South Sudan Photo Tours

10 Days South Sudan Photo Tours – South Sudan Safari

South Sudan photo tours, an ethnographic route to discover some of Africa’s most traditional tribes. South Sudan Safari is Africa’s newest country and it has not yet been discovered by tourism , We will bring adventurous travelers to the virgin territory of Mundari cattle herders, the tallest people on Earth, who still live in the Stone Age on the banks of the mighty white Nile River in fully unity with their livestock and discover four other traditional tribes hidden in the hills of Eastern Equatorial state

Our South Sudan Safari focus on taking you to places, which have a unique appeal to photographers. We seek the beauty of landscape and seascape, the heritage of cultural diversity and the bustle of street and marketplaces. Effectively, photography through geography.

Our tours will seek the best moments, light and opportunities to compose shots, which reflect upon those inimitable moments. We feel it is of value to immerse ourselves in local culture through, not only people and landscapes, but also, where feasible, through culinary experience and accommodation, which is culturally sympathetic. Interaction and understanding and, where feasible, spending time with people, makes moments and images more meaningful.

MUNDARI TRIBE &  JOURNEY TO MUNDARI CATTLE CAMPS, SOUTH SUDAN PHOTO TOURS | WHO ARE THE MUNDARI PEOPLE OF SOUTH SUDAN?

The Mundari People are a small ethnic group of Nilotic people of South Sudan. The group, which is part of the Karo people, is composed mostly of cattle herders and agriculturalists. The traditional Mundari tribal lands are located roughly 75 km north of Juba, the capital of South Sudan, and are centered in the town of Terekeka in the state of Central Equatoria. 

In common with other Nilotic tribes in Sudan, the Mundari people practice ritual scarification as a rite of passage into adulthood for young men. The typical Mundari people’s 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.

The land, like much of South Sudan, is predominantly flat and marked by occasional isolated large hills. The low-lying land contains many rivers and lakes and is prone to flooding during the rainy season. The soil is predominantly clay-based, causing drainage and water retention problems, and provides a very fertile basis in support of cattle grazing.

The Mundari people, 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 Bor Dinka during the dry season.

Mundari lives in symbiosis with their cattle and nothing is more important to them than their cows. In their cattle camps, kids are doing most of the daily work. Kids collect the fresh cow dung and put it into piles which are then set on fire. Those fires are useful as they repel the numerous and voracious flies and mosquitoes of the South Sudanese countryside. The cows are among the world’s most pampered, Mundari massage their animals twice a day. The ash from dung fires, as fine as talcum powder, is smeared on the cattle and used as bedding.

To largely keep themselves clean, Mundari washes their hair with going urine for its antibacterial properties. They squat under streams of cow urine, which they see as a natural antiseptic to fight infections. Furthermore, the ammonia in the urine makes their hair red and that red hair is a sign of purity in their society.
Mundari men have to go through a rite of initiation where all the initiates live together and spend three months with a village elder, away from the community. During that time, they must live in nature and stay naked. Once their initiation is finished, they can kill a cow and call themselves men.

South Sudan is the world’s youngest country, and it has witnessed immense change since gaining independence in 2011. The promise of peace has given way to civil war, and tribal rifts continue to run deep, permeating political affairs. Over two million people have been displaced according to the UN, and tens of thousands killed.

Proposed South Sudan Safari Packages Itinerary 

10 Days South Sudan Tour-Mundari cattle Camp Tour,  7 Days South Sudan Photo Tour To Mundari cattle Camp Tour, Toposa Tour, Jiye Tour, Larim Tour, Lotuko Tour, south Sudan Tour of Dinka and 4 days Mundari Cattle Camps, and Topossa (Kapoeta) Tribe, South Sudan Photo Trip 

4 DAYS SOUTH SUDAN PHOTO TOUR

Below is our example 3 night, 4 day tour to South Sudan, although we can offer, 5, 7 and This tour can be done in its entirety, or combined with other destinations to design your perfect trip to South Sudan.

Day 1 – Juba, South Sudan

Morning

• Arrive at your convenience into Juba – the capital city of South Sudan which have flights connected from a few countries within Africa and Dubai (airport transfer included)
• Pre-tour meeting will be held at the lobby of the hotel at 5:00pm to discuss tour itinerary and to meet your fellow travellers and YPT guide.
• Dinner and drinks by the Nile at the AFEX camp
• Overnight at the hotel

Day 2 – Juba – Mundari Camp

Morning

• Breakfast at hotel.
• Visit Juba University – founded in 1975 in response to the need for higher education in southern areas of Sudan. Here is a great chance to meet South Sudan’s sharpest students.
• Explore Jubek Tomb – Jubek is one of the most important figure of the Bari people and his history is linked to lots of underlying tensions. Jubek is highly regarded in the country hence the capital being named after him.
• Explore Konyo Konyo – South Sudan’s largest market. It is an incredible place where the immense ethnic diversity of South Sudan mix.

