"Elephant Trunk" a Khartoum Travel Page by sebblit7

Al Hartum, meaning Elephant Trunk has recently been the centre of world attention over a number of issues
*being declared by the US as an 'axis of evil' a place where Usama Bin Laden once lived, and ran a leather tannery.
*The Long running North/South civil war, which has now been replaced by a peace process
*The genocide in Darfur
*And lately trouble with 'rebels' near port Sudan

Since Khartoum is the seat of government, foreign journalists wishing to cover any story in Sudan, the largest country in Africa, will need to pass through here in order to get accredited.

Visa Required? Yes
Health Certificate? Yellowfever and Cholera. I have also seen mention of requiring an HIV status certificate as well as an Ebola certificate, although I have never been asked to produce either of these certificates.
Disease? Malaria, Typhoid, Hepatitus A + B, Rabies, Meningococcus (during dry season Nov to June)
Anything to pay on arrival? No, unless by special arrangement you are collecting your visa on arrival.
On departure? US$20 airport tax On my last exit I was stopped at customs control and told that I would need to pay SD7000 'administration fees' because I had not visited Sudan before. I explained that this was my 5th visit to Sudan and that my passport was a new issue, therefore could not provide proof that I had visited before. After a bit of shouting they let me go without paying. I later realised that I was, in fact, at fault because I had not visited immigration within 3 days of entry as written by the control officer when I entered.
Letter to customs for TV equipment? Yes, send to Sumia (see contacts)
Press accreditation? Yes speak to Sumia
Hotels? Yes see under hotels.
Internet facilities? Yes DSL broadband at many internet cafe's and most hotel business centres. If you're staying at either Khartoum Plaza or Le Meridien, take note of the internet cafe in between the two buildings. It costs half of what the hotels charge.
Cellphones? Yes, roaming with SA MTN and Mobinil, perhaps others.
Car Hire? Yes see transportation 5M Car Hire. Mr. Mickey Tarag is an incredibly helpful and resourceful guy who is well connected in Khartoum (politically and commercially) He is always willing to help with contacts, etc, with a smile.
Airport transfers? Yes offered by most hotels or contact 5M
Feed Facility in Khartoum? Yes contact Achmed (IHA) or Sudan TV with Arabsat
Electricity? 240v 50h two pin round and 3 pin round.
Weather conditions. Dry with minimal rain Jul to sep

Ms. Sumia Elhadi Ahmed
(Dept. Director - External Information Council)
Cell: +249 912 366 630
Tel: +249 183 785 358
Fax: +249 183 771 787

Mrs. Radhia Achouri (UN Spokesperson -UNMIS)
Cell: +249 912 392 270
Tel: +249 187 086 029

Mr. Noureddine Mezni (AU Spokesperson - AMIS)
Cel: +249 912 174 276
Tel: +249 183 582 207/9
Fax: +249 183 582 206

Ahmed (IHA - Ihlas Haber Ajansi)
+249 918 248 554

Sudan TV
Mr. Kamaal +249 912 347 300
http://www.sudantv.tv/eng/

Arabsat - http://www.arabsat.com/

Mr. Mickey Tarag (5M Car Hire)
Cell: +249 912 301 407
Tel: +249 183 462 962
Fax: +249 183 462 130

Domestic Cargo Transportation
Mr. Sadig (Marsland Aviation)
Cell: +249 912 340 789

See under hotels for their contacts