Why Visit this destination?
SOUTH SUDAN a country in northeastern Africa, became an independent country in 2011. The country has the world’s 2nd largest animal migration of the antelopes but there’s no single tourist to see it therefore it’s considered a good place for ecotourism. The challenges for the tourism industry are considered due to the luck of infrastructure and ongoing civil war. Juba International Airport is the largest airport in South Sudan. The country does not have any *5 hotels the country has only *2 or *3 hotels. There are no UNESCO recognized World Heritage Site, however it has 14 national parks/protected areas. Boma National Park is as big as Rwanda other parks include Bandingilo, Lantoto, Nimule, Shambe, Southern and more. There are also several game reserves include Ez Zeraf, Ashana, Bengangai, Bire Kpatuos, Chelkou, Fanikang, Juba, Kidepo, Mbarizunga and Numatina game reserve among others. The wildlife refers to the natural flora and fauna of South Sudan. The country is also known for its vast swamp region of the Sudd and area 320km wide and 400km long known as one of the largest wetlands in the world and nearly 400 species of birds can be found there. The culture of South Sudan encompasses the religions, languages, ethnic groups, foods and other traditions of peoples of the modern state of SS as well as of the inhabitants of the historical regions of SS.
The official language is English, there are over 60 indigenous languages, and most classified under the Nilo-Saharan language family collectively they represent 2 of the first order divisions of Nile Sudanic and Central Sudanic. While the northern parts of Sudan have been predominantly Muslim SS is predominantly Christian or African traditional animist and a small number of citizens are Muslims.
The country it experiences a tropical climate averages are normally about 25 degrees with highs exceeding 35 degrees particularly during the dry season January – April. The capital city has an average annual high temperature of 34.5 degrees and an average annual low of 21.6 degrees. The rainy season differs by location but generally occurs between April – November. The heaviest rainfall occurs in the southern upland areas and reduces towards the north.
Is it safe to travel to South Sudan?
The answer is not really, but not everywhere is dangerous either. Most tourists travel to the capital – Juba, and then take an overnight trip to Mundari cattle camp.
Getting a Guide
The most important thing to travel in South Sudan is to find smart and reliable local people to show you around safely. You do need a local guide to obtain a visa and quite frankly, you won’t be able to pass any checkpoints without a reliable guide.
Not to mention obviously, there’s no such thing as a rental car or public transportation in the country.
Visa to South Sudan
This part is surprisingly easy. The only thing you need is your visa letter from your guide on the ground. With this, flight confirmation, along with a yellow fever card and passport scan you just apply online.
Taking Photos in South Sudan
The government is extremely wary of foreigners posing as tourists while undertaking journalism or even spying and it’s probably the hardest country to take photos in despite the expensive permits.
Taking photos in Juba can put you in serious trouble. The local authorities there do not take it kindly, no matter how mundane the focus of their photography is. Being caught taking a photo of the wrong thing in Juba can lead to imprisonment.
Once outside the capital, these restrictions will relax, but you still need your photography permit that you guide can help you obtain. Keep in mind that not everyone will like photos being taken – some kids love it, some women were running for their lives if they see your phone out ready for a photo. Be respectful.
COVID-19
If you are planning international travel at this time, please read our COVID-19 related travel advice here, alongside our destination specific travel advice below.
DESTINATION
The Top Highlights
Top places you must visit in South Sudan include the following;
- Dinka Cattle Camps most popular tribes and also the most politically influential. The majority of the Dinka are still nomadic pastoralists and their cattle camps which often contain 500 head or more of cattle. You learn about the role that cattle play in deciding wealth and status, division of labour and their diet
- Sudd one of the largest wetlands in the world more than 400 species of birds can be found here including shoebills, great white pelicans and black crowned cranes, there’s also some excellent fishing
- Boma National Park one of Africa’s largest wildlife reserves is in Jonglei state and has wildlife migration that compares in scale to that of the Serengeti.
- Nimule National Park this lies on the border with Uganda and is therefore a perfect stopover for those entering by the country by the road. The park rangers will take you across the river by boat to Opekoloe Island to see the elephant herds on foot spot Zebras, warthogs, baboons and even the occasional leopard
- Bor wrestling this is an energetic affair where wrestlers are stripped to the waist and pushed on by an enthusiastic crowd of spectators