Sudan

by Sophie Ibbotson, Max Lovell-Hoare

Overview

. The only guide dedicated solely to the new Republic of the Sudan

. Explore entire pyramids and other ancient sites entirely free of tourist crowds

. Drink in views over the Sudanese plains from the granite Taka Mountains

. Dive the reef where Jacques Cousteau conducted his experiment in underwater living

. Experience Sudan's cultural diversity among the 50 tribes of the Nuba Mountains

. Read advice on where to stay/eat, travelling safely and cultural etiquette

As a staple of bleak news headlines, Sudan has been slow to make its abundant attractions known to the outside world. Few foreigners have heard of the Kingdom of Kush, walked among the isolated pyramids of Meroë or witnessed the whirling dervishes of Omdurman. Yet those who do make it here are invariably enchanted by its easy-going nature, fascinating history and the warm welcome they receive from the Sudanese people.

This, the only stand-alone guide to post-partition Sudan, leads you expertly from the labyrinthine souks of Khartoum to coral-bedecked wrecks off the Red Sea coast. Whether you're rushing through on the trans-Africa trail or whiling away weeks among rich archaeological sites, this fully revised third edition is your indispensible companion.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781841627458
Publisher:	Bradt Travel Guides Ltd
Publication date:	11/26/2012
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
File size:	23 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.

About the Author

Sophie Ibbotson and Max Lovell-Hoare have worked extensively in Africa and Asia.

Read an Excerpt

Soon after their re-conquest of Sudan, the British blew up the tomb to prevent it from becoming a rallying point for disaffected Sudanese. The job was given to 'Monkey' Gordon, nephew of the dead general, who completed the job by throwing the Mahdi's ashes in the river. Kitchener wanted to use the Mahdi's skull as an inkstand, but decency prevailed and the head was buried at Wadi Haifa.

Table of Contents

Introduction vii

PART ONE GENERAL INFORMATION 1

Chapter 1 Background Information 3

Geography and climate 3, Natural history and conservation 6, History 9, Government and politics 26, Economy 27, People 28, Language 30, Religion 31,

Education 34, Culture 34

Chapter 2 Practical Information 39

When to visit 39, Highlights 39, Suggested itineraries 40, Tour operators 41, Red tape 42, Embassies 45, Getting there and away 46, Health 48, Safety 62, What to take 66, Money 66, Getting around 67, Maps 73,

Accommodation 74, Eating and drinking 75, Public holidays 77, Shopping 78, Photography 79, Media and communications 80, Business 82, Cultural etiquette 82, Travelling positively 84

PART TWO THE GUIDE 87

Chapter 3 Khartoum and Omdurman 89

History 89, Getting there 91, Getting around 94, Tourist information/local tour operators 96, Where to stay 96, Where to eat 99, Entertainment and

sports 103, Shopping 105, Other practicalities 106, Media and communications 107, What to see and do 107

Chapter 4 Northern State 119

Meroë and the pyramids 120, Naqa 123, Musawwarat es Sufra 125, Karima 127, Nuri 131, El Kurru 132,

Ghazali 133, Old Dongola 134, Dongola 135, Kawa 136, Travel along the Nile 137, Kerma 138, West bank

temples 141, Abri 144, Wadi Halfa 145

Chapter 5 Nile State 151

Shendi 151, Atbara 153, Ed Damer 155, Berber 155,

Abu Hamed 155

Chapter 6 Red Sea 157

Port Sudan 157, Excursions from Port Sudan 162, Scuba

diving from Port Sudan 163, Suakin 168

Chapter 7 Al Qadarif and Kassala 173

Kassala 173, Gedaref 178

Chapter 8 Central Sudan 181

Kosti 181, Aba Island 184, Sennar 185, Wad Medani 189

Chapter 9 Kordofan 191

El Obeid 191, The Nuba Mountains 196

Chapter 10 Darfur 205

Background 207, Travel in Darfur 212, Nyala 214, El

Fasher 214, El Geneina 214

Appendix 1 Language 215

Appendix 2 Glossary 219

Appendix 3 Further Information 221

Index 225

Editorial Reviews

Reviews of first edition'Best and only dedicated guide to Sudan' – Wanderlust magazine 'It may seem a strange time to be publishing the first guide devoted entirely to Sudan, but hardy travelers have long been discovering the wonders of Africa's largest country so this book is very welcome all the same. Despite the crisis in the currently inaccessible region of Darfur in the west of the country, the author optimistically includes it as well as creating a yearning to see the archaeological treasures of the ancient kingdom of Kush, explore the lmatong mountains, meet the bejeweled women of Kassala market and taste bush – a poor man's alternative to a bean stew.' - The Observer

From the Publisher