Afternoon

• Afternoon departure to Mundari camp – the driving time differs, as the Mundari always move around with their camp. It can be anywhere between 15 min to a 3 hour drive!
• On the way stopping at small villages or for photo opportunities
• Continue onwards to a Mundari settlement where you will be introduced to the village chief so that he personally grant you further access to the local tribe.
• Trip highlight – By sunset, the herders will return to the village with their livestock in masses and start preparing them for the evening stay. The mist created by the smoke the Mundari prepare to repel mosquitoes will create a unique atmosphere.
• Dinner prepared by our very own cook
• Evening of games with the Mundari people
• Overnight camping

Day 3 – Mundari Camp – Terekeka – Juba

Morning

• We recommend waking up early to watch or partake the herders preparing their cattle for the day ahead. The morning is always the busiest time of the day for the locals. Feel free to assist with any chores.

Afternoon

• Early lunch at the camp before we return to Juba.
• Check-in to your hotel room and freshen up
• Drive by the Presidential Palace – the residence of South Sudan’s leader, easily recognised with his distinctive cowboy hat, Salva Kiir Mayardit.
• Stop by the John Garang Mausoleum – John Garang lead the revolution as well as promoting the concept of Sudanism, an ideology that all Sudanese should go beyond the divisions of the people (Animists, Christianity, Islamic, Arabs, Blacks) and embrace all cultures of South Sudan and unify under one Sudanese.
• Finish up the day by exploring Juba’s Craft Market
• Farewell dinner with our local guides and group members
• Explore Juba’s nightlife
• Overnight at the Hotel

Day 4 – Juba

Morning

• Breakfast at hotel
• Tour concludes with airport drop-off arranged according to your flight details – KG is also able to arrange post-tour accommodation or advice for flights.

Our 3 night, 4 day South Sudan Tour is our standard trip

• Price : $1495
• To confirm the booking a deposit of $500 is required.
• Duration: 3 nights, 4 days

7 day South Sudan Photo Tours

A 7-day immersion into South Sudanese culture, experiencing the country’s complex diversity first hand. While South Sudan is a beautiful country, the real highlight of this trip is not the scenery but the people. Starting in Juba, you will travel through the country to remote and isolated villages meeting some of the countries different tribes. Starting off in Toposa villages, best known for their piercings and scarification’s, to the foot of the Boya Mountains home of the Larim tribe, before passing through the Lotuko territory on the way to meet the Mundari tribe in their livestock camp.

If there is the opportunity you will also be able to watch the local sport of Boruboru, a version of dodge ball played by South Sudanese women and girls. A trip focused upon spending time with people from the world’s newest country. It is a unique opportunity to see this rarely visited country alongside experienced guides who know the tribes and their people personally.

Highlights:

• Spending time with the Mundari tribe and witness their symbiotic relationship with their cattle.
• Visiting the remote Toposa, Lotuko and Larim tribes
• A drink on the banks of the White Nile

Day 1: Journey to Equatoria Region.

• The Expedition starts in Juba.  After clearing with immigration and customs we will pick up any other Expeditioners that arrived the day before and set out on our journey southeast, through the Equatoria Region.
• This is the home of the Boya and Toposa tribes which we will be visiting in the following days.
• Overnight in Kuleu Hotel in Kapoeta (best hotel available).

Day 2: Meeting the Toposa tribe.

• We will explore the Kapoeta market, where Toposa people meet and trade.
• After that, we’ll visit a nearby village and meet with Toposa tribes and spend the afternoon and evening with them.
• Overnight in Kuleu Hotel in Kapoeta.

Day 3: Meeting the Boya tribe.

• In the early morning, we’ll visit the Toposa village for sunrise photos and breakfast.
• We continue our journey to Boya administrative posts and remote villages in the Kimatong Hills.
• We will spend our afternoon with them and camp in a tent in their village.
• Overnight at tents in Boya village.

Day 4: Juba and Dinka cattle camp

• We’ll leave the Boya village after breakfast and drive back to Juba where we will stopover for lunch.
• Our next stop will be a Dinka tribe cattle camp, where we will spend our afternoon meeting the families there, and taking some photos of the photogenic Sudanese longhorn cows at sunset.
• Overnight in our tents at Dinka cattle camp.

