Omdurman, Sudan

With a population of over 2.8 million, Omdurman is Sudan's second-largest city and a major transportation hub. However, don't be fooled - this desert metropolis is not for the faint of heart. Temperatures routinely exceed 40°C, making the brutal climate a persistent headache for residents. And the city's tumultuous history has left its mark, with the British army's decisive defeat of the Mahdist forces in 1898 still echoing through the streets.

Yet, Omdurman's strategic location at the confluence of the Blue and White Nile rivers offers unparalleled transportation links, connecting it to the far corners of this vast country. For seasoned travelers unfazed by bureaucratic hurdles and extreme heat, Omdurman could be a gateway to Sudan's rich cultural heritage. But for the average expat, this gritty, pragmatic city is likely best avoided.