South Sudan Tours & Safaris
The Republic of South Sudan, also known as Southern Sudan, is Africa's youngest nation, located in East Africa. It gained independence on 9th July 2011 and became a member of the East African Community in 2016. South Sudan is a landlocked country in East-Central Africa, bordering Uganda, Kenya, Ethiopia, and Sudan.
South Sudan is one of the least explored destinations on the continent, offering travelers authentic African experiences. The country is among Africa's most agriculturally endowed, thanks to its fertile soils and abundant water supplies, and it holds a wide range of biodiversity across savanna, rainforest, and swampland, where wildlife roams freely.
Juba is the capital city of South Sudan, home to over 60 Nilotic and Bantu-speaking communities, including the Shilluk, Dinka, Nuer, Bari, and Azande, the country's largest ethnic groups.
Inquire NowAttractions in South Sudan
South Sudan is a destination of its own, with plenty of unexplored sites for nature enthusiasts, from heritage sites to distinct cultures.
Boma National Park: located in Northern Jonglei, Boma is Africa's largest protected area. Established in 1977, it spans about 22,800 sq. km of extensive grasslands and floodplains, with a large concentration of wildlife, including elephants, African leopards, Mongalla gazelle, white-eared kob, Nubian giraffe, tiang, oryx, Northeast African cheetah, Lelwel hartebeest, waterbucks, giant eland, maneless zebra, and Grant's gazelle.
Bandingilo National Park: found in the Equatoria area and founded in 1992, Bandingilo is known for its wildlife migration, rated second only to the Serengeti wildebeest migration in Tanzania. The park covers more than 10,000 sq. km near the White Nile River, with wildlife including lions, cheetahs, leopards, gazelles, reedbucks, giraffes, tiang, white-eared kob, caracals, and African wild dogs.
Inquire NowThe Sudd Wetland: the world's largest swamp, covering up to 30,000 sq. km, and a must-visit for birders, with about 450 bird species recorded, including the great white pelican, black crowned crane, and shoebill stork. The Sudd is also a strong destination for fishing safaris, with about 70 fish species, including Nile carp, African tetra, lungfish, African arowana, Senegal bichir, Nile perch, mango tilapia, and elongate tigerfish. Wildlife along the Sudd's edges includes the white-eared kob, bohor reedbuck, tiang, and sitatunga.
The Sudd extends from Mongalla to the confluence of the Sobat River with the White Nile. Beyond its value for birding, it plays a significant role in storing floodwater and trapping sediment from the Bahr al Jabal, and is officially designated a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance.
Nimule National Park: one of the oldest parks in Africa, founded in 1954 under British rule. This compact 540 sq. km park sits on the border with Uganda, allowing wildlife to move freely between the two countries, and is South Sudan's most accessible park by public transport. It protects zebras, baboons, leopards, warthogs, hyrax, bushbucks, Uganda kob, vervet monkeys, hippos, crocodiles, ostriches, and jackals.
Inquire Now
More Attractions in South Sudan
White Nile: one of two tributaries of the Nile River, alongside the Blue Nile. The White Nile takes its name from its color, caused by sediment from the surrounding clay soil, and flows through Juba, making it a notable attraction for visitors to the city.
Nyakuron Cultural Center: the place to go for authentic cultural experiences in South Sudan. South Sudanese communities are known for their distinct dances, storytelling, and traditions. On a cultural safari here, visitors can meet local people and learn about their customs and practices. The center was established in 1976 to showcase the cultural heritage of South Sudan's communities.
Wau Zoo: located near the river in Bahr el Ghazal, Wau Zoo is home to a range of wildlife, including striped hyenas, warthogs, ostriches, crocodiles, and baboons.
Mount Kinyeti and Imatong: for climbers, Mount Kinyeti (3,187m) offers mountaineering and hiking adventures. This is the highest peak in South Sudan, located near the Uganda border. From the summit, visitors get views of forested slopes and wildlife roaming the Imatong Forest Reserve.
Inquire NowActivities to Do in South Sudan
White water rafting: one of the newer adventures South Sudan has to offer, best done on the White Nile in Nimule National Park. For tourists based around Juba, this is a must-do activity, with grade 3 to 4+ rapids to challenge yourself against.
John Garang Mausoleum: John Garang was one of South Sudan's most respected leaders, who led the liberation movement against Sudan's rule until South Sudan gained independence. He died in a helicopter crash while returning from a meeting in Uganda. His mausoleum is found at the Avenue of Nations, where the country's independence celebrations are held, and is a fitting stop to remember his role in South Sudan's history.
