South Sudan is a paradise in North Africa, bordered by Ethiopia in the east, Kenya in the south, and Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo in the west. There is a lot to see in South Sudan, starting from the six national parks and thirteen game reserves, which cover 10.4% of the land area. The capital city is Juba.
In the past, South Sudan had developed significantly, but civil wars later slowed down the economy. The tourism sector and infrastructure were destroyed, but currently, things have stabilized, and most of the conflicts are in rural areas, mainly due to cattle raiding.
South Sudan is one of the youngest countries, having gained independence in 2011, separating from Sudan. One of the freedom fighters who worked hard for the country’s independence was the late John Garang. Sadly, he did not live to see this victory, as he passed away before independence. A mausoleum was built in his honor.
Facts about South Sudan
Below are some facts about the world’s youngest country, South Sudan.
- Situated in Central Africa: South Sudan is located in Central Africa, with cities such as Juba (the capital city), Wau, Malakal, Bor, Aweil, Yambio, Torit, and Yirol, among others.
- South Sudan is a Landlocked Country: South Sudan is completely surrounded by land and has no access to the sea. This forces the country to depend on neighbors with seaports to import and export goods.
- South Sudan Has One of the World’s Youngest Populations: According to experts, the average age in South Sudan is 18.6 years. Most of the population is under 25 years old, with very few elderly people, mainly because of the long-lasting wars that only ended in 2011 when the country gained independence. Due to this, South Sudan has a low life expectancy.
- Shares the Nile River with Uganda: The Nile River flows through South Sudan, with one of its major tributaries, the White Nile, running through Juba before joining the Blue Nile in Khartoum. The Nile River also flows through Uganda (its source), Egypt, Ethiopia, Tanzania, and several other countries.
- South Sudan’s Flag is Full of Symbols: South Sudan’s flag consists of a fimbriated horizontal tricolor of black, red, and green, with a blue triangle on the hoist side containing a five-pointed gold star.
- South Sudan is Home to Many Languages: English and Arabic were once the official languages. However, after gaining independence, English became the only official language. As you travel through South Sudan, you will hear people speaking Dinka, Azande, Nuer, Acholi, Pari, Murle, and many other native languages.
- Gaining Independence: In July 2011, South Sudan finally gained independence, but sadly, this happened after the death of John Garang, who had been a key figure in seeking peace for the country. Since South Sudan only recently gained freedom, it still faces high poverty rates, with 80% of the population living in rural areas and surviving on less than $1.90 per day.
- Abundance of Natural Resources: South Sudan is rich in natural resources, including: Petroleum, Marble, The Nile River, Iron Ore, Aluminum and Gold (the country’s major mineral). Unfortunately, despite these valuable resources, most residents work in non-wage pastoral jobs and do not benefit from the country’s natural wealth.
- Non-permitted Filming is a crime: Filming military buildings is a crime, and filming in general requires permission.
Tourist Attractions & Activities – Top Things to See & Do in South Sudan
There are many activities to do in South Sudan. For example, you can visit Juba City, passing through local markets and historical sites such as the John Garang Mausoleum and museums.
You can also visit different national parks and interact with some of the 64 tribes of South Sudan, most of whom live in remote areas.
Some of the places you can visit in South Sudan and activities that you can do include:
Visit the Mundari Tribe
The Mundari tribe is known for its hospitality and warmly welcomes visitors as a sign of love. They allow you to explore and learn about their culture, and interpreters are always available to help with communication. You will be amazed when they explain how they turn their hair orange—something you should ask them about yourself! The Mundari people treasure their cattle, and anyone caught stealing them is punished severely, sometimes by death. This is one of the main reasons for frequent cattle raids and deaths in South Sudan.
The tribe also conducts an initiation ceremony to prepare youths for the next stage of life. During this process, they are separated from the rest of the community and return only after the rituals are completed, which are led by elders. The Mundari are also famous for wrestling. On certain days, young men from neighboring villages gather to compete in traditional wrestling, covering themselves in mud and trying to throw their opponents to the ground.
Bandingilo National Park
This park is located near the White Nile River, covering 10,000 square kilometers. It is home to wildlife, diverse vegetation, landscapes, local communities, and birds. A visit to Bandingilo National Park gives you the chance to witness the second-largest annual animal migration on Earth, after the Great Migration.
