south Sudan

South Sudan Tours

South Sudan tours are meant for adventurous travelers searching for untouched tribal groups Photographing Mundari Tribe cattle camps, Toposa villages scar tribal people and amazing horned white bulls is a dream for photographers from all around the World looking for the world’s most isolated routes to discover some of Africa’s most traditional tribes. South Sudan is Africa’s newest country and it has not yet been discovered by tourism.

South Sudan Tribal tours will walk you through the life of the traditional tribal world amongst the ethnic groups that have inhabited the region’s wilderness areas for thousands of years. Among the tribe you will meet are Mundari Tribe, Dinka Tribe, Toposa tribe tours, Larim tribe tour, and many others plus destinations like Sudd Swamp,

South Sudan Tours are intensely personal cultural experience tours of one of the world’s lesser-known, yet newest, countries where ancient cultural rituals collide with preconceived traveler expectations, to create an incredibly unique and often moving experience.

There is more to South Sudan rather than the many years of Civil wars and unrest. It is because of this unrest that South Sudan has made it very hard for anyone to explore the country over the years. The country has however recovered from all these horrors since it gained independence in 2011. The tourism industry in South contributes about 4% of the total GDP. There are still some areas of South Sudan that are still unsafe and this hinders the exploration of the country.

There has been a lot of negative publicity to this country but there are a lot of beauty attached to this country. There is little talk about the lakes, rivers, 14 national parks, national reserves, the world’s largest swamp (the Sudd) and probably the best birding site on earth. Some of the national parks in South Sudan are bigger in size than some of the countries in East Africa.

Another mistake many make is to assume that what they see in Juba is all that the county has to offer. The best things about South Sudan travels are experienced in the countryside. South Sudan’s wildlife and remarkable cultures remain isolated in the vast and remote wilderness waiting to be discovered with the help of a good local Guide.

Best Tourist Attractions in South Sudan - What to see on your South Sudan Tour

There is a lot of undiscovered gems in South Sudan. The best Tourist attractions in South Sudan include Boma National Park , Mundari Tribe, Toposa Tribe, Bandigiri National Park, White Nile, Wrestling in Bor etc. Its good experience to explore places that only very few people have had a chance to visit– Pristine wilderness, isolated and rare cultural groups that have not been affected by technology. You would be visiting places which will one day be so popular that you will be smiling (in your advanced age) knowing that you were among the very first to experience it.

Back to security. For those who want to do something different, love adventure and taking risks in order to discover the best that nature has to offer, we don’t recommend that you wait until total peace returns in order to make a decision to visit South Sudan. It is just a matter of time.

Juba and other Cities

Juba is the capital of South Sudan and one of the fastest growing cities in Africa. It has relatively good accommodation facilities. The Juba international airport is also a busy one and has Daily flights from most Major Cities of Africa and the middle east.

The roads within and outside the city are getting better and large companies have established base to take advantage of the business opportunities available. Juba can be explored in a day or two. There are a number of interesting things and places to visit while in the capital. Some of them will be covered as attractions of their own in later chapters.

The University of Juba is one of the largest public universities in the young country and an excellent place to visit. The University was founded in 1977 but was later relocated to Khartoum (Sudan) due to civil unrest in the 1980s. Students are taught in English. After visiting the University, you can also stop at the new presidential palace which was opened in 2011, three months after the country got independence.

Boma National Park

This is one of the largest National Parks in Africa with an area of about 22,800 Square Kilometers. It is found in the Jonglei state near the Ethiopian Boarder.Between March to April and November to January, one of the world’s greatest wildlife migration occurs in the park. About two million animals including kobs, gazelle and other antelope species move from the Sudds and Bandingilo National Park to Boma National Park and then to Ethiopia. The animal movement is dictated by the coming rains. During the dry months of November up to January, the animals move back again to enjoy fresh green pastures following the flooding of the river Nile. Boma National Park has over 7,000 elephants, baboons and giraffes.

