Hidden Treasures of Sudan with Richard Bangs Tour

Your Guides

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The best people to immerse you in a destination are the ones who live there, which is why we feature local Adventure Guides on our trips. Here are a few that you might meet on this adventure.

Abdul Ahmed

Abdul has a lifetime of experience traveling throughout Sudan and has a deep familiarity with the diverse culture of the country. He is also knowledgeable about Sudanese history, archaeology, and geography, and can give an insider's perspective as you adventure through the region. Before beginning a career as a trip leader, Abdul was a popular Sudanese actor-quite a unique background! He is kind, personable, and possesses excellent communication skills. 

Richard Bangs

Richard Bangs has often been called the father of modern adventure travel since co-founding Sobek Expeditions (now MT Sobek) in 1973. He has spent more than 50 years exploring the globe and led the first descents of 35 rivers, including the Yangtze and the Zambezi. Richard is an accomplished storyteller, best known for his popular PBS series Richard Bangs' Adventures with Purpose, and was a PURE Awards finalist for his contribution to experiential travel. Richard still loves to lead exciting "out there" trips that have a true spirit of adventure.

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Arrive in Khartoum at any time today and meet your MT Sobek representative at the airport for a hotel transfer. Most flights arrive late, so dinner is not included this evening. Spend the night in a deluxe room at the 5-star Corinthia Hotel Khartoum.
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Rise for a morning tour of Khartoum. Cross the confluence between the Blue and the White Nile near the Presidential Palace and reach Omdurman, the old capital of Sudan. At sunset, enjoy a whirling dervish ceremony near the tomb of the Sufi leader Ahmed al Nil. Tonight\'s welcome dinner is at the excellent Assaha Khartoum.
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Wake early today for a drive north across the Western desert to tour the archaeological site of Old Dongola, a deserted ancient town featuring a Christian Coptic temple and several churches on the banks of the Nile. After a picnic lunch, continue across the Nubian Desert to reach the town of Karima in the late afternoon.
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Experience a Nubian Desert landmark today, the holy red-sandstone mountain of Jebel Barkal - a UNESCO-listed wonder. The large temple at the foot of the mountain is dedicated to the Pharaohs of the New Reign and their patron Amon. Travel southwards to El Kurru village to take in one of the two tombs that were excavated under the pyramids, adorned with multi-colored hieroglyphic inscriptions. Continue to a desert site rich in fossilized trees and return to Karima this evening.
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A feast of cultural touring awaits today, beginning with a trip to the Third Cataract of the Nile - a shallow, boulder-strewn stretch of the river with incredible views. Explore the incredible ancient quarries of Tombos, where you\'ll find the remains of an enormous 3000 year old recumbent statue of King Taharqa. In Sebu, right on the riverbank, visit one of Sudan\'s richest rock-engraving sites, featuring hundreds of images from prehistoric to Egyptian times. Lastly, visit "Defuffa," a monument of the Kerma civilization.
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After a morning tour of the Karima market, cruise north along the banks of the Nile by motor boat. This afternoon visit the archaeological site of Nuri and walk amongst ancient pyramids. Here, view one of the greatest pyramids in Sudan, Taharqa. This evening enjoy a traditional dinner with Sudanese music and dance at the Nubian Rest House.
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Today enter the serene Bayuda Desert, characterized by black basalt mountains, volcanic rock formations, and dry river valleys. Along the way, pass caravans and herds of camels, goats, and donkeys, stopping at a well where nomads gather for a picnic lunch before crossing the Nile by ponton. Arriving late in the afternoon at the Pyramids of Meroe, settle into the private camp, and take in breathtaking star-strewn skies.
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Head out today to explore the royal necropolis of Meroe, a cluster of striking pyramids situated atop a series of yellow sand-covered hills. Each has its own funerary chapel with walls decorated with bas-reliefs representing the pharaoh\'s life and various offerings to the gods. After a coffee break at Kabushia village, continue to the Royal city. Enjoy sunset at the pyramids. 
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Heading south, descend into the valley and with the desert hills as your backdrop explore the ruins of Mussawarat. Next visit Naga and its central temple, whose ornate bas-relief decorations depict the lion-headed god Apedemak, to whom the temple is dedicated, the Pharaoh, noblemen, and several fascinating rituals. The influence of Egyptian, Roman, and Greek styles come together to make this temple uniquely remarkable. After arriving in Khartoum head to Khartoum North to see the traditional sport of Nuba wrestling at sunset. Enjoy your room at the Corinthia Hotel Khartoum this evening until a late night transfer to the airport in accordance with your departing flight schedule. 
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Depart in the early hours of the morning. Please note that most flights depart very early between 12:00 a.m. and 3:00 a.m.
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Accommodations

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Mobile and permanent camps in spectacular surroundings, traditional Nubian guest houses, and a luxury city hotel to bookend the trip in style.

Corinthia Hotel Khartoum-Khartoum, Sudan

A state-of-the-art luxury retreat in the heart of Khartoum's commercial district, Corinthia Hotel Khartoum is situated at the confluence of the Blue and White Nile rivers. Its 230 well-appointed rooms come with perks like Wi-Fi, A/C, and flat-screen TV, while on-site facilities include a spa, swimming pool and gym as well as restaurants with splendid river views.

Karima Nubian Rest House

Crafted in the distinctive Nubian style, this charming hotel is perfectly situated at the foot of Jebel Barkal. Guest rooms are characterized by a unique Nubian door, elegant furnishings (many sourced from Italy), a private bathroom, and a pleasant veranda. Relax in the manicured gardens or enjoy Sudanese splendor in the reception, restaurant and living room.

Meroe Permanent Tented Camp

Meroe Camp is located 142 miles north of Khartoum, overlooking the beautiful pyramids of Meroe. Accommodation consists of 22 twin-bedded and tastefully furnished tents - all with their own private bathroom hut and solar-powered electricity. Each tent also has a veranda with two comfortable chairs, where you can relax and take in the astonishing view of more than forty pyramids.

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Inspiration to Explore

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