CityOutline guide

Wadi Halfa

City in Northern state, Sudan

Photo: Bertramz, CC BY 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Overview

Wadi Halfa is a town on the shores of Lake Nasser in the north of Sudan. It marks the point of entry into Sudan for those coming in from Egypt. It is surrounded by the dunes of the Nubian Desert, the eastern edge of the Sahara, and has a population of around 15,000.

Where to eat, drink and stay

Sleep1 place

Nile Hotel
Offers the same basic service as the other hotels in town. Visited by Michael Palin back in 1991 during his Pole to Pole journey.
Directions
opposite the bus parking lot
Phone
+249 251822049

Getting there and around

Getting there

By boat
Most people arrive in Wadi Halfa by the weekly ferry from Aswan across Lake Nasser in Egypt. South-bound departures are on Mondays and north-bound on Wedesdays.
By train
Timed with the ferry is a supposedly weekly over-night train from Khartoum via Atbara, however note that this train is prone to cancellation, make sure to check beforehand that it is running.
By bus
The road crossing from Egypt periodically closes, but in all other times there is a bus running from Aswan (12-13 hr), passing Abu Simbel.
By car
Also boxes (Toyota Hiluxes) are readily available for rental.

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Getting around

Wadi Halfa is a relatively small town and can be easily explored on foot. Another option is to borrow a donkey, which is the transport of choice for many Wadi Halfans.

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Airports and nearby hotels

Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.

Abu Simbel Airport

Abu Simbel · Regional · ABS

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Read before you go to Wadi Halfa

Articles and travel topics about Wadi Halfa and Sudan.

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Nubia

Nubia was one of the notable African kingdoms that existed around the same time as Ancient Egypt.

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Full travel guide

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UnderstandHistorically, Wadi Halfa was Nubia's most important trading point, being the gateway between Egypt and Sudan. Today the city's buildings are immaculate, surrounded by the golden dunes of the Nubian Desert.

Get inMost people arrive in Wadi Halfa by the weekly ferry from Aswan across Lake Nasser in Egypt. South-bound departures are on Mondays and north-bound on Wedesdays.

Get aroundWadi Halfa is a relatively small town and can be easily explored on foot. Another option is to borrow a donkey, which is the transport of choice for many Wadi Halfans.

BuyThe shops and market in Wadi Halfa are substantially better stocked than other small towns to the south, getting most of their goods directly from Egypt.

EatAlmost all the eateries are based around the main square and most offer a choice of "fuul" (beans) with bread or fried Nile perch with bread.

DrinkAlcohol is illegal in Sudan. All of the eateries around the main square serve tea, and Wadi Halfans, Egyptian tradesmen and tourists tend to gather there for a few cups to watch the world go by.

SleepFor most of the year, there are several hotels in Wadi Halfa, although after the rains, many close for repairs. All are similar, offering string beds, bucket showers, mud floors, a courtyard and clean rooms.

Stay safeSudan is a nation in turmoil.S.S. citizens to remain close to the capital city of Khartoum, to avoid travel at night and to conflict areas, such as Darfur, an area of ongoing conflict.

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Sources and licences

Guide text adapted from the Wikivoyage article "Wadi Halfa" by its contributors, available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Read on Wikivoyage · Contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Summary from the Wikipedia article "Wadi Halfa", available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Wikipedia
Photo: Bertramz, CC BY 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons

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