Day 5: Crossing the White Nile

• After sunrise and breakfast with the Dinkas, we continue our drive North to Bor, where we will embark on a boat to cross the White Nile.
• This is a very unique experience, since the only bridge that crosses the Nile in South Sudan is in Juba, so another set of cars will be waiting to pick us up from the other shore and take us to the nearby town of Mingkaman.
• In the afternoon, we will reach a Mundari cattle camp, meet our fourth and last tribe in the country, enjoy another photogenic sunset and feast with a dinner together.
• Overnight in our tents at Mundari cattle camp.

Day 6: Mundari cattle camp.

• We wake up for sunrise, the iconic highlight of living with the Mundari, to witness their daily morning routine and chores taking care of their precious cows. Some of these camps can be worth over several million dollars in cattle!
• After a day living with our Mundari friends we say goodbye and drive back to Juba.
• In the afternoon, we’ll tour around the city.
• Overnight at Royal Palace Hotel (dinner not included).

Day 7:  Goodbyes and Fly out

• After breakfast, the worst moment of every Expedition: we say goodbye. The Expedition is finished and we fly out.
• If time allows (depending on our flight connections) we might do another quick tour of the city before we head to the airport.

Experience the complex diversity of the world’s youngest country through an immersive 7-day journey into South Sudanese culture.

• Price : $2,950
• To confirm the booking a deposit of $1000 is required.
• Duration: 6 nights, 7days

10 days South Sudan Photo Tours 

Day 1 : Arrival in Juba

You will provide us with your flight details so that we can take note of your arrival and departure dates and times. You will arrive at Juba International Airport, in the capital of the world’s youngest nation, South Sudan. One or more guides will meet you at the Airport and transfer you to Royal Palace Hotel where you will spend the night. Depending on your arrival time, we will take a short trek to South Sudan’s biggest market, Konyo Konyo. While in the market, you will have an overview of South Sudan’s diverse communities portrayed in their style of dressing and facial or body scarifications. Dinner at Da Vinci Lodge where you will have a spectacular view of the Juba Bridge majestically standing over the Nile River. Accommodation at Royal Palace Hotel. No cameras to be used, smartphones could be used with utmost caution.

Day 2 : Juba to Bor

Breakfast at Royal Palace Hotel. After breakfast we will depart for Bor, 4-6 hours’ drive from Juba (the roads are unsurfaced and challenging!). We take lunch at a local Restaurant en route. We then proceed to introduce ourselves to the local ‘Dinka’ authorities (although they will be informed in advance that we are coming, these things can take time). We then drive to the Dinka cattle camp, where we will camp for two days. Evenings and mornings will be ideal for photography especially when the cattle return from grazing. Dinner at Dinka cattle camp. Accommodation: tents close to the Nile.

Day 3 : Dinka cattle camp and local village

Dawn photos/videos of the cattle camp and how the Dinka wake up with their Ankole Watusi cattle. Breakfast. Evening walk and photoshoot in the cattle camp.  The cattle camp, seldom visited by outsiders, is quite simply incredible. The Dinka are friendly and enjoy being photographed. The dust and smoke intermingle to create and inimitable atmosphere. We arrived in the late afternoon when the light was soft and warm with long shadows. The tribe have all their wealth in their cattle and there are thousands of them. When young men of the tribe get married the dowry may be as much as 40 cattle. They cover themselves in the ash from their fires to protect against insects.

At night they sleep with their cattle to protect them and they carry Kalashnikovs to do so. Cattle rustling is commonplace and is a cause of conflict. The Ankole Watusi cattle have the largest horns (perhaps a metre long in some cases). During the day the cattle disperse from the banks of the Nile into the long grasses of the alluvial floodplain. They return at dusk instinctively.

Accommodation: tents close to the Nile and cattle camp

Day 4: Final moments with Dinka, Departure for Juba

Breakfast.  Morning photoshoot at dawn and then Leaving for Juba. Lunch en route Check-in at Royal Palace Hotel. Dinner at Royal Palace Hotel. (All food drinks at the hotels/restaurants are not included)

Day 5: Mundari cattle camp

Breakfast at Royal Palace Hotel. After breakfast we will depart for Terekeka, four hours’ drive from Juba. We take lunch at a local Restaurant called Naivasha. Naivasha is a name of a lake and town in Kenya but it has historical ties to South Sudan as it was the town where peace talks that culminated in the Comprehensive Peace agreement between the government of Sudan and rebels (SPLM/A). We then proceed to introduce ourselves to state government authorities (although they will be informed in advance that we will be coming, but again this can take time). We then drive to Mundari’s Khartoum cattle camp, where we will camp for two days. Evenings and mornings will be ideal for photography especially when the cattle return from grazing. Dinner at Khartoum cattle camp. Accommodation: tents close the Nile and cattle camp.

