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Wadi Halfa

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Earth : Africa : Sahel : Sudan : Wadi Halfa
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Wadi Halfa is a town on the shores of Lake Nasser in the north of Sudan, and marks the point of entry into Sudan for those coming in from Egypt. It is surrounded by the dunes of the Nubian Desert, the eastern edge of the Sahara Desert, and has a population of around 15,000.


Historically, Wadi Halfa was Nubia's most important trading point, being the gateway between Egypt and Sudan. Today the city's buildings are immaculate, surrounded by the golden dunes of the Nubian Desert. It is the stereotypical border town, small and full of paperwork, hassle, and dirt.



Get in[edit]

As of now there are no regular flights to the small Wadi Halfa Airport (IATA: WHF), however Sudan Airways [1] have services from time to time.

As the road crossing from Egypt periodically closes, and has no public transport even when open, most people enter by the weekly ferry from Aswan. The ferry docks at the Customs and Immigration terminal five kilometres outside city centre. A sand track leads from the terminal to town, and several vehicles wait at the terminal, touting for business. It is also possible to walk or take a bicycle into town.

There are boxes (Toyota Hiluxes) and a fast A/C bus making the journey from Khartoum, travel time is around ten hours.

Additionally, the much-used weekly over-night train from Khartoum has been suspended due to track work and it's unclear when services will resume.

Get around[edit]


Do[edit][add listing]




Buy[edit][add listing]


Eat[edit][add listing]

Almost all the eateries are based around the main square and most offer a choice of "fuul" (beans) with bread or fried Nile perch with bread. Many of the restaurants and shops only open for the two days after the ferry arrives.

Drink[edit][add listing]


Sleep[edit][add listing]


  • Nile Hotel, (Located opposite the bus parking lot). Offers the same basic service as the others hotels in town. Visited by Michael Palin back in 1991 during his Pole to Pole journey.  edit

Get out[edit]





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