Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > sub-Saharan Africa
sub-Saharan Africa Topics specific to sub-Saharan Africa. (Includes all countries South of 17 degrees latitude)
Photo by Daniel Rintz, Himba children, Namibia

The only impossible journey
is the one
you never begin

Photo by Daniel Rintz,
Himba children, Namibia



Like Tree1Likes

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 18 Mar 2011
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: London
Posts: 65
Travelling in Sudan without guidebook- any recommendations?

Hi all,
We are on a road trip from London to Cape Town in a landcruiser, currently in Turkey. I've just realized none of our guidebooks cover Sudan! Just wondering whether it is worth trying to find one in Egypt or whether we should just wing it. We don't have any fixed plans but are keen to go on the Nile route to Dongala, then not sure which way to go to to Khartoum. Keen to head out to Kassala as well. Any tips or route recommendations would be great. We were planning on bush camping most of the way if possible, except Wadi Hafa and Khartoum. I've heard the Nile sailing club has gone downhill, where is a good place to stay in Khartoum?

If anyone is heading north and wants to trade/sell their sudan guidebook then let me know!!

Cheers
Ness
__________________
Ness | two turkeys and a rope | www.greenturkey.co.nz
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 18 Mar 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Wessex, UK
Posts: 2,136
It is worthwhile taking a detour from Dongola to Merrowe to see the pyramids there, you can camp right next to them as well then on to Atbara. It is ok to camp just outside of Wadi Halfa if you want, we did for three days waiting for the ferry, no problem. Loads of bush camping in Sudan, you are rarely far from a quiet spot and the Blue Nile sailing club is rather grubby but still a nice spot with Kitchener's gunboat and the Nile of course as a backdrop, there is at least one other campsite in Khartoum used by travellers but I forget where it is. I think you will manage alright without a guide book.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 19 Mar 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Canada
Posts: 738
I'd agree with Mark, pretty easy to get by with no guidebook in Sudan. It's not very touristy, so as you can imagine it wouldn't tell you much anyway. Fellow overlander info is best, I assume you are using Tracks for Africa and that will suggest some great camping spots and point out the obvious places like the Blue Nile. Happy travels.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 19 Mar 2011
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: London
Posts: 404
Bush camping is pretty good in Sudan. Not even the need to find a quiet spot. If you camp close to a village local people will come along with tea and food, or invite you to camp in their 'garden'. One aspect of that though is that an early start in the morning will be difficult. Locals will want to show you their homes and friends before you get on the road.

The Sailing Club is grubby as Mark says. But has other advantages. It's a lively evening social club for the locals, and very interesting to 'people watch' in the evenings. And an excellent way of meeting those locals.
To the extent that after my daughter, son-in-law and I stayed there for 3 weeks last year, (en route to Cape Town) the two of them are now living and working in Khartoum. Completely unexpected, through a chance encounter at the Sailing Club. Renting an apartment from one of the members.

Will be OK without a guide book I think, but if you decide to buy one, the American Bookshop in Cairo has a wide range of English-language guide books, Lonely Planet and stuff.

Off hand, maybe the only thing you might miss by not having a guide book, is knowing that taking photos near rivers, bridges and government buildings is very much frowned upon unless you have the right permit (obtainable in Khartoum). And along most of the route, you'll be close to either a river, bridges, or government buildings. And Khartoum is almost entirely comprised of all three!

Have a good trip.
__________________
TTR250 - London to Cape Town
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 19 Mar 2011
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Tucson, Arizona USA
Posts: 107
If you go through Luxor, and can find the Oasis hotel, I left a Bradt Sudan guide (1st ed.) there. Tell the manager that the American on the motorcycle sent you. Assuming it hasn't been snatched up already! It was there 3 days ago when I left.