Nimule National Park
Nimule National Park is the smallest national park in South Sudan but is considered the most beautiful. Its amazing topography provides great opportunities for landscape sightseeing. The park is home to animals such as Uganda kob, rhinos, wild pigs, wild cats, ostriches, and African wild dogs.
The park also has the famous Fula Waterfalls, perfect for rapid-water adventures. Other important water systems in the area include the White Nile, which flows from Uganda into South Sudan, and the River Nile, which originates in Uganda and flows through South Sudan and Ethiopia.
Boma National Park
Boma National Park is home to various animal species, including white-eared kob, elephants, gazelles, African cheetahs, waterbucks, bongos, and giant elands. It is also an important bird-watching destination, with species such as the black-chested snake eagle. Boma is located in eastern South Sudan, near the Ethiopian border. It was established in 1977 and covers an area of 22,800 square kilometers.
Boya Tribe Tour
The Boya tribe has a unique mourning dress for women, which involves wearing animal skins around the waist and decorating their legs and arms with leaves to create a striped pattern. They live east of Torit town, in a small, scattered settlement known as Camp 15.
Sudd Wetland Tours
The Sudd Wetland is a breathtaking place, home to a variety of wildlife. Activities in this area include boat trips, nature walks, and game drives, where you can spot different bird species such as shoebills, great white pelicans, and black-crowned cranes.
You can also go mountain hiking at Kinyeti, the highest peak in the Imatong Mountains. Before leaving, don’t miss visiting the glorious Wau Cathedral, a domed church built in 1913, which is a symbol of Christian missionary efforts in the region.
Important: Please note that filming military buildings is a crime, and filming in general requires permission.
Cultural Tours in South Sudan
Culture is highly valued in some areas of South Sudan, and foreign behaviors are forbidden to avoid changing their beliefs. That is why some communities prefer marrying within their own group to preserve their originality.
In some tribes, a baby born with a defect is buried alive to prevent the death of other male relatives in the village. This may seem strange compared to modern practices, but some cultural traditions have declined due to government discouragement of harmful practices.
Worshipping a supreme being is still common, and some people believe in life after death. That is why sacrifices are made to honor their ancestors in times of calamity or misfortune.
Some societies believe that the dead return in the form of different animal species such as lions, hyenas, crocodiles, and leopards.
These tribes protect and care for these animals, believing they carry the spirits of their ancestors.
Some of the tribes in South Sudan include: Azande, Dinka, Nuer, Toposa, Shilluk, Didinga, Mundari, Lotuko, Otuho, Imatong and the Boya among others.
Many of these tribes live near national parks, which are home to a variety of wildlife and plants. Each tribe has its own culture and beliefs that attract tourists from different parts of the world. Visitors who tour their villages are welcomed with warm dances.
In some tribes, men are seen naked or only cover their waists, while women wear skirts and leave their upper bodies uncovered, decorating themselves with beads around their waists, necks, and legs.
Tourists are often amazed by some of their practices. For example, men smear themselves with cow dung ash, which acts as a mosquito repellent. Some even bathe with urine, which may seem strange to foreigners, but South Sudanese people use it as a natural bleaching agent to turn their hair orange.
Cattle are highly valued in these communities. Fat bulls are decorated with ornaments, and cattle are seen as a symbol of wealth. Because of this, cows are guarded with guns, and many people lose their lives during cattle raids.
However, this should not scare visitors, as long as they do not attempt to take any of the cattle. The locals may even teach tourists how to milk cows.
The milk is later turned into butter and used as a supplement in their diet. Their diet also includes millet, maize, vegetables, and in some cases, drinking cow blood mixed with milk. Some communities also rely on fishing.
Tourists also have the opportunity to taste local dishes and explore the traditional lifestyle of these tribes. Many enjoy posing for pictures near their grass-thatched houses, which are smeared with cow dung and surrounded by drums, a symbol of beauty in their culture. This makes the safari experience even more enjoyable.
When to Visit South Sudan
South Sudan is mostly visited during the dry season, from December to April. During this time, the skies are clearer, the air is cooler, and most importantly, wildlife moves in large numbers, making it the best time for safaris.
Where to Stay?
South Sudan is a developing country with growing infrastructure. It has beautiful and affordable hotels, ranging from simple to luxury, mostly located in Juba, the capital city.
