Is Sudan Safe for Solo Female Travellers?

Is Sudan Safe for Solo Female Travellers?

 

I have to be honest, there’s not many people I know who have travelled in Sudan.

And being even more honest, there’s NO solo females I know who have travelled in Sudan.

(Everyone I know whose been was either a solo male or part of a couple.)

But you know what, this sort of unknown travel just spurs me on!

So it was, in March 2018, I travelled to Sudan as a solo female.

And what this has allowed me to do is answer the question “Is Sudan safe for solo female travellers?”, directly from my own actual experience.

No hearsay, no media filter, no false perception.

And the answer may surprise you…


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Off the Beaten Track

Sudan, Meroe, Pyramids in Sand

The first point to make when replying to the question about whether Sudan is safe for solo female travellers (or any travellers for that matter) is to point out that Sudan is an incredibly off the beaten track destination.

There are hardly any other tourists around and almost no tourism infrastructure.

LEARN MORE: The Ideal Sudan Travel Itinerary

Few local people speak English and the country is economically very downtrodden, which means conditions are basic at best.

The last thing I want to do here is paint a bleak picture of Sudan (the reality is it’s anything but bleak), but it’s important any traveller, solo female or not, realises the facts about travel here.

Sudan, Border Crossing, Wadi Halfa

As an experienced traveller I relished the challenges Sudan provided, but even I, at times, found them almost overbearing.

If you haven’t travelled in Africa a lot, or you haven’t travelled a lot by yourself, Sudan wouldn’t be my recommendation for your first endeavour in either of these fields.

It’s more a country that you need to work up to, not least because you’ll spend a lot of time alone here if you visit solo and don’t speak Arabic – there’s just simply no other tourists around to talk to.

Equally, while the capital Khartoum, the town of Karima and the Meroe Pyramids have some western-style accommodation, outside of this transport, accommodation and food is basic in Sudan to stay the least.

READ MORE: An Oasis in the Sudanese Desert: Meroe Camp and Nubian Rest House

Again, maybe a bit of a shock for African newbies.

Sudan, Meroe, Tent View

None of this, of course, equals a lack of safety (apart maybe from a digestive point of view!) but they are valid points that need to be made if you’re thinking of travelling here, especially alone.

It’s also worth bearing in mind that communication can also prove difficult in Sudan with few people here speaking English – leading to frequent confusion if you’re trying to find buses, hotels, places to eat or generally what the heck is going on!!

 

5 Essential Packing Items for Sudan

#1 Headscarf or Sarong – Female travellers especially may feel they want to wear a headscarf in Sudan to fit in. Although it’s not strictly necessary it may make life easier.

#2 Long, Thin Trousers – Legs need to be covered in this strict Islamic culture, but due to the extremely hot climate, having a thin linen or cotton pair like this is ideal.

#3 Sunglasses – Did I mention Sudan was hot! Like 40 degree hot. Sunglasses are essential here to protect your eyes from the UV rays and the dust!

#4 Long-Sleeved Thin Top – Like legs, arms should be covered in Sudan, so a thin long-sleeved top like this one is going to be necessary.

#5 Arabic Phrasebook – Even in the capital of Sudan, few people speak English, so getting your hands on the Lonely Planet Egyptian Arabic Phrasebook before you leave home will help you in this country no end!

 

Conservative Culture

Sudan, Border Crossing, Friends

I guess another major point to note about travel in Sudan is the strict religious code of the country.

At first glance, this isn’t directly related to whether Sudan is safe or not, but in a roundabout way, it does impact it, which I’ll lead onto.

With a conservative Islamic culture and Sharia law enforced, Sudan can be something of a culture shock for western travellers.

No alcohol and very conservative dress standards are probably the 2 most immediately noticeable features of this aspect of life in Sudan.

As a solo female traveller here, smoking in public and being out late at night alone or in the company of men is frowned upon and you won’t see any other local women doing either of these things.

In line with local standards, I’d certainly recommend dressing very moderately – this includes long trousers or skirts, long-sleeved tops and no low or exposing necklines.

Men will want to follow suit too.

Sudan, Khartoum, Lady

The difference between men and women travelling in Sudan however is the headscarf.

While not necessary for foreigners to wear, I definitely found that adopting it made me feel a lot more comfortable in Sudan, simply as a respect for the culture and a desire to stand out in one less way.

Being white, foreign, tall and alone brought me enough attention in Sudan (not necessarily in a negative way, mostly in a friendly way) so for me, adopting the headscarf while I was here just felt easier and more respectful.

Sudan, Meroe, Me at Pyramid

But back to my point about safety in Sudan.

