Sudan photo

Sudan Driving Guide

Sudan is a unique beautiful country. Explore all of it by driving when you get your International Driving Permit

2021-07-23 · 9 mins

Sudan, a country that resides in Northeastern Africa, derives its name from the Arabic expression bilad al-Sudan, which means ‘land of the blacks.’ The term refers to the settled African countries that began at the southern edge of the Sahara desert. Before the south’s secession in 2011, Sudan was the most prominent African country, representing 2 percent of the world’s total land area and more than 8 percent of the African mainland.

Famous for being the place with the world’s most extensive collection of pyramids, Sudan is becoming one of the African country’s top tourist destinations. While Egypt is known for its magnificent pyramids, Sudan is known for housing its most extensive pyramids collection. This country has over 200 recorded pyramids, which attracts several tourists every year.

How Can This Guide Help You?

Traveling to a foreign country can be fun and hassle-free if you know even a tiny bit of information about the country you’re visiting. This guide aims to provide you with the necessary information you need to make your stay in Sudan smooth and worry-free. The guide includes an overview of Sudan’s history and facts and things you can do in the country. As for driving in Sudan city, the guide consists of driving in Sudan requirements, driving in Sudan map, driving in Sudan update, driving jobs in Sudan, and applying for a driving license in Sudan.

When visiting a foreign country, going on a road trip would be part of the best things you want to do. Exploring the country in your car can save you from transportation costs and the hassle. Besides, you have total control over which certain places you want to visit and can stay there for as long as you like. Read more to know about driving in Sudan now, driving in Sudan airport, driving from Sudan to Egypt, and the latest driving jobs in South Sudan.

General Information

Sudan is home to various people belonging to different nationalities and cultures. The Muslims dominate the country, most of whom speak Arabic and call themselves ‘Arabs.’ Despite sharing the common language and religion, the Arabs are highly differentiated in their livelihood mode and comprise village farmers, city dwellers, and pastoral nomads. The Arabs have tribes based on presumed descent from a common ancestor.

Geographic Location

Sudan, officially known as the Republic of Sudan, has a population of 43 million and occupies 1,886,068 square kilometers, which makes it Africa’s third-largest country. The country has country borders: Egypt to the north, Chad to the west, Libya to the northwest, South Sudan to the south, the Central African Republic to the southwest, Ethiopian country to the southeast, the Red Sea to the northeast, and Eritrea to the east.

Languages Spoken

The country’s primary language and the most common medium for government, commerce, and urban life are Arabic. As appointed by the 2005 interim constitution, Arabic and English are the country’s official working languages. Besides the primary language, most languages spoken in Sudan belong to three African languages: Nilo-Saharan, Niger-Congo, and Afro-Asiatic.

Land Area

The country has a total land area of 1,886,068 square kilometers, making it the third-largest country on the continent and the sixteenth-largest in the world. Sudan’s capital city, Khartoum, resides in the country’s center, which is at the junction of the Blue Nile and White Nile rivers. The city is part of the largest urban area in Sudan and is known as the center of commerce and government.

History

The earliest inhabitants of this country are the African people who lived in Khartoum’s vicinity in the Mesolithic times. The inhabitants were hunters and gatherers who made pottery and objects of ground sandstone and had domesticated animals toward the Neolithic Period. These African people were clearly in contact with Predynastic civilizations to the north in Egypt, but the uplands separating Egypt from Nubia discouraged them from settling there.

The Kings of Egypt’s 1st dynasty conquered Upper Nubia south of Aswan, introducing Egyptian cultural influence to the African people scattered along the riverbanks. In 2181, known as the First Intermediate Period by the Egyptologists, a new wave of immigrants entered Nubia from Libya. The increasing desiccation of the Sahara drove them to settle as cattle farmers along the Nile.

Government

Since the country’s independence in 1956, Sudan witnessed several constitutions and regime changes, including military coups in 1985, 1989, and 2019. The military and an alliance of civilian groups known as the Forces for Freedom and Change signed a constitutional declaration that outlined a power-sharing agreement between the two sides and provided a road map for governing the country.


A transitional Sovereignty Council composed of five military and six civilian members formed under the constitutional declaration. The government appoints an army general to lead the council for 21 months, and a civilian will replace after. For administrative purposes, Sudan has 18 states, where a governor administers each state. Besides, a prime minister, which the FCC chooses, appoints cabinets and candidates.

Tourism

Sudan is one of the world’s top destinations for people who appreciate ancient relics and folklores known as the cradle of civilization, thus making the county have enormous tourism potential. Whether you’re looking for breathtaking natural scenery, archaeological finds, rich folklore, or arts, Sudan has a spectacular past and remarkable contributions to humankind’s progress.

In 2018, Sudan recorded a total of 836,000, ranking 143rd in the world in absolute terms. If you do not include the country’s size, the ranking list may not be significant. Still, if you put the tourist numbers concerning Sudan’s population, the result is a much more similar picture: 0.20 tourists per resident, Sudan ranked 185th globally. In the tourism sector alone, Sudan generated around 1.04 billion US dollars.

IDP FAQs

When you visit Sudan, you'll notice both locals and foreigners driving around. You can do the same, but you will need an International driver's permit in Sudan. This permit serves as your driving license in Sudan and is a crucial step in getting the legal permission to drive in this country. Here are few tips to help you get started with driving in Sudan quickly.

