Hidden Treasures of Sudan with Richard Bangs Tour
Ancient Pyramids, Khartoum & the Nile Valley
- Available: March
- Activity: Level 1
- Accommodations: Comfortable Hotels
-
Group Size:
5-10 Guests
Min Age: 16
Highlights
- Marvel at the ancient pyramids of Meroe, the royal necropolis at Napata, and El Kurru tombs
- See the archeological wonders of the Nile Valley and journey through Sudan's immense deserts
- Visit the vibrant Omdurman souk, the largest in Sudan, and experience traditional Sudanese life
Itinerary
Arrive in Khartoum
Day 1
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.
Accommodation: Corinthia Hotel Khartoum-Khartoum, Sudan
Discover the Wonders of Khartoum
Day 2
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.
Accommodation: Corinthia Hotel Khartoum-Khartoum, Sudan
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Old Dongola & Karima
Day 3
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.
Accommodation: Karima Nubian Rest House
Activity: Cultural touring
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
See Jebel Barkal & El Kurru Tombs
Day 4
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.
Accommodation: Karima Nubian Rest House
Activity: Cultural touring
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Tour the Third Cataract, Tombos and Kerma
Day 5
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.
Accommodation: Karima Nubian Rest House
Activity: Cultural touring
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Visit the Karima Market, Explore the Nile, and Visit Nuri
Day 6
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.
Accommodation: Karima Nubian Rest House
Activity: Cultural touring
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Into the Bayuda Desert to the Pyramids of Meroe
Day 7
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.
Accommodation: Meroe Permanent Tented Camp
Activity: Cultural touring
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Marvel at the Royal Sites of Meroe
Day 8
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.
Accommodation: Meroe Permanent Tented Camp
Activity: Cultural touring
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Explore Mussawarat & Naga
Day 9
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.
Accommodation: Corinthia Hotel Khartoum-Khartoum, Sudan
Activity: Cultural touring
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Depart from Khartoum
Day 10
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.
Dates & Prices
- Go Custom
- Inclusions
Go Custom
Create Your Very Own Adventure
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When to start planning? Earlier is always better when designing a custom trip. More time allows for better availability of preferred accommodations, guides and your desired activities. Ideally, start the conversation with us at least 6 months before you want to travel. If you are looking for a custom trip that departs within three months, chances are greatly diminished in securing requested accommodations and the best guides.
*Custom trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit once an itinerary is agreed upon.
Start PlanningInclusions
Price Includes
- Expertise and services of our experienced adventure guides
- All accommodations as noted in the itinerary
- All breakfasts, almost all lunches and dinners as noted in the itinerary
- Snacks and water between meals
- Additional regional guides and experts on many trips
- Comprehensive Trip Planner with detailed pre-trip information
- Private guided tours at historic sites, museums, wineries and other select attractions as noted in the itinerary
- Special events and other select attractions as mentioned in the itinerary
- All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
- Equipment and experienced guides for activities as described in the itinerary
- Park and other entry fees (unless otherwise noted)
- Fares for trains, ferries and other modes of travel as listed in the itinerary
- Select transfers as mentioned in the itinerary
- Baggage transfers and porterage
Price Does Not Include
- International airfare, airport taxes, and excess baggage fees
- Alcoholic beverages (MT Sobek provides wine at select events)
- Gratuities for MT Sobek guides and guide-drivers
- Travel Protection Program
- Personal expenses
Need help picking your next adventure? Call us to answer your questions.
Your Guides
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.
Activity Level
This trip is rated activity level 1. This is an overland cultural touring trip with day walks exploring fascinating ruins and pyramids. There are some long driving days over rough roads and dusty dirt tracks.
Learn more about activity levels here.
Activity Snapshot
Day 3
Cultural touring
Day 4
Cultural touring
Day 5
Cultural touring
Day 6
Cultural touring
Day 7
Cultural touring
Day 8
Cultural touring
Day 9
Cultural touring
Accommodations
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.
Weather
March is a warmer month in Sudan, so you can expect a dry and sunny desert climate.
Know Before You Book
Please note that Sudan is an OFAC sanctioned country making it ineligible for our Travel Protection Plan with Arch RoamRight.
FAQs
Is Sudan Safe?
The areas we visit in Sudan are very safe. The people are extremely welcoming to tourists and our local guides know the region well. Consult your government's web site for the latest travel guidance for Sudan.
Do I need a visa for Sudan?
Yes, a visa is required by all visiting Sudan. While it is possible to obtain a visa on arrival, we highly recommend applying for your visa in advance and will provide you instructions for this.
Are you allowed to bring alcohol into Sudan?
No, alcohol is prohibited and not for sale in Sudan. Make sure you don't bring any alcoholic beverages in your luggage as it will be taken away if found in customs.
Is there a dress code for Sudan?
Plan to dress conservatively. Shorts, skirts and sleeveless tops are not appropriate.
Are vaccinations required for entry to Sudan?
No vaccinations are required for entry to Sudan but requirements are subject to change. Check with the CDC for updates. All travelers to Sudan are advised to take antimalarial medications. Discuss this medication with your doctor.
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