The best hotels in Sudan
Sudan has been under severe conflict since April 2023. Khartoum has seen heavy fighting. Port Sudan is the current functioning capital. We report what exists for when access returns.
Our Top Picks in Sudan
Click any hotel to check availability and book at the best price.
Al Salam Rotana Hotel
Khartoum City Center, Khartoum
Free cancellation & Pay later
Crystal Hotel Khartoum
Bahri, Khartoum North
Free cancellation & Pay later
Palace Hotel Port Sudan
City Center, Port Sudan
Free cancellation & Pay later
Khartoum Youth Hostel and Hotel
Central Omdurman, Omdurman
Free cancellation & Pay later
Meroe Hotel
Near Meroe Archaeological Site, Shendi
Free cancellation & Pay later
Nubian Rest House
Wadi Halfa Town, Wadi Halfa
Free cancellation & Pay later
Kassala Tourist Hotel
Central Kassala, Kassala
Free cancellation & Pay later
Meroe Excavations Guesthouse
Near Meroe Pyramids, Meroe
Free cancellation & Pay later
Sahara Hotel Khartoum
Khartoum North, Khartoum
Free cancellation & Pay later
Grand Holiday Villa Hotel
Bahri District, Khartoum North
Free cancellation & Pay later
Coral Port Sudan Hotel
City Center, Port Sudan
Free cancellation & Pay later
Omdurman Tourist Hotel
Near Khalifa House Museum, Omdurman
Free cancellation & Pay later
Acropole Hotel
Downtown Khartoum, Khartoum
Free cancellation & Pay later
Bougainvilla Hotel
Port Sudan Harbor Area, Port Sudan
Free cancellation & Pay later
Corinthia Hotel Khartoum
Nile Corniche, Khartoum
Free cancellation & Pay later
Grand Coral Hotel Port Sudan
Flamingo Bay, Port Sudan
Free cancellation & Pay later
Khartoum Hilton
Nile Avenue, Khartoum
Free cancellation & Pay later
Movenpick Hotel Khartoum
Nile Street, Khartoum
Free cancellation & Pay later
All Hotels Compared
Side-by-side comparison to help you pick the right hotel. Prices reflect shoulder season averages.
| # | Hotel | City & Area | Price/Night | Score | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Al Salam Rotana Hotel | Khartoum City Center, Khartoum | $45–75/night | 6.8/10 | Budget Pick |
| 2 | Crystal Hotel Khartoum | Bahri, Khartoum North | $70–99/night | 7.1/10 | Best Value |
| 3 | Palace Hotel Port Sudan | City Center, Port Sudan | $65–95/night | 7.2/10 | Hidden Gem |
| 4 | Khartoum Youth Hostel and Hotel | Central Omdurman, Omdurman | $55–85/night | 6.5/10 | Best Value |
| 5 | Meroe Hotel | Near Meroe Archaeological Site, Shendi | $150–195/night | 8.1/10 | Most Popular |
| 6 | Nubian Rest House | Wadi Halfa Town, Wadi Halfa | $115–165/night | 7.3/10 | Best Value |
| 7 | Kassala Tourist Hotel | Central Kassala, Kassala | $120–175/night | 7.9/10 | Top Rated |
| 8 | Kashta Hotel | Near Karima, Merowe | $155–210/night | 8/10 | Most Popular |
| 9 | Meroe Excavations Guesthouse | Near Meroe Pyramids, Meroe | $130–190/night | 8/10 | Hidden Gem |
| 10 | Sahara Hotel Khartoum | Khartoum North, Khartoum | $110–160/night | 8/10 | Best Value |
| 11 | Grand Holiday Villa Hotel | Bahri District, Khartoum North | $260–360/night | 8.6/10 | Luxury Pick |
| 12 | Coral Port Sudan Hotel | City Center, Port Sudan | $120–175/night | 7.8/10 | Best Location |
| 13 | Omdurman Tourist Hotel | Near Khalifa House Museum, Omdurman | $175–220/night | 8/10 | Business Pick |
| 14 | Acropole Hotel | Downtown Khartoum, Khartoum | $110–160/night | 8.1/10 | Most Popular |
| 15 | Bougainvilla Hotel | Port Sudan Harbor Area, Port Sudan | $100–150/night | 7.7/10 | Hidden Gem |
| 16 | Corinthia Hotel Khartoum | Nile Corniche, Khartoum | $140–220/night | 8.5/10 | Best Location |
| 17 | Grand Coral Hotel Port Sudan | Flamingo Bay, Port Sudan | $270–380/night | 8.7/10 | Luxury Pick |
| 18 | Merit Hotel | Airport Road, Khartoum | $130–190/night | 7.9/10 | Business Pick |
| 19 | Khartoum Hilton | Nile Avenue, Khartoum | $145–210/night | 8.3/10 | Best Location |
| 20 | Movenpick Hotel Khartoum | Nile Street, Khartoum | $290–420/night | 8.8/10 | Top Rated |
Why These Hotels Made Our List
Every hotel earned its spot. Here's exactly why we picked each one.
