South Sudan
The world's youngest country, independent since 2011, is for seasoned travellers only. Its draws exist nowhere else: Mundari herders and their long-horned cattle in smoky camps near Terekeka, the vast Sudd wetland, and a seasonal migration of millions of antelope across Boma and Badingilo national parks. Read the FCDO travel advice before planning anything.
Overview
South Sudan is a vast, largely roadless country of savannah, swamp and the White Nile, and tourism is in its infancy. Almost every trip begins in Juba, the capital on the Nile, and is shaped by a specialist operator. The best-known sight lies a few hours north: the Mundari cattle camps near Terekeka, where herders sleep among their animals in a haze of dung smoke. Further east, Boma and Badingilo national parks host one of the largest antelope migrations on Earth, while the south-east is home to the Toposa and other pastoralist peoples around Kapoeta.
Travel here is slow, expensive and bureaucratic: permits for travel and photography, police checkpoints and rain-cut roads are part of the experience, and daily costs can rival a Kenyan safari despite basic facilities. Hotels in Juba are priced for aid-agency and oil-industry budgets. In return there are no crowds at all, and time with pastoralist communities can be among the most striking experiences anywhere in Africa. It suits seasoned travellers with flexible plans and deep pockets, and anyone going should follow FCDO advice closely. Dry-season heat, often above 35°C, surprises many.
Map of South Sudan
Top 5 highlights
- 1Culture
Mundari cattle camps
On the plains near Terekeka, Mundari herders live alongside thousands of long-horned cattle, dusting themselves and the animals with ash from dung fires against insects; visits are arranged through operators with local permission.
- 2Wildlife
Boma National Park
Remote grassland and woodland near the Ethiopian border, the eastern stronghold of the great seasonal migration of white-eared kob and tiang; access is by light aircraft or a long expedition by 4x4.
- 3Wildlife
Badingilo National Park
East of the Nile near Juba, Badingilo forms the other half of a migration in which aerial surveys in 2023 counted around six million antelope, including white-eared kob, tiang and Mongalla gazelle.
- 4Nature
The Sudd
One of the world's largest tropical wetlands, where the White Nile spreads into papyrus swamps and floodplains; home to shoebills, vast waterbird flocks and Dinka and Nuer herders, best seen by river or from the air.
- 5Wildlife
Nimule National Park
On the Ugandan border, where the White Nile churns through the Fula rapids, this small park shelters elephants, hippos and Uganda kob, and is reached by the paved highway from Juba.
Biggest cities
Juba
A fast-growing, low-rise capital on the White Nile, dominated by hotels, NGO compounds and markets such as Konyo Konyo; riverside bars give sunset views. Few sights, but the base for every trip.
Wau
The country's second city, in the north-west on the Jur River, with a large red-brick Catholic cathedral and a mixed Dinka, Luo and Fertit population; rarely visited by outsiders.
Malakal
Upper Nile's capital on the White Nile near its confluence with the Sobat, heavily damaged during the civil war; today a logistics hub for aid agencies rather than a destination.
No census has been held since 2008, and conflict and displacement have shifted populations sharply, so these figures are rough estimates.
When to go to South Sudan
Best time: Dec–Feb.
Average climate in Juba
Festivals & events
- JulIndependence Day
South Sudan marks its 2011 independence on 9 July; in years when official celebrations go ahead, Juba hosts flag-raising and parades at the John Garang Mausoleum, where independence was declared.
- DecChristmas
In a largely Christian country, Christmas brings packed churches with choirs and drumming, and many families travel home to their villages, so book transport early.
How much does South Sudan cost?
Estimates per person per day, excluding flights. Prices vary by season and city.
Food to try
Kisra with mulah
Thin, slightly sour sorghum crêpes torn and dipped into mulah, a stew of okra, meat, dried fish or peanut paste.
Ful medames
Fava beans slow-cooked and mashed with oil, cumin and onion — a breakfast inherited from Sudan, eaten with bread in Juba's cafés.
Grilled Nile fish
Tilapia or Nile perch grilled or fried whole and served at riverside restaurants in Juba with salad, chilli and chips or kisra.
Getting around
Most visitors travel with an operator who arranges permits, a driver and a fixer. Paved roads are few: the Juba–Nimule highway to Uganda is the main exception, and many routes become impassable in the rains. Small domestic carriers and charter flights link Juba with Wau, Malakal, Rumbek and other towns, though schedules are unreliable. Within Juba, use a hotel driver; boda-boda motorbike taxis are everywhere but risky.
Practical information
- Plugs & voltage
- CD230V — bring a UK-to-C/D adapter
- Emergency numbers
Not confirmed by the FCDO — services may be unreliable. Ask your accommodation for local numbers.
