←South Sudan travel guide
Central Equatoria, South Sudan
Juba
A riverside capital where the White Nile shapes daily life
CultureHistory & Heritage
Juba sits on the west bank of the White Nile in the heart of the country, serving as South Sudan's political, economic, and cultural centre. Its busy Konyo Konyo market, the John Garang Mausoleum, and the colonial-era Cathedral of All Saints offer a concentrated introduction to the country's recent history and everyday rhythms.
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Best time to visit
December to March (dry season)
Region
Central Equatoria
Main airport
Juba (JUB)
Discover
Top Things to Do in Juba
History
John Garang Mausoleum
Located on Juba's Avenue of Nations, the mausoleum holds the remains of Dr John Garang de Mabior, founder of the Sudan People's Liberation Movement and a central figure in South Sudan's independence struggle. The site serves as a focal point for national ceremonies and is deeply significant to South Sudanese identity. Visitors gain a direct sense of the country's recent history and the figures who shaped it.
Culture
Cathedral of All Saints, Juba
The Cathedral of All Saints is Juba's principal Anglican church, situated between the Gombura and Lanya streets in the city centre. Sunday services draw a large and diverse congregation, with worship conducted in English, Zande, and Arabic, reflecting the country's remarkable linguistic variety. The cathedral is one of the oldest standing buildings in the capital and an important landmark of South Sudan's Christian heritage.
Beyond the City
Day Trips from Juba
Nature
Bandingilo National Park
Bandingilo stretches across roughly 10,000 square kilometres in south-central South Sudan and anchors the western half of the Boma-Bandingilo migration corridor. During the rainy season, the park draws enormous herds of white-eared kob, tiang, and Bohor reedbuck that breed on its floodplains before moving east toward Boma. African Parks manages the reserve in partnership with the South Sudan Wildlife Service, and the Boma-Bandingilo landscape is on UNESCO's Tentative World Heritage List.
Nature
Nimule National Park
Established in 1954 and covering 410 square kilometres near the Ugandan border, Nimule is South Sudan's oldest protected area and sits at the point where the White Nile enters the country from Uganda. The park supports elephants, hippos, Uganda kob, and olive baboons, and the Nile rapids within its boundaries offer white-water rafting in wild surroundings. Boat trips along the river provide close encounters with hippos and crocodiles.
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Plan Your Trip
Getting Around Juba
Tours, stays, transfers, and flights — curated partner options are on the way.
Tours & Activities
Skip-the-line tickets, guided tours, and day experiences — curated partner options are on the way.
Coming soonWhere to Stay
Hotels, apartments, and guesthouses across every neighbourhood — booking options are on the way.
Coming soonAirport Transfers
Private and shared rides between the airport and the city centre — partner options are on the way.
Coming soonFlights
Compare fares from hundreds of airlines to find the best route in — search options are on the way.
Coming soonTravel Guide
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting South Sudan
Entry requirements vary by passport. Check the requirements for your specific passport on the South Sudan page at Yoogo.
South Sudan uses the South Sudanese pound (SSP). ATMs are largely unavailable outside Juba, so travellers should bring sufficient US dollars in cash, which are widely accepted alongside local currency. Card acceptance is limited to a small number of hotels and upmarket establishments in the capital.
South Sudan has experienced significant conflict since independence and the security situation varies considerably by region and time. Most governments advise against all or all but essential travel to large parts of the country; check your government's official travel advisory before planning any visit.
Road infrastructure is extremely limited, and many routes become impassable during the rainy season due to flooding and mud. Internal flights operate between Juba and a handful of regional towns, and are often the only reliable way to reach areas outside the capital. Motorcycle taxis and minibuses serve short distances within cities.
The dry season from December to March is generally considered the most favourable period for travel, with roads more passable and wildlife easier to spot around water sources. The wet season from June to November brings heavy rainfall that can render rural routes impassable, though bird watching is particularly rewarding during this period.
English is the official language and is widely spoken in Juba and among educated South Sudanese, making it the most practical choice for travellers. Juba Arabic, a widely understood pidgin, is also useful in the capital and surrounding areas. Outside urban centres, over 60 indigenous languages are spoken, with Dinka and Nuer having the largest number of speakers.
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is mandatory for all travellers aged nine months or over, and you will need to present it on arrival. Malaria is present throughout the country year-round, so antimalarial medication is strongly recommended alongside insect repellent. Consult a travel health clinic at least six to eight weeks before departure to discuss typhoid, hepatitis, and other recommended vaccines.
Tipping is not a formal obligation, but it is warmly appreciated and meaningful given that local wages are very modest. Guides, drivers, and hospitality staff will value a discretionary tip at the end of a trip or stay. There is no fixed convention on amounts, so use your own judgement.