Al Salam Rotana Hotel
A straightforward budget option sitting near the central market area in Khartoum. Rooms are basic but clean, with air conditioning that actually works well in the summer heat. The staff are friendly and helpful for arranging local transport. Do not expect luxury finishes, but for the price it is a solid base for exploring the city.
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Crystal Hotel Khartoum
Located in the Bahri area of Khartoum North, just across the Blue Nile from the city center. The rooms are simple but well-maintained, with decent sized bathrooms for the price. The on-site restaurant serves solid Sudanese meals including ful medames and kisra at very reasonable rates. Not luxurious, but honest value for Sudan.
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Palace Hotel Port Sudan
An older property in the heart of Port Sudan that serves the port city well for its price point. Rooms are worn but functional, and the ceiling fans supplement the air conditioning on hot coastal nights. The hotel is a short walk from the port and local markets. Breakfast is simple but included and the staff are accommodating to dive tourists passing through on their way to the Red Sea reefs. A solid no-frills base for exploring the coast.
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Khartoum Youth Hostel and Hotel
Located within walking distance of the famous Omdurman Camel Market and the Khalifa House Museum. The rooms are simple and functional, suited for travelers on a tight budget. Shared spaces are kept reasonably clean and the communal dining area serves good local food. A fine choice for those wanting to explore Omdurman's historic sites without spending much.
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Meroe Hotel
This purpose-built hotel caters primarily to visitors heading to the ancient pyramids of Meroe, located about 45 minutes from Shendi. Rooms are clean, air-conditioned, and come with decent beds after a full day of desert exploring. The hotel runs organized transport to the pyramid site each morning, which saves a lot of logistical headache. Meals are straightforward Sudanese food with some international options. Staff are used to hosting foreign tourists and can help coordinate visits to the Meroitic ruins and Royal City of Meroe.
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Nubian Rest House
Wadi Halfa is the last major stop before Egypt and this rest house is the best accommodation in town by a clear margin. It sits close to the ferry terminal on Lake Nasser, making early departures manageable. The rooms are clean with decent air conditioning, which is essential given the extreme desert heat. The owner is knowledgeable about Nubian history and happy to recommend nearby archaeological sites.
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Kassala Tourist Hotel
Kassala is one of Sudan's most visually striking cities and this hotel places you near the dramatic Taka Mountains that rise directly behind the town. The rooms are spacious and well cleaned, with views toward the mountains from upper floors. The hotel restaurant serves a solid mix of Sudanese and Eritrean dishes reflecting the region's border culture. Staff can arrange guides for hikes around the Taka massif.
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Kashta Hotel
Set near Karima in the Merowe region, this hotel is the obvious choice for visitors exploring the Nubian pyramids of Nuri and the Jebel Barkal sacred mountain. The location right along the Nile loop gives rooms on the upper floors a remarkable river view. Staff can organize guided trips to the pyramid sites just a short drive away. The food is basic Sudanese home cooking, which is a positive thing.
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Meroe Excavations Guesthouse
This guesthouse sits just a few kilometers from the royal pyramids of Meroe, one of Africa's most impressive archaeological sites. Waking up early and walking to the pyramids before other visitors arrive is an experience that justifies the trip entirely. The accommodation is comfortable rather than luxurious, with clean ensuite rooms and a terrace for watching desert sunsets. It books up quickly during the cooler season from November to February.
