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Location: Northern Sudan, 230km north of capital Khartoum.

Getting there: There are no direct flights from the UK to Khartoum. Turkish Airlines flies to Khartoum via Istanbul, Egyptair flies via Cairo.

Getting around: It’s possible to catch a bus from Khartoum to Meroe via Shendi. But we recommend using a good tour operator and guide, and visiting other historic sites. ITC Sudan (italtoursudan.com) is an Italian-owned company specialising in cultural tours, used by incoming companies and independent travellers. Entrance to Meroe costs US$20.

When to go: October to April, when temperatures are bearable.

Accommodation: Meroe Camp, owned by ITC (details above), overlooks the pyramids – stay here to easily access Meroe in the morning, when it’s coolest, and to see the sun set over the site. Accommodation is currently in simple, comfortable tents but new thatched stone bungalows are being built to replace them. Food is a good mix of Italian and Sudanese dishes.

Further information: Sudan

(Bradt Travel Guides)

Wall-to-wall history Relief from the interior of the funerary chapel of a Meroitic queen – most likely Queen Shanakdakhete (2nd century BC), the first of Meroe’s ruling queens