Is a Local Driver’s License Valid in Sudan?

Sudan does not recognize a local driver’s license from other countries unless accompanied by an International Driver’s Permit. If you have a local driver’s license and want to drive a car in this country, you must apply for an IDP. Just like your local license, your IDP contains information such as your details and a photo. You can’t use the permit for other transactions.

The legal driving age in Sudan is 18 years old, so tourists who are at least that age and have a valid local driver’s license are allowed to apply for an international driver’s permit in Sudan. IDP made tourists driving in Sudan city possible, so if you’re planning on visiting and driving a car in the country, apply for an international permit to start.

Do I Need an IDP in Cities and Districts of Sudan?

Tourists with a valid local driver’s license and an international driver’s permit are allowed to drive in Sudan’s cities. The fastest way to start driving in Sudan map is by applying for an IDP. You don’t have to visit the driving in Sudan office to process your permit, just prepare the driving in Sudan requirements and see our pricing page to know how much is the cost for our IDP and fill out some form.

Does an IDP Replace Your Native Driver’s License?

The International Driver’s Permit serves as your international driving license in Sudan for language differences. You need your IDP for renting and driving a car in the country. When driving through Sudan, your international driver’s permit acts as a validation during checkpoints. For new drivers, driving schools in Sudan require IDP to learn to drive and help pass Sudan’s driving test.

If you love traveling for vacation and driving a car around the cities of a foreign country, then you probably need an IDP. Car rental companies request an IDP, so getting a permit is necessary if you plan to go on a road trip. The legal driving age in Sudan is 18 years old. If you’re of legal age and you want to explore the city, or you’re looking for the latest driving jobs in South Sudan, the first thing you need would be an IDP.

How Long is an IDP Valid?

A permit from the International Driver’s Association is valid for one to three years. However, your international driving permit in Sudan is valid for only three months but is renewable. If you’re planning to stay in the country for more than three months, you must apply for an international driver’s permit renewal. To do this, you have to visit driving schools in Sudan to ask for assistance and more information

Renting a Car in Sudan

Public transportation in Sudan is one of the best in the African countries, but there are times when you’d rather not deal with it. Driving your car or renting a car is the best thing to do when you plan on going on a road trip alone or with company. There are a lot of car rental companies you can find in Sudan. If it’s your first time renting a car in the country, here’s the complete guide to help you.

Car Rental Companies

There are many car rental companies in Sudan, from famous car brands to lower-budget cars. If you’re a little tight on budget and still somewhat rent a classy car, you’ve got many options to choose from while driving from Sudan to Egypt. Before renting a car, you must know the essential things to keep in mind: the legal driving age, driving in Sudan office, and driving in Sudan zip code. To help you prepare, you can watch driving in Sudan videos online.

Abu Harba is a car rental company with the best offers and deals on car rental on the website. The company has 150 vehicles available for rent for every occasion and groups of every size. They also provide superior luxury transportation services by having the latest technology and more recent models. You can also visit car rental companies to inquire about driving jobs in Sudan.

Documents Required

To rent a car in Sudan, you must be at least 25 years old. You must also produce a driving license with a minimum of one year of driving experience issued by your home country in English or an International Driving Permit endorsed by authorized bodies. You must also present a valid credit card for the payment and a valid passport. With these documents present, the process of renting a car in Sudan will be smooth and hassle-free.

Vehicle Types

Sudan is becoming a top tourist destination in Africa for people on different sides of the world, so it’s no wonder if various car companies allow you to rent a car while you’re in the city. The type of car model you rent will affect the price you pay. You can rent the vehicle types in Sudan: Mini car, compact car, standard car, premium car, convertible car, van, pickup car, economy car, midsize car, luxury, minivan, SUV, and sportscar car rentals.

Car rental companies include Alamo Rent A Car, Enterprise, Thrifty, Dollar Rent, National Car, Payless Car, Budget Car, Hertz Car, Avis Car, Sixt Car, Fox Rental, and Europcar. These car companies have various choices of cars to choose from for your trip. In the car rental company, the staff will answer your questions regarding driving and everything you need to know in the country.

Car Rental Cost

Owning a car in this country can be quite expensive, and there are times when you don’t want to travel through public transport. If you have the requirements needed, vehicle rental can be the ideal solution to let you explore the city hassle-free. When renting a car, the first thing to consider is the cost, so here are some cars with their respective price to give you an idea of how much you need to budget:



  • KIA Sportage 2014 - $60
  • KIA Sportage 2017 - $80
  • Hyundai Sonata 2015 - $100
  • Hyundai Santafe 2014 - $120
  • Mercedes s350 - $140
  • Toyota Prado 2014 - $100
  • Toyota Prado 2013 - $80
  • Toyota Land Cruiser 2015 - $140
  • Toyota Land Cruiser 2013 - $130
  • Toyota Land Cruiser 2012 - $110
  • Toyota Hilux 2013 - $90
  • Toyota Hilux 2014 - $100
  • Toyota Hilux 2015 - $120
  • Toyota Hilux 2010 - $130
  • Toyota Hiace 2015 - $180
  • Hyundai H1 2015 - $190
  • Hyundai Elantra 2015 - $150
  • Hyundai Elantra 2014 - $130
  • Toyota Corolla 2015 - $140
  • Hyundai Accent 2015 - $130

Age Requirements

The minimum age to rent a car in Sudan is 25 years old, and you must have held your license for one year. However, some car rental companies allow at least 21 years old to rent a car. Car rental companies usually do not allow drivers under 18 years old to rent a car since it is considered underage and may cause uncontrolled accidents. Some car rental companies require an underage driver fee for drivers under their age limit.