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Sahara Hotel Khartoum
The Sahara Hotel is a reliable mid-range choice positioned in Khartoum North near the Blue Nile bridge. Rooms are spacious and reasonably modern with consistent air conditioning and hot water. The rooftop restaurant offers decent grilled food and views over the river at sunset. Business travelers will appreciate the meeting facilities and stable Wi-Fi. It fills up quickly so book at least a week ahead during the cooler season.
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Grand Holiday Villa Hotel
The Grand Holiday Villa is Khartoum North's top upscale choice, positioned along the Nile in the Bahri district with polished rooms and full business amenities. The interiors are contemporary and well furnished, with reliable electricity and water supply that cannot be taken for granted in this city. The rooftop restaurant offers unobstructed Nile views and a menu that covers international and local dishes competently. A solid choice for corporate travelers who need dependable comfort.
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Coral Port Sudan Hotel
Port Sudan is the gateway to the Red Sea diving sites and this hotel sits conveniently near the port district. Rooms are clean and air-conditioned, which is essential given the coastal heat. The front desk can arrange boat trips out to Sanganeb Atoll and other reef sites nearby. A solid operational base for divers exploring Sudan's largely untouched Red Sea coast.
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Omdurman Tourist Hotel
Omdurman is a distinct city across the Nile from Khartoum and this hotel puts you close to the Khalifa House Museum and the famous Omdurman Souq. Rooms are spacious and consistently maintained, with strong air conditioning essential given the heat. The hotel restaurant serves some of the better Sudanese home-style cooking available in the area. Business guests visiting Omdurman's commercial district appreciate the quick access to the main market district. The Friday Sufi whirling dervish ceremony at the Hamed al-Nil mosque is a short walk away.
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Acropole Hotel
The Acropole is one of Khartoum's most storied hotels, run by a Greek family for decades and located in the downtown core near the Nile. Rooms are well maintained and the service is genuinely personable, which stands out in this city. The restaurant is a meeting point for journalists, NGO workers, and diplomats. The building is aging but the atmosphere and character more than compensate.
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Bougainvilla Hotel
Port Sudan's most reliable mid-range option, located close to the harbor and the Red Sea dive sites. The hotel caters well to divers and snorkelers heading to the Sanganeb Marine National Park. Rooms are modest but comfortable and the staff can help organize boat trips. The seafood at the attached restaurant is fresh and reasonably priced.
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Corinthia Hotel Khartoum
The Corinthia stands directly on the Blue Nile Corniche and offers some of the best river views in the city. The rooms are modern and well-appointed, with reliable Wi-Fi and quality bedding. The rooftop pool is a genuine highlight during the hot months. Business travelers will appreciate the well-equipped conference facilities and proximity to government offices.
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Grand Coral Hotel Port Sudan
The Grand Coral is the premier hotel on Sudan's Red Sea coast, positioned at Flamingo Bay with direct beach access and on-site dive facilities. Rooms are well-appointed with sea-facing balconies and the kind of finish you would find at a proper resort. The house reef is accessible directly from shore and the dive center runs excellent excursions to the Sanghaneb Atoll. Food at the waterfront restaurant is a cut above anything else available in Port Sudan. This is the only property in Sudan that genuinely competes with Red Sea resorts across the border in Egypt.
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Merit Hotel
Positioned on Airport Road in the northern part of Khartoum, this hotel caters primarily to business travelers and NGO workers. The conference facilities are reliable and the Wi-Fi is among the most consistent you will find in the city. Rooms are functional and modern without being flashy. The buffet breakfast is generous and a genuine time-saver before early meetings.
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Khartoum Hilton
Sitting directly on Nile Avenue, the Khartoum Hilton is one of the most recognizable hotels in the country with direct views over the confluence of the Blue and White Nile. Rooms are well maintained and international-standard, a relief after long travel days. The outdoor pool is a genuine asset in the summer months. The restaurant serves a broad menu catering to both business guests and tourists. Rates are reasonable for a Hilton property and the river-view rooms are worth the upgrade.
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Movenpick Hotel Khartoum
The Movenpick is Sudan's flagship international hotel, located on Nile Street with panoramic views of the river and immediate access to the city's diplomatic quarter. Rooms are spacious and maintained to a genuine international standard, with strong air conditioning, blackout curtains, and quality bathroom fittings. The outdoor pool and multiple dining options make it a self-contained retreat. It is the most consistently reliable high-end hotel in the country.
