Sudan

[Andy Phillips]

Hi,

OK, a confession, I'm 40 next year, sob, sob. I was planning a dive spectacular, Truk Lagoon and Bikini Atol. Tragically this has got to be shelved due to the fact I am buying a new house. Yes even I have to occaisionally bow to the inevitable.

So, I started thinking "what can I do for around £1,000.00, that will be truley spectacular".

I have done a fair amount of checking about, I know for certain it will be a live-aboard, the idea being to dive my socks off.

The Sudan seems to be a superb option, it is relativly un-dived location at the moment, apparently, the odds on NOT seeing some seriously large fish are small. Theres Jaques's Conshelf thing, great wrecks, huge drop-offs, infact it's got the lot.

BUT, a week long trip costs about £1,300.00. A bit much, however, I contacted Diving World, it would be possible to get a huge discount if I can fill the boat but I would need to commit before the end of October. There is a choice of boats, the two I would most like to get are MY Sea Serpent, a truley fantastic boat, and MY Miss Noran, smaller but equally fantastic.

I need a minimum of 16 people, if we book the boat we can get the trip for less than £800.00.

Is anyone out there interested in a hugely discounted, awsome trip to dive Sudan.

Andrew

[Robert]

When are you thinking of going and flying to where? - I'd probably be interested and might be able to persuade my better half too.
I would also try to get the Sea Serpent as I've seen the Miss Nouran and it does look pretty small.
Rgds

Robert
(P.S. 8 days 'til Singapore and a liveaboard to do the Prince of Wales and the Repulse - Yippee! That's just over £1,000, I'll post a trip report when I get back.)

[Fiona]

<font color='#0000FF'>Andy

I looked at the Sudan for this year and it still seemed a bit of a logistical nightmare to get to. &nbsp;Flights via Luxor and so on, how many days diving would going for a week be and when are you thinking of going, apart from that could be interested as at the moment contemplating doing the southern redsea on Coral Queen.

Fiona

[Mark Chase]

I hapen to know we are talking April next year 2004.

And yes I will also be 40 next year so I am a dfinate for a slot

ATB

Mark Chase

[Mr T.]

Hi Andy,

40 eh? Well you know what they say - life begins....etc.

Don't mean to tap-tackle this Sudan gig, but for the money mate you could go on a very large South African (Sodwana Bay, Protea Banks &amp; Aliwal Shoal) and Mozambique (Ponto De Oro) gig and have serious change in your pocket to boot!

Splendid wrecks (the 'Nebo' and the 'Produce') off Aliwal Shoal, along with 'Raggie Cave' and 'The Cathedral', both stunning Raggie Shark nursery caves - the sharks come to within a foot of your face and are devine to swim with. Then you've got Protea Banks, scene of my 120+ Hammerhead Shark pictures! Saw a whole mess of things I'd never seen before like a whole family of Ribbon-tail Rays, Zambezi (Bull) Sharks, Bronze Whaler Sharks and an Ocreanic White!! Sodawana Bay has a whole raft of different reefs and life, we (very much by accident!) drove over a baby Whale Shark in out RIB as &nbsp;we were hacking out through the breakers to '9 Mile Reef'. You've also got (spelt phonetically) Schluschluwe National Park a hop-skip-n-jump from Sodwana Bay, along with False Bay and Richards Bay, so you can take in everything from Rhino's to Lions, crocs, in fact the full monty. Nature, red in tooth and claw and all the better for it.

South Africa is dirt, and I mean dirt cheap to live in whilst you're there too. Food and drink (all of the highest and fresh - e.g. stakes, fish and veg - &nbsp;calibre) are commically cheap (i.e. a 3-course sit-down nose-bag for two, including top class wine cost you about £12 all in!).

That said, Mozambique is even cheaper and you can get (as I know you to be something of an accomplished underwater photographer!) whole squadrons of Whale Sharks migrating up the coast. The reefs are pretty much virgin and you'll get a number of different species (as you done the Red Sea how many times?) from your usual jaunts.

Can't comment on the Sudan, not yet been, but I can recommend the above suggestion in grand fashion! Something to ponder wnay way. Happy bidet in advance.

Cheers,

[abucksdiver]

<font color='#000080'>Mark, Andy,
Don't worry, you are not the only ones to hit 40 next year....

