Places / Africa / South Sudan
Malakal
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The UK Foreign Office currently advises against travel to all or parts of South Sudan. This guide is for a safer time. Check the latest travel advice.
At a glance
- Country
- South Sudan
- Region
- Upper Nile
- Population
- 150,000
- Best time to go
- December to March
- Main airport
- Malakal (MAK)
- Coordinates
- 9.53°N, 31.66°E
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Overview
Malakal sits on the White Nile in the north-east of South Sudan, close to where the Sobat River flows in. For much of the twentieth century it was an important river port and administrative town.
The town has suffered greatly in recent conflicts, and travel here is not advised. This short guide looks ahead to a time when the river and its wetlands can be visited safely again.
Things to see
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Photo: User DEMOSH on flickr.com, CC BY 2.0 The White Nile
The river is the town's lifeline, busy with boats carrying people and goods.
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Photo: Unknown photographer, CC BY-SA 3.0 Sobat River
The Sobat joins the Nile just south of Malakal, adding much of its seasonal flood.
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Malakal riverside
The waterfront is where the town's trade and daily life have always concentrated.
Things to do
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Photo: Thomas Fuhrmann, CC BY-SA 4.0 Look for river birds
Herons, storks and fish eagles are common along the banks and in the reeds.
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Photo: NASA, Public domain Learn about the Sudd
The vast swamps of the Sudd, one of the world's largest wetlands, lie upstream to the south.
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Photo: Matthias Gehricke, CC BY-SA 4.0 River journey
For a future visit, boats on the Nile are the traditional way to travel between towns.
Where to stay
Town centre
Only very basic accommodation is likely to be available.
Hotels in Town centreOrganisation compounds
Most visitors stay in accommodation arranged by their organisation.
Hotels in Organisation compounds
Getting around
Travel only with arranged drivers or organisations; roads are poor and often flooded.
Flights from Juba are the most practical way to reach Malakal.
When to go
The dry months from December to March are the only practical time. The rains from around May to October flood large areas around the town.
Plan your trip to Malakal
- HotelsBooking.com
- Tours and ticketsGetYourGuide
- FlightsKiwi.com
- Attraction ticketsTiqets
- Airport parking, lounges and transfersHoliday Extras
- Flight and hotel dealslastminute.com
- Car hireAuto Europe
- Adventure travel insuranceWorld Nomads
- Mobile data (eSIM)AiraloCode DAN9406 for money off
- GuidebooksAmazon
Some of these are affiliate links: if you book through them I may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. More about this.
Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.
Over to you
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