South Sudan: Best Things to Do – Top Picks

Did you know South Sudan is home to one of the world’s largest animal migrations? While overshadowed by East Africa’s famous wildebeest migration, South Sudan’s Boma National Park hosts an incredible spectacle where over 1.2 million white-eared kob, tiang antelope, and gazelles thunder across vast savannas. This hidden wonder is just one of many treasures waiting to be discovered in Africa’s youngest nation.

Getting There & Planning Your Journey

Reaching South Sudan requires careful planning. Juba International Airport serves as the main gateway, with flights connecting through major hubs like Addis Ababa, Nairobi, and Cairo. Most travelers will need to arrange a visa in advance through a South Sudanese embassy or consulate.

Due to the country’s developing infrastructure, working with experienced tour operators is highly recommended. They can handle complex logistics, security considerations, and necessary permits for visiting national parks and tribal areas.

Best Time to Visit South Sudan & Weather Tips

The climate in South Sudan is tropical with distinct wet and dry seasons. The best time to visit is during the dry season from November to April when roads are more accessible and wildlife viewing is optimal.

While the wet season (May-October) transforms the landscape into lush green vistas, many roads become impassable due to flooding, particularly in the Sudd region. The wildlife migration from the Sudd to Boma National Park occurs between March and April, making this an exceptional time for nature enthusiasts despite the increasing heat.

Getting Around Locally

Transportation in South Sudan presents unique challenges. The road network is limited, with many routes becoming impassable during the rainy season. Here are your options for local travel:

Where to Stay

Accommodation options in South Sudan are concentrated in Juba, with limited facilities in other major towns. The hospitality industry is developing, with most establishments catering to business travelers, NGO workers, and the occasional tourist.

Dining & Local Cuisine

South Sudanese cuisine reflects the country’s diverse cultural heritage, with influences from neighboring countries. The international presence in Juba has also led to a variety of dining options beyond traditional fare.

Traditional Dishes to Try

• Kisra – Fermented bread similar to Ethiopian injera, served with stews
• Wal Wal Wat – Beef stew with berbere spice and vegetables
• Moukhbaza – Mashed beans with onions, tomatoes, and spices
• Fresh Fish – Prepared various ways, often from the White Nile

Where to Eat in Juba

Top Attractions & Things to Do in South Sudan

1. Witness the Great Migration in Boma National Park

Covering an impressive 22,800 km² (8,800 sq mi), Boma National Park hosts one of the world’s largest wildlife migrations. Between March-April and November-January, approximately 1.2 million white-eared kob, tiang antelope, and gazelles move between the Sudd wetlands and the park. This spectacular natural phenomenon rivals the Serengeti migration but remains largely unknown to international tourists.

2. Explore the Sudd Wetlands

The Sudd is the world’s largest freshwater wetland, covering approximately 30,000 km² (11,583 sq mi). This vast ecosystem is a paradise for birdwatchers, with over 450 species including the rare shoebill stork. Navigate the labyrinthine waterways by canoe to spot hippos, crocodiles, and countless bird species in this pristine environment.

3. Visit a Dinka Cattle Camp

The Dinka are South Sudan’s largest ethnic group, known for their special relationship with their distinctive long-horned cattle. Visiting a traditional cattle camp offers insight into a way of life that has remained largely unchanged for centuries. These camps can host hundreds of cattle, which play a central role in Dinka culture, social status, and marriage traditions.

4. Experience Juba, the Capital

While not rich in traditional tourist attractions, Juba offers a fascinating glimpse into a nation in the making. Visit the John Garang Mausoleum, dedicated to the leader of the liberation movement, explore the bustling Konyo Konyo Market, and enjoy sunset views over the White Nile from the riverside restaurants.

5. Attend a Traditional Wrestling Match

Wrestling holds special cultural significance in South Sudan, particularly in the southeastern city of Bor. Matches attract large crowds, with participants from different tribal groups competing in this traditional sport. Visiting Freedom Square in Bor on weekends offers the chance to witness this important cultural practice firsthand.

Cultural Gems & Festivals

Tribal Cultural Experiences

South Sudan is home to over 60 ethnic groups, each with distinct traditions and customs. Some of the most accessible cultural experiences include:

• Mundari Villages – Known for their distinctive facial scarification and close relationship with their Ankole-Watusi cattle
• Toposa Communities – Renowned for their intricate beadwork and traditional dances
• Shilluk Kingdom – One of Africa’s oldest monarchies with rich cultural traditions

Cultural Centers & Monuments

• Nyakuron Cultural Center (Juba) – The best place to experience South Sudanese music, dance, and storytelling
• John Garang Mausoleum – An important historical site honoring the leader of South Sudan’s independence movement
• All Saints Cathedral – The main Christian worship center in Juba with services in multiple languages
• Wau Cathedral – Built in 1913 with impressive architectural details and historical significance

Festivals & Celebrations

While formal festivals are still developing in this young nation, there are several cultural celebrations worth experiencing:

• Independence Day (July 9) – Commemorating South Sudan’s independence with parades and celebrations
• Traditional Seasonal Celebrations – Various ethnic groups celebrate harvests and seasonal changes
• Wrestling Tournaments – Regular cultural events that bring together different communities

Outdoor Adventures & Nature Experiences

Whitewater Rafting on the White Nile

For adventure seekers, whitewater rafting near Nimule offers an exhilarating experience. The journey begins at Fola Falls with challenging Grade 4 rapids before easing into a more gentle ride. Along the way, you might spot hippos, crocodiles, and various wildlife along the riverbanks.

Hiking in the Imatong Mountains

The Imatong Mountains in southeastern South Sudan offer excellent hiking opportunities. Mount Kinyeti, the country’s highest peak at 3,187 m (10,456 ft), presents a challenging climb through forested slopes. The mountains are home to leopards, buffalo, and elephants, making wildlife sightings possible during treks.

Wildlife Viewing in National Parks

Beyond Boma, South Sudan has several other national parks worth exploring:

• Bandingilo National Park – Home to part of the great migration and diverse wildlife including giraffes, lions, and elephants
• Nimule National Park – The most accessible park from Juba, offering boat trips to Opekoloe Island to see elephants and other wildlife
• Southern National Park – Remote wilderness with minimal tourist infrastructure but exceptional biodiversity

Safety, Etiquette & Local Customs

Safety Considerations

• Travel with reputable local guides and tour operators at all times
• Obtain necessary permits for photography, especially in Juba where restrictions are strict
• Carry physical cash as credit card facilities are limited outside major hotels in Juba
• Purchase comprehensive travel insurance that covers high-risk destinations
• Register with your embassy upon arrival

Cultural Etiquette

• Ask permission before taking photographs of people or government buildings
• Dress modestly, particularly when visiting rural communities
• Greet people with a handshake and maintain eye contact as a sign of respect
• Avoid discussions about tribal politics or taking sides in local issues
• When visiting cattle camps, show interest and appreciation for the animals

Practical Travel Tips

Ready to Discover South Sudan?

South Sudan may be the world’s youngest nation, but it offers some of Africa’s oldest cultural traditions and most spectacular natural wonders. From the awe-inspiring wildlife migrations of Boma National Park to the timeless traditions of the Dinka and Mundari peoples, this emerging destination rewards adventurous travelers with authentic experiences far from the typical tourist trail.

While travel in South Sudan presents unique challenges, the warm hospitality of its people and the untouched beauty of its landscapes make it a truly remarkable destination for those seeking to venture beyond the ordinary.