Best time to visit South Sudan

You’re on a pioneering trip visiting a previously inaccessible country and meeting people who have been cut off by civil war for years. How exciting is that? So don’t forget to treat your holiday like the adventure it is, and go with your eyes (and mind) wide open. South Sudan’s tourist industry is pretty much non-existent, so you’ll soon get used to being faced with honest curiosity. Don’t take travel guides as gospel – even this one. South Sudan is a country finding its way through the early days of peace, so things change weekly. Once you’ve booked your holiday, your tour operator will get in contact if there are any tweaks to the itinerary. It should go without saying, really, but don’t treat villagers like exhibits – especially if taking photographs. The best trips to tribal communities celebrate local culture and educate you, all the while allowing the visit to occur on the villagers’ terms. You’ll have the rare privilege of meeting the real experts on South Sudan, so grab the opportunity to pick their brains for tips and tales. Got questions about tribal tourism? Read about how it can be a force for good when done respectfully.

But a kind of stability has settled over South Sudan, thanks to the 2018 peace deal and power sharing agreement. There’s a feeling that the whole country is releasing a held breath. People are starting to trickle out of the six Protection of Civilian sites (POCs) across the country. And Juba is waking from its slumber, once more reeling in businesspeople from trading partners like Kenya, Ethiopia, Egypt and China.

The UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) still advises against any travel to South Sudan. Still, tourism is taking its first shaky steps into the nation. If you do choose to be one of the first to visit post-war South Sudan, then you must travel in a group with a specialist tour operator. They forge great connections with local guides who know their country – and its unpredictable politics – inside-out.

The other must? Invest in great travel insurance. Specialist companies like our partner Campbell Irvine offer insurance policies for the adventurous. They won’t cover anything related to the FCO warnings, but medical and travel claims will likely be covered.

“South Sudan is home to some of the most traditional tribal groups on the continent, as well as large amounts of wildlife in Boma National Park, including the largest migration in Africa. But it’s usually the tribal groups that are of most interest – the ethnic groups living here are quite unique.”

“My favourite experience is staying with the Mundari people, who live in remote camps with their vast herds of cattle. Spending time here is like stepping back in time and seeing an Africa that has mostly disappeared elsewhere.”

“South Sudan has stabilised somewhat in recent years, but it’s still not a place for independent travel. It’s best to travel with a knowledgeable guide who has good relations with the local communities and can add insights to your time here.”