South Sudan may be the world’s newest country yet it can rival some of the oldest in terms of landscape and culture. In its short life, the nation has sadly seen more than its share of conflict and trauma. This instability added to poor infrastructure has meant that much of the country, both its landscape and its people, has remained unchanged. Outside of Juba, the capital situated on the White Nile, the true beauty of South Sudan is found in the different tribes, each with their unique facial markings, architecture and culture. There are estimated to be at least 60 different tribes co-exist in South Sudan, including the Toposa, Lotuko, Boya and Mundari tribes, speaking an array of dialects and languages. Modernisation and changing weather patterns threaten many of these tribes traditional way of life but for now, it is a glimpse into a fast disappearing way of life. A trip to South Sudan is not complete without a drink by the Nile and to catch a game of Boruboru. Similar to dodge ball and only played by women, it’s a wonder as to why this energetic game isn’t being played internationally. South Sudan is a diverse melting pot best understood by spending time with people who call it home.
The country’s capital and largest city, Juba is situated along the banks of the White Nile. The cities bustling activity can be found along the rivers banks where it is possible to eat or get a drink whilst taking in the magnificent sunset. Other things to do in Juba include watching a game of Boruboru, a version of dodge ball played by South Sudanese women and girls, visiting the memorial to John Garang, the young nation’s founding father, or fending off hawkers at Konyo Konyo market.
At the foot of the Boya Hills, east of Juba, are small settlements of the Boya tribe also known as the Larim tribe. The Larim are magnificent architects, creating beautiful wooden huts with great structural stability. When in the Boya villages, climbing the surrounding rocks grants beautiful views to take in the sunset or sunrise is a must.
The Mundari tribe are famed for their cattle herding. With their livelihoods being dependent upon raising livestock and agriculture, it is no surprise that they live north of Juba near to the White Nile where land is fertile and ideal for their cows to graze. Living amongst their cattle, you will have the opportunity to spend time with the tribe crowded around cow dung fires warding off insects watching wrestling or playing music, both popular pastimes. Witnessing sunrise amongst the Mundari and their long horned cattle is a memorable experience.
In the south-east of the country lie the Imatong Mountains, including Mount Kinyeti the tallest peak in South Sudan reaching over 3000metres. For the adventurous it is possible to hike and explore this plateau. The mountains are also home to the Lotuko people. The Lotuko are divided into 4 kingdoms, with each one occupying a mountain in villages made up of architecture fitting to its impressive surroundings.
One of the most loved national parks in South Sudan, Nimule extends over 500km along the border of Uganda, straddling the White Nile River. The park was originally created in order to protect the White Rhino, which is sadly now extinct. The park is home to a herd of approximately 70 elephants that roam back and forward between Uganda and South Sudan. Aside from elephants you can see animals such as hippos, warthog, baboons, vervet monkeys, Ugandan kobs, Goliath herons and more.
Boma National Park is located in the east of South Sudan near the border with Ethiopia. The park consists mainly of grasslands and floodplains and is home to a wider range of animals, such as lions, cheetahs, giraffe, eagles, leopards, zebra, kudu and much more. The park is particularly renowned for its large population of white-eared kob (a type of antelope).
South Sudan is home to the biggest expanse of pristine savannah in Africa, with almost 12,000 square miles untouched by human activity. The land is also home to one of the greatest wildlife spectacles in the world – the migration of over a million land mammals. Two species make up this mass migration – tiangs and white-eared kobs. It’s estimated one million kobs migrate from Boma NP to Bandingilo NP and are joined there by approximately 125,000 tiangs who migrate from the swamps of the Sudd region.
The Sudd is a vast swamp formed by a section of the White Nile called Bahr-al Jaba. The swamp covers one of the world’s largest wetlands. In the Sudd the river flows through multiple channels in a pattern that changes every year. Crocodiles and hippos frequent the shallow waters. The thick vegetation makes it impossible for boats to pass through. The swamp is well known for its unpredictable and non-permanent floating islands. In fact, the term ‘Sudd’ has come to refer to any large floating solid vegetation island. An estimated 1 million people live off the Sudd eco-system.
