Things to Do in Khartoum

About Khartoum

The Blue Nile and White Nile meet at Khartoum, and that confluence has shaped Sudan's capital for centuries. Nubian heritage runs through the city alongside contemporary African life—not always smoothly, but visibly. Traditional dabke drums echo from the souqs, while the call to prayer drifts past colonial buildings and modern glass towers. Merchants sell frankincense and gold. They've done this for millennia. Their stalls line the same caravan routes that once linked Africa to the Mediterranean, and their hands show it. Feluccas with white sails glide down the Nile past riverside cafés where locals drink sweet tea and argue about politics, poetry, and philosophy. The conversations are loud. The tea is very sweet. Khartoum won't let you stay a stranger—Sudanese hospitality makes guests out of visitors whether you're ready or not. The sunset over the confluence colors the sky in shades you can't photograph properly. Worth seeing anyway.

Travel Tips

Transportation: Shared minibuses (raksha) cost 5-15 SDG ($0.08-0.25) for city routes with frequent service. Private taxis charge 50-150 SDG ($0.83-2.50) depending on distance negotiated beforehand. River ferries across Blue and White Nile cost 2-8 SDG ($0.03-0.13). Airport transfers run 200-400 SDG ($3.33-6.67) to city center. Rickshaws available at 20-60 SDG ($0.33-1.00) for short trips. Walking common along Nile corniche but avoid during extreme heat hours. Bus transport to other Sudanese cities costs 100-300 SDG ($1.67-5.00).

Money: Sudanese pound (SDG) official currency with significant inflation affecting daily prices. Bank of Khartoum and Faisal Islamic Bank have ATMs but cash shortages frequent. US dollars essential backup currency. Budget $20-40 daily with mixed currencies. Credit cards rarely work - bring cash. Tipping 10-20 SDG ($0.17-0.33) appreciated. Black market rates significantly better than official but risky. Keep emergency USD reserves. Small denomination bills needed for daily purchases.

Cultural Respect: Arabic greetings 'As-salamu alaykum' essential in this Islamic country. Conservative dress mandatory especially for women. Remove shoes before entering mosques and many homes. Photography restricted near government and military areas. Ramadan significantly affects business hours and food availability. Friday prayers central to Muslim population. Hospitality traditions strong despite economic challenges. Left hand considered unclean for eating and greetings. Avoid political discussions completely. Respect Islamic customs throughout visit.

Food Safety: Traditional restaurants serve ful (fava beans) for 10-25 SDG ($0.17-0.42). Grilled lamb at local spots costs 80-150 SDG ($1.33-2.50). Sudanese tea (shai) runs 3-8 SDG ($0.05-0.13) at tea stalls. Fish from Nile at riverside restaurants costs 60-120 SDG ($1.00-2.00). Bottled water essential at 8-15 SDG ($0.13-0.25). Never drink tap water. Choose established restaurants with local customers. Avoid street food and raw vegetables completely. Hotel restaurants safest for visitors.

When to Visit

Khartoum's optimal visiting season spans November through February, when temperatures range from a pleasant 15-28°C (59-82°F) with virtually no rainfall. These cooler months offer comfortable sightseeing conditions and coincide with peak season pricing, typically 30-40% higher for accommodations. March and October serve as excellent shoulder seasons with temperatures around 25-35°C (77-95°F), offering moderate pricing with 15-20% savings on hotels while maintaining good weather conditions. The scorching summer months from April to September see temperatures soar to 35-45°C (95-113°F), with the brief rainy season occurring July through September bringing 50-150mm of precipitation. However, this period offers significant savings of 40-50% on accommodations for heat-tolerant travelers. Key cultural events include the Khartoum International Film Festival in November, Eid celebrations (dates vary with lunar calendar), and Independence Day celebrations on January 1st. The confluence celebration at the Blue and White Nile occurs year-round but is most enjoyable during cooler months. Business travelers should avoid Friday-Saturday weekends and Ramadan period when many services operate on reduced schedules. For photographers, the golden winter light and clear skies make November-February ideal for capturing the city's architectural beauty and river landscapes.