Sudd Swamp

This the largest swamp in the world and it covers about 30,000 Square Kilometers. It is one of the best birding spots in the world. Because there is constant water around the wetland, the soils are fertile hence supporting all kinds of vegetation, wild animals and birds. Over 450 species of birds can be found here including black-crowned cranes, giant white pelicans and shoebill storks. The Sudd is also excellent for fishing.

On a South Sudan safari, a visitors will be surprised by the abundance of different wildlife species and birds South Sudan has probably the biggest migration of animals on earth with gazelles and white-eared kobs , mongala gazelles and other animals migrating in millions.

A South Sudan safari Between January and June, will be characterized by the kob, topis and gazelle moving north and east from the wetlands on the eastern bank of the White Nile towards Boma National Park and Gambella National Park just across the border in Ethiopia. The only turn off point during a south Sudan safari is that road in the parks are so bad and poorly maintained by the government meaning you will have to fly over the parks or have a very good 4×4 car .

Mundari Tribe

Mundari tribe just like other Nilotic tribes are very cattle-oriented: cattle serve as food, a form of currency, and a mark of status. Marriages are arranged by the prospective groom offering cattle to the bride’s family and husbands may take as many wives as they can support. The Mundari engage in perennial cattle raiding wars with the neighboring Dinka tribe during the dry season. In order to secure their cattle, Mundari Tribe at night take their weapons and go to the bush. Mundari practice ritual scarification as a rite of passage into adulthood for young men. The typical Mundari scar pattern consists of two sets of three parallel lines, each on either side of the forehead, extending in a downward slope and unconnected in the middle.

Mundari tribe hair is made with cow urine and burnt cow droppings to turn redish brown as a way of beautification

Visit a Dinka Cattle Camp

The Dinka are the most influential and largest tribal group in South Sudan. Though many have moved to the capital and other administrative states, most remain nomadic pastoralists. Cattle play an important role in determining the status of individuals and families and it is not unheard of for bride price to exceed 400 cattle. Their cattle camps can contain more than 600 head of cattle. Visiting one of the camps will give you an insight into their way of life which is centered around their animals. The cattle provide almost everything the owner would need to survive. If you are in Juba and cannot easily access the cattle camps outside the city, you can visit the cattle market at the city center to see animals being taken for sale. Cows are very symbolic in South Sudan and a fully grown long horned white bull is a sight to behold.

Wau Zoo

The Wau zoo is found close to a river in the state of Bahrel Ghazal. The key attraction in the zoo is the stripped hyena (the largest specie of hyenas). Other wild animals in the zoo include antelopes, warthogs, crocodiles, ostriches and primates like baboons.

Bandingilo National Park

Bandigilo National park is located in the equatorial region of the country and this area is really under-utilized. It was gazzetted in 1992 and it covers about 10,000 Square Kilometers. It is one of the most important national parks in South Sudan because it attracts the great wildlife migration. The park has incredible biodiversity and is home to giraffes, lions, leopards, cheetahs, gazelles, elephants and reedbuck. You should also read the article about activities in Dar es Salaam.

Nimule National Park

The Park was gazzetted in 1954 and it is located in the southern part of the country next to the Ugandan boarder. Therefore, you can access it from Uganda. It covers an area of about 540 Square Kilometers. Nimule National Park is relatively well developed because it is closer to the capital and is home to leopards, baboons, zebras, warthogs and several species of antelopes. The park has an office and rangers can be assigned to take you for a tour of the park or by boat to Opekoloe Island where you can see large herds of elephants and a few predators.

Other animals in the park include hippos, zebra, crocodiles, leopards, warthogs, bushbucks, baboons, jackals, primates, hyrax and the Uganda kob. If you plan to visit Kenya in the near future, you might find the article about where to hangout in Nairobi of interest.

