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Your trip
You can travel to South Sudan all year round. Normally February to April and September to November are the most popular months, but that does not mean that the other periods are not possible. South Sudan is located in the Northern Hemisphere. The seasons are therefore similar to most Western countries.
South Sudan is a large country and therefore has several climate zones. Along the border with Sudan dominates a desert climate, while the rest of the country has a tropical climate. The dry season runs from December to May and the rainy season from June to November. On average, the temperature in South Sudan is around 32 degrees.
Everyone must take out travel and health insurance before leaving for South Sudan. Whether South Sudan is covered by your policy differs per insurance policy. In most cases, this will not be a problem. If not, we recommend that you check with one of the following international insurance companies: Global Underwriters or IATI Travel Insurance. They have different packages and you can put together exactly what works best for you.
South Sudan has a Visa on Arrival. This means that you will receive your visa upon arrival in South Sudan (after payment of $100).
Before you leave, you must have a pre-approval visa application. This can be done 60 days before arrival. You will receive the approval often within a few days. The pre-approval visa is valid for 60 days after approval. So you have to enter the country within 60 days.
For the pre-approval application you need:
– Passport photo scan
– Passport scan
– Evidence of yellow fever vaccination
– Proof of sufficient financial resources
– Proof of accommodation
– Copy of the international flights.
Apply for the pre-approval visa here: http://www.southsudanvisa.com/ You can also apply for your visa at the nearest embassy or consulate.
South Sudan uses the time zone UCT +3.
South Sudan has no difference between summer and winter time.
South Sudanese pay with the South Sudanese Pound. ATMs are not always available or reliable, and we, therefore, recommend that you bring enough US dollars for the trip. You can exchange money with the guide at a similar rate that you see at the bank. For the most recent exchange rate, visit www.xchange.com.
Of course, it mainly depends on yourself how much you actually spend, but as a guideline, we advise about $50 per day, with which you should be able to save. However, if you would like to buy souvenirs, it is best to bring some extra. Soda is generally around $1. For a meal, you pay between $5 and $15.
Tipping local guides is always encouraged. They don’t earn much in this part of the world and it often makes a big difference to them. Of course, this is according to your preference.
We are always available to advise you when booking a flight. However, most customers prefer to book the flight themselves. Often this is cheaper in terms of price and you can pick your own preferences.
Practical information
The complete electricity supply in South Sudan is 220 Volt / 50 Hz. South Sudan, therefore, uses the same plugs and sockets as in Western Europe. However, you may occasionally need adapter plugs, so we recommend bringing a universal plug. There is also a regular.
Internet is available at some accommodations (if it works). However, don’t expect a fast and stable connection. There is mobile coverage in some areas of the towns and cities that we visit. You can choose to buy a local SIM card. If you wish, the guide will be happy to assist.
Local culture
South Sudan is generally an open and accessible country. In terms of customs, there are some differences with Western countries. The majority of the population follows indigenous beliefs and practices.
A few rules to keep in mind:
Wear conservative clothes (long pants and long-sleeved shirts or blouses).
Avoid public displays of affection.
Show dignity and respect when you visit the local communities.
Many South Sudanese are not used to seeing tourists, which sometimes gives some suspicious looks but is meant well.
South Sudan is generally known as an unstable country with ongoing conflicts and violence in some regions. The areas in South Sudan that we visit are places where we feel comfortable and where we feel are safe to bring people. If the situation changes, we will also respond immediately. We therefore ask for a certain flexibility from our travelers.
Some measures that we do pass on to our travelers;
Do not travel alone in the big cities without the guide’s approval.
Do not display valuable items such as jewelry and watches.
We do not discuss the itinerary or the name of the hotel with anyone. While it will of course only be out of curiosity that someone asks, we don’t share this information with others purely as a precaution.
In general, you can take photos freely. However, there are a few things to keep in mind.
Always ask permission before taking a photo of a person.
Do not take pictures of military personnel, military installations, police officers, or government buildings.
The cuisine in South Sudan is diverse, with influences from neighboring countries and from local tribal traditions. Staple foods include sorghum, maize, and beans, which are often served with meat or vegetables. A popular dish is Kisra, a flatbread made from sorghum flour. Visitors may also have the opportunity to try local delicacies such as roasted goat or fish. It is important to drink only bottled or purified water, as tap water is not safe to drink. South Sudan is not an easy country for vegetarians. There are vegetarian options and the guide will certainly help you with it. Alcohol is available in some places.
Since we mainly deal with warm temperatures, we recommend that you bring comfortable and conservative clothes. During the rainy season, we advise you to also bring rain gear (or clothes that may get wet). It is also useful to bring good walking shoes, as many roads are unpaved. In some hotels in the big cities, you will be able to do laundry if there is time.
South Sudan is a developing country with a fragile healthcare system. Healthcare facilities are limited, and hygiene standards are much lower than in the Western world. Make sure you have enough disinfection gel, sunscreen, and insect repellent.
We advise you to always check the latest health and safety recommendations for the region where you’re going to visit. Check with your own government for the latest info about your destination.