Places to Visit in Dongola, Sudan, North Africa, Africa

Places to Visit in Dongola, Sudan, North Africa, Africa

Dongola, also written Dunqulah, is a city and the capital of the Northern state of Sudan. It is situated in the northern-central part of the nation between 19°10′11.37″ N latitude and 30°28′29.62″ E longitude. Located on the banks of the River Nile, Dongola is located around 530 km northwest of the national capital, Khartoum. Dongola houses a public university, the University of Dongola.

History of Dongola:

According to the archeological remains dating from Islamic and Makurian times, Dongola was a central point of Nubian civilization. Dongola came under the reign of the Makuria kingdom, later as a part of Egypt and finally under the colonial rule of the British in the 19^th and 20^th century. Dongola also witnessed a battle fought by General Herbert Kitchener during the British colonial rule against Mahdist tribes in the year 1896.

How to reach Dongola?

Dongola has an airport with flight services from Wadi Halfa, catered by Sudan Airways. Wadi Halfa is in the extreme north of Sudan and around 400 km north of Dongola. Those coming via Khartoum International Airport (around 520 southeast of Dongola) can board bus at Khartoum Bus Station after getting down at Khartoum International Airport.

The local transportation of Dongola is served by minibuses, rental cars and bikes.

Food and Shopping in Dongola:

Dongola has a traditional market and also many upgraded shops and restaurants. Credit card is not in largely practice in Dongola, so keeping some local currency in pocket would be better.

Things to do in Dongola:

Visiting university
Shopping
Walking

Tourist Attractions in Dongola:

Nile River:

The Nile River is the longest river in the world with a maximum flow of 6,650 km. Dongola is one of the cities in Sudan situated on the bank of Nile, where visitors involve themselves in different water sport activities.

University of Dongola:

The University of Dongola is one of the identities of Dongola. Apart from offering latest courses and providing quality education, the university is also well known for organizing events on Sudanese culture and history.

Dongola Airport:

Although not being a famous tourist destination, the Dongola Airport draws visitors coming to the city for its pleasant location. The airport is situated around 5 km away from the city centre, can be reached by rental car.

List of other places of interest near Dongola include:

Atbarah River
The National Railway Company in Atbara
Jebel Barkal
Pyramids of Meroe
Temple of Amun
Pyramids of Gebel Barkal
Khartoum War Cemetery
Tuti Island
University of Khartoum
Jabal al-Awliya’ Dam
Nile Street
Al Kabir Mosque
WWII Cemetery
Sudan Art Diwan
Sudan National Museum

Best time to visit Dongola:

Throughout the year is best, especially during the dry season between December and March is ideal to visit Dongola in Sudan.

Hotels in and around Dongola:

Candaca Nubian Guesthouse and Lord Hotel are the two major hotels in Dongola serving visitors coming to the city from time to time. For more options, tourists can consider hotels in Atbara (around 450 km from Dongola) and Khartoum (around 530 km from Dongola) that are listed below: