Cheap Flights to Sudan

Want to learn more about Sudan? Our travel guide to Sudan keeps you informed.

Why Travel to Sudan? 

For availing vivacious & pulsating adventures, Sudan forms the ultimate blend of topography and distinctly diverse demography to become a brand of its own. View the archaeological site of Meroe where the pyramids of Kushite Kingdom remind of the Nubian life along the banks of the Nile. More pyramids and tombs lie in the sandstone Gebel Barkal which the folklore suggests to be birthplace to deities respected by the local tribes, while the ruin city of Naqa includes the revered Temple of Amun. Official state institutions include the Ethnographic Museum and the Sudan National Museum, which form the main highlight of an educational tour in the country. The University of Khartoum fully settles in its role as the main institution serving at the highest level, operating at a massive scale matching this particular function. A good look over some traditional Islamic buildings can be given at the Nilian, Al Kabir or Al Rikini mosques, the largest mosques in the area. Mahdi’s Tomb is another spiritual Islamic landmark, which oversaw many ages in the region through the course of history. Some of these mosques have been developed as a sign of modern development, clearly influenced by contemporary architectural designs. Other tell-tale signs of the latest development include the main Nile Street, consisting of the Glass Dome Tower. As far as art and crafts are concerned, the Art Dewan is a privately run gallery with artists selling their visuals commercially. The Nile River forms as the central feature breathing life across Sudan’s deserted landscape. Explore the vast swamp created by the Nile known as The Sudd, with overgrowth of green bushes floating alongside the river, and a few small villages comprised of huts. Also on the Nile is Tutti Island, dissecting Nile before it unifies into one main river. The Sabaloka Gorge, Port Sudan, Jabal Al Awliya Dam and Rusayris Dam are among the main spots when it comes to scenic water bodies in the region. Sudan also has a marine heritage park, a first of this kind in this part of Africa; the Sanganeb National Park. Chartered ferry and cruise tours allow snorkelers and scuba divers to sail far from the shores to explore rich marine life of Sudan’s waters. When it comes to safari, Both Bandingilo National Park and Dinder National Park host large herds of migratory species along with big cats, primates and birdlife. Topography is largely dry in multiple areas too. The simple and plain nomadic lifestyle across the Bayuda Desert or the date palm villages of Gebel Barkal (mountain) is a clear indicator of how well people have adapted to the semi-arid climate. The town of Karima or the village of Kessala are popular locations for availing real hospitality in the typical Sudanese way, with the locals featured to be the best in terms of serving their guests. A golden feature of culture is preserved with the mystic sufi dance performances amidst live drumming music by local saints of Omdurman, a commercialized town in the suburbs of Khartoum.

Which airlines are currently operating flights to Sudan?

Gulf Air, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, Emirates and Royal Jordanian Airlines are amongst Middle Eastern air operators, along with African airlines like Egypt Air, Ethiopian Airlines and Kenya Airways which are operating Sudan flights on a regular basis.

Are there any airlines operating direct flights to Sudan?

Sudan flights mostly have at least one stopover when flying from London.

What is the duration of Sudan flights for reaching from London?

It takes around 10 to 12 hours of flight time depending on the itinerary in question, apart from the time spent waiting for the connecting flight on a stopover.  

Where can one land when travelling to Sudan?

International Sudan flights mostly land at the central Civil Airport located in Khartoum, which is a major regional airport attending in excess of 500 flights per week. The second international airport is Juba International, connected to 8 destinations in total. A few other minor domestic airports are spread across the country for access via aviation network.

How to manage getting around Sudan?

The road network is rapidly developing for connecting many cities and villages across the country. Proper coach and bus companies operate on long routes, along with private trucks and 4x4s over dirt routes to rural areas. Private car hire companies also facilitate SUVs for safari tours. Within the cities and towns, local routes are plied by matutu (minivans) and boda bodas (motorcycle taxis) which allow short trips from main stops into commercial areas as well as neighbourhoods. Railroads are spread between the port, Wadi Halfa and Khartoum, with irregular frequency of trains operating on a weekly basis. 

What are the hotel and other accommodation options in Sudan?

Among local hotels in urban areas, is no particular trend observed when it comes to value for money. Certain hotels among them vary with providing basic facilities like air conditioning, television, telephone and shared washrooms. Specialty lodging like bread and breakfast and guesthouses can be found out after inquiring from the locals. These types of accommodations may be a lot more expensive owing to their boutique services, but they are highly regarded in terms of privacy and exclusivity. A few good hotels may turn out to be popular with having a juice bar or a good restaurant. Swimming pools and spas are a rare commodity in the hospitality industry of the country. The trend of flats and apartment rooms is also barely present in certain urban areas. For desert safari experiences, there are tents and camps established for guests to get a good experience outdoors.

How to manage getting around Sudan?

The road network is rapidly developing for connecting many cities and villages across the country. Proper coach and bus companies operate on long routes, along with private trucks and 4x4s over dirt routes to rural areas. Private car hire companies also facilitate SUVs for safari tours. Within the cities and towns, local routes are plied by matutu (minivans) and boda bodas (motorcycle taxis) which allow short trips from main stops into commercial areas as well as neighbourhoods. Railroads are spread between the port, Wadi Halfa and Khartoum, with irregular frequency of trains operating on a weekly basis. Along its ports, there are a few private ferries which mainly cater for freight transportation, but will cater for travellers on a required basis. 

What are the hotel and other accommodation options in Sudan?

Among local hotels in urban areas, is no particular trend observed when it comes to value for money. Certain hotels among them vary with providing basic facilities like air conditioning, television, telephone and shared washrooms. Specialty lodging like bread and breakfast and guesthouses can be found out after inquiring from the locals. These types of accommodations may be a lot more expensive owing to their boutique services, but they are highly regarded in terms of privacy and exclusivity. A few good hotels may turn out to be popular with having a juice bar or a good restaurant. Swimming pools and spas are a rare commodity in the hospitality industry of the country. The trend of flats and apartment rooms is also barely present in certain urban areas. For desert safari experiences, there are tents and camps established for guests to get a good experience outdoors.

Any estimate of the scale of expenditure in Sudan?

• A single meal at an international fast food chain: £ 5.5
• A large bottle of mineral water: £ 0.4
• An imported cigarette pack: £ 1.35
• A local transportation ticket: £ 0.23
• An average taxi trip within the city: £ 3
• A local hotel room:  £30
• An international standard hotel: £ 110

By Z A Chahal