Car Insurance Cost

Insurance provides financial protection against physical damage resulting from traffic accidents and against liability that could arise from vehicle incidents. Exploring and driving on new roads in a different country can be worrisome, especially for first-time tourists, so it is highly encouraged to rent a car from a company that includes insurance in the rent package. Although, most car rental companies would consist of car insurance in their extra service fee.

Car Insurance Policy

Car rental companies in Sudan include Collision Damage Waiver in their extra service fee. Some companies have the other three insurance as Liability Coverage, which protects against any potential lawsuit from a car accident; Personal Accident Insurance covers medical expenses incurred from a car accident; and Personal Effects Coverage, which covers your belongings you can keep in the rental car.

Road Rules in Sudan

Learning and understanding a country’s road rules is very important when driving around a foreign country. Following the country’s road rules saves you from paying fines, picking fights, and getting into accidents. Road rules differ in every country, so you note the regulations imposed in the country you’re visiting. Below are the essential road rules you must know before driving on the roads of Sudan.

Important Regulations

Before you start driving and going on a road trip in a foreign country, you must know the country’s driving rules to avoid accidents or unwanted situations. Most driving directions in Sudan are familiar to you since they are general rules in most countries. You must follow Sudan’s driving rules to prevent getting into accidents and have a smooth and free road trip.

Drunk-driving

Drinking while under the influence of alcohol is illegal in Sudan. The acceptable blood alcohol level is 0.0%. If you get caught for having at least 0.1% of alcohol in your body while driving, the uniformed authorities have the right to arrest you and make you face the penalties for breaking the law.

Merisa is a traditional beer that is popular in Sudan and is mostly purchased by various people at any time of the day, even when taking a stopover when driving to a destination. The unrecorded alcohol consumption in this country is 1.0-liter pure alcohol per capita of the population more aged than 15 for the years after 1995. Based on the data from the Ministry of Health Division Statistics and Research, there were a total of 1079 alcohol-related accidents between 1979 and 1983 .

Turning Signals at an Intersection

Drivers in Sudan alert other drivers that they intend to stop, change the car’s direction to the left or the right, or slow down by turning on the vehicle signals. In intersections, you must turn on your sign to alert the drivers behind you that you will be taking this side of the road, thus, avoiding collisions and accidents.

Using of Cellular Phones While Driving

Sudan takes road-safe matters cautiously, and there are strict traffic laws regarding the use of mobile devices on the road. Drivers caught holding any mobile device while driving can be found guilty of committing an offense. Using your cellular phone becomes an offense if your car is in motion and you are using your mobile device in one hand for purposes such as typing on your phone, using the internet and making a call.

Drivers caught using a mobile device while driving can be liable to a fine of up to $1,000 or a jail term of up to 6 months and will face suspension from driving a vehicle. A driver convicted for breaking the law can be liable to a maximum fine of $2,000 and a jail term of up to 12 months.

Parking

Before parking, make sure that the area allows cars to park and is safe. Sudan implements a no parking at any time rule unless parking signs are indicating seasonal restrictions. Watch out for these things before parking your vehicle: Parking while facing the wrong side, road markings, various spots to avoid, parking enforcement cameras, abreast of another car, and yellow line parking.

Ensure you and your vehicle are in good condition

Before driving on the roads of Sudan, ensure that your vehicle is in good condition. Double-check your tires, windows, side mirrors, and brakes. To avoid unwanted checkpoint issues, always bring your passport, car insurance documents, local driving license, and your international driving license in Sudan. Get enough sleep and avoid drinking before driving.

General Standards of Driving

Before driving in Sudan, you must learn the general standards of driving to avoid getting in trouble. In Sudan, locals follow the government’s rules to avoid paying a fee and getting demerit points on their license. Cars in Sudan are either manual or automatic, depending on the vehicle you want to rent.

Speed Limits

The general speed limit on the highways of Sudan is 120 kilometers per hour unless stated otherwise. When driving in urban areas, the speed limit must not go beyond 50 kilometers per hour, while you must not exceed the speed limit of 90 kilometers per hour when driving outside urban areas. When driving in congested areas and school zones, the speed limit is 40 kilometers per hour.

Seat Belt Laws

The World Health Organization Global Status Report on Road Safety reported that vehicle accidents are the leading cause of death for children between 5-14 years old and young adults between 15 and 29. One of the most critical safety measures to prevent road accidents and fatalities is by wearing seatbelts. Seatbelts are straps found in the car seats to prevent injury during accidents.

Sudan’s Road Traffic Rules states that the vehicle’s driver must ensure that the passengers are wearing seat belts. Drivers and passengers in cars must wear seat belts unless medically exempted. The law also requires passengers under 1.33m to be secured with an appropriate child restraint or a booster seat.