Sudan and South Sudan are two separate countries. Until 2011, they were part of the same state, Sudan, but decades of political, religious and ethnic tensions between the largely Arab and Muslim north and the more ethnically diverse south contributed to two long civil wars.
A peace agreement in 2005 ended the Second Sudanese Civil War and gave southern Sudan the right to vote on independence. In a referendum held in January 2011, almost 99% of voters supported separation. South Sudan formally became independent on 9 July 2011, with Juba as its capital.
Relations have often remained difficult since independence, particularly over oil, borders and the disputed Abyei region. South Sudan inherited most of the former country's oil reserves, but the pipelines carrying that oil to the Red Sea run north through Sudan, leaving the two countries economically interconnected.
South Sudan's independence also did not end conflict. A civil war broke out within the new country in 2013, while Sudan itself has experienced severe instability and, since 2023, a major war between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces.
Things have improved in South Sudan as of 2026, but there are still challenges and pockets of instability.
Most international visitors require a visa to enter South Sudan.
South Sudan operates an e-visa system, allowing eligible travellers to apply online before travelling. If approved, you can then travel to the country, showing the granted e-visa on arrival at the border.
It’s also possible to apply through the South Sudanese embassy in your home country, but the e-visa system is more straightforward these days, for most people.
Along with a visa, you must also display proof of a yellow fever vaccination upon your arrival in South Sudan - you will not be allowed to enter the country without one.
If you wish to bring your camera into South Sudan you must also purchase a permit before your arrival, this permit usually costs around $150.
If you are planning to just use the camera on your smartphone then you are not required to purchase this permit.
The Untamed Borders team can support you with the visa application and provide any necessary assistance.
South Sudan is not a country we would recommend attempting to travel around independently.
Outside Juba, tourism infrastructure is extremely limited, road conditions can be very poor and security conditions can change quickly.
Checkpoints are common and local knowledge is important when travelling between different communities and regions. The vast majority of roads outside Juba are unsurfaced, while some become impassable during the rainy season.
There are also areas affected by armed conflict, criminal activity and unexploded ordnance. Understanding where is and isn’t safe to travel in the country is important. Travelling with an experienced tour operator, such as Untamed Borders, can ensure your trip goes smoothly.
The best time to visit South Sudan is generally during the dry season, particularly from December to March.
South Sudan has a tropical climate, although rainfall and temperature patterns vary considerably across the country.
Dry Season: December – March
This is generally the most practical time for travelling in South Sudan.
Rainfall is considerably lower, roads are more likely to be passable and travelling to remote communities is easier than during the rainy period..
December and January are particularly good months, although daytime temperatures are still hot. It is warmer in February and March, but it’s still a good time to visit the country.
Untamed Borders organises its group trips to South Sudan at this time of year.
Rainy Season: April – November
The rains generally begin around April and continue through much of the year, although the exact timing varies by region.
Northern and central areas generally have a more defined single rainy season, while parts of Equatoria can experience a longer and more complex rainfall pattern. Travel becomes much more difficult during this period.
Many roads outside the capital, Juba, can become impassable due to the poor conditions and flooding does isolate communities, particularly in states such as Unity, Warrap, Jonglei and Upper Nile.
This makes travelling around the country as a tourist extremely challenging and not something we would advise.
In October and November the rains do generally ease and it becomes drier, however, much of the country (outside the cities) remains very boggy and roads can still be impassable. Travelling in October and November can therefore be tricky and a time we wouldn’t advise visiting South Sudan at this time of year.
South Sudan has also experienced increasingly severe flooding in recent years, making weather conditions an important consideration when planning travel. Climate change is also having an impact on these traditional seasons and the rains are becoming more unpredictable.
