- The FCDO advises against all travel to South Sudan, so check gov.uk first
- Insurance is usually invalid against FCDO advice
- Boma and Badingilo national parks host one of the largest land mammal migrations on Earth
- The Mundari cattle camps near Terekeka are famous among photographers
- Airports
- Juba International (JUB)
- Flight time
- about 11-13h from London to Juba, with one stop
- Best time to go
- December-March, during the dry season
- Currency
- South Sudanese pound (SSP); US dollars widely used
South Sudan became the world's newest country when it gained independence from Sudan in 2011. It is a land of savannah, swamp and river, with the White Nile flowing north through the capital, Juba, and into the Sudd, one of the largest wetlands in the world. More than 60 ethnic groups live here, and for many, including the Dinka, Nuer and Mundari, cattle are at the heart of social and cultural life.
Since independence, South Sudan has suffered civil war, intercommunal violence and severe humanitarian crises, and tensions remain high. At the time of writing the UK FCDO advises against all travel to South Sudan because of armed conflict, violent crime and the risk of kidnapping, and the British Embassy's ability to help is limited. Travel insurance is usually invalid against FCDO advice. Check the latest gov.uk FCDO travel advice for South Sudan before considering any trip. This guide covers the country's wildlife and cultures for when it is safe to visit. For the wider region, see our Africa guide, or neighbouring Uganda, Kenya and Ethiopia.
Why go
- The great migration: in Boma and Badingilo national parks, huge herds of white-eared kob, tiang, Mongalla gazelle and reedbuck move across the plains, in what aerial surveys have suggested is one of the largest land mammal migrations in the world. Since 2022 the conservation group African Parks has helped manage both parks.
- Mundari cattle camps: near Terekeka, north of Juba, the Mundari people live alongside their prized long-horned Ankole-Watusi cattle, tending them with smoke and ash to keep insects away. Visits need permission and a respectful local guide.
- The Sudd: a vast swamp of papyrus and reed beds along the White Nile, home to shoebills and huge numbers of waterbirds.
- Juba: the capital on the White Nile, with busy markets such as Konyo Konyo, the John Garang Mausoleum and riverside spots for watching the sunset.
- Imatong Mountains: forested highlands near the Ugandan border, including Mount Kinyeti, South Sudan's highest peak.
- Nimule National Park: on the Nile at the Ugandan border, known for elephants and rapids.
Where to stay
- Juba: a range of hotels and serviced camps used by aid workers and business travellers, many along the Nile.
- Riverside camps: tented lodges on the White Nile near Juba, some of the most comfortable places to stay in the country.
- Expedition camps: in the parks and cattle country, all accommodation is mobile camping organised by a specialist operator.
Getting there
There are no direct flights from the UK. Juba is served via Addis Ababa (Ethiopian Airlines), Nairobi (Kenya Airways), Entebbe and Dubai (flydubai), with total journey times of roughly 11-13 hours. British travellers need a visa, usually arranged as an e-visa before travel, and a yellow fever certificate is generally required. Photography permits have been required, and taking pictures of government buildings, bridges or soldiers can lead to arrest. Malaria is high risk, so check TravelHealthPro.
South Sudan is two hours ahead of the UK in winter and one in summer. Travel outside Juba usually involves light aircraft or long drives on rough roads, and permits from local authorities are often needed, so a reputable operator is essential.
Best time to visit
The dry season, from around December to March, is the best time to travel, as many roads become impassable in the rains from about April to November. The migration in Boma and Badingilo moves with the seasons, so specialist operators time trips to follow the herds.
When visiting cattle camps, always ask before photographing people or animals, and go with a guide who can explain local customs and agree any fees with the community.
Frequently asked questions
Can tourists visit South Sudan?
A small number of travellers visit with specialist operators, but at the time of writing the FCDO advises against all travel to South Sudan. Insurance is usually invalid if you travel against this advice, so check gov.uk first.
When did South Sudan become independent?
South Sudan gained independence from Sudan on 9 July 2011, following a referendum in which the vast majority voted to separate.
Do I need a visa for South Sudan?
Yes. British citizens need a visa, normally arranged online before travel, as well as a yellow fever certificate. Check current requirements before booking.
What language is spoken in South Sudan?
English is the official language, and Juba Arabic is widely used as a common language. There are also dozens of local languages, including Dinka, Nuer and Bari.
Written by
Anna Beach, family & practical travel editor
Anna knows which beach has shade at 3pm and which car hire excess is a rip-off. She covers sun, islands, family trips and practical travel tips.
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