The world’s youngest country, South Sudan gained independence from Sudan in 2011 after decades of conflict. Dominated by vast wetlands, savannahs, and the great Sudd swamp, South Sudan is home to a rich mosaic of ethnic groups and traditional cultures. Though still emerging from years of unrest, it offers adventurous travelers raw landscapes, vibrant tribal heritage, and rare wildlife migrations little seen elsewhere in Africa.
What is it?: South Sudan is a landlocked country in northeastern Africa, known for its vast landscapes, cultural diversity, and natural beauty. The country gained independence from Sudan in 2011, making it the newest country in Africa. It is home to diverse ethnic groups, including the Dinka, Nuer, and Shilluk, and offers an abundance of natural resources, including the White Nile River and sprawling wetlands. Despite its challenges, South Sudan offers a unique opportunity to explore uncharted regions of Africa.
Affordability: South Sudan is generally an affordable destination for travelers, though costs can vary greatly depending on the region and the type of travel experience. Local food, transportation, and accommodations are affordable, but international flights and trips to remote locations can be expensive due to the country’s underdeveloped infrastructure and security concerns. Travelers should plan for higher expenses, especially for transportation and guided tours in less accessible areas.
Safety: South Sudan is currently a high-risk destination due to ongoing conflict, civil unrest, and instability. While major cities like Juba are generally safer, many areas of the country are considered dangerous due to active conflicts and banditry. The U.S. Department of State and other international organizations strongly advise against all non-essential travel to South Sudan. Visitors should stay updated on security information and follow any travel advisories.
ALL travel to South Sudan is STRONGLY discouraged due to escalating armed conflict, political instability, and widespread violence. Nationals of all countries are strongly advised to LEAVE IMMEDIATELY if it is safe to do so, as the security situation continues to deteriorate.
Popularity: South Sudan is not a popular tourist destination due to its political instability, limited infrastructure, and ongoing conflicts. The tourism industry is underdeveloped, with few visitors choosing to explore the country. However, the country’s natural beauty, including its vast wetlands, national parks, and cultural heritage, attracts a niche group of travelers, particularly those seeking a more off-the-beaten-path experience in Africa.
Tourist Infrastructure: South Sudan’s tourism infrastructure is minimal and primarily concentrated in the capital, Juba. While basic services such as accommodations and transport are available, the infrastructure outside of major cities is often lacking, and traveling to remote regions can be difficult. Many roads are in poor condition, and domestic flights are limited. For those visiting more isolated areas, private transport or guided tours are recommended.
Weather: South Sudan experiences a tropical climate with a long rainy season from May to October and a dry season from November to April. The best time to visit is during the dry season, when conditions are more comfortable for exploring outdoor attractions like the Sudd Wetlands and Bandingilo National Park. The wet season brings heavy rainfall, which can make travel in certain regions challenging due to poor road conditions and flooding.
Best Time to Go: November–April is the best time to visit, as the weather is generally more pleasant and conditions are ideal for outdoor activities and wildlife viewing. The wet season (May–October) is less favorable due to heavy rains and high humidity, which can complicate travel.
Known For: Juba, Sudd Wetlands, White Nile River, Bandingilo National Park, diverse ethnic cultures, traditional music, and natural landscapes.
Top Destinations: Juba • Sudd Wetlands • Bandingilo National Park • Kapoeta • Boma National Park • Torit
-
Nature Buffs: South Sudan offers some of the most pristine wilderness areas in Africa, including the Sudd Wetlands and Boma National Park. These regions are home to diverse wildlife, including elephants, antelopes, and migratory birds, making it a paradise for nature lovers. The country’s remote landscapes, from the White Nile River to the savannahs and wetlands, provide unique opportunities for wildlife viewing and outdoor exploration.
-
History Buffs: South Sudan has a complex history, shaped by its colonial past, struggle for independence, and ongoing conflict. Visitors can explore the history of the Dinka and Nuer peoples, as well as learn about the country’s path to independence from Sudan. The city of Juba holds historical significance as the capital of the new nation, while areas like Torit and Kapoeta are rich in cultural heritage.
-
Beach Bunnies: South Sudan is landlocked and does not have beaches. However, the country’s rivers and wetlands provide opportunities for boating and fishing, particularly in the White Nile River. Visitors can enjoy these water-based activities while exploring the country’s vast natural beauty.
-
Digital Nomads: South Sudan is not a typical destination for digital nomads due to its limited infrastructure, especially in rural areas. While Juba offers basic internet services, connectivity may be unreliable outside major cities. The country’s security concerns and lack of coworking spaces make it a challenging destination for remote work, but it could appeal to those looking for a short-term adventure in a less developed setting.
-
Families: South Sudan offers a unique experience for adventurous families, particularly those interested in exploring African culture and nature. Families can visit wildlife parks like Bandingilo National Park or enjoy the peaceful environment in rural areas. However, due to the country’s security concerns, families should carefully plan their visit, staying in more developed regions and avoiding high-risk areas.
