Things to Do in Juba and South Sudan

There are many things to do in South Sudan, but the nation’s never-ending civil conflicts have prevented the outside world from experiencing its rich cultural diversity. Internal conflicts forced the nation to restart its efforts to grow its tourism industry and general economy, just when the nation appeared to be recovering from its independence in 2011.

Tourism in South Sudan currently contributes less than 4 percent to the country’s economy. Aside from instability in some areas of the nation, the biggest obstacles to tourism are inadequate marketing, a dearth of first-rate lodging options, a shortage of qualified personnel to oversee the industry, inadequate road systems, a lack of finance, and lax regulations.

The main factor preventing tourists from visiting Juba or any of the other isolated towns is the ongoing civil conflicts in some areas of the nation. There is a constant stream of bad news concerning the nation’s political climate across all media outlets.

Not many people discuss the advantages or the fact that South Sudan is home to one of the world’s greatest animal migrations. Even fewer talk about the lakes, rivers, 14 national parks, national reserves, the world’s largest swamp (the Sudd) and perhaps the best birding destination on earth.

The size of certain national parks in South Sudan is greater than that of certain East African nations.Another error that many people commit is thinking that what they observe in Juba is the entirety of the county’s offerings.

The countryside in South Sudan offers the best experiences. 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.

The government will have to put in more effort to develop the required infrastructure and actively promote the destinations if it hopes that travelers will find its amazing tourist attractions. In order to accommodate both cheap and luxury guests, additional upscale hotels need to be constructed in the national parks, and the country’s road system is still far from satisfactory. Positive effects are already noticeable. The Juba International Airport is growing quickly and major corporations from or the time being, East Africa is establishing itself in the capital.

How safe is it right now to travel to South Sudan?

 Being adaptable and receptive is crucial while traveling to nations such as South Sudan or the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Similar to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, visiting South Sudan or Juba may appear risky or even frightening, but the actual situation is quite different.

If you go with the appropriate local guide, you should have little trouble visiting Juba and many of the bigger towns and cities. Without any significant security incidents, thousands of foreign expats labor in Juba and even the most remote regions of the nation.

Juba, the capital, is very well protected and safe in part because of the sizable expat population and the city’s constant patrolling by UN peacekeeping troops. This does not imply that you should travel to South Sudan with complete recklessness. Caution must be used when visiting locations outside of the capital. Whenever you want to visit a specific destination, inquire with your embassy about the most recent security status in the nation.

It is imperative that you always have a competent and trustworthy local guide with you when moving, as we have already discussed. Dealing with the political dynamics between the various rival partisan parties in the city and the countryside will be made easier with the assistance of the Guide. In terms of high-quality infrastructure (hotels, highways, etc.), don’t anticipate much.

Expect extended travel periods and modifications to due of the erratic security conditions in a few of the smaller communities outside of Juba. For some travelers, the excitement of visiting certain nations lies in their unpredictable nature.

Why should one go now rather than waiting until later?

 Finding locations that only a select few have visited is the reward. Similar to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Sudan provides travelers with an unparalleled experience of Africa’s natural beauty, remote and unique ethnic groupings.

Things to do that are unaffected by technology in Juba and South Sudan. You would be traveling to locations that would become so well known in the future that, even in your advanced years, you will be able to grin because you were among the first to experience it.

Let us go back to security. We do not advise waiting to visit South Sudan until complete peace returns if you are the kind of person who loves to try new things, adventure, and taking chances to experience the finest that nature has to offer.

Nobody should be prevented from learning about many of South Sudan’s outstanding features by the media. Poaching resulted from the civil war in the national parks around Kigali, but the animals in the more isolated places were left alone and are reported to have multiplied tenfold.

Whatever is said, we must not lose sight of the nation’s abundant mineral resources, particularly its oil reserves, which will someday be utilized to expand the nation’s infrastructure and boost its travel and tourism sector. It is merely a question of time.