Traffic Road Signs

Road signs are essential to ensure your safety while driving. These signs allow drivers to know their required speed limit on specific points, where and when to turn so that they will not hit any car from the opposite direction. Road signs help avoid accidents on the road, and you will find a lot of these when you drive around Sudan’s cities. This section will find the types of road signs you may encounter when you visit the country.

Sudan road signs use the official language of the country - Arabic. Some road signs have English translations besides the Arabic word, while there are road signs in English. Tourists can see these checkpoints in places where tourists usually visit, such as airports, immigration checkpoints, and tourist attractions.

Warning signs indicate possible dangers or unusual conditions ahead to alert drivers, so they can make the appropriate actions to take. These signs are usually shaped like triangles with a red border and placed on a borderless white backing board. Warning signs include:



  • Danger Ahead
  • Restricted Zone Ahead
  • Other Dangers
  • Electronic Road Pricing Ahead
  • Road Hump
  • Uneven Road
  • Road Narrows on Right
  • Road Narrows on Both Sides Ahead
  • Two-way Traffic Crosses a One-way Road
  • Two-way Traffic Ahead
  • Lanes Merge Ahead
  • Double Bend First to Left
  • Dual Carriageway Ends
  • Crossroads
  • Side Road on Left
  • Side Road on Right
  • T-junction
  • Traffic Merging from Left Behind
  • Road Slippery When Wet
  • Staggered Junction
  • Steep Ascent
  • Steep Descent
  • Quayside or River Bank Ahead
  • Tunnel Ahead
  • Traffic Signals in Use Ahead
  • Low Flying Aircraft
  • Roundabout Ahead
  • Zebra Crossing Ahead
  • Bend to the Right Ahead
  • Advance Warning of a Height Restriction Ahead
  • Children Ahead
  • Animals Crossing Road Ahead
  • Pedestrians on Road Ahead
  • Elderly or Blind People Ahead
  • Slow Down
  • Maintain a Slow Speed
  • Bridge with Low Headroom Ahead
  • Curve Alignment
  • Sharp Deviation to the Left
  • Extended Curve

Regulatory signs have two sets: Mandatory signs and Prohibition signs. Mandatory signs give positive instructions to drivers, while Prohibition signs indicate prohibition. Obligatory motions are generally circular with a white border and symbol on a blue background. Mandatory signs include:



  • Ahead only
  • Turn left ahead
  • Turn left
  • Keep left
  • Split way
  • Route to be used by pedal cycles only
  • Stop and give way signs.

Prohibitory signs indicate drivers what they must not do and mostly circular and have a red border. These signs include:



  • No entry for all vehicles
  • No left turn
  • No right turn
  • No lorries
  • No vehicles with three axles or more
  • No pedal cycles
  • No waiting
  • No stopping
  • No overtaking
  • No sounding of the vehicle horn
  • No jaywalking
  • No jaywalking in the bus park
  • No vehicles over height shown.
  • No vehicles over width shown.
  • No vehicles overweight shown.
  • Maximum speed limit in kilometers per hour

Information signs indicate a particular condition or nature of the road ahead the drivers need to note. These signs are independent of existing mandatory and prohibitive signs and are usually white or blue and rectangular. These signs include:



  • Indication of a U-turn lane
  • One way traffic ahead
  • One way traffic in direction indicated
  • Zebra crossing
  • Pedal cycle crossing
  • Parking Area for all vehicles
  • Parking Area for motorcars
  • Parking area for motorcycles
  • No through road
  • No through road on the right ahead
  • Keep a safe distance.
  • Left turn on red
  • Right turn on red
  • Right turn lanes ahead
  • Watch out for traffic from a side road.
  • Red light camera
  • Dual Carriageway ahead

Temporary work-zone signs are signs placed to ensure roads keep a free flow of traffic despite being affected by roadworks in the area. These signs are orange diamond, orange rectangular, or yellow rectangular-shaped signs. The signs include:



  • Advanced sign of road works ahead.
  • Indication of road stretch affected by road works
  • Entry to work area
  • Heavy vehicles are turning ahead.
  • Road narrows on right ahead.
  • Temporary mandatory speed limit
  • Traffic lights in use ahead
  • Bend to right
  • Supplementary plate to specify direction
  • Single lane traffic
  • Curve Alignment Marker
  • Detour for Pedestrians
  • Detour in direction indicated
  • Advance sign of detour ahead

Understanding Road Signs

Sudan road signs use the official language - Arabic. English road signs are also used and placed in important public places such as airports, tourist attractions, and immigration checkpoints. Road signs in Sudan are easy to understand for foreigners since English translation is essential.

Right of Way

The right of way refers to who has the legal right to go first on the road. This setup is commonly known as the “priority” and indicates drivers who have the right to use the conflicting part of the road and who need to wait until the other vehicle passes. If you or another driver fails to follow this rule, you risk colliding with each other and may involve other cars, cyclists, or pedestrians.

In Sudan, cars have the steering wheel on the left side, and drivers use the road’s right side. Vehicles from side streets on the right have the right-of-way when entering a cross street, including fast-moving main streets. Cars on the right of the road have the right-of-way during stop times at traffic lights.

In Sudan, before you are allowed to drive a vehicle, you must possess a valid driver’s license and oblige all traffic rules. The legal age to drive in Sudan is 18 years old. If you paid a fine and a demerit for being reckless and breaking the rules, the officials would revoke your license. Before driving in Sudan, the first thing to keep in mind is if you are at the right age to go.

