Nubian Rest House
Nubian Rest House is a boutique hotel located in Karima at the foot of Jebel Barkal, the holy mountain that was known as Napata in ancient times.
Set within a walled garden in the market town of Karima, Nubian Rest House has just ten rooms housed in a Nubian-style building adorned with arches and domes. All of the rooms have individually designed Nubian doors, en-suite bathrooms, and verandas opening up to a garden. There is also a restaurant at the hotel and the terrace has spectacular views of nearby Jebel Barkal.
Karima itself is a small market town on the west bank of the Nile, which sits on the ancient site of Napata, dating back to 1075 BC. During the XXV Black Pharaohs Dynasty it ruled over Lower and Upper Egypt, and many of the archaeological sites are remains of the ancient town's rich history.
Why We Love It
Run by an Italian, Nubian Rest House combines Italian charm with Sudanese history.
Meroe Safari Camp
Located in Bagarwyia - some 140 miles north of Khartoum - the Meroe Safari Camp overlooks the Royal Necropolis and its many pyramids.
The tented camp is comprised of 22 tents, each with its own private bathroom and veranda, the perfect place to take in the vast expanse of the empty desert surroundings. There is also an indoor restaurant with a large paved area for outdoor dining, and a veranda on top of the restaurant - we recommend grabbing a pew to watch the sunset over the pyramids, truly a sight to behold.
Meroe itself is steeped in history, and was the southern capital of the Kushite Kingdom. It also became known for the role of Queens - otherwise known as 'Candaces' - who were thought to be as strong as their husbands, as is apparent in inscriptions found in the temples.
Why We Love It
Clamber onto the restaurant roof to watch the sun set over the pyramids.