&nbsp; &nbsp;


&lt;must go an oil my zimmer frame now....&gt;

abucks

[Andy Phillips]

Hi Bren,

South Africa and Mozambique are already planned for the end of 2004, my m8 is getting married out there which because they are stupid rich will be the party to end all parties. If I have to be there then I will just have to dive. Do the Surfari bit etc

I spent quite a bit of time looking around for where to go. I didn't want to spend a week on a plane and I have already done the Southern Egypt bit. I just keep hearing these fantastic stories about Sudan.

You can fly directly there, but, in discussions with Diving World the best bet might be to fly into Marsa Allam as there are still some issues getting in and out of the airport in Sudan, some of these details are yet to be ironed out. I do know I will not be doing that bus ride from Hurgarda again (ouch).

Andrew

[Mr T.]

Hey Andy,

Have a swatch at this mate. Emperor Divers (I've used them twice and they're very good, and they've got dive centres all over the Northern and Southern Red Sea) have got a centre at the Hilton on Port Sudan! They might even be best placed to advise/recommend a liveaboard for ya too!

http://www.emperordivers.com/sudan_center.html

http://www.sudan.net/tourism/hotels/port_hilton.html

Hope that helps mate.

[peter k]

I've been keeping half an eye on the Sudan due to recieving Janes Security and Terrorism briefs. I would keep watching what the FCO are saying. This is the latest;

Still Current at: 18 September 2003  
Updated: 22 May 2003
 
SUDAN  

SUMMARY
The vast majority of visits to Khartoum are trouble-free. We advise against all travel to southern Sudan, except for those engaged in essential relief work. On 25 April 2003, there was an escalation in the fighting in Darfur. Anti-Government rebels of the Sudanese Liberation Movement (S.L.M) attacked the airport at Al-Fashir and held it for a number of hours. Fifty two government soldiers and rebels were killed and a number of aircraft were destroyed. There has been fighting in Western Upper Nile (Unity State) and the military situation in the Eritrean border/Kassala area remains tense and uncertain. We advice against travel to these three areas.


SAFETY AND SECURITY

Terrorism
We believe Sudan is one of a number of countries where there is an increased threat to visibly British institutions and organisations from global terrorism

Political Situation
Khartoum has returned to normal since the last (peaceful) pro-Iraq demonstration on 9 April. Earlier there had been a number of demonstrations near the U.S. Embassy. Some of these had resulted in stone throwing and violence and had been dispersed by police using tear gas. At least one demonstrator was shot dead and cars were burned.The security situation in southern Sudan remains unstable due to the continuing civil war. On 17 October 2002, the Government of Sudan and the Sudan People&amp;#8217;s Liberation Movement/Army agreed a Memorandum of Understanding on a cessation of hostilities for the duration of the peace talks. By and large this is being respected. Although there have been reports of fighting in Western Upper Nile (Unity State). Some government-controlled towns can be visited by scheduled flights. You should consult the British Embassy in Khartoum, immediately before travelling to these areas. The fighting in the western province of Darfur has recently escalated. Members of the Sudanese Liberation Movement (previously the Darfur Liberation Movement) attacked the airport at Al Fashir and fifty two soldiers and rebels were killed and many injured. The city of Nyala, in south Darfur is under curfew from 22:00 hours to 06:00 hours to help prevent similar attacks there. Banditry and tribal clashes continue around the Jebel Marra in Darfur. You are strongly recommended not travel to these areas. Only those engaged in essential relief work should visit rural areas of south and west Sudan. The Nuba Mountains Agreement has resulted in a ceasefire in the region, allowing some international personnel to enter the area. The ceasefire now extended until July 2003 continues to hold. We recommend that you do not visit the Nuba Mountains unless engaged in official monitoring or essential relief work. Unofficial visitors to the Nuba Mountains area have been arrested and held in detention. The situation on the Eritrean border /Kassala area remains tense. This area is currently high risk and should be avoided.

Crime
Although the incidence of street crime in Khartoum and major cities is low, you should exercise caution, particularly late at night. You should keep a low profile and avoid demonstrations. We have received recent reports from travellers of individuals who have attempted to use personal information to extort money from relatives. You should be careful to keep your personal information secure.