Shooting at dawn and dusk is perfect as all the cattle are in place. The more you see, the more you realise that there is an inextricable bond between the tribe and their cattle. The way they lead them, rub ash into their skins, attend to their needs, use their milk, dung and urine. It is a symbiotic relationship where there is an understanding of the cattle which goes beyond normal animal husbandry. They take pride in their animals and the whole community of man and beast is interconnected.  On the previous evening the air was filled with smoke from the dung and kindle wood fires to keep insects at bay. The dust is used to help dry the dung which is laboriously collected and piled in the mornings. It is then dried as fuel. As the sun sets in African style the light, smoke and dust create an ethereal atmosphere which makes it appear that the Mundari and their cattle fade into a mist. An ancient mist, trapped in time, where tribal traits and traditions are perpetuated in the twenty first century.

Accommodation: tents (full board)

Day 6: Mundari Khartoum cattle camp

Dawn photos/videos of the cattle camp and how the Mundari wake up with their cattle. Breakfast. The smoke, fires and dust create a scene which is almost biblical. The symbiotic bond between man and the cattle is a scene to behold. They massage their Ankole Watusi cattle with ash and do it with care and affection.

In the morning we returned to the camp and soaked up the atmosphere of the early morning preparations before the cattle move out, without herders, to graze the fresh pasture. When covered with ash they appear as apparitions or ghosts especially when there is dust and smoke in the air. They gather the dung in the morning, dry it by spreading it out and then use it as fuel for their fires. And so this cyclical use of ash continues. These people have a very sustainable existence and their connection with nature should be a message to us all. These ancient practices ensure harmony with the environment and have a small ecological footprint which is local and ensures cultural longevity.

The Mundari are very receptive to travellers and are sociable, kind and welcoming.

Evening photos/videos. Dinner. Accommodation: tents.

Day 7: Departure for Juba

Morning photos and videos. Breakfast. Departure by road to Juba and continue on to check-in at Royal Palace Hotel. Dinner at Affex camp. Accommodation: Royal Palace Hotel. (All food drinks at the hotels/restaurants are not included)

Day 8,9 : Flight to Kapoeta where we spend two nights at a very simple tourist hotel (Mango camp) Full board. Here we visit the Topossa tribe who are closely related to the Nyangatom of Omo valley in Ethiopia (which is very close!). The Topossa are renowned for their scarification and the woman wear many strands of colourful beads and have interesting piercings. We will visit villages and the local market, all of which are photogenic.

Day 10: Return flight to Juba. Accommodation at the Royal Palace Hotel, Dinner at Da Vinci Lodge where you will have a spectacular view of the Juba Bridge majestically standing over the Nile River.  (All food drinks at the hotels/restaurants are not included)

Day 11 : Returning home

Breakfast. Morning sightseeing tour of Juba (depending on your flight times):- Presidential Palace, Dr. John Garang Mausoleum, Jubek tomb, craft market. (Cameras prohibited,  smartphones to be used smartly). Lunch at Da Vinci Lodge. Transfer to the airport. Bidding each other goodbye.

• The cost of the tour is $5500pp. To confirm the booking a deposit of $1000 is required.

To take with South Sudan Photo tours:

• sets of clothes suitable for the weather conditions, including lightweight clothes (shorts, T-shorts), and warm clothes (hoody, light jacket), long sleeve clothes
• sun hat/panama
• swimwear
• raincoat
• comfortable trekking footwear, light footwear (sneakers)
• sleeping bag for warm weather
• mosquito net
• personal hygiene items
• individual medical kit (analgetics, antiseptic, antibiotic, antiviral, intestinal, multivitamins, rehydration, court plaster, your personal medications)
• Yellow fever vaccination certificate (is a must!)
• EITHER a negative result of PCR COVID tests taken at most 72 hours before arrival (the test result must be in English), OR a COVID-19 vaccination certificate showing that they were fully vaccinated (Vaccines accepted are: AstraZeneca (SK Bioscience), AstraZeneca (Vaxzevria), CanSinoBIO (Convidecia), Covaxin, Covishield, Covovax, Janssen, Moderna (Spikevax), Nuvaxovid (Novavax), Pfizer-BioNTech (Comirnaty), Sinopharm (BIBP) and Sinovac) (is a must! requirement may change)
• anti malaria prevention pills (up to you, but recommended)
• sunblock set (cream, spray)
• repellents
• sunglasses
• big backpack for stuff
• small backpack for radial walks (25 – 30 L)
• headlamp
• favorite meals (chocolate, nuts)
• photo and video camera, extra batteries
• optional donations for tribal people: anti malaria drugs, anti-septic spirit, cotton wool, eye drops, traditional tobacco (can be bought in Juba), plastic or ceramic beads for body decoration & string

Accommodation

We do not and cannot offer a uniform accommodation standard on our itineraries. When we make are choices of where to stay, we consider comfort, location, design, character, historical interest, and whether the money we spend will go into the pockets of the local community.

