Ancient Nubia & Traditions

Sudan

  • Sudan : Ancient Nubia & Traditions
  • Sudan : Ancient Nubia & Traditions
  • Sudan : Ancient Nubia & Traditions
  • Sudan : Ancient Nubia & Traditions
  • Sudan : Ancient Nubia & Traditions
  • Sudan : Ancient Nubia & Traditions
  • Sudan : Ancient Nubia & Traditions
  • Sudan : Ancient Nubia & Traditions
  • Sudan : Ancient Nubia & Traditions
  • Sudan : Ancient Nubia & Traditions

Sudan : Ancient Nubia & Traditions

Regular price
£4,990.00
Sale price
£4,990.00
Regular price
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per 
Regular price
£4,990.00
Sale price
£4,990.00
Regular price
Sold out
Unit price
per 
Tax included.

Explore Sudan, from Ancient Nubia to present day revolution and Sufism for 12 days in October 2023.

This journey begins with an exploration of Khartoum's frenzied streets, from street murals to markets and the Sufi dervishes of Omdurman.  

Leaving Khartoum by road, the city becomes quickly eclipsed by desert, where we'll explore ancient necropolises, temples and pyramids.  As we follow the path of the Nile north, we'll untangle some Sudan's cultural diversity, from Nubian Villages with contrasting ideas of islam, to Bisharin nomads gathering salt at the Atrun Crater. 

This trip is guided by experts in Sudan's cultural heritage, archaeology and Sufism.

We interview all those that apply to join the trip.  Once selected, participants will be required to pay a 20% non-refundable deposit of $1000 to secure their place on the trip.

Payment of the trip balance and flights and visas will then be due 60 days prior to departure.

To express your interest and for further information, please contact us at: explore@ishkar.com, or book a consultation with us by clicking on the button above.

What?

An opportunity to explore Sudan while guided by local experts

In Khartoum, we'll be exploring everything from the frenzied markets, to post Revolution street murals and people watching from street corner chai stands.

Heading out into the desert, we'll delve into the history of the black pharaohs, the multitude of pyramids and temples and the gathering point of nomadic groups collecting salt by the Atrun Crater.

Where?

Sudan, starting and ending in Khartoum.

When?

We will be operating a 12 day trip in October 2023, from 15 - 25 October 2023.

Who?

The trip is open to all adventurous and inquisitive minds who are eager to learn about Sudan’s unique history, cultural heritage and wild spaces.

Travel will be primarily by 4x4 with a mix of guesthouses and wild camping.

This trip will depart with a small team of up to 8 people, accompanied throughout by local guides.

Due to high demand we interview everyone who applies to join ISHKAR trips.  Your group travel experience is as important to us as the destination experience.

Cost & Booking Information

The total price for the trip is $4990*. A non-refundable 20% deposit of $1000 is required to secure your place on the trip.

Full payment is due 60 days prior to departure.

Additional costs:

Visa - $220 single entry (to be paid for directly on arrival)

Visas may also be organised at your local embassy directly at a lower cost prior to travel (dependant on embassy)

Please note your passport must have two blank pages, no stamps from Israel and be valid for six months after travel.

Please note that by paying the deposit, you agree to abide by our Terms & Conditions.

For further information, contact us at: explore@ishkar.com, or to book a consultation with us: Click here

* Where international payments are due, we request that you ensure the full amount is received after all bank charges have been levied, as per the price and currency stated on the invoice stated.

Reviews

Reviews

Detail

OUR DESTINATION

Sudan's history goes back to the Pharaonic period, from the Kingdom of Kerma (c. 2500–1500 BC), to the Egyptian New Kingdom (c. 1500 BC–1070 BC) and the rise of the Kingdom of Kush (c. 785 BC–350 AD), which would in turn control Egypt itself for nearly a century. 

More recently, Sudan has been the stage for Christian kingdoms, Ottomon empire and British colonialism until independence in 1956. 