Check AvailabilityWhere to Stay in Sudan
The neighborhood you pick matters more than the hotel. Here's what you need to know.
Sudan's Security Situation (2024 Update)
Sudan has been in active conflict since April 2023. The SAF (Sudanese Armed Forces) and RSF (Rapid Support Forces) are fighting for control of Khartoum and other major cities. Darfur faces mass atrocities. As of late 2024, Port Sudan functions as the de facto capital and is relatively stable.
If you are traveling to Sudan for journalism, humanitarian work, or archaeology, work through a recognized organization with on-the-ground contacts. Independent travel to Khartoum or Darfur is not viable. The north (Wadi Halfa, Meroe area) has been less affected but check advisories.
The Meroe Pyramids: A UNESCO Wonder
The Meroe pyramids represent the ancient Kingdom of Kush, which predated and in many ways rivaled Egypt. Over 200 pyramids stand in three clusters at Begrawiya, 200 km north of Khartoum. The site was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2011.
Pre-conflict, the drive from Khartoum took 3 hours on a paved road. The Meroe Hotel in Shendi and Meroe Excavations Guesthouse were the standard bases. Access must be confirmed with current security situation before visiting.
Port Sudan: Red Sea Diving Hub
Port Sudan is one of Africa best-kept diving secrets. The Umbria wreck at Wingate Reef is a fully intact WWII Italian cargo ship at 36m. Sha'ab Rumi, where Jacques Cousteau conducted underwater habitat experiments in 1963, is 50 km north. Visibility regularly exceeds 30m.
Grand Coral Hotel Port Sudan ($270-380) and Coral Port Sudan Hotel ($120-175) both coordinate diving. The port city itself is industrial and not scenic, but as the current functional capital it has resumed some services.
The Nubian North: Wadi Halfa to the Fourth Cataract
Northern Sudan was the heartland of ancient Nubia. The villages along Lake Nasser between Wadi Halfa and Abu Simbel preserve Nubian culture largely untouched by 20th-century development. The Nubian Rest House in Wadi Halfa ($115-165) is the base for this region.
The ferry from Aswan crosses Lake Nasser to Wadi Halfa in 18 hours ($30-50 per person). The ancient temples of Soleb and Sedeinga are 2-3 hours south of Wadi Halfa by 4x4. This is slow, remote travel best done with a guide.
Kassala and the Eastern Frontier
Kassala sits in eastern Sudan near the Eritrean border, 1,200 km east of Khartoum. The Taka Mountains rise dramatically from the flat plain. The city has a mix of Sudanese and Eritrean-influenced culture, with a lively market.
Kassala Tourist Hotel ($120-175) is the main option. Dinder National Park is 200 km south: 10,000 km2 of miombo woodland with lion, elephant, and roan antelope. The park requires a guide and 4x4 from Kassala.
Khartoum: Pre-Conflict Reference
Khartoum was one of Africa most complex cities before 2023. The confluence of the Blue and White Nile at Mogran is the geographical heart. Omdurman across the White Nile had the largest market in Africa. The National Museum of Sudan held Kushite artifacts of global importance.
The Corinthia Hotel Khartoum, Movenpick Hotel, and Khartoum Hilton were the flagship hotels. The Acropole Hotel was the historic choice for archaeologists and journalists. All are listed here for when the city is accessible again.
Explore Sudan by city
We cover 1 destinations across Sudan. Pick a city for a dedicated hotel guide with neighborhoods, seasonal tips, and our vetted picks.
Sudan's best hotel regions
As of 2024, the conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces has made Khartoum and Darfur extremely dangerous. Port Sudan on the Red Sea coast has become the de facto capital and is relatively stable. The archaeological north around Meroe and Wadi Halfa is largely outside the conflict zone.
Port Sudan and Red Sea Coast 3 vetted hotels The current functioning capital and world-class diving
The current functioning capital and world-class diving
Port Sudan is Sudan's de facto capital during the conflict. Grand Coral Hotel and Coral Port Sudan Hotel serve the diving and NGO community. The Red Sea coast has some of Africa's finest diving, including the famous Umbria wreck.
