Sudan was separated in 2011 into Northern Sudan, officially the Republic of the Sudan, with a predominantly Arab population, and South Sudan, formerly the southern part of Sudan, now officially the Republic of South Sudan, with a majority population of people with a Black African heritage. Getting a visa for Sudan is an expensive hit-and-miss affair, but if you do manage to get in, and you stick to the safe areas, you will probably have a memorable experience. The Sudanese people are very hospitable, and you can visit some awesome tourist attractions without even seeing another tourist.
Sudan is as geographically diverse as it is culturally; in the north, the Nile cuts through the eastern edge of the Sahara: the Nubian desert, the sites of the ancient kingdoms of Kush and Meroe, and the land of the Seti. Here, agriculture drives the economy. Staple crops include ful (fava beans), dates, tomato, and onion. The East and West are mountainous regions, and much of the rest of the country comprises savannahs typical of much of central sub-Saharan Africa. Popular activities include rafting, kayaking, trekking, and Nile cruises. Popular attractions include Dinder National Park, the Marrah Mountains, the National Museum, and the Red Sea coast. Archaeological sites are also of tourist interest and include the Pyramids of Meroë, tombs at Kerma, and the temple at Soleb.