Some of the hotels include: Radisson Blu Hotel, Afex River Camp, Acacia Village, Pyramid Continental Hotel, Crown Hotel and Landmark Hotel.
Note: Since South Sudan is still developing, there are no permanent structures in the national parks. Instead, mobile tents are set up, providing all the necessary bedding. These camps are located in rural or remote areas.
South Sudan Climate and Weather
South Sudan has a tropical Savannah climate. However, the northern and southeastern parts have a warm semi-arid climate. The temperatures are generally high, with an annual average of 35°C.
There are a few humid or rainy months. The days are hot, while nights are slightly cooler.
It is advisable to pack essentials such as gumboots, safari clothes in earthy colors, the necessary documents permitting your stay in the country, a first aid kit, sunglasses, insect repellent, a hat, and other necessary items.
Safety & Crime Rate
Town areas are generally safe, while conflicts mostly happen in border areas and deep rural regions.
That is why it is best to plan your visit with a knowledgeable South Sudan tour company to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.
South Sudan Frequently Asked Questions & Answers
Below are some of the most popular frequently asked questions and answers about South Sudan, the youngest country in the world.
- Where is South Sudan located? South Sudan is in North Africa, bordered by Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
- What is the capital city of South Sudan? The capital city of South Sudan is Juba.
- How many national parks are in South Sudan? South Sudan has six national parks and thirteen game reserves.
- Why did South Sudan face economic problems? Civil wars destroyed the economy, tourism, and infrastructure, but things are now improving.
- When did South Sudan gain independence? South Sudan became independent in 2011 after separating from Sudan.
- Who was John Garang? John Garang was a freedom fighter who worked for South Sudan’s independence, but he died before independence.
- Is South Sudan a landlocked country? Yes, South Sudan is completely surrounded by land and has no access to the sea.
- What is the population of South Sudan like? South Sudan has one of the youngest populations in the world, with most people under 25 years old.
- What is the main river in South Sudan? The Nile River flows through South Sudan, with the White Nile passing through Juba.
- What does South Sudan’s flag represent? The flag has black, red, and green stripes with a blue triangle and a gold star, each symbolizing different things.
- What is the official language of South Sudan? English is the official language, but many people also speak local languages.
- What are some major cities in South Sudan? Some major cities include Juba, Wau, Malakal, Bor, Aweil, and Yambio.
- What natural resources does South Sudan have? South Sudan has petroleum, gold, iron ore, aluminum, marble, and the Nile River.
- Is filming allowed in South Sudan? Filming military buildings is a crime, and filming in general requires permission.
- What can tourists do in Juba City? Tourists can visit markets, the John Garang Mausoleum, museums, and other historical sites.
- Who are the Mundari people? The Mundari are a welcoming tribe known for their love of cattle and traditional wrestling.
- What is special about Bandingilo National Park? It hosts the second-largest animal migration in the world after the Great Migration.
- What makes Nimule National Park unique? It is the smallest but most beautiful national park, with waterfalls and various animals.
- What animals can be seen in Boma National Park? You can see elephants, gazelles, cheetahs, waterbucks, and many bird species.
- What is special about the Boya tribe? Their women wear animal skins and decorate their bodies with leaves in a unique mourning tradition.
- What is the Sudd Wetland known for? It is home to many bird species and offers boat trips, nature walks, and game drives.
- What mountain can tourists hike in South Sudan? Tourists can hike Mount Kinyeti, the highest peak in the Imatong Mountains.
- Why do some South Sudanese men use cow dung ash? They use it as a mosquito repellent and also to keep their skin cool.
- Why do some people in South Sudan bathe with urine? Some believe urine helps bleach their hair and turn it orange.
- Why do South Sudanese value cattle so much? Cattle are a symbol of wealth and are heavily guarded, sometimes leading to raids.
- When is the best time to visit South Sudan? The best time to visit is during the dry season, from December to April.
- Are there hotels in South Sudan? Yes, there are many hotels in Juba, including Radisson Blu, Crown Hotel, and Landmark Hotel.
- What is South Sudan’s climate like? It has a tropical climate, with very hot days and cooler nights.
- What should visitors pack for South Sudan? Visitors should bring safari clothes, insect repellent, sunglasses, a hat, and a first aid kit.
- Is South Sudan safe for tourists? Town areas are safe, but visitors should plan with a trusted tour company to avoid risky areas.
South Sudan safaris and tours are a dream come true!