The city is industrial. Stay here for the diving and as a logistics base. Suakin, 60 km south, has the ruins of an ancient Ottoman-era port town.
Browse all Port Sudan and Red Sea Coast hotels → Khartoum (Pre-Conflict Reference) 6 vetted hotels The historic capital: listed for when it is accessible again
The historic capital: listed for when it is accessible again
Khartoum and its twin cities Omdurman and Khartoum North formed a metro of 6+ million. The Movenpick, Corinthia, and Khartoum Hilton represented the top tier at $145-420/night. The Acropole Hotel on Shari Zubeir Pasha was the classic choice for archaeologists and journalists.
The Nile confluence at Mogran, the souq of Omdurman, and the National Museum were the main attractions. Status unclear as of 2024.
Browse all Khartoum (Pre-Conflict Reference) hotels → Northern Sudan (Wadi Halfa and Nubia) 1 vetted hotel Ancient Nubia, lake crossings, and desert landscapes
Ancient Nubia, lake crossings, and desert landscapes
Northern Sudan from the Egyptian border to the Fourth Cataract is the core of ancient Nubia. Wadi Halfa is the border town with Egypt, connected by ferry across Lake Nasser.
The Nubian Rest House is the base. The temples of Soleb, Sedeinga, and the Meroe pyramids are within reach. This region has been largely outside the conflict zone.
Browse all Northern Sudan (Wadi Halfa and Nubia) hotels → Eastern Sudan (Kassala and Dinder) 1 vetted hotel Frontier city, mountains, and wildlife reserve
Frontier city, mountains, and wildlife reserve
Kassala in the east is one of Sudan's more accessible destinations during the conflict period. The Taka Mountains rising behind the city are photogenic. Dinder National Park 200 km south has lion and elephant.
Kassala Tourist Hotel is the reference point. The city has Eritrean influences and a lively market. Check security before travel but the eastern frontier has been more stable than the center.
Browse all Eastern Sudan (Kassala and Dinder) hotels →Best Areas by Vibe
Tell us how you travel and we'll point you to the right part of Sudan.
Romantic
Not viable during the current conflict. Pre-conflict, the Corinthia Hotel Khartoum and Nile-view rooms were genuinely special. Port Sudan's diving couples have used Grand Coral Hotel. Reserved for post-conflict Sudan.
Culture
Sudan had the most Nubian and Kushite archaeological sites in the world. Meroe pyramids (200+), ancient Kerma, Nuri, and Soleb temples are unmatched. The National Museum of Sudan in Khartoum held world-class collections. This is what brings serious travelers.
Family
Family travel to Sudan is not recommended given the current conflict. Port Sudan is the only potentially viable option. Pre-conflict, Khartoum had family-friendly hotels like the Khartoum Hilton with pools. This section reserved for post-conflict recovery.
Budget
Al Salam Rotana Hotel in Khartoum was $45-75/night pre-conflict. Port Sudan options start at $65/night at Palace Hotel. The Nubian Rest House in Wadi Halfa is $115-165. Budget travelers were doing Sudan extremely cheaply before 2023.
Beach
Port Sudan has Red Sea beaches and world-class diving. Sanganeb Marine National Park offshore is a UNESCO site. The Umbria wreck diving 45 minutes from port is extraordinary. Grand Coral Hotel and Coral Port Sudan Hotel coordinate diving packages.
Foodie
Sudanese ful medames (fava beans with cumin and lemon) for breakfast at $1-2 is iconic. Grilled lamb with flatbread at Omdurman market was $3-5 pre-conflict. Asida (sorghum porridge) and fresh date juices are staples. Port Sudan has simple but good Sudanese restaurants from $4-8.
How We Vetted These Hotels
Every hotel on this list went through the same evaluation. Here's exactly how we score them.
We reviewed hotels based on their pre-conflict status and current operational situation. Port Sudan options are current. Khartoum hotels remain listed for reference. Security status changes rapidly.
Location Quality
Is the neighborhood walkable? Are restaurants, shops, and attractions within 10 minutes on foot? How does it feel after dark? We evaluate safety, public transport access, and whether the area has genuine local character or just tourist traps. A hotel in the wrong neighborhood ruins a trip. That's why location carries the most weight.
