Housing

Generally, suitable accommodation in Khartoum can be arranged through real estate agents (who demand half a month to one month's rent for their services). While looking for a house it is possible to stay in one of the several hotels located in Khartoum (see Khartoum Directory).

New expatriates should be prepared to spend several weeks to find suitable accommodation. Most of the expatriate communities reside in the residential areas of Amarat, (New Extension), Riyadh, Khartoum 2, Garden City, Manshia and Kafouri. All of these areas are south of the river in Khartoum.

Most houses in the capital city of Khartoum are of bungalow type with three bedrooms, dining room, kitchen and two bathrooms. Some have servant quarters and garage facilities. Apartments are popular with expatriates, as many are newly built, and have either two or three bedrooms. Accommodation can be rented unfurnished or fully furnished. Some renovation is often required due to many of the houses/apartments remaining vacant for long periods of time. Reasonable quality furniture is available on the local market; however it is advised to bring linen.

Air coolers and air conditioners are requisite particularly during the summer months. They, as with all electrical equipment, will require regular servicing due to the dust-laden environment and occasional dust storms (during which the sealing of windows with tape is recommended). Also essential is a power generator due to the regular power cuts, which occur almost daily during the summer months. Voltage stabilisers are also recommended to reduce wide voltage fluctuations and avoid damage to electronic equipment and household appliances. It is strongly recommended that tenants ensure that all of these appliances are installed and working prior to the signing of the lease.

The monthly rent of a two or three bedroom furnished apartment ranges between US$1,500 and US$2,500. The rent for a house with a garden ranges between US$3,000 and US$4,000 and for a house with swimming pool at least US$5,000; these prices are not fixed and vary according to the location, the house condition and the furniture. An advance of six months to one-year rent is often demanded, however, this can be often negotiated.

Electricity

Voltage in Khartoum is 220V AC 50 cycle, but the supply is extremely irregular. Power fluctuates in two directions: up and down.

When electrical power goes down, it can merely dip slightly or, more common, go out suddenly and completely. Protection against outages is provided by an UPS (Uninterrupted Power Supply) which are available commercially.

When electrical power goes up (spikes or surges), the UPS does not provide protection. In such a case, a surge protection is needed. Once again, these are available commercially. No particular make or model is recommended, but the more expensive ones have the protection that is needed here since surges are more extreme than is usual in the West.

Residences are supplied with three step-down transformers. If this number is not sufficient for your appliances, employees are expected to purchase additional transformers. It is best to purchase such items outside of Khartoum because quality and availability of these items is spotty.

Water

The water system in Khartoum is provided by the Nile and a number of wells. Each house uses water pumps to fill its tanks. It is advisable to add an extra filtration system to the drinking and cooking water. Two good and available water filtration system are Berkfeld and Doultan (18,000 SDD and 25,000 SDD resp.), which are both 99.99% effective at eradicating bacteria (including Guardia) sediment and odour.

Water and Sewage

For these services you pay a monthly fee which varies depending on the district in which you live. The fees are:

4,000 SDD and up for 1^st class areas
2,000 SDD for 2^nd class areas
1,000 SDD for 3^rd class areas

Refuse Collection

Household refuse is collected from each street daily or weekly (depending on the area). Though the times and days of collection vary, the truck’s arrival is announced by a whistle. The fees are

1,500 SDD for 1^st class areas
1,000 SDD for 2^nd class areas
500 SDD for 3^rd class areas