Internet Spots
by Hut2009
I discovered nice Internet facilities at the Regency hotel (former Meridien), Central Kahrtoum (corner of El Qasr street and Said Abdul Rahman Street).
They have 6 computers in the nicely air-conditionned hall that you can use for 5 SDG per hour.
Don't expect a supr-fast access, but they work pretty well and the attendant (office on the right just before the computers) is very helpfull if something doesn-t work.
But they have no earphones and microphones, so forget VOIP calls.
The next day, I tried the facilities at the Horizon Hotel (corner of Abdel Minim Mohamed Street and Said Abdul Rahman Street). They offer Wifi Access for SDG 10 a day. And they have 2 computers in the hall with Internet access for SDG 4 per hour. The connection is rather better than at the Regency.
I found out that most american Internet sites are blocked by the Sudanese government. The big ones like MSN, Yahoo, Google, Youtube are however available. The government shut down Youtube, but the protests from the users were so heavy that they had to switch it on again.
My homepage is hosted in the US and I have therefore no access to my webmail. If this is the case for you, better forward all your mail to a Yahoo address or such.
Burri, Khartoum
by yurxlnc
I like the way that in recent years care is being taken to make the city green.
Under the British administration the Nile avenue was lined with Mahogany trees. But throughout the late 20th century little real care was taken to make green parks and places for relaxation.
Now in 2007 palm trees line some roads, ficus trees and grass verges line others. In some areas there are areas allotted to grass and fountains for people to assemble for relaxation. And, they are well-used especially in the evening. The flower show which is held end of February or early March each year. It gives people the chance of seeing what can be grown in the country, and the chance to buy plants to beautify their own gardens. In a land that is desert or semi-desert, the more trees, bushes, plants and grass that are planted, the better. It makes the surroundings more attractive and helps to absorb the air pollution.
Internet access
by maykal
Khartoum has a growing number of internet cafes. A couple of almost high-tech places have opened inside the Baraka Building (look for the tall building with an LG advert on the roof...you can't miss it!)...the staff amazingly seem to know what they are doing, and charge only 200 dinar for an hour. Three more places near the British Council offer a more haphazard service for the same price...the staff, while friendly, have a tendency to trip over wires, pull plugs out, and the solution to any problem you might experience with your computer is to turn it off, it seems! The British Council also has free internet access for members and volunteers.
The rainy season
by yurxlnc
Although Sudan is a very hot country, there are a few months of the year when rain is possible. The rain showers can be very heavy causing chaos to transport or even damage to property. Some [bad] years there is very little rain , but this year [2007] had exceptionally heavy rain.
The rain is welcome because it refreshes everything, from the spirit of the people because the temperature drops, to the plants which revive and lose their dusty covering. After the rains, the river level rises and changes the appearance of the river.
No credit cards, cash only
by BorneoGrrl
When in Sudan, you can leave home without your American Express & other credit cards because you can't use them here (except for some travel agents & major hotels but it's a tedious process because the transaction is brought out of Sudan to Middle East, still I'd advise you not to take the chance)
Up until recently, the banks in Sudan never issued any ATM cards until now so maybe the credit card transactions will happen more often in the near future. Till then, bring loads of cash to pay for your accommodation, transportation & meals.
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inside the lounge
Smoked salmon bagel
Barista
remains of mezze
