town most people expect, Khartoum is a sprawling metropolis and the seat of the Sudanese government.

    Khartoum is made up of three distinct areas: Khartoum, Khartoum North (also known as Bahri), and Omdurman, divided by the branches of the rivers. Omdurman is older and has a Middle Eastern feel with large souks and winding streets, while Bahri is mostly industrial and residential.

    While most of Khartoum is laid out in an easy-to-navigate grid pattern, the city is large and spread out, making walking an unfeasible option for sightseers. However, areas like Nile Street in Khartoum make for a pleasant stroll with older colonial buildings, the National Museum, and The Presidential Palace. The Palace is home to a museum of political history, and on the first Friday of each month visitors can watch the Changing of the Guard ceremony.

    Attractions in Omdurman take on an entirely different character; the district is home to one of the largest markets in Africa, the Souq Omdurman, where travellers will find all manner of handicrafts and souvenirs. The Khalifa's House is the former residence of the leader of the Mahdists, and has been turned into an excellent museum.

    One of the most popular events in Omdurman is the colourful and noisy Sufi dancing that takes place every Friday at the Hamed al-Nil tomb. While many travellers avoid Khartoum due to safety concerns, this modern and colourful city is a fascinating place for those willing to venture off the beaten path.

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    Khartoum has a hot desert climate. July and August are the only months that feature any significant rainfall. The annual precipitation levels in Khartoum average about five inches (127mm). Khartoum is one of the hottest cities in the world, with summer temperatures averaging as high as 107°F (42°C). There are no distinct seasons in Khartoum, but the hottest months are May and June and the coolest months are December and January, when average high temperatures drop to approximately 86°F (30°C). Although daytime temperatures are painfully hot, temperatures cool off considerably during the night. It is worth noting that from mid-July to September Khartoum experiences sandstorms.

    Khartoum International Airport
    Location: The airport is situated just outside Khartoum city centre in Al-Amarat.
    Time: Local time is GMT +3.
    Getting to the city: Taxis are available from the airport and some hotels will arrange shuttles for guests.
    Car Rental: There are car hire companies located at the airport.
    Airport Taxis: Taxis are available at the airport.
    Fascilities: There are very few facilities in the airport, other than toilets, snack machines, and currency exchange.
    Parking Parking is available at the airport.
    Website: khairport.gov.sd

    Useful Contacts:

    Public transport in Khartoum consists of minibuses which cover most destinations within the city and operate throughout the day and late into the evening. Private taxis are available and fares can be negotiated. Motorised rickshaws, locally referred to as bajajs or rakshas, provide a cheaper mode of private transport. Rickshaws are best used only for short trips within Khartoum. For trips where one needs to cross the Nile it is better to use a taxi or minibus. Travellers who want to get around at their own pace can hire a car in Khartoum. Car hire companies can also provide tourists with a local driver for an additional fee.

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