Local Travel
The Wadi Halfa border crossing between Egypt and Sudan is open. You should not attempt to cross any other land borders, whether or not at official crossing points. There is also a risk from landmines. You can obtain local driving licences from the police. Women as well as men are permitted to drive. You are more at risk of involvement in traffic accidents when using public transport (taxis and buses) as many vehicles are unsafe. It is unlikely you will be subjected to a personal attack on public transport. Desert travel within Sudan should be attempted only if you are fully equipped and experienced. Permits, obtained locally, are required for all travel outside Khartoum. Although international flights conform to international safety standards, you should be aware that the same assurances cannot be made for internal flights operated by national airlines.[highlight] There have been attacks of piracy and armed robbery against ships in and around Sudanese waters (13 cases in 2000, 5 in 2001). Mariners are advised to take appropriate precautions.

Road Travel
The driving conditions and standards in Sudan are below those in the UK and other European countries. Only major roads are metalled. Residential areas usually have unsurfaced roads. At night, there is generally no street lighting and many vehicles have no lights. Roads are used by pedestrians, donkey-carts, rickshaws, horses, camels as well as motor vehicles. When driving you should ensure your car windows are closed and doors locked. Although drivers need a licence and insurance, many do not have these. Many international companies and organisations do not permit their international staff to drive due to safety concerns. These organisations usually provide transport for their staff. You should ensure that you get a local driver&amp;#8217;s licence and adequate insurance, preferably including a premium for &quot;blood money&quot; in case of involvement in an accident involving a third party. Outside Khartoum, some major routes between towns have good roads. Off the beaten track, roads may consist of a rough track and in many areas, not even that. Any journeys not following a major route or road should include a local guide with experience of the area. Many areas south of Khartoum become inaccessible by road during the rainy season from July to October. The wadis (dry river beds) are subject to flash floods and many are not passable during the rains unless travelling on a major road.

Credit Cards
Until further notice, credits cards (Barclaycard, Visa, Mastercard and JCB (Japanese credit cards) that originate in Sudan) cannot be accepted in the main hotels in Sudan.


LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS
Sudan operates Islamic Sharia Law. Alcohol is not permitted. The use of mobile phones whilst driving is prohibited. Non-Muslim women are not expected to wear a veil or cover their heads, but you should dress modestly and respect local customs and sensitivities.


ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
British nationals should obtain a visa before travelling to Sudan. Please contact the Sudanese Embassy in London. Embassy of the Republic of The Sudan, 3 Cleveland Row, St James&amp;#8217;, London, SW1A 1DD; tel: 0207 839 8080; fax: 0207 839 7560; Website: The Sudanese Embassy in London
If you do not hold diplomatic passport you are required to register with the Aliens Department within three days of your arrival in the country. (1 passport size photo is needed and the fee is SD 4,400). Once registered, you are not required to obtain an exit visa to leave the country. British nationals are required to pay US$20 per person airport tax.

HEALTH
Many diseases are present in Sudan for which vaccinations are recommended. Malaria is common. AIDS is believed to be a growing problem. Medical facilities are not comparable to Western standards. You should seek medical advice from your GP before travelling to Sudan, and make sure you have adequate comprehensive medical insurance.

There have been reports that there is an outbreak of meningitis in South Kordofan State. We advise that you be immunised against meningitis if you plan to visit the area, taking into account that outbreaks of meningitis are also recurrent elsewhere in the Sudan.

NATURAL DISASTERS
Sudan suffers from both drought and flash flooding: you are unlikely to be directly affected by either. However if you are planning to travel overland to remote areas, flooding can make areas inaccessible by road.

GENERAL
We strongly recommend that you take out adequate comprehensive medical and travel insurance before visiting Sudan.

You should contact the British Embassy on arrival in Khartoum and keep in touch throughout your stay.


[PETER] I bet Emperor divers don't tell you half of that. I'm purely just pointing it out.

Peter

[Fiona]

<font color='#0000FF'>Andy

I thought I had read something about Sea Serpent somehwere I have just looked at Tony Backhurst's website WWW.scuba.co.uk and Sea Serpent is doing the RedSea next year. &nbsp;I think he books them exclusively. &nbsp;Could be wrong.

Fiona