Which then are Juba and South Sudan’s main tourist destinations?

You might also find our post about the tourist attractions in Mombasa fascinating, before we move on to the sights in Juba City.

South Sudan and Juba Tourist Attractions

See the other towns and cities, as well as the capital, Juba: South Sudan’s capital, Juba, is one of the African cities with the quickest rate of growth. It has excellent lodging options, and innumerable more are being constructed.

Every day, more people arrive at Juba International Airport due to direct flights from major African and Middle Eastern countries. The city’s internal and external highways are improving, and major corporations have set up shop to capitalize on the business prospects that exist. Juba can be investigated in one or two days.

While in the capital, there are plenty of intriguing sites and activities to explore. Later chapters will explore some of them as stand-alone attractions. We advise visiting Juba International Airport if traveling from Uganda or the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the capital by car. The University of Juba is a great destination to visit and the largest public university in the recently formed nation.

The university was established in 1977, but because of civil upheaval in the 1980s, it was later moved to Khartoum, Sudan. English is the language of instruction for students. You can also make a stop to the newly constructed presidential palace, which opened three months after the University after the nation gained its freedom.

The palace is open to visitors in some areas, however taking pictures is not permitted. We suggest trekking to Jebel Kujur Mountain for the greatest view of the city. The height of this peak is merely 684 meters. Its original name, Korok, was changed to Kuruk because many people used to come to the top to carry out witchcraft rituals and other practices.

 Additionally, you may have a look at the monument in the center of the major roundabout, which houses the main city clock, or tour some of the historic buildings from the colonial era. Juba’s largest market is known as Konyo Konyo.

Although it is, a highly chaotic environment is possibly the greatest spot to watch the locals congregate at one location to purchase groceries, fruits, and vegetables.We suggest visiting a bar at one of the top hotels if you’re looking for a secure area to hang out or have a drink in the evenings.

On Wednesday night, you might want to check out the latest blockbusters at Logali House. Avoid walking at night and avoid carrying valuables when you are out on the streets. You should avoid certain areas of the city at all costs because they are extremely unsafe, as a local guide will inform you.Aweil, Kodok, Deim Zubeir, Bentui, Gondokoro, Tonj, Gongrial, and other large towns may be worth visiting if you are taking a thorough tour of the nation.Torit, Yambio, Rumbek (the old capital), Rokon, Kaya, Yei, and Wau. The first armed conflict started in Torit in 1955.

The gravesite of the first valiant and patriotic warriors to sacrifice their life for the liberation of South Sudan’s people can be visited. When at Torit, it is also worthwhile to visit the Rev. Father Saturnino Ohure Mausoleum.

The Catholic priest lost his life fighting for his people’s independence. Do not forget to visit the well-known Tamarind Tree if you happen to stop at Nimule. It is the location of the explorer Sir Samuel Baker’s 1869 rest stop while searching for the Nile’s source. The tree is still standing today. The majority of these towns are reachable by plane.7, 000 elephants, baboons, giraffes and Oryx.

Bandingilo National Park

 Is a relatively unexplored destination for travelers, situated in the Equatorial area of South Sudan. It covers a little more than 10,000 square kilometers and was founded in 1992. Because of the massive wildlife migration it draws, it is one of South Sudan’s most significant national parks. The park is home to giraffes, lions, leopards, cheetahs, gazelles, elephants, and reedbucks, and it boasts an amazing variety. Read the page about things to do in Dar es Salaam as well.

The Sudd:

 At over 30,000 square kilometers, the Sudd is the biggest swamp on the planet. It is among the world’s top locations for birdwatching. due to the persistent presence of water the swamp, the lush soils sustain a wide variety of flora, wild animals, and birds. Over 450 species of birds can be found here including black-crowned cranes, gigantic white pelicans and shoebill storks. Fishing on the Sudd is also a great experience.

