Overview
State 01 — commonly referred to simply as "01" and corresponding to the former Northern State (Ash Shamaliyah) under Sudan's administrative reorganisation — occupies the far north of Sudan along the Nile River valley. It borders Egypt to the north and Libya to the northwest, making it the northernmost state in the country.
The region is defined almost entirely by the Nile, which carves a narrow ribbon of irrigated farmland through an otherwise stark desert landscape. Date palms, small agricultural plots, and scattered villages line the riverbanks, while the surrounding terrain transitions quickly into the Nubian Desert and the Sahara.
Historically, this corridor was part of ancient Nubia and lies along one of the most storied stretches of the Nile. The state contains archaeological sites of significance — including remains associated with the medieval Christian kingdom of Makuria — though much of the area sees limited international tourism due to Sudan's complex political situation and infrastructure challenges.
The principal urban centre is Dongola (also spelled Dunqulah), a modest riverside town that serves as the administrative hub and main point of orientation for travellers in the region.
Before You Go
Visas and Entry
Sudan maintains specific entry requirements that can change with little notice given the country's ongoing political situation. Do not rely on any single source for visa information. Check TravelerPulse's Visas section and consult Sudan's official immigration authority or your nearest Sudanese embassy well in advance of travel.
Travel Advisories
As of the time of writing, many governments maintain elevated travel advisories for Sudan due to civil conflict that escalated from April 2023. The security situation varies significantly by region. Travellers should consult their own government's foreign travel advice, register with their embassy, and monitor conditions closely before and during any trip.
Health Preparation
- Consult a travel medicine clinic at least 6–8 weeks before departure.
- Malaria prophylaxis is generally recommended for Sudan; verify with a medical professional.
- Ensure routine vaccinations are up to date. Yellow fever vaccination may be required depending on your country of origin — verify requirements before travel.
- Access to medical facilities in State 01 is very limited. Carry a comprehensive first-aid kit and any prescription medications in adequate supply.
- Drinking water: treat all water or use sealed bottled water.
Practical Preparation
Cash is essential throughout Sudan, including in State 01. International banking cards are largely non-functional, and ATM access outside Khartoum is unreliable to non-existent. Bring sufficient Sudanese Pounds; verify the best method to obtain local currency through up-to-date sources before arrival.
Getting There
By Air
There is no commercial airport serving State 01 with regular scheduled flights. The nearest functional international entry point into Sudan has historically been Khartoum International Airport, though travellers should verify current operational status given ongoing conflict. From Khartoum, reaching State 01 requires onward ground travel of several hundred kilometres.
By Road
The main road northward from Khartoum follows the Nile and passes through the Sudanese heartland before reaching Dongola. Road conditions vary considerably; travel times are long and fuel availability outside major towns is not guaranteed. Shared long-distance vehicles (buses and minibuses) operate along major routes when security conditions allow, but schedules are not fixed.
By River
The Nile has historically provided a route through the region, though organised passenger ferry or boat services for travellers are extremely limited and schedules — if they exist — must be verified entirely on the ground.
Cross-Border Entry from Egypt
The Wadi Halfa border crossing, located near the northern tip of State 01, has historically connected Sudan and Egypt and is used by some travellers, often in conjunction with a Nile ferry service between Aswan and Wadi Halfa. Verify current operational status and border conditions before planning this route.
Getting Around
Movement within State 01 is primarily by road. Shared minibuses and pick-up trucks serve routes between Dongola and smaller towns and villages, departing when full rather than on fixed schedules. Private vehicle hire with a local driver is generally the most flexible option for reaching sites away from main roads.
Many archaeological and natural sites in the region require a degree of self-sufficiency. Off-road travel to desert sites should not be attempted without a knowledgeable local guide, GPS, extra fuel, and adequate water supplies. There are no rental car companies operating with the infrastructure travellers may expect in other destinations.
Boat crossings across the Nile are available at several points along the river using small ferries or traditional wooden boats, connecting villages on opposite banks. Confirm safety and availability locally.
Things to See & Do
Old Dongola
Old Dongola (distinct from the modern town) is an archaeological site located further south along the Nile and contains ruins of a once-significant capital of the medieval Nubian Christian kingdom of Makuria. Mud-brick churches and palace structures are partially preserved. Access and site conditions should be verified locally, and a guide familiar with the area is strongly recommended.
The Nubian Desert and Nile Valley Landscape
The dramatic contrast between the green Nile floodplain and the surrounding desert is one of the region's most striking features. Travellers with an interest in landscape and photography will find the interplay of desert, river, and date-palm groves visually compelling, particularly in the early morning and late afternoon.
