Tourism in Sudan is not yet making a full comeback, despite the signs that the war in the country is nearing its end. Since April 2023, Sudan has been embroiled in a brutal conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). However, reports from our partners in Sudan indicate that the SAF is making significant progress, and the situation is slowly stabilizing.
While tourism in Sudan is far from returning to normal, there are some signs of hope, particularly in areas like Port Sudan, which has remained relatively safe throughout the conflict.
The War’s Impact on Tourism in Sudan
The war has had a devastating effect on Sudan’s tourism industry. Khartoum, the capital and once a hub for travelers, has been heavily impacted by the fighting. The airport in Khartoum remains closed, making it impossible for tourists to fly into the capital. With much of the city in ruins, tourism in Sudan has come to a standstill, and it’s clear that the country is not ready to welcome visitors anytime soon.
However, Port Sudan, located on the Red Sea coast, has remained largely unaffected by the violence. The airport there has reopened, and flights are available to this relatively safe region. But for most tourists, these flights come with a hefty price tag, as overnight trips are currently the only option. These expensive and limited flights cater more to country collectors, rather than tourists looking to actual visit Sudan and embrace the country.
The Army’s Progress and What It Means for Tourism in Sudan
According to our partners in Sudan, the Sudanese Army is making substantial progress in the conflict, pushing the RSF back in key areas. While the situation is improving, it’s important to remember that the conflict is not entirely over. There are still pockets of resistance, and the risk of violence remains in many regions. Although there is hope that the war will soon come to an end, the process of rebuilding the country will take time.
For now, tourism in Sudan is not viable for most travelers. Khartoum, which once attracted tourists with its rich history and cultural landmarks, is still unsafe and largely inaccessible. The necessary infrastructure to support tourism is simply not in place, and the city will need significant rebuilding before it can once again be considered a destination for international travelers.
Port Sudan: A Glimmer of Hope
While Khartoum remains off-limits, there is a glimmer of hope for those interested in Sudan. Port Sudan, located along the Red Sea, has remained relatively safe throughout the conflict, and its airport has reopened. Flights to Port Sudan are currently available, but they come with a hefty price tag. These flights are mostly overnight, making them an impractical option for the average tourist.
The high cost and limited availability of flights to Port Sudan mean that tourism in Sudan, for now, is mostly reserved for the aforementioned country collectors, with reports stating that the extremely expensive tours gave up to a 50% refusal in tourism visas.
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The Road Ahead for Sudan’s Tourism Industry
While tourism in Sudan is still on hold, there is hope for the future. The war may be winding down, and the country is beginning the long road to recovery. However, the tourism industry in Sudan will take time to rebuild, and it will be several years before Sudan can once again welcome tourists in large numbers.
For now, Sudan remains a destination for the most adventurous travelers—those willing to visit a country in transition and take part in a unique experience. As the country stabilizes, there is potential for Sudan to become a more accessible destination in the future. Until then, tourism in Sudan will remain limited, with Port Sudan being the only viable option for those looking to visit the country in the near future.
Click to read our dedicated page to Sudanese Tourism
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