Nimule National Park:

This park was created in 1954 near the Ugandan border. Its total size is around 540 square kilometers. If you are traveling from Uganda into South Sudan, this is a nice area to stop and is rather easy to get there. Due to its proximity to the city and the presence of many antelope species, leopards, baboons, zebras, warthogs, and other wildlife, Nimule National Park has flourished rather successfully.

There is an office in the park, and rangers are tasked with giving you a tour of the park or transporting you by boat to Opekoloe Island, where you can witness sizable elephant herds and a few predators. Hippopotamuses, zebras, crocodiles, warthogs, bushbucks, baboons, jackals, primates, hyraxes, and Uganda kobs are among the other creatures found in the park. You may find the post on Nairobi’s best places to hang out interesting if you intend to visit Kenya soon.

Wau Zoo:

 Located in the state of Bahrel Ghazal, the Wau zoo is next to a river. The largest species of hyenas, the stripped hyena, is the main draw at the zoo. Antelopes, warthogs, crocodiles, ostriches, and primates like baboons are among the other exotic creatures housed in the zoo.

Kinyeti Mountain and the Imatong Mountains:

Mount Kinyeti is a strenuous hike if you enjoy scaling mountains. The highest mountain in South Sudan is Mount Kinyeti, at 3,187 meters. It is located near the Ugandan border in the isolated and little visited Imatong Mountains. Reaching the summit offers views of pure nature, wooded slopes, and the chance to witness animals that call the Imatong Forest Reserve home, including elephants, buffaloes, and leopards.

White Nile:

The Nile River rises in Uganda and travels through a number of nations before emptying into the Mediterranean Sea in Egypt. The South Sudan is one of such nations. The White and Blue Niles are the two principal tributaries of the Nile River. The name was inspired by the color of the river. This is where the clay soil causes the Nile to change color.

The White Nile flows through Juba, providing visitors to the city with an opportunity to see it without having to drive far. Considering that the river passes through numerous nations, it is a good idea to visit the Juba Bridge and enjoy the view from the top. Transport boats and fisherman can be seen going about their regular activities. The White Nile flows smoothly and in a somewhat peaceful manner.

Nyakuron Cultural Center:

 Probably the greatest location to visit and learn about the rich cultural diversity of South Sudanese people is the Nyakuron Cultural Center. The tribes of South Sudan, like those of most of Africa, place a high importance on storytelling, dance, and singing as ways to highlight the positive aspects of their culture.

The In order to promote the cultural legacy of the people living in Southern Sudan, the Nyakuron Cultural Center was constructed in 1976. It has an auditorium, a nightclub, an outdoor stage, and a sizable garden built within it.

Did you really believe that whitewater rafting could only be done in Uganda?

Well, give it some thought. Adventurers can now row through the difficult Nile rapids from Nimule to the capital city of Juba thanks to a whitewater rafting team that has set up shop nearby. South Sudan’s tourism attractions this place offers even more of an exciting whitewater rafting experience because you will pass through areas home to elephants, antelopes, crocodiles, hippos, and primates.

 Sport fishing and birdwatching can be enjoyed in the calmer seas and on the islands. Should you be you can reserve a whitewater rafting excursion with African Rivers, a firm, for your weekend getaway in Juba.

They will transport you to the Fola Falls in Nimule National Park after picking you up from the capital. Early in the morning is when the action begins. The first eight kilometers are category 4 rapids and can be nerving for beginner rafters. After that, when the rapids switch to grades three and two, things become easier.

Visit the Mausoleum of John Garang:

 The much-respected former South Sudanese leader Garang perished in a helicopter crash while returning from a conference in Uganda. He served as the head of the liberation movement that opposed the harsh Sudanese government administration up until the nation’s independence. The Avenue of Nations, the site of celebrations for independence, is where the mausoleum is located.

