Sudan

Under The Radar

Under The Radar

There can be no denying that the most famous pyramids in the world are Egypt’s Great Pyramids of Giza.

But did you know that on the banks of the River Nile, in the heart of the Sudanese desert sits a collection of some 200 pyramids.

The forgotten pyramids of Meroë were once the centre of the ancient Kingdom of Kush, now modern-day Sudan. Though it was founded around 750BC, Meroë was not named the Kushite capital until 590BC after the fall of Napata. Ruled by the Nubian kings, Meroë thrived along a well-formed trade route that provided resources for the region. This UNESCO World Heritage Site now stands as a reminder this ancient civilisation's history and is a place of burial for the former kings and queens of the lost nation.

Get there

Meroë is on the eastern bank of the Nile River in Northern Sudan, approximately 200 km (4 hours drive) northeast of Khartoum.

Catch a bus to Shendi and then a taxi for the remaining 47km to Meroe.

Get Informed

Visitor permits can be purchased from the National Museum in Khartoum. There are no cafés or toilets at the site so come prepared.

The area is prone to civil unrest and the threat of terrorism so check travel advisory information before heading there.

Tags: hit list, meroe, nile river, pyramids, sudan

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