Atbara (عطبرة)

Atbara was the place where the first battle between the Mahdists and the British took place, after General Gordon was defeated by the Mahdi. The city is sometimes referred to as ʿAṭbarah. There is a lively camel and crafts market in Atbara and the town is a heaven for railway freaks, as steam locomotives that were discarded during the rule of Nimeiry are scattered all over the place. The town is also close to the Nile's Fifth Cataract.

There are several hotels and restaurants in Atbara. The city has rail and road connections with Khartoum and Egypt. Atbara is 285 km northeast of Khartoum.