Wau Cathedral: for religious and faith tourism, Wau Cathedral, built in 1913, is one of the oldest sites reflecting the role of Christian missionary groups in South Sudan's development, with distinctive architecture, stained glass windows, and stone carvings. All Saints Cathedral in Juba, between Gombura and Lanya Street, is another significant site for faith tourism and draws large crowds for Sunday service.
Inquire Now
Watch the wrestling at Bor's Freedom Square: wrestling is a traditional sport practiced widely in South Sudan, drawing large crowds of spectators, usually on weekends.
Enjoy a safari in South Sudan: visit Nimule National Park, the country's most accessible park and home to a range of wildlife. Activities here include boat rides, rock climbing, and white water rafting, alongside general game viewing.
Inquire NowPeople & Cultures in South Sudan
South Sudanese communities share strong cultural ties, with loyalty to tribal and ethnic groups running deep. There are three broad ethnic groups in South Sudan: the Bantu, the Nilo-Sudanic, and the Nilo-Hamites. The country's main languages fall into subsets including Central Sudanic, Eastern, and Ubangian, with the Ubangian group more closely linked to the Bantu people.
On a cultural safari, expect to meet the Dinka, known as cattle keepers, the Nuer, who live across the savanna region, and the Luo, made up of Luo speakers who tend to keep smaller herds of cattle.
Inquire NowIs It Safe to Visit South Sudan?
South Sudan is a young nation and, like many countries, isn't entirely without risk. Safaris can be conducted, but visitors are advised to stay alert and cautious throughout their trip. Some areas are best avoided, so it's worth speaking with a safari expert on the ground before planning a road trip in South Sudan.
When heading out, leave valuables at your accommodation. Solo female travelers wanting to explore should do so with a local guide or companion, and should avoid displaying wallets, cash, or jewelry while on the streets of Juba.
As with any destination, be alert to scammers, particularly when handling money or using ATMs. Terrorist attacks have not been recently reported in South Sudan, though the country carries a higher threat level due to its proximity to Sudan. Travelers should stay vigilant throughout their trip, whether for business or leisure.
Inquire NowBest Time to Visit South Sudan
The best time to visit South Sudan is during the dry months of December, January, and February, when temperatures in Juba and other areas range between 20 and 37 degrees Celsius.
The rainy season runs from April to October, during which the landscape turns muddy and trails become harder to navigate. The dry season can be windy but is the best time to travel around the country.
Inquire NowSeasons and Climate of South Sudan
South Sudan has a tropical climate, with temperatures averaging between 25 and 35 degrees Celsius, typically during the dry season from January through April. In Juba, temperatures can reach up to 34.5 degrees Celsius on average each year.
The rainy season runs from April to November. Lowland areas including Jonglei, Eastern Equatoria, Bahr el Ghazal, and Upper Nile record between 700mm and 1,300mm of rainfall. Extreme Eastern Equatoria records around 200mm, while the heaviest rainfall occurs in the southern upland areas. Western Equatoria and highland Eastern Equatoria typically record between 1,200mm and 2,200mm.
Inquire NowSouth Sudan Travel Advice
If you're planning to visit South Sudan, you'll likely need a yellow fever vaccination certificate, a visa, and proof of COVID-19 vaccination. Once in the country, stay alert to local security and safety conditions, and follow embassy travel advisories or check with your ground travel agency for the latest updates before your trip.
Medical facilities are limited in Juba and scarce in more remote areas. If you have health concerns, consult your doctor at home before traveling to arrange any medication you may need. Follow South Sudan's local rules and regulations to avoid penalties.
Inquire Now
Be mindful of waterborne, foodborne, and other infectious diseases, including cholera and typhoid. Avoid undercooked food and water that hasn't been boiled, and choose established restaurants or hotels that observe good hygiene standards rather than street food.
A valid visa is required to enter South Sudan, so apply early and make sure your passport is valid well ahead of your trip. The South Sudanese pound is the main currency, though other currencies are also accepted. Travel insurance is recommended for anyone planning a trip to South Sudan.
Inquire NowWhat to Pack for South Sudan Tours
Pack the following for your South Sudan trip:
- Valid visa and passport
- Long-sleeved shirts and trousers
- Daypack
- Camera
- Sweater
- First aid kit
- Bottled water and snacks
- Toiletries
- Insect repellent
- Sunglasses
- Safari hat
Inquire Now
