Sudan Desert Explorer

13 days
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4.7/5 Excellent
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Small Group Tour
There is a place where the desert stretches out beyond the horizon, where the Blue and White Nile join before meandering over cataracts, where there are more pyramids than in Egypt and where hospitality is simply a way of life. That place is Sudan. We head out in 4WD vehicles, camping wild under the stars. We explore the changing faces of the Sudanese des...

Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

    • Travel off the beaten path in the Western and Nubian Deserts
    • Wild camping under the Sahara night sky
    • More Pyramids than Egypt
    • The remnants of the ancient Black Pharaohs civilisation
    • Warm hospitality of Nubians and other Sudanese

What's this trip about?

    There is a place where the desert stretches out beyond the horizon, where the Blue and White Nile join before meandering over cataracts, where there are more pyramids than in Egypt and where hospitality is simply a way of life. That place is Sudan. We head out in 4WD vehicles, camping wild under the stars. We explore the changing faces of the Sudanese desert, visit Nubian villages and discover temples left behind by the Black Pharaohs.Explore Sudan, one of the most underrated countries in the World

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 15 people
Age range18 years and up
Flights and transportAll internal ground transport included
Start CityKhartoum
End CityKhartoum

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • National Parks
  • Nature & Wildlife

Destinations

  • Africa
  • Sudan

Attractions

  • Khartoum
  • Sudan

Activities

  • Culture
  • History
  • Nature
  • Wildlife viewing

Trip includes

    • All breakfasts, 11 lunches and 10 dinners included
    • All accommodation (see below)
    • All transport and listed activities
    • Photography permit
    • Tour leader throughout
    • Flights from London (if booking incl. flights)

Itinerary

Travel Map
Flight Inclusive

Day 1 Fly to Khartoum.

Arrive at the hotel any time, those on the group flight will arrive in Khartoum late in the evening. No activities planned today. *Holiday Villa Hotel*

Day 2 Khartoum city tour; on to the Western Desert.

After travelling hundreds of miles from Ethiopia and Rwanda respectively the Blue and White Nile meet in Khartoum. The capital of Sudan is surprising, bustling and with many modern buildings and quite pleasant. Not what most people would expect. This morning we hav...

Day 3 Cross the Wadi el Milk

Continuing into the Western Desert we cross the Wadi el Milk. This plain is scattered with acacia trees and Bisharin settlements around the few water wells. In the middle of the desert we reach fortress Gala Abu Hamed, dating back to Napatean times (700-400 B.C.) ...

Day 4 To Jebel Peak

Our main destination today is an isolated mountain in the middle of a dune desert which the drivers have christened Jebel Peak (due to the remoteness of this location, and the crumbling sandstone structure of this small mountain, it is not possible to climb to the...

Day 5 Drive out of the desert and on to Dongala

Today we cross small oases rich in palm trees before reaching the town of Dongola on the banks of the Nile. We stop here and resupply for the next few days before heading north along the new road heading towards the Egyptian border (we usually arrive in Dongala on...

Day 6 Temple of Soleb, Third Cataract and the Nubian villages.

Today we reach the Temple of Soleb. Possibly the most beautiful ancient Egyptian temple in all of Sudan, the Temple of Soleb was built bay Amenhotep III as a symbol of Egyptian presence in Kush. The temple has numerous walls and columns rich in hieroglyphic inscrip...

Day 7 Nubian Desert and Station no. 6

Heading east we cross a flat landscape with isolated hill. Here we get a true sense of the solitude of the desert. Suddenly, out of nowhere, two parallel tracks appear. The Sudan railway was built in the late 19th century by the British army as it campaigned to re...

Day 8 Nubian Desert, Station no. 6, El Kab village and Lake Merowe.

Continuing on our journey we reach the small village of El Kab situated in a picturesque spot where the sand dunes stretch down to the Nile. Further up the river is the newly formed Lake Merowe. In 2008 the new Dam of Merowe was completed on the Fourth Cataract, fl...