I think perhaps in part because of the strictness of the law and culture in this country (and probably the lack of alcohol), crime is incredibly low in Sudan.

Honestly, I’ve rarely felt safer in a country – and definitely not in an African country – in my life!

Even the capital, Khartoum, felt totally danger-free.

READ MORE: 15 Amazing Things to Do in Khartoum, Sudan

Sudan, Khartoum, National Museum 3

 

Is Sudan Safe?

So perhaps this has given you an insight into the answer to my question!

Because yes, Sudan is absolutely safe for solo female travellers, for any travellers in fact.

Honestly the people here are the most genuine, helpful, kind, generous and hospitable I have met in my life.

I literally think you could leave your wallet on the pavement and someone would come running down the street to return it to you.

It’s astonishing.

Untainted by mass tourism, indeed any tourism really, the Sudanese people are seemingly so delighted to have you visit their country, that you cannot walk 5 minutes down the street without someone inviting you into their house for a chat, some food or a tea.

Throughout my time in Sudan I had shopkeepers who wouldn’t let me pay for my purchases, taxi drivers who baulked at the idea of a fee and locals who bought my bus tickets and refused reimbursement.

It seems hospitality and welcoming strangers is so deeply engrained in the Sudanese culture, that these people really cannot do enough for you.

Sudan, Khartoum, National Museum 2

As a Westerner, it’s startling and almost hard to believe!

Our suspicions are aroused by such generosity, which is sad, because this is the real deal; a culture in which, ostensibly, one’s sense of worth really is derived from much you can help another person – wow!

And I believe as a solo female traveller this level of hospitality is even amplified.

We are such a rare entity in these parts that people will, literally and in every sense of the word, go out of their way to help you.

So is Sudan safe for solo female travellers?

Absolutely!

READ MORE: Crossing from Ethiopia to Sudan and onto Egypt

Or, if you’re travelling in the other direction, check this out: How to Cross the Egypt-Sudan Border Overland

 

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The Questions

Sudan, Nubian Rest House, Arch Windows and Me

What you do have to prepare yourself for however as a solo female traveller in Sudan is a lot of questions.

Firstly around where you’re from and what you’re doing in Sudan.

Secondly, about whether you are married and have children.

Thirdly if they can have your number!

I presume this third question only occurs if you answer the second question with a “no”, but seeing as I don’t like to lie, I fell into this category every time!

All this questioning in my experience is totally harmless, if not a little draining and, of course, due to the cultural differences, most Sudanese find it astounding that a 33 year old women would be unmarried and childless!

If this a sore subject for you then prepare yourself!

Still, all these questions don’t make Sudan unsafe.

As I said, these questions are harmless and mostly aired out of curiosity from a population who have very little exposure to the rest of the world.

Even requested phone numbers are often just so people can practise their English and regularly I gave away my Sudanese number without fear or worry of doing so.

Sure there are some local admirers, but solo female travellers are rare in these parts and any admiration should be taken as a compliment in my experience, rather than a threat.

If there is anything the Sudanese people are, it’s incredibly respectful and friendly.

Pick up a company of the only guidebook currently published on Sudan, the Bradt Travel Guide to Sudan before you travel here.

Sudan, Khartoum, Window

 

The Politics

And as a final point to make on safety in Sudan, you’ll be pleased to know that currently, the country is very stable.

Free from civil unrest or war, politically (for a Brit at least) I felt Sudan was very safe.

Indeed, my answer that I was from England, generally attracted a very positive response of “nice people” and “welcome Sudan”.

Sudan, Khartoum, Night Rooftop View

However, while the country is free from violence, you’ll want to note that the authoritative government here keeps a tight hold on censorship.

Within the travel and photography permit necessary for all travellers to obtain if they are leaving Khartoum, there are strict rules about what you can and can’t photograph in Sudan, so read these well and follow them to the letter if you want to stay safe in Sudan.

It’s also worth reminding travellers here to be careful about what they post on social media and to refrain from political conversations or strong viewpoints of this nature, especially in public places.

But stick to these obvious rules and I’m sure you will find Sudan just as safe (and enjoyable) to travel in as I did.

 

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So in answer to my question “Is Sudan safe for solo female travellers?”, I’m hoping you’ve picked up my resounding answer of YES!

Showing respect to the local culture and engaging with the local people will greatly enhance your time in this country, in fact, it will make your time in this country, so please ladies (and gents) get Sudan on your list soon!

 

20 thoughts on “Is Sudan Safe for Solo Female Travellers?

