Introduction
Uncover Sudan’s ancient history on a surprising group journey that takes you to remote pyramids, ancient temples and royal monuments. Staying in delightful accommodation close to the main sites, we visit the monuments around Jebel Barkal, the Royal Necropolis at Meroe as well as many other temples, all the time surrounded by the stunning scenery of the desert.
Our Kingdom of the Black Pharaohs tour offers you the chance to visit the amazing sites of northern Sudan in comfort, staying in comfortable hotels, a rest house and a permanent tented camp, and so is ideal for those who would prefer not to wild camp.
On this short trip we visit some the key sites of the incredible ancient civilisations of Sudan, spending time at the ancient monuments and pyramids around Jebel Barkal, visiting the stunning Royal Necropolis at Meroe and the impressive sites of Naqa and Musawwarat.
We cross foreboding desert landscapes, and hope to meet families of local nomads en route, as well as stopping at Nubian villages to meet friendly inhabitants. There is also the option to extend the tour by 3 days to the Third Cataract area and the Temple of Soleb and spend two overnights in simple but typical private Nubian houses.
This is an ideal trip for those wishing to visit some of Sudan’s key archaeological highlights in a short space of time.
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
This morning we drove north through the desert to Karima and the comfort of the Nubian Guest House.
Journey across the Western Desert around and cross Wadi Muqaddam with its many acacia trees.
We will make a short stop at a chai house, a very spartan motorway services in the desert where local truck drivers usually stop for a quick meal and some rest. We then reach Merowee and once on the other side of the river Nile we arrive in the small town of Karima, located right at the foot of Jebel Barkal holy mountain. Overnight at the Nubian Rest House. (BLD)
Day 3 - Karima, Jebel Barkal and the Necropolis of El Kurru
A landmark in the Nubian Desert, Jebel Barkal (‘Jebel’ means mountain in Arabic) can be seen for many kilometres. Considered holy for centuries, at the foot of the isolated red sandstone mountain is a large temple dedicated to the Pharaohs of the New Reign and their patron Amun. Beside the temple ruins lie several sculpted granite rams that once lined an avenue leading to a pier on the Nile. Nearby, we visit the Royal Necropolis of the ancient city of Napata, the Nubian capital from 800 to 400BC, before the Meroitic period. The necropolis has a large number of pyramids in three different locations, a few hundred metres north of Jebel Barkal, at El Kurru, and south from the mountain at Nuri on the opposite bank of the Nile. At the village of El Kurru we explore a tomb excavated in the rock under the pyramids. It’s partially collapsed but ornately decorated with images of the Pharaoh, the gods and multicoloured hieroglyphic inscriptions. Overnight Nubian Rest House. (BLD)
Day 4 - Nile Cruise - Necropolis of Nuri
After breakfast we visit the market in Karima and experience the sights and sounds of Sudanese life. Next, we board a boat for a pleasant cruise along the Nile, enjoying views over the sandy shores and across cultivated islands. Later we visit the archaeological site of Nuri to see many more pyramids, including that of Taharqa, Pharaoh of the 25th dynasty for 26 years until 664BC. We explore the area on foot before returning to Karima. Overnight at the Nubian Rest House (BLD)
Day 5 - Old Dongola – Nubian Villages
This morning we follow the Nile until we reach the ancient Christian site of Old Dongola. Here we see the marble columns of an impressive Coptic Christian church, as well as other church ruins on the banks of the Nile. We pass several Nubian villages along the way and hope to stop and meet the inhabitants and see their colourful painted houses. Return to Karima for the night. Overnight at the Nubian Rest House. (BLD)
Day 6 - Karima – Bayuda Desert – Meroe
Today we cross the Nile by ferry, 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 a loop of the Nile between the 4th and the 6th Cataracts. Here, we may be lucky enough to meet nomads who inhabit small huts made of intertwined branches sited close to local wells. Afterwards we continue to the first part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Island of Meroe, where our accommodation overlooks the Royal Necropolis. Overnight at tented camp. (BLD)
Day 7 - The Necropolis and the Royal City of Meroe
The Royal Necropolis of Meroe stands among yellow, sandy hills some three kilometres from the Nile. The site is shared by more than 40 pyramids, some in a remarkable state of preservation. The day is spent visiting the Necropolis and later the Royal City of Meroe, providing a a fascinating insight into a culture and civilisation long since passed. Overnight at tented camp. (BLD)
Day 8 - The Temples of Naga and Mussawarat – Dervish Ceremony - Khartoum
After breakfast we leave camp, initially following a tarmac road before joining a desert track for thirty kilometres that passes through a landscape of camel thorn acacia trees. We visit two other important archaeological areas making up the Island of Meroe UNESCO site, the Kushite centre of Naqa, one of Sudan’s largest ruined cities, and the extensive temple complex of Musawwarat es-Sufra. After a picnic lunch we return to the main road through an area of desert covered by huge granite boulders, remnants of rocky formations from the 6th Cataract. Back on the tarmac, we return to Khartoum, arriving before sunset in Omdurman in time for the mesmeric Dervish grave dancing ceremony. Later, we travel the short distance to Khartoum itself. Overnight Acropole Hotel or similar. (BL)
Day 9 - Khartoum
After breakfast at the hotel we have time to explore the city and visit the Archaeological Museum, notable for two temples rescued by UNESCO from the rising waters of Lake Nasser after the construction of the Aswan Dam. We cross the confluence of the Blue and White Niles to reach Omdurman, former capital of Sudan. Here we see the Mahdi’s Tomb, and later explore the souk (if open). At around sunset we return to Khartoum to observe traditional Nuba wrestling. Overnight Acropole Hotel or similar. (BL)
**Depending on the time of your departure flight, you may wish to depart today (Day 9) in the late evening or very early on the next morning**
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Price Includes
Arrival and departure transfers
All accommodation
Services of English-speaking guide / tour leader
Meals as listed (B – Breakfast, L – Lunch, D – Dinner)
Entrance fees for sites listed as part of the itinerary
Visa support documents (letter of invitation)
Price Does Not Include
Compulsory Archaeological fees, permits, passport registration – currently USD 290 or EUR 260 payable locally in cash
International flights
Travel Insurance
Visa
Drinks
Items of a personal nature
Tips (discretionary)
Video camera fees
Departure Dates
Regular departures between March, April, October and November
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