South Sudan

The Republic of South Sudan is a state in Central Africa. The capital city is Juba, Sudan borders Kenya, Uganda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and the Central African Republic.

The climate in the country is sub-equatorial. The average annual temperature is +28°C. We recommend the tourists travelling to Sudan during the period from the end of July to the end of October.

The official language is English.

South Sudan is the place for out-of-town holidays. The tourists can visit the Radom National Park in the Aweil Game Reserve, the Bandingilo National Park in Juba, the Lantoto National Park and the Southern National Park in the Yambio Game Reserve. In the Borna National Park, the tourists can watch the population of rare white-eared kob in their natural habitat.

The capital city of the Upper Nile (state) is Malakal, there is the Ez Zeraf Game Reserve and the largest wetland in the world – The South Sudan’s swamps. The reserves in this Republic are the second largest wild animals migration places in the world.

Hiking and safari are extremely popular among the tourists.

Those who prefer active sports such as climbing should choose to the trekking routes in Imatuna. The highest peak in South Sudan is the Kinyeti.

The lovers of city entertainments and fun time should stay in Juba or Malakal.

Get in

There are no direct flights between Russia and South Sudan.

By Plane

The most convenient route is a flight from Congo, Ethiopia, Uganda, and Kenya. One can get to Nairobi (Kenya) and Addis-Ababa (Ethiopia) with a transfer in hub airport in Rome, Paris, Vienna, Palermo, London, Frankfurt, Amsterdam, and Milan.

KLM offers the flights to Juba with a stop in Amsterdam and Nairobi, Brussels Airlines offers the flights from Brussels.

There are the transit flights from CIS countries to Nairobi with a transfer in Dubai (Emirates) Cairo (EgyptAir), and Zürich (Swiss). Kenya Airways has the flights from Nairobi to South Sudan every day.

By Bus

International buses run every day from Gala to Juba. There is a regular bus between South Sudan, Kenya, and Ethiopia.

Visa

The Russian and CIS must obtain a visa to travel to South Sudan.

To obtain a visitor visa you should apply to the Embassy of Ethiopia, Uganda or Kenya.

A single-entry visa is issued which is valid for three months. Officially, a visa is issued within two working days, but in often a tourist gets it at the day of application.

The tourists must provide a valid international passport and confirmation of financial sufficiency.

Be aware that the visa of the Republic of Sudan does not allow entry South Sudan. Before travelling to the South Sudan it is necessary to make vaccination against brain fever, tetanus, typhoid, cholera, yellow fever, and malaria.

Customs

The Customs legislation of South Sudan does not limit the import of foreign currency. However, all the money must be declared. It is prohibited to import the national currency.

Among other restrictions, it is not allowed to import any literature that is contrary to the principles of Islam.

Radioelectronics and electronic equipment are subject to a Customs duty.

Platinum and gold jewellery must be declared. Silver jewellery can be exported provided there are the documents confirming the legality of the purchase.

It is prohibited to export:

• diamonds and gold that are not declared on the import declaration form;
• skins of wild animals;
• horns of rhinoceros;
• ivory and ivory goods.

Cuisine

The cuisine of South Sudan is a mix of Italian, English, French, and Egyptian cooking traditions.

The staple food is eggplants, beans, and pepper.

Among the most popular meat dishes are chicken and lamb. Meat is usually served with roasted or steamed vegetables.

You should definitely try a local dish Foul (beans, red pepper, meat and spices casserole), Kofta and Kalawi. The foodies will surely like Mashi (juicy tomatoes filled with rice and beef) and pilaf with sorgo and beef.

It is strictly prohibited to drink alcohol in South Sudan. The tourists will be offered tea and coffee with cardamom.

Money

The official currency in South Sudan is the South Sudanese Pound (SDG). The Central Bank issued the bank notes (100, 50, 25, and 10 pounds) and piasters (25, 10, and 5).

The most convenient payment method in South Sudan is US dollars. The exchange rate in the country is not controlled. In many districts of South Sudan, Kenyan shillings are still accepted.

Credit cards and traveller’s checks are not accepted.

The criminal situation in the country is not favourable.

Details of interest

Sightseeing in South Sudan

• In the capital city, visit the National University of Juba and the Bandingilo National Park near the White Nile. In this park, you can see the annual migration of wild animals such as Buffon’s kob, white-eared kob, antelopes, and giraffes. In the Boma National Park, you can watch elephants, zebras, leopards, cheetahs, and buffaloes.
• In Aweil, there is the Radom National Park.
• In Yambio, you will have great out-of-town holidays. Visit the Lantoto National Park and the Southern National Park.
• The University of the Upper Nile opens its doors for all the tourists who come to Malakal. The Ez Zeraf Game Reserve is the native land of hippopotamus. Here the tourists can go on safari.
• Stay in a camping or go on a safari tour in the Kidepo Valley Game Reserve, the Zefah Game Reserve, Boro, the Bir Kpatus Game Reserve, the Ashana Game Reserve.

Souvenirs in South Sudan

• Wooden figurines, sculptures, ritual masks and drums of African tribes can be found in Juba.
• Sandalwood figurines of animals and very cute ethnic figurines are sold in Bentiu.
• Look for ceramic vases, coffee sets, and wooden tableware with ethnic ornaments in Wau.
• In Aweil, you can buy bedcovers, blankets, and handmade carpets.
• In Malakal buy the figurines of African animals and birds made of precious metals, crocodile, snake or ostrich leather goods.
• The best mats and bags from elephant grass, cane sugar or palm fiber are made by the craftsmen in Kuajok.