Sudan Landmarks and Monuments

(Sudan, SD, North-East Africa)

Sudan's landmarks range from ancient monuments, such as the Pyramids of Meroe and the country's Meroitic temples, to the Red Sea coast, which extends over a distance of some 434 miles / 700 km. Centred around Port Sudan, the coast boasts a hive of tourist activities and recreational offerings, ranging from diving to water skiing.

Whilst political conflict in recent decades in Sudan has led to some damage to its landmarks and overall visitor infrastructure, the relative lack of development and pollution here today is beginning to attract tourist interest once again.

If you are sightseeing in Khartoum, then be sure to consider an excursion to the southerly Jabal al-Awilya' Dam, where the panoramas across the River Nile are certainly quite memorable and extremely photogenic. And just outside of the capital, Tuti Island is well worth investigating and is also conveniently close to both the cities of Khartoum North (Bahri) and Omdurman, the country's biggest city.

Pyramids of Meroe

Address: Shendi, Sudan, SD, Africa
The Royal Cemeteries of Meroe consist of an astonishing 200 pyramids. Most are relatively accessible to visitors. Whilst they are not in quite the same league as the Egyptian pyramids - size wise at least, these 8th-century Nubian tombs nonetheless have much in their favour. Wander around the site and you can't help but appreciate the lack of tourist crowds and general commercialism.
Open hours: daily
Admission: charge

Musawwrat es Sufra

Address: Athar el Musawwrat es Sufra, Sudan, SD, Africa
Musawwrat is the largest Meroitic temple complex in the country. Dating back to the 3rd century BC, a complex maze of walls was built around the Great Enclosure. Today, it is possible to make out a myriad of columns, passageways and animal sculptures. Close by is the temple devoted to Apedemak, a warrior god with a lion's head. The site is situated just a short drive from Naqa.
Open hours: daily
Admission: charge

Temple of the God of Amun

Address: Jebel Barkal, Sudan, SD, Africa
Take one look at what is left of the interior columns of this great temple and you will get an impression of its sheer size. Built in the 13th century, this imposing structure is dedicated to Amun, a god who was thought to live at the foot of Jebel Barkal in the Northern State of Sudan.
Open hours: daily
Admission: charge

Tuti Island

Address: Khartoum, Sudan, SD, Africa
Situated at the point where the While Nile and the Blue Nile meet, Tuti Island is a relatively quiet haven amidst the hustle and bustle of Khartoum's city streets. A suspension bridge takes visitors onto the island, which usually takes no more than a few hours to explore.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Jabal al-Awliya' Dam

Address: Khartoum, Sudan, SD, Africa
Less than an hours' drive from Khartoum is this dramatic looking dam. It offers great views of the Nile River and makes for a good place to enjoy a stroll, if time allows. The dam itself was built in 1937, being the largest in the world at that time. In 2003, hydroelectricity was brought to Jabal al-Awilya'.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Al Sabalouga (Sabaloka Gorge)

Address: Al Sabalouga, Sudan, SD, Africa
Situated north of Khartoum, this cataract (waterfall) on the River Nile isn't hugely dramatic, but is worth the visit. Take a boat ride on the Nile and it is possible to see the gorge - and the magnificent scenery thereabouts, from every angle.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free