Travel to the Eritrean border is not advised at present; southern Sudan, Darfur and Kassala should also be avoided, except on essential business or if engaged in relief work. Conflict continues to be a feature of Sudan. There is a general threat from terrorism. Most visits to Khartoum, Port Sudan and other areas in the north are trouble-free. Permits, obtained locally, are required for all travel outside Khartoum. For further advice, contact a local government travel advice department.
Sudan is bordered by Egypt, the Red Sea, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Kenya, Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Central African Republic, Chad and Libya. Khartoum, the capital, is situated at the confluence of the Blue and White Niles. Among the tourist attractions are the Omdurman camel market and the Arab souk. Particularly noteworthy is the well-organised National Museum that contains archaeological treasures dating back to 4000 BC and earlier. The main areas of archaeological interest in Sudan are to be found beside the Nile, north of Khartoum. They include Bajrawiya, Naga and Meroe. The Dinder National Park, covering 6475 sq km (2500 sq miles) southeast of Khartoum on the Ethiopian border, is one of the largest in the world. There are many species of wild animals, including lion, leopard, kudu, bushbuck and antelope. The Red Sea, with the transparency of its water, the variety of its fish and the charm of its marine gardens and coral reefs, is one of Sudans main tourist attractions. The staple diet is
fool, a type of bean, and
dura, cooked maize or millet, which are eaten with various vegetables. Alcohol is banned by the Islamic sharia code.