South Sudan, the world's youngest nation, offers intrepid travelers a unique opportunity to explore untouched wilderness and vibrant indigenous cultures. From the wildlife-rich plains of Boma National Park to the White Nile flowing through the capital Juba, this emerging destination rewards adventurous spirits with authentic experiences.
Local currency: South Sudanese Pound (SSP).
Daily budget by traveller style
Typical per-person daily spend in South Sudan.
Cost breakdown
Typical price ranges across major spending categories.
Accommodation
- Hostel
- $45-75
- Budget
- $75-110
- Midrange
- $120-180
- Luxury
- $200-300+
Food
- Street
- $2-5
- Local
- $8-15
- Midrange
- $20-40
- Fine
- $50-80+
Transport
- Minibus
- $0.50-1
- Taxi City
- $5-15
- Airport
- $15-25
- Daytrip Vehicle
- $80-150
Activities
- Market Tours
- $10-30 (guide fee)
- Cultural Center
- $5-15
- Tour
- $60-150
- Safari
- $300-2000
Trip budgets by length
What a typical trip to South Sudan costs end-to-end.
Budget traveller
$420-700/week
Midrange traveller
$840-1400/week
Luxury traveller
$1750-2800+/week
Money-saving tips
Practical ways to stretch your budget further.
Book accommodation well in advance — last-minute bookings in Juba are significantly more expensive due to limited supply
Negotiate all taxi fares before entering the vehicle — always agree a price upfront to avoid disputes
Eat at local market stalls and simple restaurants rather than hotel dining for dramatically lower food costs ($3-8 vs $30-80)
Travel in dry season (November-April) when road conditions allow overland transport, avoiding expensive domestic flights
Join group tours rather than private arrangements to share costs of vehicles, guides, and security
Use minibuses (matatus) within Juba for very short, familiar routes at $0.50-1 per ride instead of taxis
Change money at reputable money changers in the Custom Market area for better rates than hotels offer
Free things to do
Memorable experiences that cost nothing.
John Garang Mausoleum
Visit South Sudan's most important national monument honoring the liberation hero. Free entry to the grounds and exterior memorial. A deeply moving site of national significance.
White Nile Riverfront Walk
Stroll along Juba's riverside area and watch boats, fishermen, and river life along the world's longest river. Free and accessible during daylight hours from several points along the river.
Konyo Konyo Market Exploration
Browsing Juba's largest and most vibrant market is free — just the cost of anything you choose to buy. The sights, sounds, and social life of the market are an experience in themselves with no entry fee.
Nyakuron Cultural Center Grounds
The cultural center's outdoor areas and some exhibitions can be visited at low cost or free outside performance times. The facility is a hub of South Sudanese cultural activity.
Independence Square
Juba's main public square and gathering place is free to visit. On national holidays particularly July 9 Independence Day, free public ceremonies and performances are held here.
Juba Cathedral (St. Theresa's) Visit
Visit one of Juba's oldest colonial-era buildings, an active Catholic cathedral offering a window into the country's Christian heritage. Free entry outside service times with respectful behavior.