Sudan would fall under three decades of Omar al-Bashir's dictatorship until the Sudanese Revolution which ousted him from power in 2019.

With such a diverse range of influences from ancient monuments to culture, religion and shifting geographical centres of rule, Sudan has a multitude of stories to explore.


LANDSCAPES

Although most often associated with vast swathes of desert, Sudan's landscapes range from the fertile green river banks of the Nile River, the stone peaks of the Taka Mountains, long stretches of Red Sea coastline, and of course - those iconic stretches of desert perfect for a wild campout under the stars.

(c) Clare Doolan

GROUP TRAVEL

One of the best things about going on an ISHKAR trip is the group of people with whom you travel. Our trips attract informed, critically minded and adventurous people from all around the world.

Some of you will be drawn by the prospect of spending time in the remote wilderness, others will be drawn by the chance to learn about a fascinating and poorly understood part of the world.

We get to know everyone who applies to our trips over the phone. In this way we can curate groups guaranteed to enjoy sharing this extraordinary experience together.  What unites everyone is the same curious spirit and desire to get far away from the typical tourist trails.

We plan to travel with a minimum of 4 people and a maximum of 8 people in order to make this trip possible.

(c) Clare Doolan

The Price

The price for this once in a lifetime trip is $4990.  The price will include all food, transport and accommodation whilst in country.  We will be assisted by guides who know the region inside out, providing access to a multitude of insights on Sudan.

A 20% deposit of $1000 secures your place on this departure.

Email to apply now: explore@ishkar.com
Book a consultation with us: Click here.
Call us on: +44 7984 102 639 

* Where international payments are due, we request that you ensure the full amount is received, after all bank charges have been levied as per the price and currency stated on the invoice stated.

TRAVEL SECURITY

We are uncompromising when it comes to the safety and security of our travellers and will not hesitate to alter plans or cancel trips due to changing security dynamics.  

Through working with our team of local guides we are able to stay abreast of any changes to the security situation if there were any.

Please see our Travel Security page for more information.

ISHKAR Team Member

Your ISHKAR point of contact for the trip is Clare Doolan.  If you have any queries about the trip:

Email: explore@ishkar.com
Book a consultation: Click here.

Clare Doolan ~ Head of Travel

For the past fifteen years, Clare has dedicated her personal and professional life to travel, looking for the backstory of places that get overlooked by guidebooks and google maps. Before joining ISHKAR, she spent a decade developing travel experiences for Botswana and Zimbabwe’s high-end safari industry. Though Clare has travelled widely across every continent other than Antarctica, she’s most fond of forays into Africa, the Middle East and Central Asia.

Contact:
clare@ishkar.com 
+44 (0) 7984 102 639

Highlights

01 / Meroë Pyramids

Watch as the dawn's first light washes over the Pyramids of Meroë, surrounded by the solitary desert landscapes that inspired their build to begin with.

02 / Sufi Dervishes

Break into the rhythm of the whirling dervishes at sundown in Omdurman for a full immersion in Sufism.

03 / The Nile

Follow the Nile north, from the meeting point of the Blue and White Nile, to Jebel Barkal where views of date palm plantations, ancient temples and pyramids collide.

04 / Nubian Villages

Experience the contrasts between architecture, tradition and interpretations of Islam.

Testimonial

This was my second time travelling with ISHKAR and I’m grateful I had a chance in exploring the remote and wondrous region of Northern Pakistan with ISHKAR as its local team was amazing in taking me to all the extraordinary places that offered me a breathtaking adventure and an inspirational experience. Looking forward to having another memorable journey to other extraordinary yet obscure parts of this world with ISHKAR again.

Andi - “Hunza, a Local Perspective” traveller 2022

Visiting Congo was a childhood dream. Michael Christopher Brown and ISHKAR made it possible under the best conditions. I would recommend this experience to anyone interested in the this beautiful part of the world.