South Sudan is known for vast wetlands, savannahs, and deep cultural diversity. Juba, the capital, sits along the White Nile and is a hub of busy markets and government buildings. Outside the city, life follows traditional rhythms in villages and cattle camps. The Sudd, one of the world’s largest wetlands, is home to rare wildlife and seasonal migrations. Despite years of conflict and hardship, South Sudan’s many ethnic groups, such as the Dinka and Nuer, maintain strong traditions of dance, music, and storytelling. Remote and challenging, South Sudan offers raw landscapes and a resilient spirit.
South Sudan is the world’s youngest country, gaining independence in 2011 after decades of civil war. It remains a raw, fragile place, but one filled with vast floodplains, wildlife migrations, and some of Africa’s most traditional tribal cultures. Few travelers come here, and those who do are usually drawn to the Sudd (one of the largest wetlands in the world), the Boma-Jonglei landscape, or to meet communities like the Mundari and Toposa, whose ways of life have barely changed in centuries. The capital, Juba, sits along the White Nile and offers a glimpse of a city still finding its feet amid enormous challenges.
Traveling in South Sudan is extremely difficult and expensive. Security concerns, poor infrastructure, and a lack of tourism facilities mean you’ll need to organize specialized tours with local operators who understand the complex logistics. Accommodation is limited to NGO-run hotels, guesthouses, and tented camps in remote areas. Meals are simple, sorghum porridge, goat stew, greens, and whatever’s available locally. Western food is almost nonexistent outside Juba.
Getting around requires private 4x4s, often with security escorts in rural areas. Flights are sometimes needed to reach remote towns. Roads are rough, seasonal, and slow. English is the official language, but many people speak Arabic or local languages like Dinka or Nuer. South Sudan is not safe for casual travelers, conflict, crime, and banditry remain serious risks. Anyone traveling here needs careful preparation, trustworthy local contacts, and strong risk awareness.
- Capital: Juba
- Population: ~11 million (Density: ~18 people per km², ~47 per mi²)
- Area: 619,745 km² (239,285 mi²)
- Official Language: English
- Common Languages: Dinka, Nuer, Bari, Zande, Arabic (Juba Arabic dialect)
- Currency: South Sudanese Pound (SSP)
- Time Zone: UTC+3
- Electricity: Plug Type C, D (230V, 50Hz)
- Emergency Contacts: Police 777, Ambulance 777, Fire 777 (services are often unreliable)
- Drives On: Right
- Religions: Christianity ~60%, Traditional beliefs ~33%, Islam ~6%, Other ~1%
- Government: Federal Provisional Government (transitional unity government)
- Map Links: Google Maps | Apple Maps
- Coordinates (for GPS): 6.8769, 31.3069
Why Go to South Sudan?
- Mundari Cattle Camps: Visit traditional cattle camps where herders live with their prized longhorn cattle amid surreal, smoky landscapes.
- Tribal Encounters: Meet groups like the Toposa, Dinka, or Lotuko, experiencing cultures and rituals that have survived centuries of change.
- The Sudd Wetlands: Explore one of Africa’s largest and least-disturbed wetlands, home to hidden wildlife and birdlife.
- Boma-Jonglei Migration: Witness Africa’s largest animal migration, where hundreds of thousands of antelope move across vast floodplains.
- Juba’s Markets and Nile Life: Walk the dusty streets of Juba, visit lively markets, and see daily life unfold along the White Nile.
- Remote, Untouched Landscapes: Travel through raw, unpolished Africa, where roads end, and the wild, open land begins.
- Real Frontier Travel: Experience a country where tourism barely exists, and every interaction feels meaningful.
Who Might Not Enjoy South Sudan?
-
Safety-Conscious Travelers: South Sudan remains extremely dangerous due to ongoing conflict, political instability, and high levels of violent crime. Most governments strongly advise against all travel to the country.
-
First-Time or Casual Tourists: Travel here requires extensive planning, strong local contacts, and serious security arrangements. It’s not suited for casual sightseeing or unstructured exploration.
-
Luxury or Comfort-Oriented Travelers: There are almost no luxury accommodations. Lodging is basic and expensive relative to quality, even in Juba, and amenities like reliable electricity, clean water, and internet are often lacking.
-
Budget Travelers: Despite the limited infrastructure, traveling in South Sudan is not cheap. Hotels, private transport, and food are expensive due to import dependence and unstable conditions.
-
Vegetarians or Vegans: Traditional diets are meat-based, and plant-based options are rare and difficult to find. Outside private expat accommodations, strict dietary needs can be very hard to meet.
-
Travelers Requiring Reliable Medical Services: Medical care is extremely limited. Emergency healthcare is inadequate, and any serious injury or illness would require evacuation to another country.
-
Tourists Wanting Organized Tourism Infrastructure: There are virtually no official tours, few tourist facilities, and limited travel services. Visiting natural or cultural sites generally requires private arrangements and security escorts.
-
Visitors Uncomfortable with Extreme Heat and Rough Conditions: South Sudan is very hot, especially in the dry season. Infrastructure is poor, roads are rough, and conditions can be harsh and physically demanding.
