N.-Sudan (Nubia): Kingdom of the Black Pharaohs

A 14 days’ expedition through a country not yet discovered by tourism, with marvellous nature, impressive monuments and friendly people!

Itinerary

Day 1: Flight Europe - Khartoum

Arrival in Khartoum, meeting and assistance at the airport and transfer to hotel, overnight.

Day 2: Khartoum

After breakfast city tour in Khartoum and visit to the National Museum housing the salvaged temples of Upper Nubia and the frescoes from the cathedral of Faras. Afterwards proceed to the Ethnographical Museum. Lunch in a restaurant by the Nile, (optional) afterwards motor boat trip to the confluence of Blue and White Nile (ca. 1 ½ hours). Back to the Hotel, overnight. (B/-/-)

Day 3: Khartoum – Omdurman - Naga

In the morning drive to Omdurman. Visit the house of the Khalifa that has been transformed into a museum, the mausoleum of the Mahdi, the bazaar of Omdurman and other popular markets. In the afternoon drive to the ancient cultic centre of Nagaa with the meroitic temple of Amun, the Roman chapel and the lion temple. Overnight (tent) in Naga. (B/L/D)

Day 4: Naga - Musawwarat - Meroe

Proceed to Musawarat as-Sufra 20 km, an extensive temple area with rare elephant depictions. Afterwards continue to the small town of Shendi, 80 km, and onwards 30 km to Meroe. Visit the largest pyramid cemetery of the Nile valley – dozens of black pyramids rise from the desert sands. Overnight (tent) in front of the pyramids of Meroe. (B/L/D)

 Day 5: Meroe - Damer - Bayouda Desert- Deir Ghazali

In the morning opportunity to take a stroll and photograph the pyramids. Then drive to El Damer 100 km, crossing the Nile to Umm Tuyur on the west bank. Afterwards the route leads through the Bayouda desert for 400 km, Overnight (tent) near Deir Ghazali.(B/L/D)

Day 6: Deir Ghazali – Nuri - El Kurru - Gebel Barkal

Visit to the ancient monastery of Deir Ghazali, then drive to Nuri, 25 km. Visit the cemetery containing the pyramids of the 26th dynasty, among them that of Pharaoh Taharqa. Afterwards drive to Karima and crossing the Nile to visit the necropolis of el-Kurru, 18 km. The subterranean tomb of King Tanwetamani is decorated in the classical pharaonic style. Drive to Jebel Barkal, 18 km, overnight in tent. (B/L/D)

Day 7: Jebel Barkal - Kerma

Ascent to Jebel Barkal and afterwards visit to the great temple of Amun of Napata dating back to the 12th century B.C. The temple was the most important religious centre of Kush. Then crossing the desert from El Nekheila to Kerma 300 km. Tent Overnight in tent, (B/L/D)

Day 8: Kerma – Messaida - Soleb

Drive to Kerma, capital of Upper Nubia during the 3rd and 2nd millenium B.C. The "Diffufa", large mud brick constructions slightly younger than the Giza pyramids, were probably tombs. Drive to the village of Kerma for provisions, then proceed to Messaida, 18 km, and visit an old Christian chapel. Drive north through colourful Nubian villages to Delgo, 80km, crossing the Nile, then 70 km drive to Soleb. Overnight in the house of a Nubian family. (B/L/D)

Day 9: Soleb – Sdeinga – Sai - Soleb

Visit the temple of Soleb, a Nubian copy of the temples of the Egyptian New Kingdom, with pillars reminiscent of Luxor temple. Drive to Sdeinga, 50 km and visit to the temple dedicated to Queen Teje, the mother of Akhenaten. Afterwards boat trip to the island of Sai, 40 km, with settlement ruins from old Nubian, Pharaonic and Christian times. Afterwards return to Soleb and drive through the desert along the old Darb el-Arbain, the "Road of Forty" – a camel took 40 days from Khartoum to Cairo on this road. Overnight in the house of a Nubian family. (B/L/D)

Day 10: Soleb – Sesebi – Sebu - Tumbus

Turn back 50 km to Sesebi, a military outpost of pharaoh Akhenaten. Crossing the Nile near Delgo and 30 km drive to the 3rd cataract. Photo stop at the rapids and 50 km drive to Tumbus, passing prehistoric rock inscriptions near Sebu. Visit to hieroglyphic inscriptions and a recumbent statue of King Taharka in the granite quarries. Overnight (tent) near Tumbus. (B/L/D)

Day 11: Tumbus – Kawa - Old Dongola

Drive from Tumbus to Kerma to buy provisions, then on to Kawa 120 km to see the sand-covered temple ruins. Afterwards proceed to Old Dongola, tent overnight. (B/L/D)

Day 12: Old Dongola – Jebel el Hosh

Visit Old Dongola, once the Christian capital of the Nubian kingdom Makuria and later a major islamic city. Afterwards drive to the spectacularly beautiful desert of Bayuda. Tent overnight neer Jebel Hosh. (B/L/D)

Day 13: Jebel el Hosh - Khartoum

After breakfast opportunity to take a walk; then drive back to Khartoum. Arrival late in the afternoon and transfer to hotel to rest. At night transfer to airport and departure. (B/L/-)

Day 14: Departure

Services include: program with modern vans or 4x4; all entrances according to program; routing and 3 Hotel overnights in Khartoum in 3*superior Hotel B/B; 2 nights at private Nubian homes; remainder of nights in 2 Persons-Tents; Full board safari-style during jeep safari incl. mineral water, tea and coffee; Camping equipment (tents, mattresses, cooking equipment); English speaking guide

Not included: International flights; Entry visa for Sudan; Departure tax (currently 25 US$); Passport registration (50 US$); insurances; personal expenses; Tips for guide and driver.

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