A Travel Guide to South Sudan (2016)
South Sudan, the world’s youngest nation (independent since 2011), offers one of the most untouched and raw experiences in Africa. It boasts vast wilderness areas, massive wildlife migrations, enormous wetlands like the Sudd, and incredibly diverse ethnic cultures. However, travel to South Sudan remains extremely challenging and highly risky.
Why Some People Still Visit (Despite Advisories)
Witness one of the planet’s largest land mammal migrations (white-eared kob, tiang, and topi in Boma National Park — potentially rivaling the Serengeti in scale).
Explore the immense Sudd wetland (one of the world’s largest swamp systems and a paradise for birdwatchers).
Experience extraordinary cultural diversity (over 60 ethnic groups with unique traditions, including the Mundari cattle camps).
Visit remote national parks that remain almost completely undeveloped.
Entry Requirements
Visa: Most nationalities require a visa obtained in advance from a South Sudanese embassy or (in very limited cases) on arrival with special arrangements. The process is often unpredictable and expensive.
Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is mandatory for entry (and strongly enforced).
Special permits are usually required for travel outside Juba, photography, research, or visiting national parks — obtaining them can be difficult and time-consuming.
Getting There
Fly into Juba International Airport (JUB) — the only practical international entry point.
Direct flights are very limited (mainly from Nairobi, Entebbe, Addis Ababa, Cairo, Dubai).
Domestic travel relies on expensive charter flights, UN flights (if space allows), or extremely hazardous overland routes.
Main Areas & Attractions
Juba — The capital and only place with any basic accommodation and services (very limited). Sights include the White Nile riverfront, Konyo Konyo Market, John Garang Mausoleum, All Saints Cathedral.
Boma National Park (Jonglei State) — Potentially hosts the world’s second-largest terrestrial mammal migration. Extremely remote; access only by charter flight + ground expedition with heavy security.
Nimule National Park (near Uganda border) — More “accessible” (relatively speaking), with Nile scenery, elephants, and Fula Falls. Still requires significant planning and security.
The Sudd — Massive seasonal wetland; incredible for birdlife and traditional lifestyles. Boat access is logistically complex.
Bandingilo National Park — Another migration corridor; very under-visited.
Mundari / Dinka cattle camps — Iconic cultural experiences near Juba (when security allows short visits).
Accommodation & Logistics
Very few proper hotels exist (mostly in Juba — basic guesthouses, NGO compounds, or expensive “secure” compounds).
Outside Juba: camping, expedition-style travel only.
Reliable power, internet, ATMs, and supplies are scarce outside very limited areas.
Travel almost always requires 4×4 convoys, armed escorts, satellite phones, and emergency evacuation insurance (with medical evacuation coverage — standard travel insurance usually excludes South Sudan).
Health Risks
Malaria — Very high risk (chloroquine-resistant; take strong prophylaxis).
Cholera outbreaks occur frequently.
Yellow fever, hepatitis, typhoid, rabies risks.
Medical facilities are extremely limited — even basic emergencies often require evacuation to Kenya or elsewhere.
Critical Safety & Security Advice
Do not travel alone. Most serious visitors travel with established expedition companies specializing in high-risk / frontier destinations (very few exist).
Movement outside secure compounds is dangerous even in daylight.
Armed groups, cattle raiding, and crime remain widespread.
Photography of military, checkpoints, or people can lead to detention.
Have multiple escape plans; commercial flights can be suspended suddenly.
Final Recommendation
South Sudan possesses extraordinary natural and cultural potential that remains almost completely untapped by mainstream tourism. For the vast majority of people — including experienced adventure travelers — it is currently not a feasible or responsible destination.
Safe travels — wherever your journey ultimately takes you.