-
Travelers Without Knowledge of Local Customs: Social norms can be very different, and misunderstandings with authorities or locals can quickly escalate. Cultural sensitivity and discretion are crucial.
What’s Cool
Rich and diverse tribal cultures, fascinating Dinka and Nuer traditions, authentic off-the-beaten-path travel, stunning natural landscapes like the Sudd wetlands and Boma National Park, traditional cattle camps, vibrant and colorful local markets, strong oral storytelling and music traditions, welcoming and resilient locals in stable areas, potential for future eco-tourism and cultural tourism, adventurous spirit for travelers seeking raw experiences, insight into one of the world’s newest nations, unique cultural ceremonies and festivals.
What’s Not
Ongoing conflict and severe security risks, very limited tourism infrastructure, frequent travel restrictions and checkpoints, high risk of violence and crime, basic or nonexistent healthcare outside Juba, expensive and difficult visa process, unreliable internet and mobile coverage, poor road conditions and infrastructure, extreme logistical challenges for internal travel, language barriers outside urban centers, food and fuel shortages in rural areas, heavy government surveillance, few accommodations and safe services for visitors.
South Sudan is a landlocked country in East-Central Africa, bordered by Sudan to the north, Ethiopia to the east, Kenya, Uganda, and Democratic Republic of the Congo to the south, and Central African Republic to the west. It gained independence from Sudan in 2011 after decades of civil war. The capital is Juba, located in the south near the border with Uganda.
South Sudan’s landscape is mostly flat plains and plateaus, with rivers, swamps, and grasslands. The dominant geographic feature is the Sudd, one of the world’s largest wetlands, formed by the White Nile. The south has tropical forests and hills, especially near the border with Uganda and Kenya, while the east features semi-arid savannas.
The country’s climate is tropical, with a rainy season from May to October and a dry season from November to April. The Sudd floodplains expand massively during the wet season, creating challenges for transport and settlement.
Wildlife is abundant but under threat from conflict. South Sudan’s national parks and migration routes are among the largest and least explored in Africa, though tourism is extremely limited due to infrastructure and security concerns.
Most travelers arrive at Juba International Airport, with flights from Kenya, Ethiopia, Egypt, and a few other regional hubs. There is no regular public transport. Travel within the country is mainly by private car, 4x4 convoys, and UN flights. Roads outside Juba are often dirt tracks, and many are impassable in the rainy season.
Central Equatoria and Juba
Urban center and hub for administration and basic tourism.
- Juba: The capital city, with markets, embassies, hotels, and the White Nile running through it.
- John Garang Mausoleum: Memorial site for the late leader of the Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA).
- All Saints Cathedral: A major place of worship and community gathering in the city.
- Juba Market: A lively spot to find local crafts, fabrics, and daily goods.
- White Nile Riverfront: Popular for sunset views and boat watching.
Greater Upper Nile (Jonglei, Upper Nile, Unity States)
Floodplains, oil fields, and seasonal wetlands.
- Bor: Town on the White Nile, base for visiting the southern edge of the Sudd wetlands.
- Malakal: A major northern town near the Upper Nile, heavily affected by past conflicts.
- Nasir: Remote river town closer to the Ethiopian border.
- Sudd Wetlands: One of Africa’s largest swamp areas, important for birdlife and fish migration.
- Bentiu: Oil hub town in Unity State, with surrounding plains and marshes.
Greater Bahr el Ghazal (Northern, Western, Lakes, Warrap States)
Woodlands, cattle culture, and rural towns.
- Wau: One of South Sudan’s larger cities, known for colonial architecture and regional markets.
- Rumbek: Traditional center of Dinka culture and former interim capital during civil war times.
- Aweil: Northern town near the border with Sudan, surrounded by savanna.
- Tonj: Historic town with ties to early colonial administration and pastoralist life.
- Marial Bai: Rural area connected to Lost Boy memoirs and development projects.
Greater Equatoria (Eastern and Western Equatoria States)
Mountainous and forested areas, greener than much of the country.
- Torit: Town at the foot of the Imatong Mountains, offering access to hills and rural landscapes.
- Yambio: Capital of Western Equatoria, surrounded by forests and cocoa plantations.
- Nimule: Border town with Uganda, home to Nimule National Park.
- Kajo Keji: Agricultural town known for fruit farms and community-based projects.
- Imatong Mountains: South Sudan’s highest mountains, including Mount Kinyeti (3,187 meters).
National Parks and Conservation Areas
Large but largely undeveloped wilderness areas.
- Boma National Park: Site of one of Africa’s largest animal migrations (white-eared kob, tiang, and Mongalla gazelle).
- Nimule National Park: Easier to access from Juba, known for elephants, hippos, and Nile scenery.
- Bandingilo National Park: Also part of the migration corridor, with seasonal wildlife movements.
- Shambe National Park: A swampy area along the Nile, important for birds and aquatic life.
- Southern National Park: A remote wilderness area covering parts of Western Equatoria.