- Visit Boma National Park: This national park is known for its diverse wildlife, including elephants, giraffes, and various bird species. It offers opportunities for game drives, bird watching, and hiking, providing a unique and breathtaking experience for nature enthusiasts.
- Explore Juba: The capital city of South Sudan, Juba, is a vibrant and bustling city with a rich cultural heritage. Visitors can explore the local markets, visit historical sites like the Juba Cathedral, and immerse themselves in the local cuisine and music scene.
- Discover the White Nile: The White Nile, one of the two main tributaries of the Nile River, offers incredible opportunities for river exploration. Visitors can go on boat trips, enjoy fishing, or simply relax by the riverbanks, taking in the serene beauty of this iconic waterway.
- Visit the Sudd Wetlands: The Sudd Wetlands, located in the southern part of South Sudan, is one of the largest wetland areas in the world. It is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including hippos, crocodiles, and numerous bird species. Exploring this unique ecosystem is a must for nature lovers.
- Experience Traditional Dinka Culture: The Dinka people are the largest ethnic group in South Sudan, known for their rich cultural traditions. Visitors can engage with the Dinka community, learn about their customs, participate in traditional dances, and even witness cattle herding, which is a central aspect of their way of life.
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South Sudan
Explore South Africa
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Backpacking South Sudan in 2025
A complete guide for backpacking in South Sudan with best places to go, best time to visit, what to bring and safety advice.
Visit South Sudan
Embark on an off-the-beaten-path adventure in South Sudan, a destination marked by untamed landscapes and rich cultural diversity. Pros? Immerse in authentic tribal cultures, explore vast national parks, and experience a truly unique African journey away from tourist crowds. However, travel infrastructure is underdeveloped, and security concerns are significant, demanding heightened caution. For the exceptionally bold and culturally curious backpacker, South Sudan offers an unparalleled chance to witness tribal traditions and untouched wilderness, making it a destination where the brave can forge their own path, though careful planning is essential.
💡 HighlightsTop-5 things to do in South Sudan
🌤️ When to go?Best time to go backpacking South Sudan
The best time to visit South Sudan for backpacking is during the dry season, which typically runs from December to April. During this time, the weather is generally sunny and warm, making it ideal for outdoor activities and exploring the country's natural beauty. However, it is important to note that South Sudan can still be quite hot during this period, so it is advisable to pack light and stay hydrated.
Risk level: high (100%)Safety advice for South Sudan
- The security situation is volatile and could deteriorate rapidly with little or no notice. If the security situation deteriorates further, routes into and out of South Sudan may be blocked. Juba airport may close or be inaccessible. Flights may be cancelled at short notice.
- Reports of intercommunal violence are common. Border areas are especially dangerous.
- Terrorist attacks could occur without warning. Public places, hotels, restaurants and government buildings are targets. Airports and transport hubs may also be targets. Be alert in public places. Don't walk alone, especially after dark. Report any suspicious items or activity to the police.
- Kidnapping, murder, shootings, home invasions, armed robbery, carjacking and sexual assault are common throughout South Sudan, including in Juba. Petty crime, such as theft and fraudulent currency exchange, is common. Safeguard your belongings.
- If you decide to remain in South Sudan, be highly vigilant, monitor security developments closely and abide by any imposed curfews.
- Make sure you have enough supplies including food, water and medicine.
- If, despite our advice, you travel to South Sudan, get professional security advice.
source: smartraveller.gov.au
source: www.gov.uk
South SudanMy tips to get you on the way!Does South Sudan sound like your next backpacking destination? Use these steps to get you on the way.
Get inspiration 📚
While guidebooks used to be the backpacker’s holy grail for finding accomodation, nowadays that’s more conveniently accomplished online. However, guidebooks remain an excellent resource for familiarizing oneself with the country, gaining inspiration, and discovering itineraries. I enjoy reading them before my travels and then leaving them behind at home when I embark on my journey.
While guidebooks used to be the backpacker’s holy grail for finding accomodation, nowadays that’s more conveniently accomplished online. However, guidebooks remain an excellent resource for familiarizing oneself with the country, gaining inspiration, and discovering itineraries. I enjoy reading them before my travels and then leaving them behind at home when I embark on my journey.
