Sudan OVERVIEW
Distinctly split into Northern and Southern Sudan, this largest Africa's country is a land of contrasts and clearly defined differences. Head north and you'll find your intrepid self traversing the Nubian Desert and taking a shady shelter from the scorching sun or peeking into Sudan's most developed urban centers like the capital Khartoum. Its heat-stricken streets will lead you to a vibrant soug, camel markets resounding with a fervent haggling and the mysterious Tomb of the Mahdi. Further north, the Royal City of Meroe will emerge from golden sands revealing the ancient necropolis. Now steer south and the landscape will change into a green rural expanse often clad with rainforest and swamps. Not much of a traveler's interest but the sight of local women and their brightly-colored wrap-around clothing makes you cling to your camera and never let go.
The divisions which speak the loudest of voices are Sudan's blood-stained civil wars ripping the country for nearly half a century. The raging separatist conflicts between the Muslim north and the largely Christian south place Sudan somewhere at the very end of travel destinations and it will take some time to bring the country into tourist focus. Outside the conflict areas, where travelling is relatively safe, you'll experience what is one of the country's treasures - a genuine Arab hospitality and an unparalleled generosity, which alone make a venture into the country's shaky body worthwhile. As the tourist trail is not more of a trickle here, you can be sure of no person in sight while you cherish your Sudan experience. If you really want to go, just arm yourself with enough patience to go through the paper chase and visa hit-or-miss and enjoy your expedition down and up the Blue and White Niles.
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