Sudan
Pictures
Ruins on Sai Island, Sudan ©
Fast Facts
- 2.5 million square kilometres, ten times bigger than the UK
- 41 million people, with an average life expectancy of 59 years
- Official languages are Arabic and English
- 2.3% of the adult population is HIV-positive
- 40% of the population lives below the local poverty line
- 6.8% are internet users, and only 4.4% own a mobile phone
- 11,900km of roads, 36% of them paved
Lay of the land
Northern and western Sudan are desolate desert areas, entered via the Wadi Halfa border crossing, or by ferry on Lake Nasser. Nubia, in the north-east, is semi-desert. This gives way to savannah and rainforest in the south, where civil war has caused widespread devastation. Since 2003 there has been fighting in the west of the country too, in the province of Darfur.
Ewan and Charley's ride from Wadi Halfa to Khartoum is predicted to be one of the toughest sections of the trip, with extreme temperatures and deep sand.
And on the way...
The Bayuda Desert - remote lunar landscapes stretching for miles, and home to several nomadic tribes.
Other highlights
The Nubian villages in northern Sudan - the Nubians are an ethnic group located in Sudan and Egypt whose civilisation predates Egypt under the pharaohs.
The sacred mountain of Jebel Barkal - together with the nearby city of Napata, founded in around 1450 BC, it is designated a World Heritage Site.
Khartoum - the Sudanese capital where the Blue Nile, flowing west from Ethiopia, meets the White Nile, flowing north from Uganda.
Sixth Cataract - the Sabaloka Falls, just north of Khartoum.
The Jebel Marra Mountains - dominate the landscape of western Sudan, and are centred on an extinct volcano.
The people
Sudan has two distinct major cultures - Arabs and non-Arab black Africans. Within these two cultures are hundreds of ethnic and tribal divisions and language groups.
Did you know...
The staple foods of Sudan are fuul (stewed brown beans) and Ta`amiya (deep fried chickpeas, known elsewhere as falafel).
Comments
Comments 1 - 6 of 6
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At 12:16:29 PM on 01/06/2007, Hubert Phipps (London) wrote:
Travel advice Sudan
I spent 4 years in Sudan as a relief worker. Having travelled extensively by motorcycle in Sudan, I hope these travel tips will be helpful. Avoid travelling at night, broken down vehicles are common and there is no warning of vehicle ahead except for rocks placed in the road to warn you, and by that time it is to late?. The heat is going to be a major problem at this time of year 50C drink loads of water, also keep an eye on your tyres, the heat can cause the rubber to melt? try to stay on the road, as I had many punchers caused by thorns when I rode off road. Sand in the fuel tank was a problem; I got around this by using a petrol filter from a Toyota. Have a great trip.
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At 09:52:53 PM on 07/06/2007, Christina MacLellan (Aberdeen) wrote:
Tips for Sudan
I spent 9 months living and volunteering in Sudan. It is a fascinating country, I do recommend that you have as much water as you can carry, from the ferry at lake nasser to khartoum its difficult to get bottled water.I hope you too will have time to stop at the pyramids of Meroe, 2 hours north of Khatorum. Have a great trip
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At 02:10:28 PM on 13/06/2007, Frazer (Lubumbashi) wrote:
Congo
I was an expedition leader for many years in Africa. Northern Congo can be a nightmare for any vehicle in the rainy season, so plan on getting stuck for a few days in some places. Also a good idea to take the boat from Lisala to Kisangani, it is like a floating town. Have a great trip and may the force be with you !
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At 04:57:04 PM on 17/06/2007, Robyn (Windhoek) wrote:
When you get to Namibs...
Hey Guys, Wish I could be watching the show, but alas, it's not on in Africa :( I, and a bunch of crazy other expats, are living/working in Windhoek and loving every minute of it. You will feel like Namibia's roads are a breath of fresh air compared to what you will be going through... paved, perfect and entirely empty. When you get here, make sure that you stop at Joe's Beer House, which is hands down the best place for game meat in the country! Its very typical, but you can't come here without stopping by. Hopefully we can meet you there for a pint!
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At 03:19:42 AM on 18/06/2007, Dicko (Tathra.N.S.W.Australia.) wrote:
Sudan
Never been there, cant help ya. Lots of sand and rocks. ;) i think. So you will love it. We all know how much you guys love your rocks and sand. Sand tip, keep your weight back, off the front wheel, keep your speed up/consistant.When in doubt, twist the throtle more. ;) Saty safe, stay upright.
At 12:35:47 PM on 21/05/2007, CAROL DUVAL (BRISBANE AUSTRALIA) wrote:
SUDAN
MY HUSBAND KEN AND I TRAVELLED THROUGH SUDAN IN 2000. WE TOOK THE TRAIN FROM WADI HALFA TO ATBARA AS WE WERE TWO UP. ARE YOU FOLLOWING THE NILE ROAD OR THE BESIDE THE TRAIN LINE? BOTH ARE HARD GOING IN THE SAND. WHEN YOU ARRIVE IN WADI HALFA, ASK IF MIDHAT MAHIR AHMED IS STILL THERE. HE WAS THE CUSTOMS/TOURIST AGENT WHEN WE CAME THROUGH AND THE MOST WONDERFUL, HELPFUL GUY YOU COULD EVER MEET. HAVE A GREAT TRIP.
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