Planning to go self-drive tour in Sudan soon? Do you know some of the dos and don’ts you should follow while driving in Sudan? Driving in Sudan like any other state requires you to be observant as there are many rules and regulations you have to follow. Firstly, solo travelers on self-drive in Sudan are required to have a valid driver’s license and this should be valid about 90 days.
Driving in Sudan is done on the right side of the road. Note, most cars in Sudan have their steering on the left and please driving at night dangerous. Prior making any plans to visit Sudan, make sure you check on the government’s website for current travel advise since most parts in this country are categorized ‘Don’t Go for instance Darfur states, South Kordofan, Abyei area, Southern region of West Kordofan, Blue Nile States and many parts especially the country’s border areas.
The state of roads in the whole of Sudan isn’t up-to-date. While driving, higher chances are you will bump into animals along the roadside, pedestrians and some drive poorly. Note, only main highways and some parts of the cities’ main routes paved then the rest are still need up-grade.
Out of the over 12000kms of Sudan’s roads, about 3rd of them are paved. On the other hand, most drivers don’t observe the road rules and regulations which requires you to drive keenly and defensively. If you it is okay driving at night back in your home country, in Sudan, this is not safe and make sure you try to avoid it as much as you can. Car jacking is one common thing in some areas in Sudan.
As you head to Northern and Western Sudan, you will encounter sand storms also famously called haboobs which may reduce your visibility while driving. In the Southern side of the country, the routes aren’t easy to drive through especially when it is wet season which occurs from March to October.
Driving under the influence of alcohol may cost you as you will be penalized; jail sentenced or even face corporal punishment. Essentially, make sure you drive during daytime and use the main roads as much as you can.
The minimum age for persons driving in Sudan is 18+. While on road, the drive speed limit is 130kms per hr on motorways; 110kms per hr along highways and 50kms per hr in built up places then 90kms outside built up places.
