Since August 24, Sudan has lifted all covid-19-related international travel restrictions. There are no covid-19-related restrictions in the country either.
Although Sudan has removed all COVID-19 travel restrictions. It is important to note that for passengers departing Sudan, regardless of the destination, some airlines may require proof of a negative COVID-19 test, while some airlines only require proof if the destination requires it. The same applies to other countries and regions that have completely lifted restrictions.
Egypt's iconic Ancient Pyramids are world-renowned and are undoubtedly one of the biggest draws for north African visitors. For example, the Great Pyramids of Giza are recognized as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and remain one of the most popular tourist attractions in Egypt.
In contrast, the Pyramid of Meroë in Sudan is relatively unknown. Although, they are fewer tourists and more numerous.
Located about 155 miles/250 kilometers northeast of Khartoum, near the banks of the Nile, the ancient city of Mero is home to nearly 200 pyramids. Built from large blocks of sandstone in the Nubian style, the pyramid looks completely different from the Pyramids of Egypt, with smaller bottoms and steeper sides. However, they were built for the same purpose – both as cemeteries and symbols of power, in the service of the kings and queens of the ancient kingdom of Meroit.
Incredible history
The Meroë Pyramid was built 2,700 to 2,300 years ago as a remnant of the Meroitic Kingdom, also known as the Kingdom of Kush. The kings and queens of this period ruled between 800 BC and 350 AD, ruling a vast area that included most of the Nile Delta and extended south to Khartoum. During this period, the ancient city of Meroe was the administrative center of the southern part of the kingdom and later became the capital.
Since the first Egyptian pyramid predates the oldest building in Meroë by nearly 2,000 years, it may have inspired their architects. Moreover, the early Meroyte culture was heavily influenced by ancient Egyptian culture, and Egyptian craftsmen may have been commissioned to help build pyramids in Meroe. However, the differences between the pyramids show that the Nubians also had their own unique style.
Today's pyramid
Although the carved reliefs inside the pyramids indicate that the royal family of the Meroy dynasty was most likely mummified and buried with a wealth of treasures including precious jewelry, weapons, furniture, and pottery, the pyramids of Meroe no longer have these ornaments. Much of the treasure of ancient tombs was looted by tomb robbers, while remnants were removed from archaeological excavations in the 19th and 20th centuries.
Among the many grave robbers, the most notorious is that in 1834, an Italian explorer and treasure hunter named Giuseppe Ferlini caused irreparable damage to the pyramids. When he heard that there were still rumors that gold and silver jewelry were hidden in certain tombs, he blew up the tops of several pyramids with explosives. Affected by the explosion, some other pyramids were razed to the ground. Overall, he is credited with destroying more than 40 different pyramids, and later Giuseppe Ferlini sold his stolen artifacts to museums in Germany (http://www.egyptian-museum-berlin.com/c33.php#o_goldschatz_meroe.jpg).
Although the Meroë pyramids have not been effectively protected for many years, and some have been beheaded by the explosion of the tomb robber Fellini, many of the pyramids in Merro still stand. Now, the Sudanese people have begun to rebuild and repair some of the pyramids, hoping to restore them to what they once were in their heyday.
How to get there
While Meroë Pyramids are certainly off the beaten track, you can also visit them on your own. People with a car can simply drive there – the journey from Khartoum takes about four hours. It may be difficult for people who rely on public transport. The surest way to plan a trip is to take a bus from Khartoum to the small town of Shendi and then take a taxi to the remaining 47 km/30 miles.
Officially, visitors need a permit to visit the pyramids, which can be purchased from Khartoum's National Museum. Although licenses are rarely checked, it is advisable to follow the rules of the game to purchase. There are no cafes or toilets around the pyramid, so be sure to bring your own food and plenty of water. Alternatively, a traveler taking part in an itinerary organized by some local tour operators, including a visit to Meroë Pyramids, can make the trip a little easier.
Be safe
For safety reasons, it's also a good idea to travel with a local professional travel agency. Some areas of the Sudan are not suitable for tourism due to the political situation in the Sudan. While the Pyramid of Meroë is located in a safer Nile state, it doesn't hurt to pay more attention to travel warnings before planning your trip.