Pay your respects to a statesman who is regarded as South Sudan’s father by visiting his mausoleum. Since there are several security guards at the facility, you must sign the visitor’s book politely in order to get in. The building features flags from South Sudan and a picture of the former president. The actual tomb is secured within a unique fence and is closely watched.

All Saints Cathedral :

 It is situated between Lanya and Gombura streets. Many of Juba’s powerful individuals attend the Sunday prayers, and they can be a fascinating location to be. On Sundays, there are three services: one in Arabic, Zande, and English. Plans are in place to construct a much bigger church that could hold the enormous gatherings of worshippers.

Wau Cathedral:

Constructed in 1913, the Wau Catholic Cathedral is a significant reminder of the contribution made by Christian missionary organizations to the advancement of the nation and one of the best locations to visit in South Sudan. Its striking architectural patterns, unique glass windows, and stone sculptures set it apart from the neighborhood’s smaller churches.

Go to a Cattle Market or Cattle Camp in Dinka:

In South Sudan, the Dinka are the largest and most powerful tribe. Despite the fact that many have relocated to the capital and other administrative states, the most of South Sudan’s top activities are still for nomadic pastoralists. The status of a person or family is often determined by their cattle, and it is not unusual for the bride price to reach 400 cattle.

Over 600 cattle can be housed in their cow camps. You can gain an understanding of their animal-centered way of life by going to one of the camps. Almost everything the owner may possibly need to exist is provided by the cattle. You can watch animals being taken for sale in the cattle market in the city center if you are in Juba and find it difficult to get to the cattle camps outside of the city. In South Sudan, cows hold great symbolic value, and a mature, long-horned A white bull is impressive to see.

Watch the Wrestling at Freedom Square in Bor:

In South Sudan, wrestling is a traditional sport for many of the tribes. Participants remove their upper clothing and challenge each other for a duel in front of a big number of spectators. The winners must pay a price, which may be expressed in terms of money or cow heads. You have to visit the square on weekends in order to see this.

Dine outside:

Some excellent eateries have opened up in the capital thanks to the sizeable expat and humanitarian community in Juba. There are upscale and less costly eateries that are open late into the night. You can go to one to establish greater communication with the locals of the less expensive eateries that provide traditional dishes.

Which are Juba’s best restaurants?

Da Vinci, which offers vegetarian, Italian, and international cuisine, should be our first stop. Mediterranean and Indian cuisine can also be found at Notos Lounge Bar and Grill. Excellent Chinese, Italian, and Indian meals are the specialty of Spice and Herbs. For Thai and other Asian food, you can also go to Home and Away. If you are interested in African food, especially Ethiopian food, you should visit Il Paradiso and the restaurant at the Juba Bridge Hotel.

Le Bistro has some of the best burgers, soups, pies, cakes, and fresh salads. Other eateries worth mentioning are Villa Marvella for a quick bite and Istanbul for Turkish and Middle Eastern cuisines. after a demanding workday, grab a bite on the way home.

Things to think about while traveling to South Sudan and Juba

Expensive Travel:

 When compared to neighboring countries, travel within South Sudan is more expensive. This is primarily due to the dearth of necessities. Only in Juba and a handful of the larger cities are credit card transactions permitted, therefore, it is crucial to bring enough cash with you when you travel.

Although you would also need notes in the local South Sudanese pound, dollars are accepted. It is necessary to have a valid passport and visa in order to enter South Sudan and visit its many towns. A number of roadblocks and checkpoints are to be expected.

Friendly People:

 Despite the decades of civil conflict and decreased contact with foreigners, In general, South Sudanese people are incredibly amiable, compassionate, and open to visitors. Their openness to visitors can be used as a chance to gain a great deal of knowledge about the nation and its internal dynamics without coming across as overly nosy.

The tropical climate:

The tropical climate in Sudan is tropical with dry spells interspersed with periods of intense rainfall. The rainy season typically lasts from April to October, while certain regions of the nation experience higher levels of heat and precipitation than others. Areas of higher altitude receive more rainfall compared to the flatter zones. Not to mention that the days and nights are the same length due to her proximity to the equator.

