With an 853-kilometer border along the Red Sea, the Republic of Sudan is sometimes called the gateway to Africa. Inhabited since five thousand BC, the region also includes part of the world’s longest river, the Nile.

Known as Nubia, the country was ruled by the Kingdom of Kerma and then came under the rule of ancient Egypt’s New Kingdom. The ascent of the Kingdom of Kush marked independence from Egyptian rule. Following Kushite rule, the country was divided into three Christian kingdoms and, between the 14^th and 15^th century, settled by Arab nomads. Occupied early in the 19th century by the British, modern-day Sudan gained independence in 1956. With its deep-rooted history, three UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and fascinating natural landscapes, Sudan is emerging as tourism destination after a period of strife and challenges. To visit this country, with its interesting culture and extraordinary geography, you can check out fares and flights to Sudan and fly with the privileges of Turkish Airlines.

Sudan flights

Turkish Airlines operates flights to two destinations in the Republic of Sudan: Khartoum and Port Sudan. Flights between İstanbul Airport (IST) and Khartoum Airport (KRT) take around three hours and 15 minutes, while flights to Port Sudan New International Airport (PZU) operate via Khartoum. The total time of the Istanbul-Port Sudan flight depends upon the transit time.

Temperatures in Sudan are consistent throughout the year. The climate is hot and dry, though certain regions experience a rainy season from April to November. As well, sandstorms may occur in November and January. When planning travel to Sudan, consider visiting during the country’s various festivals: As an Islamic country, Ramadan and the Feast of the Sacrifice are major holidays. In addition the Sufi Holiya Festival, held in October, celebrates Sufism, a religion of tolerance, with Sufi music and dance performances. Mawlid an-Nabi, the celebration of the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad, is another of the religious holidays in Sudan. On this day, streets in Sudan’s cities and towns are animated with local melodies.

Places to visit in Sudan

Khartoum

Straddling the intersection of the White Nile and Blue Nile rivers, Sudan’s capital Khartoum is the country’s most modern city and a major economic and trade center. Khartoum has a number of historical sites, including the Presidential Palace Museum. Formerly the Anglican Church, it was converted into a museum in 2000 and now features exhibits on Sudan’s administrative and political history, as well as gifts from other countries. Also in the capital is the National Museum of Sudan, where artifacts found in the region, dating from the old Christian period to the present day, are exhibited. Sudan’s most modern building is the dramatic Burj el Fateh Hotel, evoking a billowing sail. The hotel is located at the confluence of the White Nile and the Blue Nile.

The colorful bazaars of Sudan are world renowned. The country’s most famous is the Arab Bazaar in Khartoum. Considered a center of trade, a wide range of items are found in this Bazaar, including local delicacies, carpets, and souvenirs.

Gebel Barkal and the Sites of the Napatan Region

About 450 kilometers north of Khartoum is Gebel Barkal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The area includes five archaeological sites featuring preserved tombs, pyramids, temples, burial mounds and chambers, living complexes and palaces dating as far back as 900 BC. Gebel Barkal was considered a sacred mountain in antiquity and, as the burial place for a Muslim saint, continues to be a pilgrimage site.

Archaeological Sites of the Island of Meroë

About 250 kilometers from Khartoum, this UNESCO World Heritage Site includes Meroë, an ancient city between the Nile and Atbara rivers considered to have been the capital of the powerful Kingdom of Kush, which lasted from the eighth century BC to the fourth century AD. The site also features the pyramids of Meroë, erected as Kushite funerary monuments, and Musawwarat es-Sufra and Naqa, two associated settlements and religious centers. The area was considered a major trade center between Sub-Saharan Africa and the Mediterranean and Middle Eastern worlds.

Port Sudan and the south

Set along the Red Sea, Port Sudan is a convenient starting point for visiting Sudan’s southern sites. Slightly northeast of Port Sudan is Sanganeb Marine National Park, a coral atoll on the UNESCO World Heritage List along with Dungonab Bay and Mukkawar Island, which are around 125 kilometers northeast of Port Sudan. About one thousand kilometers south of Port Sudan is the ecologically important Dinder National Park, which hosts wildlife such as giraffe, lion, ostrich and gazelle. Tuti Island, at the meeting point of the White and Blue Nile is approximately 800 kilometers south of Port Sudan and among the country’s key tourist centers.

Getting around Sudan is easiest via private or rented vehicle.