  1. Anna says:

    You are so brave! And I’m happy that you did go to Sudan because the people seemed amazing and so happy to have you there. I’m not planning on travelling there, so many other places to see but this story made me happy nevertheless.

    • Steph says:

      Thank you so much for your kind words Anna and delighted you are thinking of travelling to Sudan. Yes, many many places to see in this world, but get it on your list for sure 🙂

  2. Morgan Teresa says:

    Solo traveling is not an easy traveling. Solo female traveling very difficult. But i read your blog and really you share the info is very helpful solo female traveler. Good Work!

    • Steph says:

      Thank you so much Morgan for these kind words and so delighted to hear you are my finding this blog helpful. Wishing you some very happy and safe solo female travels 🙂

  3. Marta Shoukry says:

    I’m delighted that I found your blog. It is not easy found any information regarding travelling in the country so your blog is really very helpful. I’m going to go to Sudan in November and I’ll travel from Egypt. Certainly I’m travelling solo 🙂 I’m a little bit nervous about communication. I don’t know Arabic ( I’m going to start learning Arabic soon however I’ll be able to learn only a few basic phrase/words until my journey). So how would you cope with it? Or do you know the language?

    • Steph says:

      Hi Marta, I’m so glad you found my blog too… and that you’re travelling to Sudan soon! You’re going to love it. I had ZERO Arabic when I arrived in Sudan and Google Translate was my savour! Definitely, bookmark this one on your phone! I picked up some basics during my time there, but largely relied on sign language and running into the odd English-speaker! It’s always amazing how far a smile goes too. Any more Q’s please feel free to fire them over to me. Otherwise, I wrote a post about with loads of tips about backpacking in Sudan that you might want to check out too. Happy travel planning 🙂

  4. Sophie says:

    Hi, I’m going to Sudan in November and part of the trip will include camping among the Nubian Pyramids. During the day would it be acceptable for females to wear knee length shorts here, away from busy civilization? I get so hot even in UK winters! Thanks

    • Steph says:

      I’m going to go with no Sophie, just to err on the side of caution. Sudan is a country of strict Sharia law and I’d hate to advise against the strong practices here even if it is for travellers. Good luck 🙂

    • Steph says:

      Hi Alice, great tip. I used Against The Compass a lot when I was planning my Sudan trip and found the site super useful. Just a heads up that it’s a guy though, not a girl!

  5. Katie says:

    Hi there Steph, it’s so inspiring to read writings from a fellow female traveler. I am 17 years old and I want to become a photojournalist to shed a positive light on countries that have a one sided negative perception. I’m really glad to have found your page because there’s tons of blogs run by males that talk about how easy and safe it is to go to “off the road” countries–but they never seem to acknowledge that the reality of traveling is different for a woman. Just wanted to put it out there that I’m looking up to you, and I wish all the best.

    • Steph says:

      Katie, thank you so much for these very encouraging words – it’s support like this that makes it all worthwhile. Full power to you and your dreams and look forward to having you along on the blog journey 🙂

  6. Jaymini says:

    Your posts on Sudan are so helpful give there is not much on the internet! Plus as a solo female, this is post is especially reassuring as I am travelling to Sudan solo from Ethiopian border this week!

  7. mohamed Ali says:

    Thanks for visiting us I really feel so proud to read your message in 2020 ,
    Yes yes yes sudan is a safe country to visit but social media media is showing different image to people

  8. Sarah says:

    I am currently a solo female traveller and I feel very unsafe. A few days ago someone tried to get me into his car and followed me even. I was fully dressed in the traditional cover Tob and gave no un-sharia-way of inviting anyone to do something. The political situation is heated. And theft is more and more common (they are called Harami). Maybe I also have different experiences than you because I am not white but brown.

    • Steph says:

      Hi Sarah, thanks for posting this comment and sharing your experience. I’m so sorry that you don’t feel safe. It sounds like quite a scary atmosphere, with the political situation too, and I hope you still manage to enjoy your trip and remain secure. Best wishes and safe travels, Steph 🙂

  9. Attif H. says:

    Hi there Steph . I’ve read this well writen article about my home ( Sudan ) . I would not described it , much better than you did , so , thank you for such helpful , and truthful details and facts regarding visiting Sudan . But , I have to say this , Sudan is going through such a hard time politically , religously , and individuouly . We ( as Sudanese ) are being tested , it is like a couple trying to work thier marriage to avoid divorce . I do not recommend visiting Sudan , for now , may be in the future . But thank you again information about travelling to an amazing guide you made , and may be one day I will be able to thank u in person , when you visit Sudan , and I Hope soooon enough …….

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