- Dialling code
- +211
- Time zone
- UTC+2 (standard time)
- Tap water
- Not safe — drink bottled or treated water
- Driving
- On the right
- Tipping
- Tip guides, drivers and fixers in US dollars at the end of a trip; in Juba restaurants, leaving 5–10% for good service is appreciated.
- Etiquette
- Photography needs a government permit and is sensitive near officials, checkpoints and buildings. At cattle camps, greet elders first, ask before photographing anyone, and don't touch cattle without permission.
- Main airports
- Juba International Airport (JUB), Juba
Visas & entry for South Sudan
Shown for a British passport.
Visa required — apply before you go
You must have a visa to enter or travel through South Sudan.
From the UK government's FCDO entry requirements for British passport holders — read the full page for passport validity, permits and exceptions.
Health & vaccinations
- Recommended for most travellers
- Hepatitis ATetanusTyphoidYellow fever
- Sometimes advised — depends on your trip, activities and health
- ChikungunyaDengueHepatitis BMeaslesMeningococcal diseasePolioRabiesTuberculosis
- Yellow fever certificate
- A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for all travellers (usually over 9 months or 1 year old). There is a risk of yellow fever in parts of the country — vaccination may be advised.
- Malaria
- High risk of malaria
- There is a high risk of malaria in South Sudan: antimalarial tablets recommended.
Source: TravelHealthPro (National Travel Health Network and Centre), checked 21 October 2026. This is a summary, not medical advice.
Public holidays in South Sudan
The next 12 months. Banks, offices and some sights may close, and transport and hotels get busy around these dates.
| Thu 24 Dec 2026 | Christmas Eve |
| Fri 25 Dec 2026 | Christmas Day |
| Sat 26 Dec 2026 | Second Day of Christmas |
| Fri 1 Jan 2027 | New Year's Day |
| Sat 9 Jan 2027 | Peace Agreement Day |
| Tue 9 Mar 2027 | Eid al-Fitr (date may shift) |
| Fri 26 Mar 2027 | Good Friday |
| Sat 27 Mar 2027 | Holy Saturday |
| Sun 28 Mar 2027 | Easter Sunday |
| Mon 29 Mar 2027 | Easter Monday |
| Sat 1 May 2027 | International Labour Day |
| Sun 16 May 2027 | Eid al-Adha · SPLA Day (date may shift) |
| Fri 9 Jul 2027 | Independence Day |
| Fri 30 Jul 2027 | Martyrs' Day |
National holidays only. Dates based on lunar calendars can move by a day or two depending on official announcements.
Useful phrases in Juba Arabic
| English | Juba Arabic | Say it |
|---|---|---|
| Hello | Salaam | sah-LAAM |
| Thank you | Shukran | SHOOK-rahn |
| Please | Min fadlak | min FAD-lak |
| Excuse me | Lo samaht | loh sah-MAHT |
| How much is this? | Da be kam? | dah beh KAHM |
Know before you go
- Read the FCDO travel advice carefully, and travel only with an experienced operator who arranges permits, briefings, vehicles and local contacts; independent travel is extremely difficult.
- Carry crisp, recent-series US dollar notes in small denominations; damaged or older bills are often refused, and cards and ATMs are of little use to visitors.
- A yellow fever certificate is required on arrival and malaria is present year-round; bring antimalarials, repellent and a good medical kit, as healthcare is very limited.
South Sudan travel FAQs
When is the best time to visit South Sudan?
The best time to visit South Sudan is generally Dec–Feb. Peak months are January, February and December. Average highs in Juba range from 31°C to 38°C across the year.
How much does a trip to South Sudan cost per day?
Roughly £90 a day on a tight budget, £200 mid-range and £400+ for comfortable travel, per person including accommodation, food and local transport. Flights are extra.
What currency is used in South Sudan?
South Sudanese pound (SSP).
What plug type does South Sudan use?
Type C and D sockets at 230V. UK visitors need a travel adapter — UK Type G plugs will not fit.
Which side of the road do they drive on in South Sudan?
Traffic drives on the right in South Sudan, unlike the UK.
Is tap water safe to drink in South Sudan?
Not safe — drink bottled or treated water.
Do I need a visa for South Sudan?
For British passport holders, the FCDO says: You must have a visa to enter or travel through South Sudan. Entry rules change, so check the official FCDO entry requirements for South Sudan before you travel: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/south-sudan/entry-requirements
What vaccinations do I need for South Sudan?
TravelHealthPro recommends Hepatitis A, Tetanus, Typhoid and Yellow fever for most travellers, with Chikungunya, Dengue, Hepatitis B, Measles, Meningococcal disease and Polio sometimes advised depending on your trip. Make sure routine UK vaccinations are up to date and see a travel health professional 6–8 weeks before you go.
