Day 1 – Arrival and Introduction to Juba
Upon arrival in Juba, South Sudan’s capital, you are welcomed by your professional guide. After settling in, you set out to explore this bustling city, where modern commerce meets traditional culture. Visit local markets alive with colorful fabrics, handmade crafts, and the rhythmic energy of daily trade. Later, prepare for your journey into South Sudan’s rural heartlands, heading towards the tribal territories where authentic cultural immersion begins.
Day 2 – The Toposa People of the East
Spend your first full day immersed with the Toposa tribe. Known for their striking traditional attire and intricate scarification patterns, the Toposa proudly maintain their customs. You will witness their communal lifestyle, where cattle herding and agriculture sustain both family and culture. As you share stories with elders and observe rituals, you gain insight into the tribe’s resilience and their ties to history.
Day 3 – Among the Boya in the Kimatong Hills
Journey into the scenic Kimatong Hills, the homeland of the Boya. These resourceful farmers cultivate crops and raise livestock in a rugged tropical environment. You’ll walk through their villages, dine with community members, and observe their agricultural practices. This intimate encounter reveals how the Boya adapt to the challenges of their environment while maintaining strong communal bonds.
Day 4 – The World of the Dinka
Today, you enter the land of the Dinka, one of the largest and most influential tribes in East Africa. Cattle are central to Dinka society, representing wealth, status, and spiritual connection. You’ll witness herding traditions, experience their warm hospitality, and learn how cattle form the cornerstone of family life, marriage negotiations, and community identity.
Day 5 – Crossing the Nile to Mingkaman
Your journey continues with a morning among the Dinka people before boarding a boat across the White Nile. This crossing offers scenic views and a moment to reflect on the significance of the river in sustaining life. Arriving in Mingkaman town, you explore its busy markets and streets, where rural and urban cultures intertwine. Here, you engage with local traders and experience South Sudan’s everyday rhythm.
Day 6 – The Mundari Cattle Camps
Few experiences rival a visit to the Mundari cattle camps. Home to thousands of cattle, these camps are a living tapestry of fire smoke, animal calls, and human interaction. The Mundari are celebrated for their devotion to cattle, which shapes every aspect of their lives. You’ll learn about their herding techniques, cultural rituals, and the social structures that govern camp life.
Day 7 – Living with the Mundari
Spend a full day with the Mundari, not as an observer but as a participant. Assist with cattle herding, try your hand at milking, and share meals with your hosts. Through stories, music, and communal activities, you come to appreciate the deep, almost spiritual relationship the Mundari have with their herds. This is a rare chance to live, even briefly, within one of Africa’s most authentic cultural landscapes.
Day 8 – Return to Juba and Departure
After a week of immersive encounters, you return to Juba. Depending on your flight schedule, you may revisit the city’s cultural sites and markets before transferring to the airport. Depart South Sudan with memories of a journey that has taken you beyond the surface, into the living heritage of some of Africa’s most remarkable tribes.
