Is it safe in Khartoum?

Khartoum is the capital of Sudan and is perfectly safe to visit. Thousands of tourists visit Khartoum every year and travel to the surrounding towns and villages including famous, historic sites like Meroe. The Sudanese people are warm, friendly, helpful and welcoming. Darfur and Khartoum are two separate regions, over 600 miles apart. (See above answer to learn how we can help Darfurian families in Khartoum)  See additional information on Safety    Back to top

What about medical care?

Private hospitals and clinics are available in case of illness or emergency. If you are on any kind of medication, we encourage you to bring adequate quantities of your medicines with you. You may also check with your insurance provider regarding overseas coverage. Back to top

What kind of meals will be served?

Sudanese food is a fusion of  Middle Eastern, African, and Western. All meats and vegetables are organically grown. Sudan-Reach arranges 3 meals per day for our volunteers with a menu consisting mostly of vegetarian foods. Back to top

Can we use Internet and phone?

Twice a week, there will be an option to visit an internet cafe where you may check your email and communicate with friends and family. Also, once per week there will be an optional visit to an international calling center so our volunteers can call overseas. For an additional $100 you can have your own, prepaid cell phone which you may use to place local and international calls. Back to top

What about the visa to Sudan?

Sudan-Reach will handle the visa arrangements for your travel to Sudan. However, you will be responsible for the cost of the Visa application ($151). 

Visa Requirements: 

• Your U.S. Passport must have at least 6 months remaining validity
• You will need to complete and sign a visa application form which we will provide
• You will need to send a Passport photograph
• You will need to provide a $151 fee

• Reminder: The government of Sudan will not approve passports that have Israeli visas 

  or Israeli immigration stamps affixed to them Back to top

Are there many foreigners in Khartoum? Tourists, visitors, or students?

In recent years, yes. Khartoum is growing very rapidly and is visited by people around the world who are drawn to its historic sites, and its mysterious traditions and culture. In addition to tourism, numerous foreign businesses and organizations have constituencies in Khartoum. Most humanitarian organizations working in other parts of the country, are stationed in Khartoum. Back to top

Are there any diseases or health risks?

We recommend that you may see your Doctor about vaccinations against Malaria, Tetanus, and Meningitis. Although this usually suffices, some people also prefer to get vaccinations against Yellow fever, Cholera, and Typhoid. As with any international travel, we suggest that you seek general advice from your doctor. Some people have a reaction to tap water but this can be easily remedied by purchasing bottled water. Sudan-Reach will a large supply of bottled water available to volunteers in our housing facility. Back to top   

Where can I get vaccinated?

The website TravelersVaccines.com has a nationwide travel clinic locator, as well as travel health tips and advice.  Once you locate your local travel clinic, you should contact them for detailed vaccination information.

*More info about vaccinations/Volunteer Checklist

What’s the weather in Khartoum like?

Hot. During the winter season, (December through February) the temperature is in the 70s. The nights and early mornings are generally cooler. During the summer months the temperatures can climb to well over 100 degrees. However, because it is dry heat, it is considerably cooler in the shade. Most vehicles and homes are air-conditioned and people stay hydrated by consuming cold beverages regularly. Back to top

What are some things I could take with me on this trip?

• Your passport

• Clothes

• Comfortable shoes

• A Camera & plenty of batteries

• A voltage converter (if desired)

• Your mp3 player or iPod

• A video camera (if desired)

• Books

• A journal

• A backpack

 * You are not encouraged to bring a laptop since you would be on the road quite a bit and will need a safe place to store it 

* You are encouraged to pack light and leave plenty of room in your luggage for souvenirs 

 * You are strongly discouraged from bringing carry-on luggage. Because it is a long trip, with multiple stops, carry on luggage can be extremely cumbersome. You can, of course, carry a purse, small backpack, camera or camcorder.

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Home much personal spending money will I need?

This is, of course, entirely up to you. We encourage you to bring some spending money, however, since your food, housing, and transportation costs are paid for by your trip fees, Sudan-Reach suggests that you bring anywhere between $300-$400 dollars for souvenirs, crafts, gifts and personal expenses. Credit cards and travelers checks are not used in Sudan so please plan on using cash only. 

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Are the trip fees tax deductible? 

The fees are not tax deductible. The IRS has strict guidelines about tax-deductibility. If donors are receiving something in return, e.g. food at a dinner, a T-shirt, or some other promotional piece, then the only tax deductible portion of a contribution is the amount over and above the value of what a donor receives in return. In this case, your fees will cover the cost of your travel and expenses. They are not a donation to Sudan-Reach, therefore they are not tax deductible. However, if your trip costs are donated or paid for by another individual, then the fees will be tax deductible to that individual. In other words, if your spouse, parent, or friend pays your trip fees, then the payment is tax deductible to your spouse, parent, or friend. 

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How do I get started?

Fill out our online application    

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