Nyakuron Cultural Center

This is arguably the best place to go and experience the diverse culture of the people of South Sudan. Like most countries in Africa, the tribal groups in South Sudan value dancing, singing and storytelling as a way of demonstrating what is good about their culture. The Nyakuron Cultural Center was built in 1976 to help showcase the cultural heritage of the people of Southern Sudan. It is built with a large garden, a night club, an outdoor stage and an auditorium.

White Nile

The White Nile is a tributary of the greater River Nile. It starts its Journey from jinja in Uganda. It crosses through several countries one of them being South Sudan.The river Nile has two main tributaries – The White Nile and the Blue Nile. The name came about because of the color of the river. The Nile changes color here because of the clay soil. The White Nile passes through Juba offering tourists in the capital an opportunity to visit it without driving traveling long distances. A good idea is to visit the Juba bridge and admire river from the top knowing that it travels through many countries. You can spot fishermen and transport boats going about their daily business. The White Nile is relatively calm and smooth flowing.

Mount Kinyeti and the Imatong Mountains

For mountain hiking lovers, this is a challenging hike. At 3,187m, Mount Kinyeti is South Sudan’s highest peak. It lies in the remote and rarely visited Imatong Mountains close to the border with Uganda. Climbing to the peak exposes one to pristine wilderness, forested slopes and an opportunity to see creatures like leopards, buffaloes and elephants which live in the Imatong Forest Reserve.

Whitewater rafting

And you thought whitewater rafting was only possible in Uganda? Well think twice. A whitewater rafting crew has been set up near Nimule giving adventurous travelers an opportunity to row through the challenging Nile rapids from Nimule all the way to the capital Juba. The whitewater rafting experience here is even more adventurous considering that you will pass through areas with hippos, crocodiles, antelopes, primates and elephants. There are stops on the islands and calmer waters for sport fishing or birding. If you are in Juba for the weekend, you can book a whitewater rafting trip with a company called African rivers. They will pick you up from the capital and take you up to the Fola Falls in Nimule National Park. The activity starts early in the morning. The first eight kilometers are grade 4 rapids and can be nerving for inexperienced rafters. After that things, things get easier as the rapids change to grade 3 and 2.

Visit the John Garang Mausoleum

DR John Garang was the highly respected former leader of South Sudan who died in a helicopter crash as he was coming back from a meeting in Uganda. He was the leader of the liberation movement which fought against the oppressive rule of the Sudanese government until the country gained independence. The Mausoleum is built at the Avenue of Nations – a place where independence festivities are conducted. Visit the Mausoleum to pay homage to a leader who is considered the father of South Sudan. The facility is heavily guarded and you need to be courteous while signing the visitor’s books so that you are allowed entrance without any issues. The facility has a photo of the former president and flags of South Sudan. The actual tomb is heavily guarded and locked in a special enclosure.

The All Saints Cathedral

This is the main Christian worship center in Juba. It is located between the Gombura and Lanya street. The Sunday prayers attract many of the influential people in Juba and can be an interesting place to be. There are three services on Sunday – one in English, Zande and Arabic. There are plans to build a much larger church that could accommodate the large numbers of worshipers.

Eat out

The large humanitarian and expatriate community in Juba has led to the establishment of some fine restaurants within the capital. There are both expensive and budget-friendly restaurants which remain late even in the evening. If you want to have more contact with the local people, you can visit one of the cheaper restaurants offering traditional foods. So which are the top restaurants in Juba. We should start with Da Vinci which serves international, Italian and vegetarian meals. There is also Notos Lounge Bar and Grill for Indian and Mediterranean foods. Spice ‘n Herbs is noted for their excellent Chinese, Italian and Indian dishes. You could also visit Home and Away for Thai and other Asian foods. Il Paradiso and Juba Bridge Hotel Restaurant are the places to go if you are interested in African and particularly Ethiopian food. For the best burgers, soups, pies, cakes and fresh salads, Le Bistro is one place you should visit. Other restaurants worth mentioning are Istanbul for Turkish and middle eastern cuisines and Villa Marvella for a quick snack on your way home after a long day of work.

