Abri

Abri is a Nubian town on the Nile between the Second and Third Cataracts, a place of mud-brick and painted houses among date palms with the river on one side and desert immediately on the other. Nubian houses in this stretch are known for their decorated doorways and courtyards, painted in bright patterns. The town is the practical base for the archaeological sites along this reach of the river. The stretch of river here is broken by rapids at both ends, which historically made it a section that boats could not pass and that people had to walk around.

What you actually see

• The Nubian houses - the painted doorways and courtyards the region is known for.
• The palm groves - the date cultivation along the riverbank.
• The desert edge - sand beginning immediately behind the cultivated strip.
• The base position - the practical stop for the sites along this reach.

When to go

November to February is the cool season. March to May is extremely hot. The Nile is highest after the summer rains far upstream.

Honest expectations

Facilities are basic and accommodation is limited. Photography of houses and people needs asking. Travel in Sudan requires arrangements made well in advance.

Nearby

Sai Island is south, and Sedeinga is beyond it.