Several regions or states of South Sudan that can be visited by tourists include most of those in the south. It is quite impressive that in all that South Sudan has been through as the youngest country in the world, it still emerges as an undisputed tourist destination ready to be explored. Most of the tourist destinations of South Sudan are aligned across its framework structure of 10 states.
Each state assures visitors of its unmatched natural beauty that awakens the adventurous spirit. Every state, in the same manner, offers unique experiences that surprise even the most experienced travellers.
The tourist adventures offered by different states or regions of South Sudan are not limited to the wildlife species alone, but are much more. South Sudan has a vast population of bird species as well, which are scattered across the different ecological systems in most of the states and regions across the country.
The scenic beauty of the whole country alone is enough to invite visitors from across the world for exploration. This is without mentioning the many historical sites and monuments that commemorate some of the country’s historical events that paved the future of this nation, dating as far back as the slave trade and the ivory trade in the 19th century.
Talking about tourism in the states or region of South Sudan without mentioning cultural tours is undermining the capacity and ability of South Sudan as a tourist destination. South Sudan is one of the most culturally diverse countries in the world.
This country has approximately 64 distinctive tribes or ethnic groups that are indigenous to this region of Africa. This ensures that South Sudan is a cultural hub ready for exploration with some of the most undocumented cultures and tribes in the world.
What are some of the regions or states of South Sudan visited by tourists?
South Sudan is politically structured under decentralized administrative states or regions in a framework of 10 states. Almost all 10 states have a tourist destination to explore, and these states include the following.
Central Equatoria
South Sudan’s Central Equatoria state is located in the center of the pioneer Equatoria states of Eastern and Western. It is the most developed among the states of South Sudan, hosting the capital city and main commercial hub of the country, Juba. Among the tourist destinations in this state are historical sites like the John Garang Mausoleum, Juba Market, and Jebel Kujur.
Other tourist attractions in this state include the Sudd wetland, which is the largest wetland in the world, the White Nile, a tributary of the longest river in the world, the Nile, and cultural tours of the Mundari tribe through their cattle camps.
Western Equatoria
Western Equatoria state is the agricultural backbone of South Sudan, given that the country is largely a semi-arid nation that receives prolonged dry weather. This state utilizes its agricultural capabilities by matching them with tourism. The Western Equatoria state is one of the few places in the country that offers coffee tours since it produces Excelsa coffee. Cultural tours of the Mundu, Baka, Avukaya, Moru, and the exploration of the ancient Azande Kingdom, among others.
Eastern Equatoria
As part of the pioneer state of the Equatoria, Eastern Equatoria state is another interesting state of South Sudan that offers some of the most iconic tourist destinations. The most popular is the Nimule National Park, which hosts a variety of wildlife species like duikers, Uganda kobs, hyraxes, leopards, and elephants, among others. There are also bird species like the Egyptian goose, Abyssinian roller, nightjars, and African jacanas, among others.
Fulla Falls on the White Nile are also part of this state and offer adventure like no other, adding to the scenic beauty of this state. The Eastern Equatoria state also hosts the Kidepo Game Reserve that borders Uganda’s Kidepo Valley National Park. This reserve hosts wildlife species like hyenas, buffaloes, elephants, Uganda kobs, and lesser kudus, among others. The state also offers culture tours across the tribes of Toposa, Lopit, Buya, and Lokuto, among others.
Jonglei state
The most eye-catching tourist destination in the Jonglei state is the Bandingilo National Park. This marsh woodland and partly savannah is a vast park that crosses two more states of Eastern and Central Equatoria. Jonglei state, at the extreme east of the country, is an exciting state that gives visitors a chance to explore the Sudd wetland and the fish landing sites.
Upper Nile
As part of the Greater Upper Nile, which includes the states of Jonglei, Unity, and the Upper Nile, the Upper Nile is also impressive for tourism. This state sits on a wider history that was part and partial for the formation of Africa. The Upper Nile is the exact historical location for the Fashoda incident that ended the Scramble and the partition of Africa.
There are also cultural tours dominated by the Dinka and their cattle herding practises, Nuer, Shilluk, and Koma, among others. This state’s capital, Malakal, hosts a vibrant market that offers a wide range of souvenirs.
Warrap
Warrap State is among the small states of South Sudan, spanning about 31,027 square kilometers. However, what it lacks in size, it makes up for in amazing and unique tourist adventures. The most notable are the cultural tours that showcase the country’s hidden cultural treasures. The popular tribes include the Dinka people. These offer unique herding practises of their majestic Ankole-Watusi long-horned cattle. Their cultural wrestling tournaments that attract tribes across the state.
Unity
The Unity State of South Sudan is in the Greater Upper Nile region with vast opportunities for tourists. The cultural tours of the Dinka and Nuer are the most popular tribes and dominant tribes in this area. Exploring their cultures gives visitors a unique insight into these tribes and their cattle herding practises. This is with the addition of the exploration adventure of the vast Sudd wetland.
Pibor administrative area
The Pibor administrative area, which was formed through heated political and ethnic conflicts, is another state of South Sudan that can be visited by tourists. This administrative area is home to Boma National Park, which stretches right across it, providing a vast exploration of this area.
This park hosts the Great Nile Migration, which sees over 6 million antelopes migrating for water and greener pastures. This is the largest animal migration on the face of the Earth, surpassing the Great Wildebeest Migration of the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem.
Lakes state
As the name suggests, the Lakes state of South Sudan is dominated by water bodies. This state acts as a waterway for the center of the country. It hosts many lakes and seasonal rivers and lakes that offer unique natural and scenic beauty.
Adding to the biodiversity of this region is the Southern National Park that stretches through the Lakes state from the Western Equatoria state. This park is home to a massive population of wildlife and bird species, as well as scenic views of floodplains and forests.