Expertise and Specialisation

Northern Sudan is one of Africa's most mysterious destinations.The Nile River crosses the Sahara desert and along its valley lie very interesting archaeological sites of Egyptian and Meroitic civilization still unknown to the public. There are more pyramids in Sudan than in Egypt. The Nubian desert, the Eastern part of the Sahara desert and the Nile Cataracts, are only some of Sudan's natural wonders.

The Italian Tourism Co. Ltd., the only incoming operator owned by Europeans, offers only the best itineraries, the best accommodations, the best organization. Our staff knows all the archaeological sites, the hidden Nubian villages, the nomads' settlements, the more spectacular desert landscapes.

The groups for desert expeditions usually consist of 6-15 passengers. For the full accommodated tours we can reach maximum 20 passengers. 

Please note: The itineraries will depend on local conditions. Travelling in Africa is sometimes unpredictable. By the very nature of travelling in remote areas there are unforeseen challenges to overcome and passengers should have a taste for adventure. Unforeseen circumstances due to problems with road conditions, ferryboats on the Nile out of order, weather, mechanical breakdown or accidents can delay and change the performance of the journey. Please come prepared. 
 

Licences and Associations

We are a registered Sudanese company and part of the well-established specialist Italian tour operator, 'I Viaggi di Maurizio Levi'.

Responsible Travel

As a responsible Sudanese tour operator, we employ local drivers, cooks and other support staff. Whilst on desert expeditions all waste is either burnt (where appropriate) or collected and returned to Khartoum to be disposed of at waste collection points. This is supervised and managed by our experienced guides, each of who is trained in the importance of protecting and maintaining Sudan's wonderful natural environment.
 

4WD Desert Expeditions

Season: Jan, Feb, Mar, Aug, Sep, Oct

We specialise in providing tours and expeditions in Sudan with a particular focus on the rich archaeological sites of northern Sudan, the Nile Valley and Nubia.

Food and Beverages

Cold lunches at midday picnic style (tomato salad, cheese, ham, tuna fish, fresh fruits); a folding table will be used. During the overnight stays at the Meroe permanent Camp and at the Nubian Rest-House in Karima the breakfast and dinners at will be cooked by professional cooks. 

The meals will be of international dishes, but local food will be also prepared. If not available water in bottle, we use water filters. The more common local foods are: "full" broad beans soup, "fasolija" beans soup; "chai", tea with spices, very good and rich of flavour.

During the expeditions the breakfasts and the dinners are prepared by the cook at the camp.
 

Accommodation

We provide spacious comfortable igloo tents, 2,20 x 2,20 x 1,70 m., supplied by the manufacturer for three person but used by two or in single (very easy to set up, 3-4 minutes). Each tent is insect proof and equipped with a built-in ground sheet for insulation as well as two large aerating windows with mosquito nets. Each passenger is provided with a high density thick foam mattress (5 cm, thick). Folding chairs with arms and folding tables as well as gas lights, water basins, plates and all the cutlery. The participants need only to bring along their personal effects and a sleeping bag. 

With our organization you are requested to erect and dismantle your tents only with the help, in case, of our staff. Your limited participation is the secret of an enjoyable and successful expedition. Due to the limited number of passengers, all our groups are informal and pleasant.
 

Transport

For a journey in the desert the quality of the vehicles is the most important aspect, because a large part of the itinerary is out of any track: 4WD cars in perfect mechanical conditions, equipped for desert crossing with long range fuel tanks, water tanks, roof racks, spare parts, GPS navigation instruments, first aid kits and driven by experienced drivers that know the ground conditions. The cars used are Toyota Land Cruisers and Nissan Patrol Station Wagon. 

The cars have 4 doors plus a hatchback with maximum 4 passengers per car plus driver The engines are diesel with 4,2/4,5 lt. , 6 cylinders . The coil spring suspensions ensure a high comfort level, also during the off-road parts of the itinerary, so the stages are not tiring. All the vehicles are supplied with air-conditioned and a roof-rack to transport the passenger’s luggage. For the longest tours we use also a pick-up vehicle to carry all the equipment. 

Most parts of the journey are made on desert tracks, but all the conditions of safety are guaranteed.

We remember therefore that due the travel conditions (far away from big towns), delays or small problems, can occur.
 

Local Guides

Our tour leaders are selected for their long experience in desert expeditions in Africa to ensure that your travel is enjoyable and successful. Their experience to lead groups of different nationality (German, French, Italian, Swiss, British, Americans) allows to adapt the style of the tour as well as the food.