If you thought you had to go to Egypt to see pyramids, think again. Those in Sudan may not be quite as immense as the more famous ones north of the border, but they have just as much appeal without the hassle of huge crowds and tourist rip-offs.
Sudan is a newly emerging destination for the more adventurous traveller, following years of unsettled times. The south is still not totally safe, and is best avoided until the peace deals have had time to mature. But the north is perfectly secure, and has some amazing scenery around the Nuba mountains, a wealth of ancient monuments along the Nile, and some of the most welcoming people in Africa.
The capital, Khartoum , is built on the confluence of the White and Blue Niles, and you can actually tell the two colours if you stand on the White Nile Bridge and look at the point where they join.
The city itself is not as stunning as Luxor, or Cairo , but does have a busy cosmopolitan feel, and an interesting old town area. As a base to see the country, it excels, as all transport infrastructure is centred here.
A few miles to the north is the exotic Royal Cemetery at Begrawiya, which dates from the 2500 year old Meroitic Pharaohs. Visit the inside of the pyramids, and witness the ancient hieroglyphics in the antechambers, or wander around the remains of the old Royal City nearby.