Any citizen below the age of 18 years old and above 70 years old cannot drive a vehicle in Sudan. However, if a driver between the age of 70 to 74 years of age passes an annual enhanced medical examination and proficiency driving test, they can retain their driving license. Besides, tourists with no international driving permit are also not allowed to drive in this country, but you can apply for an IDP to drive in Sudan’s cities.

Laws on Overtaking

Whether you’re in a hurry or for personal comfort, overtaking another car is one of the most common things most drivers do when driving on the streets. Overtaking in Sudan is not illegal; however, you must keep in mind that the right lane is the country’s fast lane. You should always overtake on the right-hand side. If you’re not overtaking, remember to keep left. Road hogging in the country is an offense and will result in a fine and demerit points.

Driving Side

The steering wheel of the cars in Sudan is on the left side, so this country’s driving side is on the road’s right side. You should keep this in mind when you’re planning on overtaking. Overtake on the left side of the road and stay right if you’re not overtaking. This rule makes most drivers comfortable driving in the streets, but you have nothing to worry about if you’re a first-time since Sudan locals are safe drivers.

Driving Etiquette in Sudan

When you are driving in your local country or a foreign country, unforeseen circumstances could happen. Without knowing the proper driving etiquette, especially when you are in a foreign country, you could get into trouble. So you must know the driving etiquette of the country you are visiting before driving on the road to avoid the consequences that may happen.

Car Breakdown

Car breakdowns are one of the worst things that could happen when you are traveling or on a road trip, which is why you must ensure that your car is in good condition before hitting the road. Rental cars from established companies are regularly checked and maintained, so they are not likely to cause car breakdowns. If possible, try to move your vehicle off the road to avoid hassle and generating traffic to other drivers.

When your car breaks down in Sudan, place your breakdown sign and wait behind your vehicle. Don’t stay inside your car while waiting for rescue since it is considered harmful. Your car needs to be towed away to a workshop, so call your rental company and inform them about the situation.

Police Stops

When going on a road trip or just casually driving, you need to look out for checkpoints that you will most likely run. These checkpoints are not usually marked, so you will need to look out for police authorities on the side of the road. It would be possible also that the police will stop you and inform you that you are in a checkpoint area. Even though it may seem a hassle, these checkpoints are for your safety.

You must always bring the documents needed even when you start driving in Sudan airport. You will never know when you will be encountering these checkpoints. The records required are your passport, local driving license, and your international driver’s permit. Maintain a polite tone when talking to the police authorities.

Asking Directions

You can see a lot of pedestrians walking in the street of Sudan. If you are confused or need help finding the place you are driving to, you can ask the pedestrians, and they will spare you a few minutes to help. When asking for help, stop your car at the side of the road and politely ask a person. The country’s primary language is Arabic, so learning the basic sentences might help you communicate properly.

Checkpoints

For driving in Sudan update, you may encounter random checkpoints conducted by police authorities for your safety. During checkpoints, present the documents needed: your passport, local driver’s license, and your international driver’s permit. These checkpoints can happen at any time, so you must obey the driving rules in the country to avoid paying a fine. The police authorities have copies of driving in Sudan videos to review for speed limits.

Other Tips

Other than the driving situations to keep in mind when driving in Sudan, it’s also essential to know what to do in unwanted accidents. Getting in accidents while in a foreign country can be scary and hassle, but knowing what to do at certain times can reduce your worries when involved in an accident.

What To Do In Case of Accidents?

When involved in a vehicle accident, it is natural that emotions and anxiety run high. If you are involved in the accident, you should stop and don’t drive away from the accident scene, even if it’s a minor one. If there are injured victims, call for an ambulance and report the accident to the police if needed. When renting a car, exchange information with the other drivers involved in the accident and gather evidence of the accident so you can show it to the car rental company.

Driving Conditions in Sudan

One crucial factor to observe when going on a road trip in Sudan is the driving situations and conditions. Knowing about the driving conditions and problems, operating rules, and driving etiquette could help you mentally prepare for the possible issues that you may encounter on the streets. You must know the driving situations and needs when you’re in a foreign country to keep you alert and confident when driving.

Accident Statistics

According to the latest World Health Organization data published in 2018, Road Traffic Accidents Deaths in Sudan reached 9,770 or 3.86% of total deaths. Per 100,000 of population, the age-adjusted Death Rate in this country is 26.90, ranking Sudan #51 in the World Health Rankings. Road traffic accidents ranked #8 as the leading causes of death in Sudan, with Coronary Heart Disease as #1.

Common Vehicles

According to the World Bank collection of development indicators, the number of passenger cars in Sudan is 19 per 1,000 people. Toyota dominates in the country with 43.5% of the share, followed by Hyundai, Mitsubishi, Nissan, and Isuzu. The Sudan car market is mainly composed of used vehicles, representing near 90% of total cars sold each year. After registering 2.500 units, the market ended at 1.968 units sold in 2018.

Toll Roads

The road density in Sudan is the lowest in Africa and the world since the power infrastructure is only around selected urban centers. The power infrastructure focuses on hydropower, with some thermal generation capacity. The transport system in South Sudan has four modes: rail, road, air transport, and river. The Sudan Government has reaffirmed its commitment to reform the sector due to the negative impact of a flawed transport system on the economy.

