"Wad Medani, Capital of the Cotton State" Wilayat al Jazirah by mafi_moya

Wad Medani is the capital of Gezira State, a couple of hours south of Khartoum. Gezira is known as the 'bread-basket' of Sudan due to the fertile fields in the triangle of land sandwiched between the Blue and White Niles. Its particular claim to fame is the world-famous (in agricultural circles anyway!) Gezira Project and its cotton production.

Apart from the South of Sudan it's considered one of the greenest states of the country. Like most places along the Nile, it's also seen as being very quiet, laidback and traditional. Apparently Wad Medani is one of the biggest cities in Sudan, but it feels more like a village.

A Blue Nile beach

The Nile here is beautiful, with unbelievably stunning sunsets. There's a long sandy beach, quiet tree-lined streets, probably the most interesting souk I visited in Sudan, and extremely friendly people (even by Sudanese standards).

If you're just passing through Sudan to/from Ethiopia then definitely make a stop here as it's not far off the route. If you're living in Khartoum then Medani is close enough to make a very relaxing weekend away.