WHEN TO TRAVEL to South Sudan

Location

Climate

The climate in South Sudan: between dry and rainy seasons

South Sudan enjoys an equatorial climate, with temperatures averaging between 25°C and 40°C year-round. The country has two main seasons:

1. Dry season : It generally runs from December to February, with cooler temperatures and dry weather ideal for visiting the country.
2. The rainy season: takes place from March to November, with heavy rainfall making some roads impassable.

The best time to visit South Sudan: winter

The period from December to February is considered the best time to visit South Sudan. Temperatures are cooler and more pleasant, especially in the country's mountainous regions. What's more, the dry season offers better conditions for getting around and exploring tourist sites, especially national parks and nature reserves.

Major cultural events in South Sudan

South Sudan has a rich cultural tradition, with many events and festivals taking place throughout the year. Here are just a few of the must-see events not to be missed during your stay:

• Independence Day: July 9 marks the date of the country's independence in 2011. Official celebrations, parades and concerts are held throughout the country to commemorate this historic event.
• The National Culture and Heritage Festival: held every September, this event showcases South Sudan's cultural and artistic diversity through exhibitions, traditional dance and music performances, and craft workshops.
• Martyr's Day: This day, which takes place on January 30, pays tribute to those who died during the civil war. Commemorative ceremonies and prayers are held in churches and mosques across the country.

Public holidays in South Sudan

In addition to cultural events, it's important to take public holidays into account when planning your trip to South Sudan, as some activities and services may be closed or restricted. Here is a list of the main public holidays in the country:

1. New Year's Eve: January 1st is a national holiday.
2. Independence Day: As mentioned above, July 9 is an important public holiday in South Sudan.
3. Christmas : December 25 is also a public holiday, with religious and family celebrations.

Low and high tourist season in South Sudan

In terms of tourist numbers, South Sudan has two main seasons:

• High season : corresponds to the dry season, between December and February. Weather conditions are favorable for visiting the country, and accommodation and flight prices can be higher due to greater demand.
• Low season : During the rainy season, from March to November, visitor numbers drop due to the difficulty of accessing certain sites and attractions. However, this can be an opportunity to take advantage of lower rates on accommodation and transport.

Migration profile of South Sudan

Against a backdrop of internal conflict and a difficult economic situation, the South Sudan has seen its population migrate to other countries in search of better opportunities. However, it also welcomes migrants from neighboring countries and other parts of the world.

Immigration to South Sudan

In 2020, an estimated 290,000 people were immigrants in South Sudan, representing around 2.5 % of the total population. Among these immigrants are mainly nationals ofEthiopia, ofUganda and Kenyawhich together account for almost 60 % of all immigrants. Other nationalities include Eritreans, Congolese and Somalis.

Emigration from South Sudan

Due to political and economic difficulties, many South Sudanese have chosen to leave their country in search of a better life. By 2020, an estimated 2.3 million South Sudanese were living abroad, mainly in neighboring countries such as Uganda, Kenya and Ethiopia.

Most popular visas in South Sudan

The government of South Sudan offers several types of visa to foreign citizens wishing to enter the country. The most commonly requested visas are the following:

• Business visa: for people engaged in commercial activities, such as attending conferences, business meetings or professional training courses.
• Work visa: granted to people who have received a job offer from a South Sudanese company and who meet the educational and professional experience requirements.
• Family visit visa : for people visiting family members living in South Sudan.
• Student visa : granted to students enrolled in a higher education institution in South Sudan.
• Transit visa : issued to travelers crossing the country to another destination.

In all cases, it is necessary to present a valid passport and to comply with all other conditions and formalities required by the South Sudanese authorities to obtain a visa.

International tourism figures for South Sudan

South Sudan's tourism sector is still developing, but has shown signs of improvement in recent years. According to the World Tourism Organization, the number of international tourist arrivals in South Sudan reached around 57,000 in 2018, an increase of almost 9 % on the previous year. This growth can be attributed to several factors:

• The country's natural wealth : South Sudan is home to national parks such as Boma, Bandingilo and Nimule, offering a diverse range of flora and fauna and attracting nature and adventure enthusiasts.
• Cultural and sporting events : Festivals such as the South Sudan Festival of Arts and Culture, as well as sporting events like the Juba Marathon, help to attract foreign visitors.
• Infrastructure improvements : Although tourism infrastructure remains limited, efforts have been made to improve roads, accommodation and tourism-related services, making it easier to attract foreign tourists.

Despite these advances, the tourism sector in South Sudan still faces a number of challenges, not least security and political stability. Nevertheless, current statistics show a potential for growth in the tourism industry in this landlocked East African country.