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Where to Stay in Khartoum

Accommodation Types

Diverse Options

  • Full Spectrum of Lodging

    Khartoum historically had choices from budget guesthouses and modest local hotels to international chains and local luxury establishments like the Corinthia.

  • Distinctive Local Experiences

    Family-run guesthouses showed a local and personal experience, displaying Sudanese hospitality.

  • Vacation Rentals & Apartments

    Limited availability existed for vacation rentals, mainly for longer-term stays or expatriates, with some online listings.

  • Homestays & Community Tourism

    Formal staying with a local family or community-based tourism for international visitors were very limited historically.

Outdoor & Niche Stays

  • Camping & Outdoor

    Camping was not typical within Khartoum itself; it was more common for archaeological trips outside the city.

  • Luxury & Mid-Range

    Upscale options included the Corinthia Hotel, Grand Holiday Villa, and Rotana Affaires. Mid-range choices featured Acropole Lodging and Plaza Hotel.

  • Budget Friendly

    Several local guesthouses in less prominent areas provided affordable lodging options.

  • Family-Friendly Amenities

    Major international hotels often had amenities like swimming pools and larger rooms suitable for families.

Neighborhood Guide

Explore the distinct character of Khartoum's neighborhoods, historically displaying varied experiences.

Khartoum 2/3 & Riyadh/Amrat

Pros
  • Upscale residential & commercial
  • Quieter environment
  • Modern amenities
  • Cosmopolitan feel
Cons
  • Less traditional feel
  • Further from historical sites
  • Higher cost
  • Few local charm

Downtown Khartoum

Pros
  • Proximity to historical sites
  • Administrative & commercial heart
  • Older hotels available
  • Access to banks
Cons
  • Busy & noisy environment
  • Less modern amenities
  • Limited green spaces
  • Traffic congestion

Omdurman

Pros
  • Authentic cultural experience
  • Traditional markets (Souq Omdurman)
  • Historic sites (Mahdi's Tomb)
  • Unique architecture
Cons
  • Fewer modern amenities
  • Can be busy
  • Less global cuisine
  • How long it takes to get from Khartoum

Safety & Ambiance

Historical Safety

Most areas were generally safe during the day, with standard safeguards for personal belongings in crowded markets. Caution was advised at night.

Noise Levels & Vibe

Downtown and market areas may be noisy. Residential areas like Khartoum 2/3 were generally quieter.

Booking Strategies

Historically, booking accommodation in Khartoum required some foresight, specifically during peak travel times.

Planning Your Stay

  • Advance Booking: Advisable during peak winter months (Oct-May) and around major holidays like Eid.
  • Trusted Platforms: International platforms like Booking.com listed major hotels. Smaller guesthouses often sought direct contact.
  • Negotiation: An option at smaller, independent establishments, specifically during the low season.
  • Price Fluctuations: Prices were higher during the cooler winter months due to increased demand.

Policies & Support

  • Deposit & Cancellation: Varied by establishment; international hotels generally had standardized policies.
  • Local Assistance: Local travel agencies often assisted with reservations for smaller properties.
  • Research: Confirm policies directly with properties prior to travel.
  • Location Scouting: Consider neighborhood characteristics when making selections.

Considerations for Extended Stays

Long-Stay Accommodations
  • Serviced apartments in Khartoum 2/3 & Riyadh areas
  • Catered to expatriates
  • Suitable for business travelers
  • Provided amenities for longer durations
Cultural Significance
  • Acropole Hotel: Known for historical charm
  • Run by same Greek family for generations
  • Window into Khartoum's past
  • Unique experience for visitors

Current Travel Alert

Status Update

All historical recommendations are currently nullified by the conflict. Many properties are damaged or inaccessible.

Visitor Safety

Accommodation is not safely available for tourism at this specific time.

Travel Advisories

Always ask official government travel advisories for the latest security information before planning any visit.

Accommodation Recommendations Historical

Historically, certain properties stood out for their service, location, or unique character, displaying distinct experiences.

Luxury & Mid-Range Stays

Luxury Properties

The Corinthia Hotel, with its distinctive architecture and Nile views, and the Grand Holiday Villa featured upscale experiences.

  • Corinthian Inn Khartoum
  • Grand Holiday Villa
  • Rotana Affaires
  • Premium services and facilities
Mid-Range Comfort

Acropole Hotel formerly was a long-standing favorite for its hospitality and central location, alongside the Plaza Hotel.

  • Acropole Hotel
  • Plaza Hotel
  • Reliable services
  • Comfortable stays

Budget & Unique Finds

Budget-Friendly Options

Several local guesthouses, often found in less prominent areas, had affordable accommodation.

  • Local guesthouses
  • Affordable rates
  • An authentic local ambiance
  • Simple amenities
Long-Stay Apartments

Serviced apartments in zones like Khartoum 2/3 and Riyadh catered to expatriates and business travelers.

  • Serviced apartments
  • Khartoum 2/3, Riyadh areas
  • Catered to people traveling for work
  • Suitable for extended visits

Special Mentions

Family-Friendly Picks

Major international hotels often had amenities like swimming pools and more spacious rooms suitable for families.

  • International hotels
  • Swimming pools
  • Generously-sized rooms
  • Child-friendly services
Solo Traveler Favorite

The Acropole Hotel was popular owing to its central location, reliable services, and helpful staff.

  • Acropole Hotel
  • Central location
  • Reliable services
  • Helpful staff

Historical Significance

The Acropole Hotel

Run by the same Greek family for generations, it possessed significant historical charm, showing a window into Khartoum's past.

Colonial Architecture

The area around the Presidential Palace historically displayed impressive colonial architecture.

Cultural Immersion

Guesthouses presented insights into local life and Sudanese hospitality.