Day 9 Visit Karima, Jebel Barkal and El Kurru.

Crossing the open desert we will see a large sandstone butte, Jebel Barkal, standing alone long before we reach it. The ancient Egyptians perceived this spot as the birthplace and southern residence of the god Amon and built a large temple at the foot of the mounta...

Day 10 Across the Bayuda Desert to Meroe.

Crossing the Nile we visit the Pyramids of Nuri, another necropolis of the Napatean Kingdom. From here we head into the Bayuda desert, an area bounded by a loop in the Nile between the 4th and 6th cataracts. Sharp black basalt mountains, mostly volcanic and conical...

Day 11 Visit the Royal Necropolis of Meroe, Mussawarat El Sufra and on to Naga.

Our first stop this morning is at Sudan’s greatest archaeological site, the Royal Necropolis of Meroe. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is located some 3kms from the Nile on top of a hill covered in sand dunes where the pyramids of Meroe stand out against the clear ...

Day 12 Explore the ruins of Naga, browse Omdurman Souk and attend a Dervish Ceremony; end Khartoum.

Naga was an important city and one of the main centres of the Kingdom of Meroe. We visit a temple dedicated to Apedemak and is a wonderful building with bas-relief decorations depicting the god with a lion’s head, Pharaoh, noblemen and various ritualistic images. N...

Day 13 Arrive London.

**

Land Only

Day 1 Start Khartoum.

Arrive at the hotel any time, those on the group flight will arrive in Khartoum late in the evening. No activities planned today. *Holiday Villa Hotel*

Day 2 Khartoum city tour; on to the Western Desert.

After travelling hundreds of miles from Ethiopia and Rwanda respectively the Blue and White Nile meet in Khartoum. The capital of Sudan is surprising, bustling and with many modern buildings and quite pleasant. Not what most people would expect. This morning we hav...

Day 3 Cross the Wadi el Milk

Continuing into the Western Desert we cross the Wadi el Milk. This plain is scattered with acacia trees and Bisharin settlements around the few water wells. In the middle of the desert we reach fortress Gala Abu Hamed, dating back to Napatean times (700-400 B.C.) ...

Day 4 To Jebel Peak

Our main destination today is an isolated mountain in the middle of a dune desert which the drivers have christened Jebel Peak (due to the remoteness of this location, and the crumbling sandstone structure of this small mountain, it is not possible to climb to the...

Day 5 Drive out of the desert and on to Dongala

Today we cross small oases rich in palm trees before reaching the town of Dongola on the banks of the Nile. We stop here and resupply for the next few days before heading north along the new road heading towards the Egyptian border (we usually arrive in Dongala on...

Day 6 Temple of Soleb, Third Cataract and the Nubian villages.

Today we reach the Temple of Soleb. Possibly the most beautiful ancient Egyptian temple in all of Sudan, the Temple of Soleb was built bay Amenhotep III as a symbol of Egyptian presence in Kush. The temple has numerous walls and columns rich in hieroglyphic inscrip...

Day 7 Nubian Desert and Station no. 6

Heading east we cross a flat landscape with isolated hill. Here we get a true sense of the solitude of the desert. Suddenly, out of nowhere, two parallel tracks appear. The Sudan railway was built in the late 19th century by the British army as it campaigned to re...

Day 8 Nubian Desert, Station no. 6, El Kab village and Lake Merowe.

Continuing on our journey we reach the small village of El Kab situated in a picturesque spot where the sand dunes stretch down to the Nile. Further up the river is the newly formed Lake Merowe. In 2008 the new Dam of Merowe was completed on the Fourth Cataract, fl...

Day 9 Visit Karima, Jebel Barkal and El Kurru.

Crossing the open desert we will see a large sandstone butte, Jebel Barkal, standing alone long before we reach it. The ancient Egyptians perceived this spot as the birthplace and southern residence of the god Amon and built a large temple at the foot of the mounta...