Most international visitors arrive through Juba International Airport, the main international gateway to South Sudan.
The country isn’t well connected and there are no direct flights to the UK or European hubs. However, two of the most useful connections are via Addis Ababa with Ethiopian Airlines and Nairobi with Kenya Airways, both of which currently operate services to Juba.
Once inside South Sudan, travelling long distances by road can be slow and difficult. 4x4 vehicles are necessary and ensuring you have the right provisions for a difficult journey is key.
This is why travelling with an experienced tour operator is important when considering visiting South Sudan.
Overland Travel to South Sudan
South Sudan shares land borders with Sudan, Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Central African Republic, but the feasibility of crossing these borders varies enormously.
The most established overland connection is between Uganda and South Sudan via Elegu/Nimule, on the main Kampala–Juba road.
There is also an official Kenya–South Sudan crossing at Nadapal, linking northern Kenya with Eastern Equatoria.
However, crossing into South Sudan overland should not be treated like a normal East African border journey. Security conditions can change at short notice, checkpoints are common and road conditions are often extremely poor.
Even the Juba–Nimule road, one of the country's most important transport routes, has experienced serious challenges with safety and security.
The border with Sudan is particularly problematic because of the ongoing conflict in Sudan, while other remote frontier regions can be affected by insecurity and poor infrastructure.
For more information about travelling in South Sudan please contact the Untamed Borders team to - info@untamedborders.com
South Sudan is still a country which has serious challenges and travelling with an experienced tour operator is important, to understand where is and where isn’t safe to go in the country.
The nation has a complex security landscape, still suffers from instability in certain areas and the security situation can change quickly.
This does not mean that every part of South Sudan experiences the same level of insecurity, at all times and there are areas which can be enjoyed as a visitor.
Experienced tour operators, such as Untamed Borders, have strong local networks of contacts with up-to-date information and make continual security assessments, to ensure visitors stay safe.
There are still pockets of armed conflict in certain parts of the nation and areas with landmines/unexploded ordnance.
Travellers should not attempt journeys into remote parts of the country without experienced support.
South Sudan is generally conservative, particularly outside Juba, and visitors should dress modestly and practically.
Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing is best because temperatures can be extremely high throughout the year, acutely so in late Spring, Summer and early Autumn.
Women should generally cover shoulders and knees, particularly when visiting villages and rural communities. Long skirts, loose trousers and lightweight shirts are practical options.
Men should generally wear lightweight trousers and t-shirts or shirts. A lightweight long-sleeved shirt can also help protect against the sun and insects.
Visitors travelling outside Juba should bring sturdy footwear, a sun hat and good sun protection. During the dry season, dust can be considerable, so a scarf or buff can be useful too.
Cultural sensitivity is especially important when spending time with remote communities. Travellers should always follow the advice of their local guides regarding appropriate clothing, photography and behaviour.
South Sudan is overwhelmingly a cash-based economy and the official currency is the South Sudanese Pound (SSP). However, US Dollars are also widely used, particularly for hotels, tourism services and for larger transactions.
International credit and debit cards are not widely accepted. Some newer hotels and supermarkets in Juba accept cards, but travellers should never depend upon them. ATMs are difficult to find and foreign cards frequently do not work.
Travellers should take out sufficient US Dollars in cash before arrival into South Sudan - these can then be exchanged into local currency in Juba if needed.
Outside Juba, banking facilities and card payments become even less reliable and often non-existent.
South Sudan is one of Africa's most linguistically diverse countries.
English is the official language, but it is far from the only language travellers will encounter.
Juba Arabic, an Arabic-based lingua franca, is widely used for communication between people from different ethnic and linguistic backgrounds.
Dozens of indigenous languages are spoken throughout the country too. Major languages include Dinka, Nuer, Bari, Zande and Shilluk, alongside many smaller regional languages.
English is used by the government, educated South Sudanese and many people working in tourism, international organisations and NGOs, particularly in Juba.