Wau Cathedral

The Wau Catholic Cathedral was built in 1913 and is an important symbol of the role of Christian missionary groups in the countries development. It is built with impressive architectural designs and contains rare glass windows and stone carvings that makes it stand out from the smaller churches in the area.

Watch Wrestling at Bor's Freedom square

Wrestling is a traditional sport among many of the tribes in South Sudan. Participants remove their upper clothing and challenge each other for a duel in front of a large group of spectators. There is a price for the winners which can cost a sum or heads of cattle. To watch this, you need to go to the square on weekends.

Expensive Travel

Traveling within South Sudan is expensive compared to neighboring countries. This is mainly because of the scarcity of basic commodities. It is important to travel with enough physical cash because transactions by credit card are only possible in Juba and a few of the larger towns. Dollars are accepted but you would also need notes in the local South Sudanese pound. A Visa and valid passport is important when entering and traveling to the different towns in South Sudan. Expect to be stopped at several check points and road blocks. A best South Sudan itinerary should be between 8 to 13 days including a visit to Mundari tribe , Toposa tribe and safari if you wish

The Climate: South Sudan has a tropical climate with periods of heavy rainfall followed by dry spells. Some parts of the country receive more of the rain and heat but generally, the rainy season occurs in the months of April to October. Areas in higher altitude receive more rainfall compared to the flatter zones. It is also important to note that because of her proximity to the equator, the days and nights are of the same length.

Friendly People:

Despite the decades of civil war and less contact with foreigners, South Sudanese are generally very friendly, kind and welcoming to outsiders. You can use their friendliness to foreigners is an opportunity to learn a lot about the country and its internal dynamics without coming across as too inquisitive.

Medical facilities:

The prolonged insecurity in some parts of South Sudan has driven away many insurance companies and yet it is important to get travel insurance before traveling. The insurance should cover any potential evacuations and treatment in a neighboring country. Look for insurance companies that cover travels to high-risk counties. The medical facilities are not up to international standards except for a few run by government and international organizations.

Transport within the capital and towns:

The best way to move around the capital Juba and smaller towns is by using a boda (motor cycle taxi). Taxis are best for long distance travel and cannot take you to the hidden parts of town. Get a boda rider and ask him to take you for a city tour.

Taking Photos:

As innocent as it may look, local authorities and the army in particular will not tolerate those who take photos of public buildings – especially while in Juba. Juba has arguably the strictest policy about taking photos. You could even be arrested or go to prison if caught taking photos without permission and a government official to accompany you. Avoid taking photos of national buildings or military establishments. A local Guide can help you get the required permission. As you get outside the capital, you can take as many photos as you wish.

Tribal Tensions:

The root cause of some of South Sudan’s problems are tribal in nature. It is important not to get caught in the mix or appear to be siding with one particular tribe even if you have strong reasons to do so. Handle tribal conversations diplomatically and if possible, let the locals lead the conversations about tribal issues.

Is South Sudan safe for travel in 2023?

A quick google search will give you results and advice not to travel to South Sudan. The US, Australian, and Canadian governments advise their citizens not to travel to South Sudan because they consider it dangerous. In fact, a civil war, the refugee crisis in neighboring Uganda, and mass corruption and ethnic tensions have left a bad taste in the mouth of many.

But what is the fact on the ground and is it safe to travel to South Sudan?

A peace treaty was signed between the two major rivals, but there are rare clashes between the 60+ tribes of South Sudan. The peace deal has indeed brought a lot of peace into the country.

Tips on how to Travel to South Sudan safely 2023.

Always Use a local trusted company! We know the country very well than anyone else.
You should never move at night alone
Don’t bring your fancy expensive jewellery leave it at home and keep a low profile.
Don’t show dollars to anyone! Hide them as much as you can!
Avoid taking photos in Juba City