Sudan: doable?
 

Hi all,
After Egypt comes Sudan when you drive down east aftrica, right? So apart from being on the news because of the Darfur catastrophe, what's up there travelwise? Still possible to cross by car from Lake Nasser to Ethiopia or Erythrea in reasonable safety conditions? Many people doing this route? What to expect, where are the problematic zones in the country? Does travelling in Sudan nowadays automatically turn one into a voyeur?? Open/closed borders, officials' attitude towards travellers, costs, I'm looking for every bit of information about Sudan! Thanks in advance! Séb


[This message has been edited by sebch (edited 18 November 2004).]

[This message has been edited by sebch (edited 18 November 2004).]

Running down the East coast route you should have no problems. The trouble zones are in the south (further south than where you exit into Ethiopia) and in the West (where the Darfur situation is taking place). Sudan is a great country for travellers, the people are very friendly and hospitable, you should have fun.

I was in Sudan twice about 4 months back coming from Ethiopia passing via Galabat then later returninbg from Egypt via Wadi Halfa. People are wonderful and very happy to see travellers. Non-American travellers that is.. You can pass to Khartoum via East route (the most obvious one on Michelin Map) whithout any signs of the trouble in Darfur. North of Khartoum is rough and hot and often very difficult depending how you like it. Many options for real rough exploring. Take lots of water and better if you have a partner for really remote desert traverse.
Its an amazing place that offers a lot to those who like it rough and different.
Blue Nile Sail Club in Khart. is a must for comfy camping and making contacts with local who's who.
Wadi Halfa is a dump, plan your arrival to be a day before ferry leaves as its weekly and you dont want a week in Wadi Hellfa. Ferry $130! Take water and patience.
Enjoy! I wish i was there now!

Jim,

Can you please refresh my memory as to what day the ferry leaves heading north?

Thanks,

Brian