NOTHERN SUDAN

Sudan is an absolute hidden gem when it comes to tourism, boasting more Pyramids than even Egypt. Although not the most obvious destination for a holiday, Northern Sudan is rich in culture and steeped in a fascinating past that makes it a unique and enchanting travel destination.

Sudan was known in ancient times as Nubia. The early history of Nubia, in the far north of Sudan, is intertwined with the history of Egypt. Egypt was the world’s first sizeable state created around 3,000 BC and built a string of forts along the Nile, with its access to slaves, gold, copper, ivory, ebony and much else from central and eastern Africa. The Duffufa, an enigmatic structure at Dongola dating from 2,500 BC, is still standing there as if to provide the evidence. The Nubians were at the same time a part of the Egyptian empire and a threat to it. Indeed the Nubians were strong enough around 1,000 BC to rule Egypt – an empire that stretched over 2,000kms of the Nile and lasted for nearly 1,000 years. This is one of Africa’s greatest civilisations and was once the strongest power in Africa after Egypt. It also became the heart of a millennium-long Christian civilization. Impressive and fascinating reminders of these past civilizations can be seen in the artifacts liberally scattered along the banks of the Nile.

A safari holiday in the north of Sudan is an adventure across endless desert, along the beautiful Nile and into thousands of years of ancient Egyptian and Nubian history. This is the route taken by the early explorers searching for the source of the Nile, the route taken by countless invading armies and unfortunate slaves. It is a journey like no other.