The ideal time to go is considering the circumstances the nation faces it is preferable to travel during the dry season, which runs from November to April, rather than during the wet and dry months. Traveling during the rainy season is extremely difficult due to the poor quality of the rural road network. Rivers overflow, and the roadways are covered in muck.

Now is unfortunate because now is the season when the scenery turns verdant and breathtakingly gorgeous. The roads become mud-filled and floods can cut off routes for days. Between March and April, animals migrate from the Sudd to Boma National Park. It is best to visit between November and late December if you want to witness the animals returning to the Sudd.

Taking Pictures:

Despite appearances, local government officials and the army in particular will not put up with people shooting pictures of public structures, especially while they are in Juba. Perhaps the strongest rules against taking pictures are found in Juba.

You could even be jailed or sent to prison if discovered taking photos without permission and a government official to accompany you. Steer clear of snapping pictures of military or national buildings. You can obtain the necessary authorization with the aid of a local guide. You are free to take as many pictures as you like once you are outside the capital.

Tensions between tribes:

A number of South Sudan’s issues have tribal roots. Even if you have compelling reasons to support a certain tribe, it is crucial to avoid being sucked into the fray or coming across as an ally. Managing talks with tribes

When discussing tribal matters, it is best to allow the natives take the lead diplomatically and whenever feasible.

Medical facilities:

 Although many insurance firms have left South Sudan due to the protracted insecurity there, it is still crucial to obtain travel insurance before departing. Any prospective evacuations and medical care in a neighboring nation should be covered by the insurance.

Find insurance providers that will cover trips to counties with a high risk of crime. With a few exceptions managed by international organizations and the government, the medical facilities do not meet international standards.

Transportation inside the capital and towns:

Using a boda (motorbike taxi) is the most convenient way to get around Juba, the capital, and smaller towns. Long-distance travel is best served by taxis, which cannot transport you to the more obscure areas of town. Hire a boda rider and ask him to show you around the city.

Hotels and lodging in Juba, South Sudan

You should read the following information if you are in Juba and are unsure about where to stay. Although Juba does not yet have an ultra-luxury hotel, the ones that do exist there are decent enough to offer respectable amenities.

The majority of them provide self-contained, budget, mid-range, and luxury accommodations. The Pyramid Continental Hotel and Crown Hotel are two of the greatest lodging options. Let us examine three of the most well liked ones:

Hotel VIP:

One of Juba’s most recent hotels is the Hotel VIP. It features a restaurant, bar, and wireless internet built along one of the major roadways. internet access available from every room. The hotel also has a massage and hair salon as additional services. The majority of hotels in the capital lack the amenities that Hotel VIP offers.

The majority of the employees, including those at the massage parlor, are from Ethiopia. Live music and Ethiopian dancers will be providing entertainment for the guests in the evening. About $120 per night, including breakfast, is charged for rooms.

Nile Resort.

The resort offers stunning views of the White Nile because, as its name implies, it is situated near to the river. The resort features a restaurant and bar with Indian bread, chapatti, and rice, as well as complimentary Wi-Fi in each room live melodies is played over the weekend while guests sample some of the local beer and cocktails from all over the world.

Roughly, $80 will get you a single room, and roughly $120 will get you a double. At a discounted rate, visitors to the resort can reserve a whole independent room for a month. Budget backpackers can pitch a tent at the hotel, subject to availability.

Hotel ECS Guest House:

 Hotel ECS Guest House is a good option for anyone looking for something basic and do not want to stay in more upscale hotels. Built in close proximity to the All Saints Cathedral is this guesthouse. It is among Juba’s most affordable lodging options. Each individual pays $50 for a room, not including breakfast, which is extra. The Guest House has a restaurant which prepares both continental and local Sudanese dishes on request.