Karima and Jebel Barkal (nearby reference)
While technically in an adjoining area, the town of Karima and the UNESCO-listed site of Jebel Barkal — a sacred mountain flanked by ancient pyramids and temples associated with the Kingdom of Kush — are among the most significant archaeological sites in northern Sudan and are frequently accessed by travellers using Dongola as a base or en route. Confirm current access conditions.
Nile Riverbank Villages
Simply travelling slowly along the Nile and stopping in small agricultural villages gives insight into a way of life that has remained largely unchanged for generations. Hospitality is a deeply held value in northern Sudanese culture, and interaction with local communities — approached respectfully — is often cited by travellers as one of the most meaningful aspects of time in this region.
Food & Drink
Food in State 01 is simple, locally produced, and reflects northern Sudanese culinary traditions. Expect basic but filling meals centred on staple ingredients.
- Ful medames: slow-cooked fava beans, a staple breakfast across Sudan, typically served with flatbread.
- Asida: a stiff porridge made from sorghum or millet, often served with a meat or vegetable stew (mulah).
- Grilled meats: lamb and goat are common where available.
- Dates: the region's date palms produce dates that are consumed fresh, dried, and in various preparations; they make an excellent, energy-dense snack for travel.
- Tea and coffee: Sudanese tea (shai) is often spiced with cinnamon and ginger. Jabana — a traditional Sudanese coffee ceremony using lightly roasted beans with ginger — is an important social ritual worth accepting if offered.
Alcohol is prohibited under Sudanese law. All beverages are non-alcoholic. Restaurants in Dongola are basic; in smaller villages, food is largely whatever a household or small roadside vendor can prepare. Carry adequate provisions, particularly water and high-energy snacks, when travelling away from Dongola.
Practical Information
Communication
Mobile phone coverage exists in Dongola and along some main roads but is absent in remote areas. Internet access is limited and slow where available. Purchase a local SIM card if possible — verify which networks operate in northern Sudan with vendors upon arrival.
Electricity
Sudan uses Type C and Type D plugs; the standard voltage is 230V. Power cuts are common throughout the country, including in State 01. A power bank is a practical necessity.
Emergency Contacts
Do not rely on a specific emergency number without verifying it upon arrival. Register with your embassy before travel and carry contact details for your country's nearest diplomatic mission in Sudan.
Photography
Photographing government buildings, military installations, bridges, and infrastructure is prohibited and has resulted in detention of travellers in Sudan. Always ask permission before photographing people. Exercise caution and err on the side of restraint.
Dress and Conduct
Sudan is a conservative Muslim-majority country. Both men and women should dress modestly — shoulders and knees covered as a minimum. Women may find a headscarf useful in more traditional settings, particularly in villages. Public displays of affection are not appropriate.
Safety
Sudan has been experiencing severe armed conflict since April 2023, primarily between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces. While State 01 in the far north has been less directly affected than Khartoum, Darfur, and Kordofan, the broader instability affects infrastructure, services, and the ability to respond to emergencies across the whole country.
Travellers considering a visit to State 01 should:
- Check their government's official travel advisory immediately before booking and again before departure.
- Register with their embassy or consulate.
- Have a clear emergency plan and reliable means of communication.
- Avoid travel at night between towns.
- Be aware that the situation can change rapidly and that evacuation options may be limited.
Crime targeting travellers has historically been low in northern Sudan, where traditional hospitality norms are strong. However, the humanitarian and security crisis has altered conditions in ways that are difficult to predict from outside the country. Exercise heightened caution at all times.
Local Culture & Etiquette
State 01 sits within a culturally Nubian and northern Sudanese context. The population is predominantly Arab and Nubian, with Islam practised widely and integrated into daily life. Friday is the day of congregational prayer; expect reduced activity and some business closures on Friday mornings.
Hospitality is a core social value. Accepting tea, coffee, or a meal when offered is generally appreciated and refusing without explanation can be perceived as impolite. Visitors who take time to greet people properly and show genuine curiosity about local life are typically received very warmly.
Nubian culture — with its distinct music, craft traditions, and oral history — has deep roots in this part of the Nile Valley. Awareness of the region's ancient history and Nubian identity, separate from and predating Arab influence, is appreciated by local communities who take considerable pride in this heritage.
Ramadan significantly affects daily rhythms if you travel during this period: meals shift to early morning and after sunset, businesses alter hours, and the social atmosphere changes considerably. Plan food, water, and travel logistics accordingly, and be discreet about eating or drinking in public during daylight hours.