Day 10 Across the Bayuda Desert to Meroe.

Crossing the Nile we visit the Pyramids of Nuri, another necropolis of the Napatean Kingdom. From here we head into the Bayuda desert, an area bounded by a loop in the Nile between the 4th and 6th cataracts. Sharp black basalt mountains, mostly volcanic and conical...

Day 11 Visit the Royal Necropolis of Meroe, Mussawarat El Sufra and on to Naga.

Our first stop this morning is at Sudan’s greatest archaeological site, the Royal Necropolis of Meroe. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is located some 3kms from the Nile on top of a hill covered in sand dunes where the pyramids of Meroe stand out against the clear ...

Day 12 Explore the ruins of Naga, browse Omdurman Souk and attend a Dervish Ceremony; end Khartoum.

Naga was an important city and one of the main centres of the Kingdom of Meroe. We visit a temple dedicated to Apedemak and is a wonderful building with bas-relief decorations depicting the god with a lion’s head, Pharaoh, noblemen and various ritualistic images. N...

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Dates & Availability

Price From $4,805
Price per day$370
Last Updated: 0/15/2019

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Exodus Travels.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Exodus Travels Reviews & Ratings

4.7/5  Excellent
Excellent
12,428
Great
3,216
Average
606
Disappointing
138
Terrible
178
A

Anonymous

Feb 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

Sudan explorer

An excellent trip for those who love camping and deserts. With the added astounding sights of Pharaonic temples and buildings and the wonderful sight of the Meroit...

A

Anonymous

Aug 2016

Provided byExodus Travels

Sudan Desert Explorer (AYA)

Travelled in Nov/Dec 2015. This feels much more an expedition that a standard holiday. Taking 4x4s off road and into wild remote spectacular desert landscapes. An un...

A

Anonymous

Aug 2016

Provided byExodus Travels

AYA Sudan Desert Explorer

This is a fantastic trip and a great adventure. I loved every moment of it, and would definitely recommend this trip to anyone interested in an exciting and differen...

A

Anonymous

Aug 2016

Provided byExodus Travels

AYA Sudan Desert Explorer

Really enjoyed the whole trip. Our guide, drivers and cook together with my fellow travellers made it an unforgettable experience. I haven't spent much time in the d...

A

Anonymous

Aug 2016

Provided byExodus Travels

Sudan Desert Explorer AYA

A true desert expedition! The ancient sites were impressive, especially the pyramids at Meroe and the carvings on the temple dedicated to Apedemak, but I think, for ...

Write a Review

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Tour Operator

Exodus Travels

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It is all about adventure. That is what Exodus was founded upon and what the company is still all about. Discovering countries, cultures, environments, cities, mountain ranges, deserts, coasts and jungles; exploring this amazing planet we all live on.

At Exodus, we know what makes you tick when it comes to holidays. It’s a desire shared by so many others. A yearning to visit new places and come home with a real sense of what they’re all about. This means delving into local traditions, cultures, cuisine, lifestyles – anything that contributes to its unique identity. At the same time, we always remember that we are only guests. So we travel courteously and respectfully, in smaller groups to minimise our impact, to ensure that every Exodus holiday is a beneficial experience for everyone involved.

This is a philosophy we take with us around the world, helping you reach some incredible destinations on 500 itineraries across over 90 separate countries. We also strive to provide as much flexibility and choice as we possibly can, making it simple for you to experience a very different holiday.

Exodus started life on 4 February 1974 when two friends got together to provide an overland truck to travel to the Minaret of Jam, deep in the heart of the Hindu Kush, the most inaccessible of the world’s great monuments.

All our office staff have a passion for travel and adventure, and between us we’ve notched up experience that spans 171 different countries. That’s not all. In their former lives, our team members have been professional archaeologists, wildlife guides, overland drivers, mountain leaders, diving and ski specialists and mountain bike gurus – so no-one is better placed to create tours that appeal to a wide range of specialist interests.