JB - “DR Congo x Michael Christopher Brown” traveller 2022

I travelled with ISHKAR to Socotra in March and had the most wonderful time. Challenging, inspiring, informative and full of adventure. The team was impeccable in leading the trip, from organisation to making sure each traveller experienced the extraordinary magic of the island and its people.

Sarah - “Socotra : on foot & by boat” traveller 2022

Is it safe to travel to Sudan?

ISHKAR's core ethos has always been to show travellers that there is more than one reality to be experienced in countries impacted by conflict and media-biased stereotyping.

As such, it is never ISHKAR's goal to take travellers to regions experiencing active conflict, but rather to create an awareness of the regions and communities that exist apart from the negative news stories reported abroad.  We only include travel experiences to areas where we can highlight the positivity, beauty and vibrancy of countries such as Ethiopia, despite the difficulties faced in particular regions, or at previous points in time in locations we do visit.

We will not visit any areas at risk of conflict on our routing, and work closely with our local partners based in Sudan and their guidance to ensure we are flexible enough to adapt our plans in the event that we might anticipate any unacceptable potential for risk in this way.

At ISHKAR ensuring the safety of our travellers is at the heart of what we do. For more information surrounding our approach to security read this page.

What is the weather like in October?

The average temperature in Khartoum in October for a typical day ranges from a low of 24°C to a high of 39°C. Days can be very warm with the chance of a gentle breeze.

In Khartoum in October, there's a 1% chance of rain on an average day.

Light, loose clothing is recommended for Sudan at this time of year.


Where can I see the exact itinerary?

We do not publish our itineraries online.  We will give further information about the itinerary upon enquiry. Please write to explore@ishkar.com to request the trip information pack.

What is included in the cost?

The cost includes all accommodation, internal flights, guiding, road transport, breakfast, lunch and dinner and entrance fees.  It does not include international flights into and out of Khartoum, visa fees, insurance, tipping and other costs of a personal nature.

When do I need to book?

As early as possible, this trip is likely to be booked up fast.  A deposit of $1000 will secure your place, and the final balance needs to be paid 60 days prior to departure. You can pay this online, or via bank transfer directly to us.

How easy is it to get a visa?

ISHKAR can arrange for pre-registration to receive a visa on arrival at Khartoum Airport (USD$220)

Alternatively, visas can be obtained by travellers directly from Sudanese embassies at a lower cost, though procedures and exact amounts required vary between embassies.  

For convenience and visibility on the visa process, we recommend the visa on arrival.

When do I need to book my flights?

If you are thinking of applying, please email us at explore@ishkar.com and we will help advise you on flights to book to link up with the group in Khartoum.

Turkish Airlines is well connected with Khartoum and most regions and major cities.

Do I need special insurance?

You are required to have full travel insurance specific to the region and the activities. 

If you are unsure if your existing travel insurance policy will cover you, we can suggest specialist insurance companies.

We use Battleface and highly recommend it. Other options include (but are not limited to): Clements, World Nomads, Petersen, Cambell Irvine or The Universal Insurance Co Ltd.

Will I be able to travel on my own?

We will stay as a group for the duration of the trip. You may choose to travel on your own before the start or after the finish of the trip, but whilst travelling with ISHKAR you are requested to remain with the group.

If you would like to stay on in the region and need assistance with planning, please talk to us & we'll be happy to help.

Do I need any vaccinations?

Please speak with your doctor to ensure you have the correct vaccinations for travel to Sudan.  

What do I need to bring?

We will send you a more detailed handbook before leaving, including recommended reading and clothing.

Where will we be staying?

You will be staying in hotel accommodation throughout the trip, with a few days of wild camping and travelling either by road or domestic flight.  

We will give you more specific details when talking to you about your plans to travel.

Can I come on my own?

Yes of course! Individuals and small groups are equally welcome. Personally, we also think this could be the perfect trip to experience with a friend, parent, child, or partner!

Can I book even if I don’t live in the UK?

Yes of course, our travellers always come from a mix of different countries. 

Be the first to know about our future trips before they are announced….
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