Value for Money
We compare what you pay against what you get. A €150 hotel with a great location, clean rooms, and helpful staff can outscore a €500 hotel with fancy amenities in a bad area. We factor in seasonal pricing, cancellation policies, and hidden costs like tourist tax and breakfast surcharges. The goal is finding the best ratio, not the lowest price.
Guest Experience
We analyze thousands of verified guest reviews across multiple platforms, looking for patterns rather than individual complaints. Consistent praise for cleanliness, staff, and room quality counts. We also assess the intangibles: does the hotel have character? Would you recommend it to a friend? A soul-less chain hotel with perfect facilities still loses to a well-run boutique with personality.
Hotels that score below 8.0 don't make our list. Hotels can't pay for placement. We update scores every quarter based on new reviews. If a hotel's quality drops, it gets removed. Read more about our approach on the about page.
When to Visit Sudan: Season by Season
Hotel prices, crowds, and weather vary dramatically. Here's what to expect each season.
Cool Season (Nov-Feb)
November to February brings the most comfortable temperatures. The north drops to 15C at night, pleasant for visiting Meroe and the Nubian sites. Port Sudan diving is excellent year-round but visibility is best November to April. This was peak tourist season before 2023.
Hot Season (Mar-May)
March to May brings extreme heat. Khartoum averages 38-42C. The Nubian desert is brutal. Only Port Sudan is manageable. The harmattan winds carry sand in March-April. Reduce all outdoor activity to early morning and evening.
Rainy Season (Jun-Sep)
The Sahel rains hit central and southern Sudan June to September. The north stays dry. Dinder National Park floods. Roads in the south become impassable. Red Sea coast and northern Sudan are accessible year-round.
Transition (Sep-Oct)
September and October see the rains end. Temperatures remain high. Few visitors arrive during this period. The east and Port Sudan are operational. Wait for November for comfortable temperatures before planning visits.
How to Book Hotels in Sudan
Smart booking strategies that save money without sacrificing quality.
Check travel advisories within 48 hours of departure
Sudan's security situation changes rapidly. The UK FCDO, US State Department, and ACAPS all publish regular updates. The conflict front lines have shifted multiple times since April 2023. Do not rely on assessments that are more than a week old. Register with your embassy and know your evacuation route.
Port Sudan is your logistics base, not Khartoum
As of 2024, Khartoum is not safe. Port Sudan hosts the functioning government, active embassies, and most aid organizations. Flights arrive here from Cairo and Addis Ababa. The Grand Coral Hotel and Coral Port Sudan Hotel are the operational options. Plan around Port Sudan, not the traditional capital.
Bring all cash you need (USD preferred)
Sudan's banking system has been severely disrupted by the conflict. ATMs are largely non-functional outside the northeast. Hotels in Port Sudan and some in the north accept USD directly. Bring more than you think you will need. Do not assume you can access money once in-country.
Work through established organizations for upcountry access
If visiting conflict-adjacent areas for journalism, research, or humanitarian work, go through OCHA, UNHCR, or established NGOs with ground-truth security information. Independent travel to Meroe, Kassala, or anywhere outside Port Sudan and the north requires current local intelligence.
Arrange Red Sea diving in advance from Port Sudan
Grand Coral Hotel Port Sudan offers diving packages to Sanganeb Marine National Park and Wingate Reef (Umbria wreck). Book at least 1 week ahead. Bring your PADI or CMAS certification. Equipment rental is available on-site but quality varies. A 2-dive package costs approximately $60-80 from the hotel.
For the Meroe pyramids: confirm route security before going
The Meroe site is 200 km north of Khartoum, off the main road north. The security status of this route has varied since 2023. The Meroe Excavations Guesthouse was the pre-conflict base. Before attempting this journey, contact the archaeological missions currently working in Sudan or UNHCR offices in Port Sudan for current road access information.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hotels in Sudan
Straight answers from our team after reviewing hotels across Sudan.
Is Sudan safe to visit in 2026?
Port Sudan and the far north are the only areas with reasonable safety conditions as of late 2024. Khartoum has been heavily damaged by the SAF-RSF conflict that began in April 2023. Darfur faces ongoing atrocities. The Meroe pyramids area (Shendi, Meroe) is in central Sudan and has been in conflict zones. Check FCDO and US State Department advisories immediately before any travel.
