In the northern desert and along the
Rea Sea coast, dry heat exceeding 38°C (100°F) prevails for most of the
year; in the central and southern belts, dry and west seasons are separated by
transitional periods. There is tropical jungle in the south, fading into
grassland in the centre. Rainfall decreases from south to north, the average
varying from 47.2 inches in the south to less than 4 inches in the north.
Climatic hazards include strong winds in the northern desert and flooding rains
in the central belt. The most temperate climate occurs in the Red Sea
Hills.
Visas are required by all
visitors to Sudan. Passport must be valid for at least six months and not
contain any Israeli stamps or visas. Israelis are not permitted to enter the
country.
Official Currency:
Sudanese Dinar=100 piastres Current Exchange Rate:
Today's Exchange
Rate
American Express is widely accepted but other credit cards
have a limited use. Travellers cheques and cash is best taken in US Dollars.
Outside Khartoum you will find it difficult to exchange travellers cheques.
Domestic Flights Sudan
Airways operates a service to the major towns . Planes are sometimes grounded
and in need of repair. There is an air-taxi services available from Khartoum to
Nyala which operates twice a week. A small departure tax is charged on domestic
flights.
Rail: Although Sudan has an extensive rail
network, war, famine and lack of maintenance has meant many routes have been
closed. Services that exist are slow and uncomfortable.
Public
Transport: Most major towns are connected by bus, lorries or Toyota
Hiluxes ("boxes")
Very few roads are sealed, outside towns road
conditions are very poor and some roads in the north are closed during the
rains. Driving is on the right hand side and an International Driving Licence
is recommended. Temporary driving licences are available from local authorities
on the presentation of a valid national licence. Car hire is limited to the
main towns and many companies operate from major hotels.
If you need medical care whilst in
Sudan, it is best to be aware that medical providers may not accept payment
through your insurance company. In these circumstances you will have to pay in
full after your treatment and file a claim with your insurance company for
reimbursement. Therefore you should have access to cash, either from a credit
card or by wire transfer. If you need assistance contact the country's local
embassy or representative.
To be compensated you must be treated by
licensed medical personnel and provide your insurance company with proper
documentation and receipts.
It is advisable to always ensure you have a
comprehensive travel insurance policy which covers you for repatriation to your
home country.
You can check out the following websites which specialise
in long term travellers, adventure travellers, backpackers and workers based
abroad.
Insure and Go - UK Travellers whether it's for a one
off holiday or if you travel many times over the year, if you're off
backpacking before university or you're retired and looking to explore the
world; if you're after winter sports cover or if it's for a business trip, a
wedding abroad or a golfing weekend away, we have a policy at the right price
to ensure you have the peace of mind that you are covered for the unexpected
while you're away.
- UK Travellers Offering a full range of policies,
single trip, young travellers, long stay, annual cover for UK residents. Get
your quote and policy on-line....
Insure My Trip - USA travellers offer 63 different
travel insurance plans from 14 different companies - no other site has such
product depth or comparison features. You can compare each policy giving you
the information you need to make an informed decision about your travel
insurance needs. .
Downunder Insurance - UK - Australia and New Zealand
Travellers offers travel insurance to travellers and residents in the
UK, Australia and New Zealand. Our cover ranges from basic to highly
comprehensive, with affordable policies aimed at backpackers and gap-year
students, but with cover available to travellers and holiday makers up to 55
years of age.