Khartoum

Day Trips

Make the most of your day with our curated plans, packed with Khartoum's hidden gems and unique experiences!

day 1
Arrival and Nile Corniche Exploration
morning
:

Arrive in Khartoum and settle into your hotel overlooking the Nile. Stroll along the Corniche and feel the gentle breeze off the river. Enjoy fresh juice from a local vendor as you watch feluccas glide by.

afternoon
:

Visit the National Museum to discover Sudan’s archaeological treasures from Nubia and Kerma. Admire artifacts that span millennia and learn about ancient civilizations along the Nile. Stop at the museum cafe for a light lunch among historic sculptures.

evening
:

Head to a riverside cafe for traditional hibiscus tea at sunset. Listen to the sound of water lapping against the shore as the sky turns golden. Sample a plate of asida with rich mullah stew under the lantern light.

day 2
Historic Monuments and Presidential Palace
morning
:

Begin at the Presidential Palace to admire its impressive architecture and gardens. Observe the intricate designs on the gates and snap photos with guards in ceremonial uniform. Learn about Sudan’s modern history from your guide.

afternoon
:

Cross the Blue Nile to Omdurman for lunch at a traditional eatery serving grilled meats and fresh salad. Wander through the sprawling Omdurman Market filled with spices, textiles, and handmade crafts. Haggling with friendly vendors offers insight into daily life.

evening
:

Attend a Sufi whirling ceremony at the Khalwa Khalidiyya to witness spiritual dance under starlit skies. Feel the rhythmic drumming and chanting resonate through the packed courtyard. End the night with sweet dates and mint tea from street vendors.

day 3
River Confluence and Heritage Park
morning
:

Take a boat trip to the confluence of the White and Blue Nile and watch the two rivers merge. Listen as your guide explains the natural and historical significance of the meeting point. Capture stunning photos of the swirling currents and distant skyline.

afternoon
:

Visit Al Mogran Family Park for lunch on open lawns under acacia trees. Cycle or walk along the pathways to spot local families picnicking and children flying kites. Relax with a picnic of local bread, cheese, and mangoes.

evening
:

Enjoy a traditional Sudanese meal cooked on a charcoal brazier at a riverside pavilion. Sample grilled fish, millet bread, and fresh salads by the water. As the sky darkens, marvel at the city lights reflecting on the Nile.

day 4
Trip to Shendi Ruins
morning
:

Depart early for Shendi to explore the ancient Paketiba and Meroitic sites. Walk among weathered towers and fallen columns dating back to 3rd century BC. Feel the desert breeze as you learn about the Kingdom of Kush.

afternoon
:

Share a packed lunch under a lone acacia tree while listening to the guide’s stories of pharaohs and caravans. Visit local artisans who craft pottery using traditional methods passed down generations. Taste freshly brewed coffee prepared in a clay pot.

evening
:

Return to Khartoum as the sun sets and the sky turns rose gold. Unwind at your hotel’s rooftop lounge with a cool lemonade. Discuss the day’s discoveries with fellow travelers around a fire pit.

day 5
Overnight Adventure at Meroe Pyramids
morning
:

Set out at dawn for the Meroe pyramids camped among golden dunes. Climb to the top of the largest pyramid for panoramic desert views. Watch the sun cast long shadows over ancient burial sites.

afternoon
:

Explore lesser-known royal tombs carved into the sandstone hills. Enjoy a hearty camp lunch of grilled lamb, flatbread, and fresh salad prepared by your host. Stroll around the encampment and visit a tent of local camel herders.

evening
:

Gather around a crackling fire to share traditional songs with Tuareg musicians under a carpet of stars. Savor sweet tea and roasted peanuts while gazing at the Milky Way. Fall asleep to the quiet hum of desert wind.

day 6
Tuti Island Cycling and Botanical Garden
morning
:

Catch a ferry to Tuti Island at sunrise to beat the heat and local traffic. Rent a bicycle and pedal through palm groves and small farms flourishing between two Nile branches. Chat with island farmers tending to sugarcane and banana plots.

afternoon
:

Picnic beside a shaded canal with local cheese, dates, and freshly baked bread. Visit the Botanical Garden to admire native plants and rare desert flowers. Photograph vibrant bougainvillea and giant acacias lining hidden walkways.

evening
:

Return to Khartoum for dinner at a cozy riverside restaurant serving fusion Sudanese cuisine. Try okra stew and millet porridge as the sun dips behind the city skyline. End the evening with a stroll along the Corniche lit by lanterns.

day 7
Nubian Village Cultural Exchange
morning
:

Drive north to a Nubian village perched on the Nile’s edge to experience a remote community’s lifestyle. Tour colorful homes painted with geometric patterns and hieroglyphic symbols. Meet villagers who warmly share their history and traditions.

afternoon
:

Join a cooking demonstration to learn how to make kisra bread and tamia fritters using hand-ground grains. Savor your creations alongside fresh salad and local herbal tea in a shaded courtyard. Swap stories with elders while children play kora music nearby.

evening
:

Watch the sunset paint the river orange as fishermen return home in wooden canoes. Participate in a storytelling circle where myths of the Nile and ancient deities come alive. Sleep in a traditional Nubian guesthouse adorned with handwoven textiles.

day 8
Traditional Music and Dance Workshop
morning
:

Return to Khartoum and begin the day at a cultural center hosting music and dance classes. Learn basic rhythms on the tambour and oud from expert instructors. Practice traditional hand gestures and footwork used in Sudanese dances.

afternoon
:

Enjoy lunch at a local eatery with live folk music performance. Explore the center’s gallery showcasing traditional costumes and ceremonial instruments. Try on colorful robes and headscarves for photo opportunities.

evening
:

Take part in an open-air performance where you and fellow travelers showcase newly learned dances. Feel the energy of drumming circles under festive lights. Celebrate with sweets and chilled hibiscus punch as applause fills the night air.

day 9
Sudanese Cooking Class and Tea House
morning
:

Visit a bustling marketplace to select fresh ingredients for a hands-on cooking class. Shop for spices, legumes, and vegetables alongside friendly vendors. Learn about the role of each ingredient in Sudanese cuisine.

afternoon
:

Prepare a multi-course meal including lentil soup, tagine, and fresh salads under the guidance of a local chef. Share cooking techniques and family recipes passed down through generations. Relish your homemade feast with new friends.

evening
:

Step into a traditional tea house to observe the art of tea pouring in three stages. Sample sweetened tea served in delicate glass cups while listening to quiet conversation. Reflect on the day’s flavors and aromas as night falls.

day 10
Relaxation and Sunset Farewell
morning
:

Enjoy a leisurely morning at your hotel spa with a hammam steam and traditional scrub. Feel rejuvenated as therapists use local salts and oils to relax tired muscles. Lounge by the pool sipping fresh fruit smoothies.

afternoon
:

Stroll through local art galleries showcasing modern Sudanese painters and sculptors. Purchase a unique souvenir or two, like handpainted pottery or a handwoven basket. Stop at a cafe for a late lunch of grilled fish and couscous salad.

evening
:

Embark on a sunset cruise aboard a wooden dhow along the Nile to bid farewell to Khartoum. Savor a final dinner of mixed grills and salads while the city lights shimmer on the water. Toast to new friendships and memories under the stars.

Discover Khartoum

Read more in our Khartoum 2025 Travel Guide.

Khartoum Travel Guide