Why visit
Khartoum sits where the Blue Nile and White Nile meet, with museums, markets, and routes toward Nubian desert heritage. Conflict has severely disrupted travel, but the city remains historically central to Sudan.
How to use this result
Use it as a capital-city prompt
Khartoum is useful when you want a city-level starting point in Sudan. Check whether the capital is the best arrival city, a practical transfer point, or mainly a geography and planning reference.
Check practical trip fit
Before planning around Khartoum, compare airport access, local transport, time zone, neighborhood choices, weather, safety guidance, and whether another city in Sudan better matches the trip style.
Khartoum at a glance
City population
2.0 million
Elevation
381 m
1,250 ft
Time zone
UTC+2
Africa/Khartoum
Airport
KRT
Khartoum International Airport
Sudan at a glance
Country center
15.0°, 30.0°
Coast
Has coastline
Country area
1,886,068 km²
728,215 mi²
Country population
48.1 million
26/km²
Subregion
Northern Africa
Currency
Sudanese pound (PT)
SDG
Dial
+249
Languages
Arabic, English
Demonym
Sudanese
Internet
.sd
UN
Member state
ISO code
SD / SDN
Where in the world
15.0° - 30.0°
Sudan
Open in Google Maps
Click the map to open in Google Maps. Outline via svg-maps/world - CC BY 4.0
Did you know
- Khartoum stands near the confluence of the Blue Nile and White Nile.
- Omdurman, across the river, is closely tied to the capital area through markets and Mahdist history.
- At al-Mogran in Khartoum the Blue and White Nile meet, and the two rivers' different colors stay visible side by side.
- Sudan has more pyramids than Egypt: over 200 Nubian pyramids at Meroë, though smaller and less famous than the Egyptian ones.
- Sudan's Nubian Desert is among the hottest places on earth, with temperatures regularly reaching 50°C.
Bordering Sudan
Traveler notes
- The Nile confluence is the city's defining geography
- Omdurman adds markets and Mahdist history across the river
- Meroë and Nubian sites are the major heritage routes beyond the capital
Plan checks
- Choose a neighborhood first: many capitals have tourist centers that are not the best places to stay.
- Public transport passes usually beat taxis and rideshares for multi-day visits.
Explore more
Facts last reviewed June 2026 against GeoNames and national statistics sources. See the editorial policy for how destination data is maintained.
Frequently asked about Khartoum
What currency is used in Khartoum?
Khartoum uses the Sudanese pound (PT), ISO code SDG.
What languages are spoken in Sudan?
The primary languages are Arabic and English.
What is the international calling code for Sudan?
The calling code is +249.
When is the best time to visit Khartoum?
Nov–Feb. Check current weather and local events before booking.
What airport serves Khartoum?
Khartoum International Airport (IATA: KRT).
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