South Sudan is not a country that shows up on bucket lists or glossy travel magazines. It’s not the “easy” kind of destination where you hop off a plane, grab a guidebook, and follow the crowds. No, this is Africa’s newest nation — raw, unfiltered, and one of the least-traveled places on Earth.
That’s exactly what pulled me here.
As a travel vlogger, I’ve always looked for stories beyond the tourist trail. This is my honest South Sudan travel blog, not just about landscapes, but about people, resilience, and survival. South Sudan promised challenge, adventure, and truth. And what I found was a land of vast savannas, vibrant tribal cultures, and people with resilience carved into their everyday lives. It was beautiful, overwhelming, heartbreaking — all at once.
✈️ Arriving in Juba, South Sudan – First Travel Impressions
Flying into Juba, South Sudan felt like stepping into another world. The plane touched down on a dusty runway, and instead of skyscrapers or highways, I was greeted by a sprawling settlement that looked more like a giant village than a bustling capital.
Juba International Airport’s new arrivals terminal.
Getting a visa wasn’t smooth — it required patience, paperwork, and persistence. And if you’re a travel vlogger or photographer, here’s a warning: permits are essential. Cameras attract attention, and without the right documents, you can easily run into trouble at border control.
👉 Vlogger Tip: Always keep your filming permits in your bag. Officials here don’t play around.
Still, once outside the airport, Juba welcomed me with the sights and sounds of daily life — motorbikes weaving through traffic, children playing by the roadside, and the White Nile River glistening quietly under the hot sun.
🏞 South Sudan Safari Experience – National Parks Without Crowds
When people think of safaris, they imagine Kenya or Tanzania. But here’s the secret: a South Sudan safari is wild, untouched, and nearly empty of tourists.
I visited Boma National Park and Bandingilo National Park, home to the world’s second-largest animal migration. Thousands of antelope move across the plains, giraffes graze freely, and elephants roam in peace — and yet, there’s a good chance you’ll be the only outsider watching.
It’s humbling to stand there, with no other jeeps or tourists around, just the sound of hooves thundering in the distance.
👉 Travel Tip: Roads to the parks are rough. Always go with a trusted local guide.
🛍 Exploring Juba South Sudan – Konyo Konyo Market
Every city has a place where its soul comes alive. In Juba, that place is Konyo Konyo Market.
It’s chaotic, noisy, and absolutely unforgettable. The moment I stepped inside, I was hit with a wave of smells and sounds — spices, fresh vegetables, grilled fish, traders shouting prices, and music blaring from tiny shops. The stalls overflowed with everything from tomatoes stacked high to cheap electronics and colorful fabrics.
But here’s the thing: walking through Konyo Konyo as a foreigner is intense. People are cautious, and not everyone likes cameras. I quickly learned to keep my vlogging gear discreet. Some shopkeepers warmed up when I greeted them in their language, others waved me away.
Still, the experience was worth it — because Konyo Konyo isn’t just a market. It’s the beating heart of Juba South Sudan travel. It’s where survival, culture, and community collide.
🥘 Tasting South Sudan – Simple but Full of Soul
Food here isn’t about fancy restaurants or Instagram plating. It’s about nourishment, tradition, and sharing.
I sat down with locals and tried asida, a thick porridge eaten with stew, and fresh Nile perch grilled to perfection. Meals were hearty, often eaten with hands, and always served with a side of conversation.
What struck me most was the hospitality. Even in a country struggling with poverty, people offered me food, smiles, and stories. That warmth is something I’ll never forget.
👉 Vlogger Tip: Learn a few greetings in the local language. A simple “Kefak?” (How are you?) can open doors instantly.
🎥 What It’s Like to Film in South Sudan
South Sudan is not an easy place for vloggers. The country ranks among the most dangerous in the world, and even with official photography permits (around $100 USD), filming is a gamble.
On one occasion, police questioned me even though I had documents. On another, strangers grew hostile the moment they saw my camera. There were moments when I thought about putting the lens away completely.
But then the sunrise over the White Nile reminded me why I came. Filming the river glowing gold, or the laughter of children chasing a football in dusty streets, gave me the kind of raw footage that can’t be staged.
👉 Important: If you plan to vlog in South Sudan, do it with respect. Always ask before filming people.
🌍 The Hard Truth – Is South Sudan Safe to Travel?
Traveling through South Sudan is beautiful, but you can’t ignore the hard truth: corruption touches every part of life here.
When the country gained independence in 2011, there was so much hope. Yet more than a decade later, the dream has been drowned by greed.
Food insecurity: Fertile land lies unused while millions go hungry.
Displacement: Camps overflow with families who lost everything.
Economic collapse: Oil money fills private pockets instead of schools and hospitals.
Human rights abuses: Armed groups and security forces often act with impunity.
Every person I met had a story — mothers waiting in food lines, young men with no jobs, communities stranded after floods. It’s not that South Sudan lacks resources. It’s that corruption eats them before they ever reach the people.
So, is South Sudan safe for travelers? The truth is complicated. With the right permits, preparation, and trusted local guides, it is possible — but it will never be an easy trip.
💼 A Personal Connection – Elite Holding Ltd. & Elite Water
One story hit me especially hard. I came across Elite Holding Ltd., a company built and run entirely by South Sudanese people — a rarity in a country where most businesses are foreign-owned.
One story hit me especially hard. I came across Elite Holding Ltd., a company built and run entirely by South Sudanese people — a rarity in a country where most businesses are foreign-owned.
For years, Elite Holding stood as proof that South Sudanese could build something strong, something their own. Packed drinking water is made in this company, and its slogan proudly reads: “Elite Water is the taste of South Sudan.” This company had captured the entire market in a very short time, but corruption slowly began to eat away at its foundation.
Even though the owner of this company is a genuinely good hearted lady who believes in his country, many of the people working under her are corrupt — and that betrayal has pushed even one of the most promising businesses in South Sudan to the edge of collapse.
Seeing Elite Water South Sudan struggle was painful. It wasn’t just a business story — it was a symbol of what South Sudan could be, and how corruption continues to rob its people of opportunity.
💡 Final Thoughts – Why South Sudan Stays With You
South Sudan isn’t polished. It’s not easy. And it’s definitely not a trip for everyone. But if you want an experience that’s real — raw landscapes, unforgettable people, and stories that stick with you — this country will change you.
When I left, I didn’t just take footage for my South Sudan travel vlog. I took memories:
Children laughing in the dust.
Sunsets painting the Nile gold.
Smiles from people who have so little, yet give so much.
This is my honest South Sudan backpacking guide — raw, emotional, and real. South Sudan is complicated, broken in many ways — but it’s also beautiful. And once you’ve been here, you’ll never see travel the same way again.
📌 Quick Travel Facts – South Sudan
Capital: Juba
Currency: South Sudanese Pound (SSP)
Best Time to Visit: December – March (dry season)
Top Attractions: White Nile, Boma National Park, Bandingilo National Park
Travel Tip: Always travel with a local guide for safety and navigation.