According to the Transport Policy document, Sudan has an estimated road network of 12,642 kilometers: 7,369 kilometers of Interstate roads; 1,451 kilometers of State primary roads; and 3,822 kilometers of State secondary roads. The World Bank report estimates the tertiary road network to be 2,301 kilometers, while the Road Authority Provisional Order states that all public roads must be categorized into classes.

Road Situation

While driving in Sudan, you may encounter road conditions different from those in the United States. The road conditions in Sudan are hazardous because of the pedestrians, erratic driver behavior, animals in the roadways, and overloaded vehicles, or lack of essential safety equipment. Although there are functioning traffic signals on major streets in Khartoum, none is in other parts of the country.

Driving Culture

Brightly-lit roads and regular police patrols make it safe to drive in Sudan at any time of the day. Local drivers in this country are familiar with most routes, yet they still follow the speed limit rule and the other critical driving rules. The government surveyed the country’s drivers, and 74 percent of the population said that Sudan’s roads were very safe. You won’t have anything to worry about because the country’s locals are safe drivers.

Other Tips

There are also important things to keep in mind when driving in Sudan, such as the unit used in speed limit and night driving. This section contains details about other tips you should know when going to Sudan.

Is Sudan Using Kph to Display Speed Limits?

Kilometers per hour, Kph, and miles per hour, mph are units of measurements used to display speed limits. Every country has a different measure of speed limits to use. Sudan uses the kilometers per hour system for measurement. Countries that use MpH are the USA, Liberia, etc.; it’s essential to learn and understand the KpH not to be confusing when you drive in Sudan.

Is Driving at Night Safe in Sudan?

Driving at night is common in some countries since people love going out at night. If you are one of those who love driving at night, you might want to rethink driving at night in this country. The country considers night driving dangerous, and drivers should avoid driving at night since many vehicles operate without lights. In the northern and western parts of the country, dust and sandstorms reduce visibility when they occur.

Is Sudan Using Automatic or Manual Driving?

If you stay in Sudan for a short period, you might want to consider taking up the automatic car license instead of a manual car. You can find many automated vehicles these days since they are much easier to learn than a manual car. Mechanical car gears move according to the speed you drive, which means there is no clutch and only two-foot pedals.

Things To Do in Sudan

Sudan is becoming one of the favorite tourist destinations in Africa. Driving a car as a tourist and visiting the beautiful attractions in this country can be memorable and exciting. If you are looking for other things to do aside from visiting the top destinations, from earning cash to buying a property, here are some things you can do in this country.

Drive as a Tourist

Tourists are allowed to drive in Sudan’s streets as long as they have their local driver’s license, passport, and your international driver’s license with them. You must bring these documents with you since you will never know when you will encounter a checkpoint. You can visit our pricing page to see the cost of getting IDP from us. When filling up the form, make sure to enter the correct driving in Sudan zip code and address to avoid shipment delay.

Work as a Driver

Getting a driving job as a tourist or looking for a driving job in Sudan is possible; however, you must apply for a Work Permit to use your foreign driving license plus your international driver’s permit to drive in Sudan for various six months. To apply for a work permit, you must get written consent from the foreign company you’re working for, fill up an online form from the Work Permit website, pay the indicated fee, and check your application’s status after one week.

There are numerous land transportation modes for the people in the country. When you look at Sudan’s busy streets, you will see every type of public vehicle present in your native country. These public vehicles include buses, taxis, and trucks. Those drivers possess a valid Sudan driving license, which is why they can operate cars professionally. However, there are part-time driver jobs or driving jobs in Sudan for tourists.

Work as a Travel Guide

Tourist guides in Sudan are not limited to work under companies or travel agencies. Tourist guides can also market their guiding services to and accept jobs from local and overseas visitors directly since most tourist guides in Sudan are freelancers. However, with working as a driver, you cannot work in Sudan using your tourist visa. You must apply for a valid work permit for you to work in the country.

Apply For Residency

Several people become permanent residents in Sudan every year, but not all go through the same application process. The tempting thought of gaining permanent residence in Sudan through various programs has convinced thousands of tourists of distinct backgrounds to set up home, settle down and find a job in this African country.

As a tourist, you may be eligible to apply for permanent residence if you are: a spouse of a legal citizen or adopted by a Sudan citizen or a permanent resident. If you are a current work pass holder and have worked in Sudan for at least six months, you will also be eligible to apply for a Sudan permanent resident status.

Other Things to Do

Besides seeking jobs to owning properties, you can do other things if you plan to stay for a few years in the country. Sudan is known as one of the busiest countries in Africa, but its magnificent scenery and lifestyle can convince people to settle and work in this country.

Can You Convert Your License to a Sudan License?

If you’re loving your experience in Sudan and want to stay in the country longer, you must go through a legal visitor process. Your international driver’s permit is valid only for three months from the date of issue in Sudan. There are random checkpoints in the country, so you might be in trouble if you drive with an expired driver’s permit. You must know what to do with your international driver’s license if you plan on staying longer in the country.

