Most visits are trouble free, however terrorism is sadly a reality of travelling in these times. Sudan has had fewer terrorism incidents than other African countries, thankfully, however there has been significant civil unrest. Consequently, many areas are out of bounds for tourists, such as the five Darfur states where violence is not uncommon between rebels and government forces. Travel near the Sudan-Libya border is also not advised.

Always get up to date information at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) travel advisory department before travelling to Ethiopia and also ensure that your travel insurance covers your trip. Read more details onFCO and insurance here.

Take photos wherever you like. And we don’t just mean respecting people’s privacy and ensuring to ask permission. Even in certain places, such as the bridge over the confluence of the Nile in Khartoum, where taking photos is banned. And people have been arrested (a pretty extreme measure to banning selfie sticks, has to be said). On a serious note, visitors are meant to have a permit for taking photographs and videos. Ask you tour operator for details.

Compare the pyramids with Egypt. These ones are of a different time, they are Nubian and, most importantly, they are in Sudan. And the Sudanese are rightly proud of the them, and dislike being compared with Egypt, especially given the fact that that the two countries have a troubled history.

This is the desert. So don’t forget to drink. The recommended amount is 5 litres per day, usually sourced from wells, but your tour operator will also make sure it is purified, just to be safe.

Homosexuality is illegal in Sudan and has, in some cases, been punishable by death. But all other punishments are vile and, of course, major issues in terms of human rights.
 

Sudan is an Islamic state and it observes the rules of Sharia law, so alcohol and drugs are illegal. Dress conservatively, including men who should wear long trousers, not shorts, And never show images of prophet Muhammad, or take the name in vain in any way. Remember the story about the English teacher who allowed a pupil to call a teddy bear by this name? Yep, that was Sudan.