Khartoum is a city shaped by water. The White Nile and the Blue Nile meet here at a point known as al-Mogran, and the metropolitan area spreads across both banks and around that confluence. Greater Khartoum is made up of three linked parts: Khartoum proper, Khartoum North (Bahri) across the Blue Nile, and Omdurman to the west across the White Nile, all joined by bridges.
For a visitor, this means your choice of base is really a choice about which bank and which part of the metropolis you want to wake up in. Khartoum proper holds the institutions, the old colonial street plan and the main commercial streets; Omdurman keeps its older, denser shape; Khartoum North is a separate urban centre in its own right. This guide covers the areas the sources identify as places to stay, what each suits, and what to expect at different budgets.
Best areas to stay in Khartoum
1. Central Khartoum (the old city centre)
This is the historic core of Khartoum proper, laid out under Anglo-Egyptian rule with a street plan in the shape of the Union Jack and buildings modelled on Victorian architecture with Middle Eastern and Mediterranean touches. It is the most practical base for a first visit: the Grand Mosque, the Gold Market and a major shopping centre sit close together here, and the area has become a multicultural hub for people from across Africa doing business in the city.
You find mid-range hotels and business-oriented accommodation here, including places on el jami Avenue. It suits first-time visitors and business travellers who want to be in the middle of things. Expect a busy commercial streetscape; one source notes that street vendors can occupy hotel parking areas, and that some buildings in this bracket are still being brought up to standard, so ask about facilities such as lifts before you book.
2. Nile Street and the confluence area
Nile Street runs west of the city centre towards the point where the Blue and White Niles meet, along the banks of the Blue Nile. This is where you find the city's larger, more established hotels, including internationally run properties and long-standing riverside addresses with pools and restaurants.
It suits travellers who want river views, hotel facilities and a calmer setting while still being within reach of the centre. The trade-off is distance: you are west of the commercial core, so plan on taxis or a car for sightseeing. This is also the stretch for the upper end of the market rather than for budget travellers.
3. Riyadh
Riyadh is described in the sources as an affluent suburb of Khartoum. It appears here because it hosts small guesthouse-style accommodation, including properties with roof terraces and included breakfast, popular with visiting aid workers and other long-stay Westerners.
It suits travellers who prefer a quieter residential base and don't mind being outside the centre, as well as those staying for longer periods on work. Rooms in this category tend to be small in number, so book ahead. Note that some rooms in this bracket share a bathroom, so confirm what you are getting.
4. The southern riverbank, east of the confluence
On the river's southern bank just east of the confluence, the sources describe a sailing club that functions as an alternative to conventional hotels. It accommodates overlanders, offers tent camping on its grounds, and is fenced and monitored. It is inexpensive and has expansive river views.
This suits budget travellers, campers and overlanders with their own transport or tents. It is not a conventional hotel stay, so treat it as a camping and overlanding option rather than a room booking. Its position on the river makes it a distinctive base if you want water views without a hotel price tag.
5. Khartoum 2
Khartoum 2 is named in the sources as the location of the city's youth hostel, on Street 47. This is the budget traveller's area in the conventional sense: dormitory beds and simple double rooms, part of an international hostel network, and described as the best option for non-camping travellers on a budget.
It suits solo travellers, students and anyone watching costs who still wants a bed in a staffed property rather than a tent. Being in a residential grid rather than the commercial core, it is quieter, and you should expect to travel to the main sights rather than walk to them.
6. Amaret
Amaret, on 41st Street, is the address given for a Lebanese-run hotel with an attached Lebanese restaurant, opened in the late 2000s and described as a welcome addition to the city's hotel stock. It sits in the mid-range to upper bracket.
It suits travellers who want a comfortable, well-run base with reliable on-site dining, and who are willing to pay more for it. Wireless internet is available for a fee. As with anywhere in the city, confirm the total price including taxes before you commit.
7. Africa Street, near Afra Mall
Africa Street, near Afra Mall, is the location of the city's internationally branded five-star property, opened in the late 2000s. This is the top of the Khartoum market, with large rooms, a pool, a gym, restaurants, a lobby bar and conference facilities.
It suits business travellers, conference attendees and anyone who wants international-standard facilities and is prepared to pay for them. It is away from the historic centre, so you will rely on taxis to reach the Nile confluence and the old city. Wifi is charged separately.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: dormitory beds and simple double rooms in a hostel, or tent camping on a fenced riverside site with basic facilities. Expect shared bathrooms in some cases and to travel to the main sights.
- Mid-range: small hotels and guesthouses, often with en-suite rooms, air conditioning, satellite television and sometimes a roof terrace or courtyard restaurant. Some are in the commercial centre, others in quieter residential suburbs.
- Splurge: large international-standard hotels with pools, gyms, multiple restaurants, bars and conference facilities, plus long-established riverside properties with extensive renovation and on-site dining.
One practical point applies at every level: a tourism tax and VAT may be added to your bill, and hotels are inconsistent about telling you in advance. Ask about hidden extras before booking.
Best area for a first visit
Central Khartoum is the best base for a first visit. It puts you in the old colonial core, within walking distance of the Grand Mosque, the Gold Market and the main shopping centre, and it is the most straightforward part of the city to orient yourself in. Choose it if you want the sights and the commercial life of the city on your doorstep rather than a resort-style stay on the river.
Frequently asked questions
Which part of Khartoum should I stay in if I want river views?
Look at Nile Street, which runs west of the city centre towards the confluence of the Blue and White Niles along the banks of the Blue Nile, and at the riverside site on the southern bank just east of the confluence. Both put the water in front of you; the first is hotel territory, the second is a camping and overlanding option.
Are there extra taxes on hotel bills in Khartoum?
Yes. A tourism tax and VAT may be added to your bill, and hotels are inconsistent about disclosing these in advance. Ask whether there are any hidden extras before you book.
Where do budget travellers stay in Khartoum?
Two options appear in the sources: the youth hostel in Khartoum 2, which offers dormitory beds and simple double rooms and is described as the best option for non-camping budget travellers, and the sailing club on the southern riverbank east of the confluence, which accommodates overlanders and allows tent camping on its grounds.
Which area is best for business travellers?
Central Khartoum, around el jami Avenue, has business-oriented hotels and is described as a multicultural hub for people from across Africa doing business in the city. Africa Street, near Afra Mall, is the alternative if you want international-standard facilities and conference space.
Compare live prices for the areas above using the booking tools on this page before you decide.