You must convert your driver’s license to a Sudan driver’s license if you plan on staying in the country for more than a year. To do this, you must have the required documents: International driver’s license, copy of international driver’s license, copy of your passport and original, and a visa letter from your employer. The process of converting your request does not require you to pass a test, but you must pay the processing fee.

The Top Destinations in Sudan

Sudan is one of Africa's best tourist destinations and is known for its captivating scenery and top tourist attractions. The country is famous for being a beautiful, vast country full of rich traditions, unique pyramids, mouth-watering food, and attractive natural sights. Here are some of the country’s best trip destinations if you visit the country and go on a road trip or explore the tourist attractions.

Meroe

This former epicenter of the ancient Napata Kingdom is a truly heavenly place to explore. Located between the ochre-hued of the Sudanese desert, just north of Khartoum, Meroe comprises over 200 individual pyramid structures and magnificent ruins of another type. This landmark bears the hallmarks of grand architectural undertaking in the same ilk as the ancient Nubian cities. UNESCO accredited the whole area and has archaeological findings.

Archaeological findings have confirmed an advanced civilization of traders and iron smelters with mercantile links to India and China. The excavations of Meroe began in 1902, which revealed the streets and buildings of a great and populous city. The iron industry of Meore made the town famous for its wealth and how it contributed significantly to that wealth as the ironworkers of this place were considered the best.

Driving Directions:

  1. Drive to Meroe from Port Sudan International Airport
  2. From Sudan Airport, drive straight to Suakin Road.
  3. From Suakin, turn left and drive straight to Gabeit Road.
  4. From Gabeit Road, turn right and drive straight to Haiya Road.
  5. From Haiya, drive straight to Atbara.
  6. From Atbara, turn left and drive straight to Meroe.

Things to Do:

If you want to enjoy the whole place fully, here’s a list of top fun activities to do in Meroe.

  1. Visit the Museum

The National Museum of Sudan consists of two-story buildings constructed in 1955 and became a museum in 1971. The museum houses the largest and most comprehensive Nubian archaeological collection globally.

The Sudan National Museum preserves the collections of things from these periods of the Sudan History: Paleolithic, Neolithic, Mesolithic, A-Group culture, C-Group culture, Middle Kingdom of Egypt, New Kingdom of Egypt, Kerma Culture, Meroe, medieval Makuria, and X-Group culture.

  1. Stroll in the White Nile Bridge

The White Nile is one of the two main tributaries rivers of the Nile. The name comes from the water coloring due to clay carried in the river; it also refers to the river at Lake No. In the 19th century, the Europeans focused their search for the source of the Nile on the White Nile. Explorers did not discover the White Nile River until 1937, when Burkhart Walkdecker, a German explorer, traced it to a stream in Rutovu.

Tourists can see the Blue and White Niles’ flowing water from this bridge since it is a high point of the world’s longest river. When you are on this bridge, you can see the various colors of each Nile flowing side by side, blending further down the stream. However, make sure not to take a photo of the Nile from this bridge since illegal and uniformed authorities arrested numerous foreigners.

  1. Visit the Tomb of Muhammad Ahmad

The city’s most significant landmark is the Tomb of Muhammad Ahmad. This place serves as the resting place of the self-proclaimed messianic redeemer of the Islamic faith, Muhammad Ahmad. The tomb is in many works of popular culture; Laurence Olivier portrayed Muhammad in the movie “Khartoum.”

  1. Visit the El Kurru Tombs

El Kurru was one of the royal cemeteries used by the Nubian royal family of Egypt and Kush’s 25th Dynasty. The tombs reside in the Northern state, Sudan, where George Reisner excavated. El Kurru Tombs’ highest part contains four tumulus tombs: Tomb 6 lives in the north; a row of eight pyramids resides in the east; Kashta resides in the southernmost of this row; Petaluma resides in the south.

  1. Admire the beauty of Gebel Barkal

Jebel Barkal is a tiny mountain that resides 400 km north of Khartoum in Northern Sudan. The hill is 98 meters tall, has a flat top, and traders used it as a landmark in the vital route between Central Africa, Egypt, and Arabia. In 2003, Gebel Barkal became a World Heritage Sites by UNESCO, together with the historical city of Napata. Aside from the mountain, the area also houses the Jebel Barkal Museum and the Jebel Barkal pyramids.

Suakin

Suakin stands tall and firm against the bank of the Red Sea. This iconic and historic place showed its medieval past with pride and was once the central staging point for Muslim pilgrims to hop across to Arabian Mecca from North Africa. Accordingly, gilded mosques and interesting religious structures carved from coral stone are present in the area. Turks conquered the Suakin, but the place fell into swift decline to European traders.

The city originated in the 12th century as a rival port to Aydhab to the north, where there were trades. Suakin began to decline when Turks occupied the city in the 16th century, and the Turks leased the place to Egypt from 1821 until the 19th century. In the 1920s, the officials renovated the area’s port to a new one at Port Sudan.

Driving Directions:

  1. Drive to Suakin Island from Suakin Port
  2. Exit Suakin Port and turn right
  3. Drive straight and turn left
  4. Drive to Al Garmoushi
  5. From Al Garmoushi, drive straight to Suakin Island.

Things to Do:

Suakin offers a lot of enjoyable activities that you should try. Here’s a list of top things you can do in this place.