Cheers
Sean
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 27 Mar 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 222
From Wadi Halfa, the desert route to Khartoum is nice as well - you follow the railway track for a few hundred Km's through the desert till you get to some tar and branch of to the city.Lots of sand and wide open vistas. V good bush camping, but no pyramids etc.
Blue Nile was nothing short of a shite hole when I was there (it's just a car park for a dodgy bar, but it is worth having a look at Gen Gordons boat), and they took the mickey with the charges so I drove off to the edge of the city and slept in the car instead, but couldn't say I'd recommend doing that.
Apart from that, just follow your nose, people and the authorities are very freindly and you should have a really good time.
There was a nice old colonial style hotel in Wadi Medani after Khartoum that we liked - Blue Nile hotel I think it was called
__________________
www.simba4x4.com
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 28 Mar 2011
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jan 2011
Posts: 46
You have a pm
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 28 Mar 2011
*Touring Ted*'s Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
Posts: 5,654
Sudan is very easy to travel. There are very few obvious good roads so it's difficult to get lost.

Like said though, there is little tourism so places to stay are rather few. The added bonus is that you can wild camp almost anywhere between towns. Theres plenty of places completely devoid of people and leads to some fantastic star gazing nights in the desert..

Once in Khartoom, bypass the Blue Nile sailing club as it's a complete DUMP..

Try and find "Farbest autos" in the centre. He is an overlander, owns a garage/wokshop and is well connected in town. He will probably sort an appartment for you and take you to dinner.

I'll try and get teh GPS co-ordinates of his place for you.. WELL worth a stop. Especially if you have repairs to do etc.

Ted
__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 30 Mar 2011
*Touring Ted*'s Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
Posts: 5,654
Farbest Autos

Here is the best contact in Khartoum..

His name is
Abd Alsalam Eltinay (Hes on facebook like this)


FARBEST AUTO SERVICE CENTER
Tel 00246612304675

N 15,5741 E 32,5774

He is a local guy who owns a large workshop in Khartoum. He specialized in fixed Landrovers, landcruisers etc but can also get all bike repairs sorted for you if need be.

He arranged an apartment for 8 of us for much cheaper than camping at the Blue Nile, took us out for dinner, a tour of city etc..

I can't guarantee you'll get the same level of hospitality but you will be welcomed...
__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 1 Apr 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 222
Am also aquainted with Abd El Salaam, and can confirm that he is an overland enthusiast, car nut and gentleman of the highest order who can obtain or find anything within the city of Khartoum and probably beyond!
__________________
www.simba4x4.com
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 3 Apr 2011
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: London
Posts: 65
Wow guys, you are all awesome!!! Some great advice there! Thanks Sean and twoupfront for the guidebook heads-up. Sean, we'll be heading through Luxor in a few weeks so will
Track down the Oasis Hotel and see if it is still there!!

That's great to have the contact deets for Abd el Salaam. Will definitely look him up.

Cheers guys, you rock
Ness

Looking forward to it, should be good fun.
__________________
Ness | two turkeys and a rope | www.greenturkey.co.nz
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 1 Dec 2011
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: London
Posts: 2
Kindle guidebook to Sudan

I had a similar problem and I did found there there is a kindle version of a guidebook about Sudan.
I found it an excellent solution to travel light when doing a multiple country journey in Africa.

btw the kindle/Ipad edition is called the Trail guide to Nord&South Sudan and it has been published this year.
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 1 Dec 2011
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: London
Posts: 2
Guidebook Sudan

Sorry I forgot to give you a link for the guidebook.
The kindle version I bought on Amazon but maybe you can try on the publisher website below.
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 3 Feb 2012
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Feb 2012
Posts: 1
Sudan Travel guide

I got my guidebook to Sudan directly in Khartoum. The UK publisher of the Trail guide to North & South Sudan has an office there. I did contact them and bought my copy there. It was handy and easy!
The number of the Trail Publishing in Sudan is
00249 (0) 912250025
I write it here because i noticed that it isnt on their website and I had to contact them to have it.

And btw I found this guidebook extremely useful!
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 3 Feb 2012
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 70
thanks all, that answered most of my Sudan questions
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
travelling in southern Sudan? BlueToyo sub-Saharan Africa 3 19 Sep 2010 17:12
Leaving your guidebook at home Bjorn TRAVEL Hints and Tips 12 8 May 2008 22:02
Sudan - Wadi Haifa to Port Sudan Niallo Route Planning 3 16 Jan 2008 22:31
Travelling from Libya to The Sudan ianbaker North Africa 3 25 Jul 2006 19:09
Niger Chad Sudan Ethiopia Sudan?? sabreman sub-Saharan Africa 7 24 Mar 2003 19:08

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 23:04.