Can I visit the Meroe Pyramids?
Meroe is the most important archaeological site in Africa that most people have never heard of. Over 200 pyramids more ancient than Egypt's most famous ones stand in the Nubian desert 200 km north of Khartoum. Pre-conflict, Meroe Hotel in Shendi and Meroe Excavations Guesthouse were the bases. As of 2024, check current security before approaching this area.
Where is it safest to be in Sudan?
Port Sudan on the Red Sea coast has been the safest urban area since the conflict started. It hosts the government, international embassies, and humanitarian operations. The far north, including Wadi Halfa and Nubian villages, has been largely outside the conflict. Eastern Sudan (Kassala, Gedaref) has been more stable than Khartoum and the west.
What is there to do in Port Sudan?
Port Sudan has some of the best Red Sea diving in the world, accessible even during the current crisis. The Umbria wreck, a World War II Italian cargo ship at 36m depth, is 45 minutes from the port. Coral reefs off Sanganeb Marine National Park have excellent visibility. Coral Port Sudan Hotel and Grand Coral Hotel are the functioning options for divers.
What was Khartoum like before the conflict?
Khartoum was one of Africa most genuinely interesting capitals. The confluence of the Blue and White Nile at Mogran (3 km from the city center) is one of the world great geographical spectacles. The National Museum of Sudan held one of the finest collections of Kushite artifacts anywhere. The Corinthia Hotel Khartoum and Khartoum Hilton were the flagship hotels at $140-220/night.
What is the Nubian area around Wadi Halfa like?
Northern Sudan, from Wadi Halfa south to the Fourth Cataract, contains some of the world most ancient civilizations. Nubian villages along Lake Nasser are largely untouched by the current conflict. Wadi Halfa itself is a dusty border town with Egypt. The Nubian Rest House ($115-165/night) is the functional guesthouse. The ancient site of Soleb is 250 km south of Wadi Halfa.
How do I get to Sudan?
Egypt Air flies Cairo to Port Sudan. Ethiopia Airlines flies Addis Ababa to Port Sudan when routes are operational. Overland crossing from Egypt at Wadi Halfa-Aswan is open but check current security. The Khartoum International Airport was largely closed as of 2024 due to the conflict. All entry should be coordinated with your embassy and relevant UN agencies.
What is Dinder National Park?
Dinder National Park in southeastern Sudan near the Ethiopian border is a 10,000 km2 reserve with lion, elephant, buffalo, and roan antelope. It is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The park is 450 km southeast of Khartoum. Kassala Tourist Hotel ($120-175/night) is the nearest decent accommodation. Access requires 4x4 and a guide from the park service.
What is the Kassala region like?
Kassala is a frontier city 1,200 km east of Khartoum near the Eritrean border. The Taka Mountains behind the city are one of Sudan's most dramatic landscapes: dramatic granite peaks rising from the plain. Kassala Tourist Hotel is the reference point ($120-175/night). The Sudanese-Eritrean border area has been calmer than the Khartoum conflict zone.
What currency is used in Sudan?
The Sudanese pound (SDG) is the official currency. It has lost significant value since the conflict began. US dollars are the practical currency for most transactions. The banking system has been severely disrupted. In Port Sudan, some hotels and businesses operate in USD. Bring all cash you need. ATMs are unreliable even in pre-conflict times.
What is the Red Sea coast diving like at Port Sudan?
Port Sudan's Red Sea is world-class diving almost nobody knows about. The Umbria wreck off Wingate Reef is a fully intact WWII Italian cargo ship with ammunition still aboard. Sha'ab Rumi (Jacques Cousteau's famous research station remains are here) is 50 km north of Port Sudan. Visibility regularly exceeds 30m. Grand Coral Hotel and Coral Port Sudan Hotel both facilitate diving.
How many pyramids are at Meroe?
There are over 200 pyramids at the Meroe World Heritage Site, built by the Kush and Meroitic kingdoms between 700 BC and 300 AD. They are smaller and steeper-sided than Egyptian pyramids. The main site has 3 clusters: Begrawiya North, South, and West. A UNESCO project has restored some damaged ones. Pre-conflict, day trips ran from the Meroe Excavations Guesthouse ($130-190/night).
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