South Sudan

South Sudan holds some remarkable natural features, including the Sudd, one of the world's largest wetlands, fed by the White Nile, and Boma National Park, where vast herds of white-eared kob and antelope migrate much like on the Serengeti. Nilotic peoples such as the Dinka and Nuer maintain strong cattle-herding traditions that shape daily and ceremonial life across the country. Decades of conflict and continuing instability mean conventional tourism is essentially nonexistent here, and travel is generally not advisable without specialist support.

Why go thereWildlife Indigenous cultures Safari Nature & landscapes Culture & heritage Rural traditions

Main destinations

Food & drink to try

Kisra

Thin fermented sorghum bread torn to scoop up stew.

Asida

Sorghum or maize porridge stiffened and served with a well of sauce.

Mulah

Okra or peanut stew with dried meat, poured over the day's starch.

Food & drink to try

Kisra

Thin fermented sorghum bread torn to scoop up stew.

Asida

Sorghum or maize porridge stiffened and served with a well of sauce.

Mulah

Okra or peanut stew with dried meat, poured over the day's starch.

Wala wala

Sorghum or maize flour stirred into a stiff paste, eaten with the fingers.

Kop

Nile fish smoked or dried and then stewed with onion and groundnut.

Combo

Okra cooked down until it thickens the pot, served with meat and greens.

Dura

Sorghum, the staple grain of the region, ground for bread and fermented for beer.

Aseeda bel dama

Porridge with a tomato and meat sauce poured into its centre.

Entry & health

Set your passport

fuel-prices.eu wise.com en.wikipedia.org

Advisory only — AI + web search, may be out of date. Confirm official sources before you travel.

Tipping & local customs

Tipping isn't obligatory in South Sudan and service charges are rarely added to bills, but leaving a small amount for good service at restaurants, hotels, or with drivers is appreciated; carry small cash since many vendors and eateries don't accept cards.

Dress modestly (covered shoulders/knees), especially outside upscale Juba venues, as conservative norms prevail across most communities.
Always greet people and exchange pleasantries before starting a conversation or transaction — greetings are an important sign of respect.
Ask permission before photographing people, government buildings, or checkpoints; a photography permit may be required and cameras can be confiscated if used without care.
Use the right hand (or both hands) when giving or receiving items, as the left hand is considered less polite for such exchanges.
Avoid public displays of affection and be respectful when discussing tribal or political topics, which can be sensitive given the country's ethnic diversity.
Remove shoes when entering someone's home if asked, and show deference to elders and local chiefs, who hold significant social authority.

Advisory only — AI + web search, may be out of date. Confirm official sources before you travel.

Before you go

Stay connected

Get an eSIM for South Sudan — mobile data the moment you land.

via Airalo

Travel insurance

Cover trip cancellation, medical care and delays.

via EKTA