  1. Tour the ruins in Suakin Island

Suakin Island was the only port in Sudan before the construction of Port Sudan. In the 1930s, people abandoned the place, and it became a melancholy ghost town full of crumbling coral buildings. Demonic cats said that the site is cursed and that circling kites and hawks with a devil’s shrill call is in the place. Turkish investors renovated a few buildings, and the ruins are part of the mainland, which is fascinating to explore.

  1. Eat at Garmushi

Garmushi is a seafood restaurant in Suakin Island where you can lap up a reviving soft drink after your fun but tiring tour. You can also eat a grilled fish at this ramshackle eatery that overlooks the fishing harbor and will surely leave a smile on your face. Everything is fresh in this restaurant since the owner of the place is a fisherman. The signs in the restaurant are in Arabic, so it would be helpful to learn basic Arabic sentences.

  1. Visit the Suakin Archipelago National Park

Suakin Archipelago National Park is a park that resides in the Red Sea and covers an area of about 1,500 square kilometers. The park consists of a large group of various small islands proposed for IUCN category II, national park. You can enjoy different activities in the park, such as Diving, bird watching, marine exploration, and nature walks.

Khartoum

Khartoum is a mythical location where the two fascinating strands of the Nile River merge before heading into the ancient lands of Egypt and Nubia in the northern part of the city. The city resides on the banks of the famous river, which pokes out into a junction at the headland, known as al-Morgan. You can find strips like Nile Street in the heart of the town, which has pretty buildings of arabesque design.

Khartoum is the capital city of the country, which has a population of 5,274,321. This city originated in 1821 as part of Ottoman Egypt, which resides at the north of the ancient city of Soba. Khartoum is an economic and trade center in Northern Africa, where several national and cultural institutions live, including the National Museum of Sudan.

Driving Directions:

  1. Drive to Khartoum City from Khartoum International Airport
  2. Exit the Khartoum International Airport and turn left to Africa Street
  3. Drive straight until you reach Siniat Alaswaq Al Markazi
  4. Turn right in the Virginia Restaurant.
  5. Drive straight until you reach Khartoum City

Things to Do:

Khartoum is the capital city of the country, which lives up to its title. You can enjoy various activities in this city that will surely be memorable.

  1. Visit the National Museum of Sudan

When you are in Khartoum, one thing you should not miss is visiting the National Museum of Sudan. This two-story National Museum of the country resides in the capital city and was constructed in 1955. This infrastructure is the home of the largest and most comprehensive archaeological collection of the Nubian in the world and was established as a museum in 1971.

  1. Take a stroll over the Nile River

The Blue Nile from Ethiopia and the White Nile from Uganda meet in the capital city of this country, where it sets as the intersection. Strolling across the longest river in the world on one of the fascinating bridges that sits on it is one of the best things you can do when you are in Khartoum. Keep in mind that you cannot take photos of the river when you are on the bridge since it is strictly prohibited.

  1. Drive to Tuti Island

Tuti Island resides in the center of the Nile river and is like an urban retreat in Khartoum. While you are in the city, you can hire a taxi to drive you to this island, and drive around the peaceful enclave, which is a lovely afternoon activity. You can also see the beauty of the Blue and White Nile from this place, as well as ride on the world’s most famous river.

  1. Wander to the Art Galleries

If you are a big fan of paintings and art, there are several good art galleries in the city that you should visit. One famous art gallery in the town is the Mojo; this gallery contains several paintings from favorite artists and local artists. Another fabulous gallery that you must visit is the Dabanga, which is famous by locals.

Dinder National Park

Dinder National Park is a triangle cut-out of a protected lang from the Ethiopian border in the southeast part of the country. The park consists of stretched-out grass plains that glow yellow and turn sun-baked under the heat of the equatorial sun. It occupies a unique habitat where the great highlands of Ethiopia drop down to the northern African flats, which allows tourists to catch a glimpse of lions and ostriches.

This ecologically significant park falls on the Ethiopian Highlands ecoregions and Sahel’s ecotone, plus it contains three diverse ecosystems: riverine, woodland, and Maya. The national park houses 27 species of large mammals such as cheetah, leopard, bats, reptiles, mammals, amphibians, lions, 32 fish species, more than 160 bird species, and several North African ostriches.

Driving Directions:

  1. Drive to Al Dinder National Park from Khartoum International Airport
  2. Exit the Dinder National Park and drive straight to Rumaylah City
  3. Drive to Rahad Game Reserve and drive straight to Tunaydibah
  4. Turn left at Village 10 and drive to Wad Madani Street.
  5. Take Rufaa Street and drive straight until you reach Khartoum International Airport.

Things to Do:

If you are in the country’s capital city and want to break from the city, then visiting the Al Dinder National Park is the place for you.

  1. Enjoy bird-watching

Dinder National Park is the home of several animals, including more than 160 bird species that you can appreciate. When you’re tired of walking around the park, you can make a stop and enjoy bird-watching and admire their beauty.

  1. Camping

Besides enjoying the company of wild animals during the daytime, you also get to stay in the park with them at night. Dinder National Park allows camping for tourists and locals who like to enjoy the fresh air, beauty of nature, and the sounds of the animals living in the park.

  1. Go Fishing

When you want to take a break from touring the park, fishing is one of the best ways to rest while still enjoying the view. The park is the home of more than 32 fish species that you can catch while fishing in the area.

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