There’s off-piste, and then there’s South Sudan travel. Officially the world’s newest nation, its poor infrastructure and volatile political climate often deter the average tourist. However, the intrepid few who embrace the challenge will discover some of the least known and most extreme natural phenomena on Earth within the South Sudan Travel Guide.

After a messy divorce from Sudan in 2011, the South Sudanese people remain fiercely proud of their hard-fought independence. Consequently, they are often both surprised and pleased when an international traveler chooses to explore their fledgling nation through authentic South Sudan travel experiences.

Exploring Juba: The Nile’s Rising Capital

Somewhat chaotic and growing rapidly, the capital, Juba, boasts a superb location on the banks of the White Nile. Founded in the 1920s, it exhibits some excellent examples of British colonial architecture around the Hai Jalaba district. Nevertheless, most visitors will want to leave man-made structures behind and head for the country’s vast natural wonders highlighted in the South Sudan Travel Guide.

Map highlighting South Sudan travel routes and national parks

1. Quick Facts

  • Area: 644,329 sq km
  • Population: ~12.4 million (2026 UN Estimate)
  • Capital: Juba
  • Government: Republic (Transitional)

2. Visa and Immigration for South Sudan Travel

Planning a trip here requires significant paperwork. First, you must secure an E-Visa and a Letter of Invitation (LOI) from us or an other registered tour operator. Furthermore, you should check the latest advice from the U.S. Department of State or your local embassy before booking your South Sudan Travel Guide.

  • Mandatory: A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate.
  • Permits: Photography is strictly regulated; specifically, you will need an official permit to carry a camera outside your hotel.

3. Getting There & Around

  • Arrival: Juba International (JUB) is the primary hub.
  • Getting Around: Road travel in 2026 remains an “off-road” experience. For more information on logistics, visit our safari planning guide.

5. Nature’s Final Frontier: South Sudan Travel Highlights

While the capital continues to grow as a chaotic Nile boomtown, the true heart of South Sudan travel lies in its vast, untouched landscapes. Because the region has seen little tourism, the wildlife and cultures remain remarkably authentic. The South Sudan Travel Guide provides insight into these pristine regions.

6. The White Nile & The Sudd

The vast swampy Sudd region, known locally as Bahr el Jebel, is where the Nile forms one of the world’s largest inland wetlands. Specifically, it covers 30,000 square kilometers of reeds and papyrus. Because it is a habitat safe from poachers, it supports massive populations of hippos. Exploring these islands by traditional canoe offers a silent, prehistoric experience.

7. Boma National Park & The Great Migration

In addition to the Sudd, Boma National Park boasts Africa’s most iconic wildlife. However, the star attraction is what experts at National Geographic often cite as the greatest mammal migration on Earth. Every year, an estimated two million animals—primarily white-eared kob—migrate across the plains. Additionally, the region is renowned for its traditional tribal homesteads.

9. Why Book Your South Sudan Travel with SafarisWay

SafarisWay remains one of the few operators specializing in the complex logistics of this region. For 2026, we focus on providing safe, immersive journeys. If you are interested in cultural heritage, be sure to check our South Sudan tour packages..

  • Mundari Cattle Camp Immersions: Witness the iconic relationship between the Mundari people and their cattle.
  • The Boma Migration: Specialized seasonal fly-ins to witness the kob migration.
  • Logistical Support: Providing the necessary security and 4×4 convoys for safe passage.