Prepare your trip ✅
Before embarking on your journey, several essential checks are crucial: passport, visa, vaccinations and insurance. Some countries mandate that your passport remains valid for 3 to 6 months post your return. Additionally, it is important to verify the specific visa requirements for South Sudan. These differ per country of origin. While you can handle visa arrangements independently, online visa services streamline the process as they know exactly what’s needed for each country. South Sudan may require certain vaccinations. Make sure to timely check which ones you still need. Lastly, if you don’t have a travel insurance yet, Safety Wing is a good choice as they are tailored for backpackers.
Before embarking on your journey, several essential checks are crucial: passport, visa, vaccinations and insurance. Some countries mandate that your passport remains valid for 3 to 6 months post your return. Additionally, it is important to verify the specific visa requirements for South Sudan. These differ per country of origin. While you can handle visa arrangements independently, online visa services streamline the process as they know exactly what’s needed for each country. South Sudan may require certain vaccinations. Make sure to timely check which ones you still need. Lastly, if you don’t have a travel insurance yet, Safety Wing is a good choice as they are tailored for backpackers.
Book your flight ✈️
The flight may be the most expensive part of your trip. Therefore it’s worth spending a bit of time finding the right one. Flight search engines like Skyscanner and Kayak are the best to compare all possible options. A good tip is to be flexible with your exact travel dates. Traveling one or two days earlier/later may save you some bucks. Also booking about three months in advance can help making the best deal for you (though I’m not the best one myself to follow this advice as I tend to decide last-minute). A final tip would be to check airports in neighbouring countries. Not necessarily for cost saving but it can be intriguing to journey into South Sudan, travel overland to one of its neighbours and fly back home from there.
The flight may be the most expensive part of your trip. Therefore it’s worth spending a bit of time finding the right one. Flight search engines like Skyscanner and Kayak are the best to compare all possible options. A good tip is to be flexible with your exact travel dates. Traveling one or two days earlier/later may save you some bucks. Also booking about three months in advance can help making the best deal for you (though I’m not the best one myself to follow this advice as I tend to decide last-minute). A final tip would be to check airports in neighbouring countries. Not necessarily for cost saving but it can be intriguing to journey into South Sudan, travel overland to one of its neighbours and fly back home from there.
Book your first night(s) 🛌
Depending on your travel style, you can either plan a detailed day-to-day route and pre-book your accommodations, providing peace of mind, or opt to book them spontaneously, offering greater flexibility to adjust your plan. Personally, I am a big fan of the latter approach, but I always ensure to book the first night(s) in advance.
Depending on your travel style, you can either plan a detailed day-to-day route and pre-book your accommodations, providing peace of mind, or opt to book them spontaneously, offering greater flexibility to adjust your plan. Personally, I am a big fan of the latter approach, but I always ensure to book the first night(s) in advance.
My personal packing list 🎒
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Over the years, I’ve learned the importance of packing minimally. It’s so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you’re headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.
Money & Documents
Clothing
Electronics
Health
Others
Over the years, I’ve learned the importance of packing minimally. It’s so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you’re headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.Money & Documents
Clothing
Electronics
Health
Others
Moneybelt
[Amazon]
“Best way to carry your important documents”
Quick dry pant
[Amazon]
“Nothing beats these quick dry and light pants when traveling”
Light rain jacket
[Amazon]
“Hiking in rainy season? These keep you dry”
Thermo underwear
[Amazon]
“Less weight and volume than bulky sweaters or jackets”
Quick dry towel
[Amazon]
“Normal towels get smelly and heavy when traveling”
Power bank
[Amazon]
“Pick a small and light one, with 10.000mAh or more”
Travel adapter
[Amazon]
“Needed as each country has its own electricity plugs”
Number lock
[Amazon]
“No chance of losing your key; handy for lockers in dormitories”
Packing cubes
[Amazon]
“Keep your wet or dirty clothes separate from the rest”
Travel pillow
[Amazon]
“Light and great for flights and long bus journeys”
last page update: 29 September 2024