Overview

=**__ General overview __****__ – __****__ life in Khartoum __**= ==== • You really need a car to get around Khartoum. It is possible to find an minibus driver whom you are comfortable with and enter into an arrangement with him; use a taxi; use a rickshaw (more hazardous!); sometimes there is access to an office car or purchase your own car ====

==== • Khartoum does not offer a wide range of activities, but it is possible to get involved in water sports through the Blue Nile Sailing Club, riding (Jane Anne ’ s Farm or the racecourse), runs (Hash House Harriers), swimming (various clubs and hotels), visit parks and the zoo, walks by the Nile, touch rugby and football clubs for adults, gyms (including female only) across Khartoum, yoga and aerobics and squash and tennis courts at the Lawn Tennis Association ====

==== • There are some interesting places to visit within Khartoum – The National  Museum (artefacts from Ancient Sudan), Natural History Museum (collection of stuffed and real animals), Ethnological Museum (displays of handicrafts from across the country), Malik (one of Kitchener ’ s gunboats found opposite St Matthew ’ s cathedral on the Nile Road), whirling dervishes, Khalifa house museum and Madhi ’ s Tomb – as well as archaelogical sites within reach of Khartoum – Meroe pyramids, Naga and Mussawarat el Sufra and some interesting places such as the Sixth cataract at Sabaloka and Jebel Aulia dam. Camping is possible at these places. ====

==== • Social life in Khartoum mainly rotates around people ’ s houses and there are an increasing number of restaurants for eating out ====

==== • The city has low level of crimes compared to other African cities ====

==== • The climate is hot and dry for most of the year, though cooler weather can be enjoyed from November to March. Many families leave Khartoum over June and July when schools are closed ====

==== • Sudanese currency is the Sudanese Pound – about 2SDG to 1USD; 3SDG to 1 Euro. Costs of living are quite high (see ‘ consumer basket ’). ====

==== • It is possible to communicate with many shop keepers and even drivers in English, but Arabic lessons are useful and are possible; for example at CLiK (St 29, Amarat). Cost of an 8 week course (which can be then extended) is 450SP. Private tuition at home can also be arranged. ====

==== • There is a very good map of Khartoum available for purchase at Haboob Kids or email Khartoum-city-map@gmx.net (20SDG – the benefits go to support charity projects). ====