Their care in putting all the details in place really shines through too. Extensive planning, research, fact-finding and training are a sign of our commitment to providing a holiday where your enjoyment, value for money and safety come first. It’s a telling reason why we remain one of the leading worldwide adventure tour companies. It is no exaggeration to say that our tour leaders can make a world of difference to the enjoyment of your holiday – so we choose them carefully. The result is that, in 2013, 93% of our clients stated that their leader exceeded their expectations. Where possible, we train and employ local leaders because they can provide invaluable insights that enrich the trip. What’s more, this investment in local staff really helps us benefit both them and their community.

Why we love this operator
With a huge range of trip styles and themes, they cater to basically every type of traveler out there- even those with super specific interests.
What they’re known for
Global trips to both classic and exotic destinations with a focus on themed adventures, exciting physical activities and discovery of local culture.

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Logistics

What's excluded

    • Travel insurance
    • Single accommodation (available on request)
    • Visas or vaccinations
    • Video permit (needs to be per-arranged)

Accommodation

Travel by 4WD vehicles Some long drives off-road Group normally 4 to 15, plus local leader. Min age 18 yrs 3 nights hotels and permanent camp and 8 nights wild camping All breakfasts, 11 lunches and 10 dinners included,
Cancellation policy

The cancellation policies of this trip when booked through Travelstride are determined by the stated policies of the tour operator - Exodus Travels.

If you or any other member of your party decides to cancel a confirmed booking you must notify Travelstride in writing. Your notice of cancellation will only take effect when it is received in writing by Travelstride and will be effective from the date on which we receive it.

If You Cancel Your Holiday
You, or any member of your party, may cancel your travel arrangements at any time. Written notification from the lead name or your travel agent must be received at our offices. 

Since we incur costs in canceling your travel arrangements, you will have to pay cancellation charges as follows (see also the exceptions below): 

  • More than 42 days - No cancellation fee. Deposit can be transferred to a new booking departing within 2 years of date of travel of original booking. Any remaining balance will be refundedThis excludes all non-refundable costs as set out in clause 4 above (for example international and domestic flights and local services).
  • Between 41 and 21 days (inclusive) - No cancellation fee. Balance and deposit can be transferred to a new booking departing within 2 years of date of travel of original bookingThis excludes all non-refundable costs as further explained in clause 4 above (for example international and domestic flights and local services).
  • Between 20 and 15 days (inclusive) - 80% of the holiday cost
  • 14 days or less; or failure to join the holiday (inclusive) - 100% of the holiday cost

Certain trips may involve different cancellation charges; you will be advised if this is applicable to your holiday during the booking process.For Polar holidays, the following cancellation charges will be made for all Polar holidays. Period before departure in which you notify us: 

Cancelation charge

  • More than 133 days - Deposit only
  • 133 days or less (or failure to join the holiday) (inclusive) - 100% of the holiday cost

Notes (i) Your deposit is non-refundable, even if the cancellation charge calculated is lower than the deposit amount paid; (ii) If the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges; (iii) certain travel arrangements may be subject to higher cancellation charges and could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements from the moment the booking is confirmed.

If You Change Your Booking

If, after our Booking Confirmation has been issued, you wish to change your travel arrangements in any way, for example your chosen departure date or accommodation, we will do our utmost to make these changes but it may not always be possible. Any request for changes to be made must be in writing from the lead name or your travel agent. You will be asked to pay an administration charge of $60, and any further cost we incur in making this alteration (including those charged by third party suppliers who provide the component parts of your booking).  You should be aware that these costs could increase the closer to the departure date that changes are made and you should contact us as soon as possible. Note: Certain travel arrangements may not be changeable after a reservation has been made and any alteration request could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements.

