Health
Vaccination is highly recommended for those travelling to South Sudan, especially for the first time.
During the rainy season, it is advised to have vaccination against Typhoid while in the dry season, it is advised to have the vaccination against Cholera. Other vaccinations include Malaria, Meningitis and Yellow Fever.
Please note: If travelling out of South Sudan through Kenya, you will require a Yellow Fever certificate in order to enter. Failure to have the certificate means you will be vaccinated at the airport before being released.
Money
The unit of currency is the South Sudanese Pound. The US dollar is traditionally the hard currency of preference. Hard currency cash can be changed for local currency at banks and private bureaux de change in all large towns. You should ensure that you have sufficient hard currency to cover the expenses of your stay as credit cards are not widely accepted
Filming and Photography
Photographing and filming military and other security-sensitive sites is prohibited. Journalists are required to obtain a filming or photography permit from the ministry of Information of the Government of South Sudan.
Language
Educated South Sudanese are generally fluent in English, which is the official language. Juba Arabic serves as something of a lingua franca in Juba and in towns around the border with North Sudan. However, South Sudan has over 50 indigenous languages and dialects.
When To Visit
There are two main seasons: wet and dry. Take or give one month, the wet season begins roughly about the end of April and ends about the end of November, followed by dry season.
The closer one moves to the Equator, the longer the wet season while the further north from the Equator, the shorter the wet season and the longer the dry season. So the climate varies from very hot and humid in the wet season and very hot and dry in the dry season. There are variations of course, depending on the altitude and the season.
What To Wear
Although light clothes are recommended during the dry season, December and January in particular, the temperature drops at night and can be pretty cold in some locations. A sleeping bag or a blanket may come in handy.
What To Bring
Anti-malarial drugs and water purification equipment or tablets are highly recommended. Bottled water can also be purchased locally as many small shops in most locations are well stocked with basic items. A mosquito net and/or mosquito repellent is also a necessity.
Driving
Driving is on the right side. Visitors without experience of African roads are advised to organise a vehicle with a driver rather than self-drive.