NUBIAN TREASURES OF THE NILE: BLACK PHARAOHS OF SUDAN January 25 to February 7, 2023. Optional Cairo: February 7 to 11, 2023 for the Grand Egyptian Museum.
Treading lightly into the new world of emerging travel destinations, the deserts of Northern Sudan reveal remnants of the Kingdom of Kush in ancient Nubia, a highly developed empire that existed for more than 1000 years in what is now northern Sudan and southern Egypt. The Kushite Empire built more than 200 pyramids—exceeding all of Egypt—and developed their own language.
Their crowning achievements in architecture and art, and their pyramids and hidden tombs that are being excavated, are beginning to yield precious information about this mighty empire.
The last period of the Kush Kingdom lasting from 300 BCE to the 4th century CE, produced some of the most captivating ancient sites, classified as UNESCO World Heritage properties: the seldom-visited pyramids at El-Kurru and Nuri, the sacred mountain of Jebel Barkal, and the necropolis at Meroe.
Archeologists from around the world are uncovering more amazing finds, which include an ancient city and a parts of a royal palace not yet excavated. Every find leads to more discoveries in this astonishing living museum.
Apart from the archeological attractions, we sail along the Nile in a private covered boat to appreciate the fertile farmland, the granite rocky formations along the cataracts. Through the Bayuda desert we visit authentic nomadic settlements to learn about their way of life, see their tents made of milkweed wood, and woven blankets from camel hair for their babies.
Observe how the Bisharin tribes use their camels to hoist water from deep wells, while goat and sheep herders wait their turn for this precious commodity.
The JourneyFor the adventurous and hardy traveler who has an appreciation for ancient archeology, anthropology, history, art, and the natural wonders of this primeval time, see Northern Sudan unfurl its secrets on this very special program escorted by Kathleen Fung and Sudanese historical expert.
Travelers will go in safety. Sudan has recently been removed from the “State Sponsors of Terrorism” list.
Travelers will go in comfort. In Khartoum we will be accommodated in the luxury hotel Corinthia. Outside the city, we are staying at the lovely Nubian Rest House, located at the foot of Jebel Barkal, a charming boutique hotel with 22 airconditioned twin rooms, all with private facilities and a pleasant veranda. In the desert of eastern Sudan, we spend two nights at the upgraded Meroe Camp overlooking the renowned pyramids of Meroe. Every bungalow has its own private restroom and shower.
On our desert safari, transport will be in 4 x 4 Land Cruisers® or Toyota Hilux® with three people to a car for maximum comfort and a minibus or bus for Khartoum.
Kathleen Fung has designed this journey with extra nights in the desert and along the Nile for maximum appreciation of the archeological sites and the diverse cultures of northern Sudan. |
