Sudan, Home to the Vast Sahara Desert. Surprisingly Rich in Fruits! 4 Recommended Souvenirs from Sudan
Sudan is located in North Africa, with Khartoum as its capital. It shares borders with Egypt, Libya, and Chad, and its eastern side faces the Red Sea. Holding the third-largest land area on the African continent, Sudan is home to UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as the Archaeological Sites of the Island of Meroe and the Gebel Barkal and the Sites of the Napatan Region.
Although Sudan is often said to have few tourist spots, travelers can enjoy unique experiences such as camel rides to visit the country’s pyramids and ruins during a World Heritage tour. While vegetables are scarce, Sudan is surprisingly rich in fruits—mangoes alone are said to have around 30 varieties cultivated here. Visitors can enjoy Sudanese cuisine and culture for the first time, and, of course, shopping for unique souvenirs. Here are four recommended specialty products from Sudan.
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Sudan, Home to the Vast Sahara Desert. Surprisingly Rich in Fruits! 4 Recommended Souvenirs from Sudan
① Hibiscus Tea
Sudan is a country where alcohol is prohibited. Because of this, people in Sudan drink tea many times a day. Among the most beloved is hibiscus tea. Made by harvesting hibiscus flowers, drying them, and then slowly boiling them into a tea, its taste is slightly sour, though sugar or milk can be added according to preference. With its vivid red color and refreshing aroma, hibiscus tea is said to be very delicious.
In Sudanese towns, it is common to see people sitting along the roadside enjoying tea. Hibiscus tea makes a great souvenir from Sudan. In the summer, you might also enjoy it iced for a refreshing treat.
② Dates
A staple souvenir from Sudan is dates from the date palm tree, a type of evergreen palm. The fruit it produces is called a date and is somewhat similar to dried persimmons in texture. Tourists often praise them as sweet and tasty.
Dates are high in calories and considered a valuable food source, often served daily alongside dairy products as a staple. The fruits are dried using Sudan’s traditional methods, though the color and texture may vary depending on the region of production. Before buying dates as souvenirs, it’s a good idea to try a sample first. They are available in many varieties and packaged forms.
③ Sesame Oil
Sudan has vast sesame fields stretching to the horizon, and it is said to be the birthplace of sesame. Globally, sesame production is divided into three regions: the African continent, India to China, and South to Central America. In Sudan, sesame is mainly produced for sesame oil, which is known for its rich aroma and is used in cooking as well as in beauty treatments.
Sesame oil is considered highly nutritious, with benefits such as anti-aging effects, cancer prevention, and being rich in minerals and vitamins. While you can’t usually test the aroma when buying sesame oil from souvenir shops, local markets may allow you to smell it before purchase—helping you choose your favorite as a gift.
④ Sudanese Cotton Textiles
Cotton is cultivated in Sudan, and cotton fabrics have been made since ancient times using traditional techniques. Today, mechanization has increased, leading to a decline in handmade products. For villagers who rely on cotton weaving for income, this is a challenging situation. Still, many continue to weave diligently by hand every day.
Handmade textiles have excellent quality, with careful attention to detail, resulting in luxurious and beautiful fabrics. When visiting Sudan, a heartfelt cotton textile makes for a wonderful souvenir.
Summary
How was that? Sudan's tourist season said to run from March to October. Summers, however, can be extremely hot with temperatures exceeding 43°C, little rain, and occasional sandstorms. Experiencing the vast desert is one of the joys of traveling in Africa. Once you’ve fully enjoyed the Sahara, be sure to take home some of Sudan’s specialty souvenirs.
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