Sudan

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Flag of Sudan Sudan
Information
Language: Arabic, English
Capital: Khartoum
Population: 39,379,358
Currency: Sudanese pound (SDG)
Hitchability: <rating country='sd' />
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<map lat='12.90001834116316' lng='29.50390625' zoom='5' view='0' float='right' height='450' />

Sudan (Arabic: السودان‎ as-Sūdān), officially the Republic of the Sudan, is a country in Northern Africa. It was the largest state of Africa before South Sudan became independent in 2011. It was the largest country on the African continent until the South voted to be independent and, subsequently, broke away from Sudan.

It is bordered by Egypt to the north, the Red Sea to the northeast, Eritrea and Ethiopia to the east, South Sudan to the south, the Central African Republic to the southwest, Chad to the west and Libya to the northwest. The famous river Nile divides the country into eastern and western halves. The majority of the Sudanese people is Islam.

Hitchhiking

It seems that in Sudan a symbolic payment is expected, except from the region around Khartoum. You need permissions for some regions if you want to travel (to) there.

Hitchhiking is very common in northern Sudan. This man is on his way to his family to celebrate Eid al-Adha.

Hitching is generally easy, although many of the citizens do not understand the concept of hitching, so it is best to say you are having money problems. On roads with trade and freight, you should easily be able to pick up a lorry. On minor roads, such as those heading north, often the only traffic will be with minibuses. These are modern, air conditioned and pretty reasonable.

Almost every town and city has a police check-point on the outskirts. This acts as a road block and can cause problem to the plucky hitcher. It was often the case that the police would just put you on a passing bus for no charge. The police are very helpful and warm, so long as all your permits are in order.

Border crossing

  • The border to Chad is closed (July 13th, 2009).
  • The border to Eritrea is closed (July 13th, 2009) except coming from Eritrea.
  • The border to Libya is closed (June 29th, 2010).
  • The border to Egypt is open, but only on one single checkpoint (Wadi Halfa border crossing) or by boat via the Assuan Lake.
  • The border to Ethiopia is open at the checkpoint Al-Qadarif

Danger

There are a lot of unsolved conlficts in Sudan, also there are landmines in almost every border region. Due to high crime rates and escalating conflicts hitchhiking in Sudan can be dangerous, especially in the Region of Dafur. Don't cross borders illegally because of landmines and the risk of being imprisoned for a long time.

Be careful when taking photos of official buildings you may be arrested as a spy. Getting arrested in Sudan is relatively commonplace, so don't be alarmed if it happens to you. They will take your details and release you shortly with matters such as photographs.

The north is much safer, and the biggest danger here will be the extraordinary midday heat. Stay sheltered and well hydrated. Always carry plenty of water and snacks on you.

Almost everywhere in Sudan will have terracotta water vessels in the cool shade of big trees, with a communal cup. These are great in emergency situations, or if your stomach is hardy, for general drinking water.

A lot of coffee stands or shops will have threadbare beds which you will be invited to rest on during the heat of the day.

Visa

It is possible to get a Sudanese visa in only one day at the Sudanese Embassy in Cairo, Egypt, for 100 US dollars.

It is also possible to attain a Transit Visa in Kampala, Uganda from the Sudanese Embassy. It is valid for 2 weeks (in three months), is about 60 US Dollars, takes 3 days and is surprisingly straightforward to apply for.

Cities