Wau

The world's newest nation, on the White Nile

• Passport strength: ≈35 visa-free destinations
• Language: English · ~45% speak English
• Free-trade agreements: ≈2

Wau — Historic town of the west

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Wau Cathedral Cathedral

A handsome brick colonial cathedral, the landmark of this old river town.

Best time: Nov–Mar — Dry months are best for exploring the town.

Things to do:

• Enter stone cathedral built in colonial period
• Observe interior stained glass and wooden pews
• Attend Sunday Mass with local South Sudanese community

Jur River River

The tree-lined river at Wau, a calm ribbon through the western savanna.

Best time: Nov–Feb — Lower dry-season water is best for the riverbanks.

Things to do:

• Paddle dugout canoes through scenic riverscape
• Fish for catfish and tilapia traditionally
• Camp on sandbars under stars at night

Wau Market Market

A crossroads market where Dinka, Fertit and Arab traders meet.

Best time: Dec–Mar — Peak dry months bring the market to life.

Things to do:

• Barter for leather goods and traditional crafts
• Sample cassava bread and groundnut sauce
• Browse colorful fabrics and beaded jewelry

Fertit Quarter Historic district

The old colonial-era streets and quarters of this once-major garrison town.

Best time: Nov–Mar — The dry season suits walking the old quarters.

Things to do:

• Walk through historic neighborhoods with local guides
• Photograph traditional architecture and settlement patterns
• Meet families and learn daily life customs

Wau Pottery District Market

Neighborhood where Fertit potters handcraft vessels using clay from Jur River banks.

Best time: Oct–Apr — Living craft tradition showing ancient techniques passed through generations of river artisans.

Things to do:

• Visit active pottery workshops to watch craftspeople
• Purchase handmade ceramics directly from artisans
• Learn clay preparation and traditional firing methods
• Document unique glazing patterns used locally

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit South Sudan?

It depends on where you go: every place has its own ideal season on this page. For example, White Nile at Juba is best around Nov–Feb. South Sudan has 5 featured cities and areas to plan around.

Is English spoken in South Sudan?

Roughly 45% of people speak English. The main language is English.

How strong is the South Sudan passport?

The South Sudan passport gives visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to about 35 destinations.

Is South Sudan expensive to travel in?

This page lists indicative traveller costs for South Sudan — medical, insurance, connectivity and education ranges — and the interactive travelogue holds the full breakdown.

What is there to do in South Sudan?

White Nile at Juba, All Saints Cathedral, Juba Central Market (Konyo Konyo), Jebel Kujur, Rejaf Archaeological Site, Wau Cathedral — each with the best time to visit, why it is worth it, and specific things to do.