However, when travelling through rural areas, an experienced local translator or guide is extremely useful, particularly when conversing with some of the tapestry of tribal communities.
Internet access is available in South Sudan, but travellers should expect it to be inconsistent and expect periods with no connectivity at all.
In Juba, mobile data is available and many international-standard hotels and businesses have Wi-Fi. Connections can nevertheless be slow and electricity cuts can affect both mobile networks and Wi-Fi.
Outside the capital, connectivity becomes significantly less reliable and often not there at all. In remote rural areas, travellers may go for long periods without usable mobile data or internet access at all.
Anyone travelling outside Juba should download important documents, maps and other useful material before departure.It is best to consider reliable internet access a bonus rather than something that can be depended upon throughout a trip to South Sudan.
South Sudanese food reflects the country's agricultural traditions, cattle-herding cultures and links with neighbouring nations in East and Central Africa.
Staple foods include sorghum, maize, cassava, millet, beans, groundnuts, vegetables, meat and fish.
Some foods travellers may encounter and are popular in the country are:
Cattle are enormously important culturally among several South Sudanese communities, particularly groups such as the Mundari, Dinka and Nuer.. Their importance goes far beyond simply providing meat and milk, with cattle playing major social, economic and ceremonial roles.
Food outside Juba can be simple, particularly when camping or travelling through remote communities.
South Sudan is predominantly Christian, although traditional African religious beliefs remain extremely important and are frequently practised alongside Christianity.
Catholic, Anglican, Presbyterian and other Christian denominations are widespread throughout the country, but traditional indigenous beliefs remain particularly influential in many rural communities. There is also a smaller Muslim population.
Religion is an important part of South Sudanese society and churches often play significant roles within local communities.
South Sudan's cultural diversity means customs can vary considerably between different communities, so travellers should follow the advice of their local guides, to ensure you remain culturally sensitive.
A Rope from the Sky: The Making and Unmaking of the World's Newest State – Zach Vertin
One of the best introductions to modern South Sudan. Vertin examines the international diplomacy behind independence in 2011 and how the optimism surrounding the creation of the world's newest country descended into political rivalry and civil war.
They Poured Fire on Us from the Sky – Benson Deng, Alephonsion Deng & Benjamin Ajak
The extraordinary account of three of the so-called “Lost Boys of Sudan”, describing their childhood experiences of war, displacement and flight across what is today South Sudan.
It provides a very personal perspective on the Second Sudanese Civil War and the experiences that shaped an entire generation of South Sudanese.
Emma's War – Deborah Scroggins
A compelling account of British aid worker Emma McCune and her life in Sudan during the Second Sudanese Civil War.
Although written before South Sudan became independent, much of the book takes place in the south and provides fascinating background to the SPLA, humanitarian organisations, warlords and international aid operations that shaped the region.
The Dinka of the Sudan — Francis Mading Deng
Probably the strongest choice. Written by a Dinka scholar, it explores Dinka society from the inside, covering cattle culture, family life, marriage, age-sets, religion, poetry, dance, law and social customs. It gives a much broader picture of South Sudanese life than books centred on politics or conflict.
We Come as Friends
Hubert Sauper's documentary was filmed around the period when South Sudan became independent.
It explores foreign investment, oil, aid, religion and outside influence in the world's newest state and provides a thought-provoking counterpoint to the optimism that surrounded independence.
No Simple Way Home
A deeply personal documentary by South Sudanese filmmaker Akuol de Mabior, daughter of SPLM leader John Garang.
The film follows her family and particularly her mother, Rebecca Nyandeng de Mabior, while exploring questions of family, nationhood, political legacy and what independence has meant for South Sudan.
God Grew Tired of Us
An acclaimed documentary following several of the Lost Boys of Sudan as they leave refugee camps in Africa and begin new lives in the United States.
Although much of the film takes place outside Sudan, their stories provide important background to the wars and displacement that shaped modern South Sudan.
