Khartoum, Sudan

Overview

Khartoum lies where the Blue Nile and the White Nile meet, a three-part city with Omdurman and Khartoum North (Bahri) across the rivers. Before the war that began in 2023 it was known for the warmth of its people, its tea ladies and its Friday Sufi gatherings.

The city has been badly damaged and travel is not advised. This guide is written for a time when it is safe to return, and some places described may have changed.

Things to see

Photo: Petr Adam Dohnálek, CC BY-SA 3.0

Confluence of the Niles
The point where the blue-brown Blue Nile and the paler White Nile run side by side before merging.
Photo: David Stanley from Nanaimo, Canada, CC BY 2.0

National Museum of Sudan
The country's main museum, with relics of the Kushite kingdoms and temples rescued from the rising waters of Lake Nasser.
Photo: Muhammad Mahdi Karim, GFDL 1.2

Mahdi's Tomb
The silver-domed tomb of the nineteenth-century religious leader, a landmark of Omdurman.
Photo: Rayan Maaz, CC BY-SA 4.0

Omdurman Souq
One of the largest markets in Sudan, full of spices, silver, leather and woven goods.

Things to do

Sufi gathering at Hamed al-Nil
On Friday afternoons, dervishes in green and red chant and whirl around a cemetery in Omdurman.
Tea by the river
Sit with the tea ladies on low stools by the Nile for spiced tea and coffee with ginger.
Photo: Wufei07, Public domain

Trip to the Meroë pyramids
Steep-sided royal pyramids of the ancient Kingdom of Kush stand in the desert a long day's drive north.

Where to stay

Central Khartoum
Hotels near the Nile corniche were the most convenient for sightseeing.
Hotels in Central Khartoum
Omdurman
Simpler guesthouses close to the souq and Sufi sites.
Hotels in Omdurman

Getting around

Taxis and hired drivers are the usual way to move between the three cities across the bridges.

The airport lies close to the centre of Khartoum, a short drive from most hotels.

When to go

November to February is the coolest and most comfortable time. From April to June the heat is fierce and dust storms are common, and short summer rains fall around July and August.

Plan your trip to Khartoum

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Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.

More city guides for Sudan

Port Sudan

More places I’ve been in Sudan

Back to Sudan

Overview

Things to see

Confluence of the Niles

National Museum of Sudan

Mahdi's Tomb

Omdurman Souq

Things to do

Sufi gathering at Hamed al-Nil

Tea by the river

Trip to the Meroë pyramids