59 days in Djibouti, Somalia & South Sudan Itinerary

With ancient historical sites, the longest coastline on the continent, a rich and varied cuisine, and sprawling desert and savannah landscapes, Somalia has plenty to make it appealing to international visitors. Events in the recent past, however, made holidays in Somalia nearly impossible. The civil war that began in 1991 led to the country being declared a failed state. The introduction of a new constitution and government in 2012 has led to a glimmer of optimism.

South Sudan became the world's youngest nation in 2011, with the splitting of the continents largest state. The civil war that preceded the separation would inevitably leave deep traces on the psyche of the people and the stability of the political situation, but any initial optimism was quickly dimmed with government forces and rebel groups once more at war. The country boasts a fascinating mix of tribes and cultures and provides the setting for the second largest animal migration in the world, with antelopes crossing large swathes of the country. Despite this, holidays in South Sudan appeal to only a few daring travelers--tourism sector remains undeveloped and infrastructure lacking.