You can transfer your booking to another person, who satisfies all the conditions that apply to this booking, by giving us notice in writing at least 7 days before departure provided that the new lead passenger accepts the transfer and these Terms and Conditions. Both you and the new traveler are responsible for paying all costs we incur in making the transfer. Please bear in mind that certain airlines and other transport providers treat changes as a cancellation and charge accordingly, up to 100% of the cost for that part of the arrangement. Where applicable these charges will be passed on to you.

If We Cancel Your Booking

Exodus reserves the right to cancel an itinerary before departure for any reason whatsoever, including too few participants ,logistical problems, a Force Majeure Event (as defined in Section 8), or any other circumstances that may make operation of the trip inadvisable. All trip payments received will be promptly refunded, and this refund will be the limit of Exodus’s liability without any further obligation on Exodus’s part. Exodus is not responsible for any expenses incurred by trip members in preparing for the trip, including non-refundable or penalty-carrying airline tickets, special clothing, visa or passport fees, or other trip-related expenses.

If We Change Your Booking

  1. Changes to the price. We can change your holiday price after you’ve booked, only in certain circumstances. Changes in the price of the carriage of passengers resulting from changes to the cost of fuel or other power sources, the level of taxes or fees imposed by third parties including tourist taxes, landing taxes or embarkation or disembarkation fees at ports and airports, or exchange rates mean that the price of your travel arrangements may change after you have booked.

  2. Changes other than the price. It is a term of your booking that we are able to make changes to any aspect of your booking. If the change is insignificant, we will ensure that you are notified about it. Examples of insignificant changes include alteration of your accommodation to another of the same or higher standard. If we are forced by circumstances beyond our control to alter significantly any of the main characteristics of the travel services that make up your package you will have the rights set out below.

    2.1 - We will contact you and you will have the choice of accepting the change or having a refund of all monies paid. You can also accept an alternative holiday, where we offer one (we will refund any price difference if the alternative is of a lower value). We will tell you the procedure for making your choice. Please read any notification of changes carefully and respond promptly as if you do not respond to us within the timescale given your booking may be canceled.

    2.2 - If you choose to accept a refund then that is the only liability we have and we will not be liable for any further sums, compensation or otherwise and you are advised to adequately insure yourselves against cancellation for any reason

Please note that insurance premiums and amendments charges are not refundable in any circumstances. 

Once you have put down a deposit for a tour, you are unable to cancel and re-book within a promotional period and we reserve the right to amend the pricing on any new booking you make within that time. If you cancel a tour and book the same tour under a promotional code, we reserve the right to decline the booking.

Important Note: Certain arrangements may not be amended after they have been confirmed and any alteration or cancellation could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements in addition to the charge above.

If the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges.

Where possible, we will deduct the cancellation charge(s) from any monies you have already paid to us.

For more additional details, see the booking conditions of TruTravels at the following web address: https://www.exodustravels.com/us/about-exodus/exodus-booking-conditions.

Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Meals Included
Dinner: All breakfasts, 11 lunches and 10 dinners included Sudan is a 'dry country' in other words Alcohol is forbidden and you should not try to import any as there can be serious penalties for doing so. Meals include both international and local dishes. The most common local dishes are ‘full’, a type of broad bean soup, ‘fasolija’ bean soup, lamb and chai tea. Dinners are cooked meals including meat or fish, vegetables, pasta, rice or soup, fruit and desert and tea or coffee. Lunches are picnic style and normally include things like tomato, rice or pasta salad, cheese, ham, tuna and fresh fruit. Drinks are normally water, tea and coffee as well as Karkade, a type of hibiscus juice, for breakfast and as an aperitif before dinner. It is possible to buy soft drinks along the way and even non-alcoholic beer on occasion.
Age Requirements
18 years and up
Travelstride Take
Travelers who are looking for an off the beaten path, active travel, experience in Africa will love this trip exploring the unique culture and landscape of the Sudan. Recommended for those who don’t mind basic accommodations, including rustic camping, with few amenities. This trip is 13 days, which can be a long time to camp and go off-roading. Be sure you’re ready for a lot of nature encounters!
Trip ID
exodus-AYA

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