South Sudan Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay and more with this comprehensive travel guide for South Sudan.


Introduction to South Sudan

South Sudan is the youngest country in the world as it gained independence from Sudan in 2011. Located in Central Africa, it is still at the frontier of the African tourism industry. South Sudan has a wealth of untapped natural beauty and cultural heritage, making it a compelling destination for those seeking adventure off the beaten track.

List of Places to Visit in South Sudan

Here are some of the top places to visit in South Sudan:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. The National Museum of South Sudan: This museum in Juba displays the country’s cultural and historical artefacts.
  2. Juba Central Market: This market is the largest market in South Sudan and is an excellent place to experience the local culture and buy souvenirs.
  3. The John Garang Mausoleum: This is the final resting place of John Garang, the former rebel leader and father of the nation.
  4. The Familiarisation Museum: This museum is located in Malakal and provides an insight into South Sudanese life during the colonial period and beyond.

Natural Attractions of South Sudan: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Boma National Park: This park is in the heart of the Boma Plateau, and it has great wildlife and a fantastic landscape.
  2. Nimule National Park: This park is on the border with Uganda and is a great place to go hiking and bird watching.
  3. Sudd Wetland: This swamp is located in central South Sudan and is the largest wetland in Africa, a vast wilderness home to a variety of bird species.
  4. The White Nile: This river runs through South Sudan and is the perfect place for a river safari or fishing trip.

Hiking/Biking Routes of South Sudan

Here are some of the best hiking and biking routes to take in South Sudan:

  1. Erinle Game Reserve: There’s excellent wildlife that can be seen while hiking in Erinle Game Reserve.
  2. The Western Equatorian Mountains: This is an ideal biking route that has fantastic landscape and great views of the countryside.

Best Things to Do in South Sudan: Activities and Tours

Here are some of the best activities and tours to take in South Sudan:

  1. Cultural tours: Take a tour of the local villages to experience the culture and lifestyle of the South Sudanese people.
  2. Wildlife safaris: South Sudan offers some of the best wildlife safaris in Africa.
  3. River trips: Take a boat trip down the White Nile.
  4. Trekking and hiking: South Sudan offers some of the best trekking and hiking routes in Africa.

Week-Long Itinerary for South Sudan

Here’s a sample week-long itinerary for South Sudan:

Day Activity
Day 1 Explore Juba, visit the National Museum
Day 2-3 Visit Boma National Park, go on a wildlife safari
Day 4-5 Hike Erinle Game Reserve, visit Familiarisation Museum
Day 6-7 Visit the John Garang Mausoleum, shopping at Juba Central Market

Food and Drink Scene of South Sudan

Here are some of the must-try dishes and local beverages in South Sudan:

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Kisra: A type of bread made from sorghum.
  2. Alasida: A porridge made from ground sorghum and peanuts.
  3. Ful: Fava beans served with bread and a variety of garnishes.

Local Beverages

  1. Sobo: Sobo is a popular soft drink that is made from ginger and tamarind.
  2. Marisa: Marisa is a traditional beer made from sorghum and has a distinct flavor.

Where to Stay in South Sudan: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Here are some of the best places to stay in South Sudan:

  1. Juba Grand Hotel: This is the most luxurious hotel in Juba, with a wide range of amenities and services.
  2. Juba Landmark Hotel: The Juba Landmark Hotel offers excellent accommodation at an affordable price.
  3. Suakini Premier Guesthouse: This guesthouse has comfortable rooms and is situated in a secure area.

What to Buy in South Sudan: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Here are some of the local products and souvenirs to take back home from South Sudan:

  1. Handmade jewelry.
  2. Traditional baskets and mats.
  3. Hand-woven fabrics and clothes.

Local Culture and Customs of South Sudan

The South Sudanese people are warm and welcoming, and there are several customs and traditions to be aware of when visiting the country. Dress appropriately, avoiding revealing or tight-fitting attire. Avoid taking photographs of people without their permission.

Best Time to Visit South Sudan

The best time to visit South Sudan is during the dry season, which falls between December and March. During this time, the weather is pleasant, and road conditions are better for travel.

Do’s and Don’ts of South Sudan

Do:

  1. Respect the local culture and customs.
  2. Dress modestly and appropriately.
  3. Carry sufficient water and be aware of the sun.

Don’t:

  1. Take photographs of people without their permission.
  2. Travel alone in remote areas.

Safety and Health

When traveling to South Sudan, it is important to be aware of safety and health concerns.

Safety in South Sudan

South Sudan is a developing country, and there are certain safety concerns to be aware of, including civil unrest and crime. It is advisable to avoid crowded areas, particularly at night, and to be aware of your surroundings at all times.

Health in South Sudan

Visitors to South Sudan should be aware of the risk of malaria, and it is recommended to take preventive measures against the disease. It is also advisable to carry mosquito repellent and wear long sleeves and pants to protect against mosquito bites.

Getting to South Sudan: Transportation Options and Logistics

Here are some of the modes of transportation to use when getting to South Sudan:

Airports Near South Sudan

The main airport in South Sudan is the Juba International Airport, which is the hub for several airlines.

Bus Stations Near South Sudan

There are bus stations in Juba, but they are not well established. It is better to travel by taxi or private car instead.

Other Options

There are several border crossings from neighboring countries if you are looking to enter South Sudan from other African countries.

How to Get Around in South Sudan

The most common way to get around in South Sudan is by taxi or private car. Public transit is practically non-existent.

Where to Go Next from South Sudan: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Here are some of the nearby destinations and excursions to take after visiting South Sudan:

  1. Uganda: Bordering South Sudan to the south, Uganda offers wildlife safaris, hiking, and cultural tours.
  2. Central African Republic: This country borders South Sudan to the west, and it’s known for its natural attractions, including national parks and wildlife reserves.

Conclusion

Make sure you include South Sudan on your next African itinerary. Discover the culture, natural beauty, and hospitality of the youngest country in the world. By following this travel guide, you will undoubtedly have an unforgettable experience.

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    Bahr el Ghazal
    Equatoria
    Greater Upper Nile