Sudan - Kingdom of the Black Pharaohs

Itinerary

Day 1 - Khartoum
Arrive in Khartoum and transfer to the hotel. The rest of the day is free to relax or explore. Overnight Grand Holiday Villa hotel or similar.

Day 2 - Khartoum – Karima
We visit the Archaeological Museum that, besides many beautiful objects, contains two full temples rescued by UNESCO and moved from the Lake Nasser area, when it was flooded following the construction of the Aswan Dam. After lunch, we begin the journey northward through the Western desert, reaching the Nile and the small town of Merowe from where we cross the river to reach the Nubian Rest House, located at the foot of the Jebel Barkal. Dinner and overnight at the rest house. (BLD)

Day 3 - Karima, Jebel Barkal and the Necropolis of El Kurru
Visit the ancient monuments around Jebel Barkal, including its pyramids and temples, before heading towards the royal cemetery at El Kurru. We then head into the desert to an area that contains numerous fossils, before heading back to Karima. Overnight at the rest house. (BLD)

Day 4 - Karima - the Nubian Desert and to the 4th Cataract
This morning we make a short visit to the market in Karima, an ideal opportunity to meet the Sudanese people. We then head north, travelling into the Nubian Desert. It is an almost sterile area, where little vegetation survives. We then reach the beautiful granite rocky formations of the 4th Cataract, with its many rapids. Among the rocks are some villages whose inhabitants cultivate small fields on the edge of the desert. The sense of hospitality of these people is very high and they often invite travellers into their houses to drink a cup of ‘chai’, usually made with spices. Later we return to Karima. Overnight at the rest house. (BLD)

Day 5 - Karima – Meroe
Cross the Nile by local ferry, giving us a great opportunity to meet local people and to experience some of their kindness and hospitality. After the river crossing we enter the Bayuda desert, an area bounded by the loop formed by the Nile between the 4th and the 6th Cataracts. We then reach the pyramids of the Royal Necropolis of Meroe standing on a hill, with more than 40 pyramids, some of them in perfectly preserved condition. Finally we arrive at our tented camp, where we spend the night. (BLD)

Day 6 - Meroe
We spend today visiting the Necropolis and the Royal City of Meroe, giving us a fascinating insight into a culture and civilisation long since passed. The Royal Necropolis of Meroe is located about 3 kms from the Nile on some hills covered with yellow sand dunes. More than 40 pyramids stand out with their sharp shapes against the clear sky, most of them in a perfect condition. We then move along the Nile to visit the ruins of the Royal City. Overnight at the tented camp. (BLD)

Day 7 - Meroe - the Naqa and Musawwarat Temples
We spend the morning visiting the impressive archaeological sites of Naqa and Musawwarat. After a picnic lunch we then return towards the Nile and stop at the town of Shendi to visit the market, once famous for its slaves. In the afternoon return to the camp at Meroe where we will spend the night. (BLD)

Day 8 - Meroe – Omdurman – Khartoum
After breakfast we drive south and after about 50 km, we enter a desert area covered with huge round granite boulders; these are the last offshoots of the rocky formations of the 6th Cataract. A detour off the asphalt road leads us near the Nile where these formations are even more impressive. Late morning arrival to Omdurman, ancient capital of Sudan. Visit the interesting souk, where it is possible to buy some typical local handicrafts. We transfer to Khartoum and our hotel where day rooms are provided until departure. Later transfer to the airport for your flight home. (BL)

Please note that on occasion this trip may be run in the reverse direction.