Traveling to Sudan? Here’s Your Ultimate Packing List

There are many things that could bring you to Sudan, from a wedding (or weddings) to a funeral (got forbid) to exploring the forgotten pyramids of Sudan. Whether you’re a non-Sudanese or Sudanese traveler, a packing list to Sudan is always necessary. 

With cooler weather, the winter season, which is from December to February, is the best time to visit Sudan. It’s also wedding season as well as tourism season.

Sudan is becoming a thriving tourism destination with much to do and see including the Nile River, outstanding deserts and mountains, and historic and archeological gems. Regardless of its gloomy portrayal in the media, Sudan is relatively a safe country to travel to. However, there are many things to take into consideration before you travel.

If you’re traveling to Sudan for the first time (or after a long time), bookmark this packing list. You’ll want to refer to it as your trip gets closer.  

1. Choosing your luggage

The luggage you travel to and from Sudan with is very important. Refrain from traveling to Sudan with new, flashy luggage. Your suitcases will either be damaged or a target for theft at Khartoum International Airport (KIA). As a result, go for plain, simple and hard-sided suitcases. Samsonite is good place to start! Make sure your suitcases are locked and covered. If you don’t have a cover for your luggage, it’s best you get your luggage wrapped at the airport you’re departing from. Suitcases with wheels are highly recommended.

As for you carry-ons, the same applies. The lighter you travel, the better. Once you arrive at KIA, keep your eyes on your luggage and carry-ons at all times. 

Note: Once you land at KIA, expect long queues at passport control and long waiting hours for your luggage to appear on the belt. There are men who can help with luggage. They expect to be paid at least 50 Sudanese pounds for their service.

2. Packing clothes

When packing your clothes to Sudan, there a two things to consider: the weather and the conservative culture of the country.

Sudan is mostly warm throughout the year. It rains heavily in the summer beginning from July until September, and it gets very muddy. So if you’re visiting Sudan during the summer, refrain from packing light coloured clothes especially whites. Closed shoes are highly recommended.

As Sudan is a conservative Muslim country, refrain from packing clothes that are transparent, short or revealing. Ladies, pack long skirts and blouses that are loose. No strapless or sleeveless tops unless you’re wearing them with cardigans! If you want to be extra respectful, pack some head scarves, which could come handy if you’re walking on the streets, public areas or visiting government institutions. 

• Lightweight clothing that can be layered.
• T-shirts/shirts/blouses: Long-sleeved shirts/blouses are advised, in respect for the culture. Ladies, make sure not to pack anything transparent!
• Sweaters or jackets: If you’re visiting in the winter, pack a few light sweaters or jackets. It rarely gets too cold in Sudan.
• Tank tops: Sure. But remember, in respect for the culture, wear cardigans with your tank tops once you leave the hotel/house.
• Pants and/or shorts: Anything at the knee or below is highly recommended.
• Shoes: Comfortable walking shoes. Preferably closed shoes. Avoid packing any glossy or suede shoes unless it’s wedding season.
• Pajamas/sleepwear
• Plenty of underwear. You’ll probably take at least two showers a day!
• Skirts: Long skirts are highly recommended. 
• Pants: Jeans are always comfortable. Loose, baggy pants are best. Ladies, pack more long skirts than pants.
• Dresses: If it’s wedding season, bring plenty! Again, in respect of the culture, avoid packing anything too revealing or short.
• Jewelry: Place in a box in your luggage. Don’t bring anything too precious unless it’s a gift. Make sure to keep your jewellery in a safe place at all times.
• Other accessories: Sunglasses and glasses (with cases); hats or sun visors; scarves (highly recommended) or bandanas.
• Other things: cell phone, lap top or iPad with their chargers; electric converters and adapters.

3. Packing your toiletry bag

A toiletry bag is very important in Sudan. If you’re picky about the brands you use, make sure to pack everything you need for your trip as many toiletry products cannot be found in Sudan. You’ll find just the basic necessities.

The Toiletry Bag Basics 

• Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, mouthwash
• Hair brush or comb, hair ties, barrettes/bobby pins
• Deodorant
• Shampoo and conditioner
• Sunscreen and face lotion with SPF (highly recommended)
• Face wash and/or makeup remover wipes and q-tips
• Moisturiser/lotion
• Personal hygiene items
• Feminine hygiene products
• Glasses/sunglasses
• Cologne/perfume
• Hair products: hairspray, hair gel and beard oil
• Shaving kit and extra razors

4. Prepare your travel health 

As soon as you decide to travel internationally, check the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s website for comprehensive travel vaccines, medicines, and travel advice information. Whether you decide to get vaccinated or not is your decision, but many vaccinations require administration two months before travel begins. In Sudan, you can easily get sick if you are not cautious. When traveling to Sudan, it’s recommended travellers get vaccinations for Malaria, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Meningitis, Rabies, Typhoid and Yellow Fever. Healthcare in Sudan is not the best so be cautious.

• First aid kit especially if you’re traveling with kids
• Pain and fever relievers
• Thermometer
• Cold medicines and throat lozenges
• Allergy medicines
• Hydrocortisone cream/antibacterial ointment
• Sunburn relief
• Insect repellent/mosquito net/sting reliever (highly recommended especially during the summer) 
• Motion sickness pills or bands
• Hand sanitiser or wet wipes (highly recommended)

5. Other packing concerns

Carry-ons: Simply travel light! A bottle of water is always important to carry with you especially when the travel is long. A pen is a necessary as you will have to fill in forms on the flight in or at the airport. 

Technology: Carry only what you need, leave what you don’t. Theft is common in Sudan so avoid bringing any new or expensive items. If you do, make sure to keep an eye on your items and place them in a safe place. In addition, if anything breaks or gets damaged, it will be challenging to get it fixed.

Travel documents, cash and credit cards: 

• Passport/visa(s) – Not sure if you need a travel visa? Check here.
• Copies of your passports or identification cards in case you lose your wallet.
• Cash and credit card(s) – Cash is necessary. Make sure to carry cash with you at all times in Sudan. Exchange money either before or after your arrival. US dollars are best to carry with you until you exchange money to Sudanese pounds. Call your credit card companies before you travel to inform them of your travel to prevent perceived fraud.

Have any questions or concerns about traveling to Sudan? Leave a comment below and we (or our readers) will be happy to answer!