Overview
South Sudan is the world's youngest country, a vast landscape of savannah, seasonal wetlands and the White Nile that receives very few leisure visitors. Almost everyone flying from the UK is bound for Juba, the capital, usually for NGO and development work, business tied to oil and construction, or to visit family. There are no direct flights, so every routing connects through an African or Middle Eastern hub. Before you book, check the latest FCDO travel advice for South Sudan, as it affects both your safety planning and your travel insurance.
Best time to fly to South Sudan
South Sudan has a hot tropical climate with two clear seasons. The dry season, roughly December to March, brings the most comfortable conditions and the easiest road access, though daytime temperatures in Juba still climb into the mid-to-high 30s Celsius. The wet season runs from about April to November and peaks between July and September, when heavy rain can leave unpaved roads impassable and disrupt regional flights. For wildlife, the huge antelope migration across Bandingilo and Boma is generally best in the drier months. Use the When to book chart above to see how fares move through the year.
Main gateway cities & airports
Juba International Airport (JUB) is the country's single international gateway and where virtually all UK travellers arrive. It sits around 5km from the city centre, a 15 to 20 minute drive. A newer terminal has opened in recent years, though facilities remain basic, so carry small US dollar notes for any charges. Domestic airstrips at Malakal, Wau and Rumbek handle onward internal flights, usually on light aircraft. Your connecting hub will most often be Addis Ababa, Nairobi, Cairo, Entebbe or Dubai.
Airlines and routes
There are no direct flights from the UK to South Sudan; every journey involves at least one change. Ethiopian Airlines is usually the most useful option, linking London Heathrow and Manchester to Juba through its Addis Ababa hub. Kenya Airways connects via Nairobi from Heathrow, EgyptAir routes through Cairo, and flydubai serves Juba from Dubai, pairing well with Emirates from several UK airports. Uganda Airlines and regional carriers also operate the short Entebbe to Juba leg. Typical total journey time from London is around 12 to 16 hours including the connection; from Manchester, allow a little longer. Searching 'flights from London to South Sudan' across a few departure days tends to reveal the best Ethiopian Airlines and Kenya Airways fares.
Popular places to visit in South Sudan
- Juba & Jebel Kujur: the riverside capital, with a rocky hill to climb and Nile-side spots to watch the sunset.
- Bandingilo National Park: home to one of Africa's greatest antelope migrations, with white-eared kob and tiang moving in their hundreds of thousands.
- Boma National Park: a remote eastern wilderness of open plains supporting elephant, giraffe and buffalo.
- Nimule National Park: near the Ugandan border, known for elephants and hippos along the Nile.
- Imatong Mountains: forested highlands rising to Mount Kinyeti, the country's highest peak.
Top tips for finding cheap flights to South Sudan
- Book several weeks ahead, as Juba routes have limited seats and fill quickly, especially in the dry season.
- Compare one-stop options via Addis Ababa or Nairobi against two-stop Dubai routings, which can work out cheaper.
- Fly midweek and avoid the December peak, when NGO and diaspora demand pushes fares up.
- Use the price charts on this page to spot the cheaper weeks before you commit.
Travel essentials
UK passport holders need a visa to enter South Sudan. Many travellers now apply through the government e-visa portal, while others use the South Sudan Embassy in London; either way, allow plenty of time and carry a printed confirmation. Proof of yellow fever vaccination is required. The local currency is the South Sudanese Pound, but clean, newer US dollar notes are widely used and effectively essential, as card payments and ATMs are unreliable. For the best value, book well in advance and check the When to book chart above.