The accommodation will be based on 2 people sharing and mostly tents with no bathrooms when sleeping at cattle camps.

Services included

• Meals – breakfast, some lunches and dinners are not included (those at hotels and restaurants in Juba)
• Transfer to and from Juba International Airport at the start of the tour at the end of the tour.
• Internal flights to Kapoeta
• Photo tour leader
• All transport using 4×4 vehicles
• Twin-shared accommodation
• Mount Kilimanjaro Guide provides LOI for visa on arrival and full visa support
• Breakfast in Juba
• All meals outside of Juba
• Entrance fees
• English Speaking local guides and KG tour leader
• Camera permit for 1 camera per person

Services not included/additional costs

• Flights to and from Juba
• Visa on arrival fee ($100 – $160 depending on nationality)
• Single supplement (on hotel nights: $300)
• Pre-tour accommodation ($100)
• Travel insurance
• Lunch and dinners in Juba
• Personal spending
• Camera permit paid on arrival into Juba (+$100 per extra camera – DSLR, GoPro, etc)

South Sudan Tours – FAQs

How to get a South Sudan Visa?

Visas can be applied at your nearest South Sudan embassy if you wish to get it in advance. Embassies have varying requirements, with some requiring a lot of paperwork and others almost nothing. Embassies in Africa tend to be more relaxed and cheaper than European embassies. 

The easiest way to get the visa, however, is to apply for an e-visa. We suggest getting the e-visa! The cost depends on your nationality and is subject to sudden changes however at the time of writing, most nationalities get it for $100-$160 United states Dollars (USD). We can provide your South Sudan Letter of Invitation for a visa from your embassy, or online. You can apply for your South Sudan e-visa here.

What are the South Sudan COVID -19 Restrictions?

Proof of vaccination is required for travel to South Sudan, but there are no requirements regarding PCR tests. It should also be noted that proof yellow fever vaccination is also required to visit South Sudan.

Is it Safe to travel to South Sudan?

There are reports of armed conflicts, inter-ethnic violence and crime in certain regions of South Sudan – we work closely with our local guides and avoid these regions. While we team up with extremely competent and knowledgeable local partners, it is important to remember that South Sudan is still unstable in parts. Our partners will always make sure that the places we are visiting are safe at the time we visit them. Sometimes, very rarely, this means that the itinerary must be changed. Please understand that this is always done with your safety and the safety of the group in mind. You should also check government advisories, such as the UKFCO before deciding to travel to South Sudan.

Is there corruption in South Sudan?

We will encounter many people living in extreme poverty condition and, as such, some gifts can make a real difference in the life of the people we will meet. You can, for example, bring common stationery for kids and common medicine for family. Our guides will know how to make those gifts get the maximum impact. South Sudan has a very strong culture of gifts, some would say bribes, that is very hard to understand for outsiders. That is why our local guide will be in charge of giving those gifts and contributions to the different community leaders. These contributions are already calculated in the cost of the tour and we’d ask from you that you refrain from giving gifts directly. If you would like to give something, please first consult your guides.

When is the best time to visit South Sudan?

The climate of South Sudan remains largely the same throughout the year, so in a sense that means that all times are good times to go. With that being said the nomadic nature of the tribes affects where they are at certain times of year, so we suggest asking our advice before you book an independent tour to South Sudan.

How do you travel to South Sudan?

We recommend flying into Juba – the capital city of South Sudan, which have flights connected from a few countries within Africa particularly via Sudan and Ethiopia, well as Dubai. We currently do not recommend crossing any land border with South Sudan.

What currency should I bring to South Sudan?

The surest way to avoid inconveniences is to come with cash in USD only. The money must be from 2009 to the newest series, without marks, ink, tear, and stamps. Brand new notes would be ideal as anything that meets only some of the above will be rejected even by commercial banks and the Central Bank. There are essentially no ATMs in South Sudan, nor do many places take cards, so keep this in mind.

What should I wear in South Sudan?

During the day, South Sudan is a very hot country all throughout the year. Please pack loose light-coloured clothes that breath and can efficiently block the sun. At night, however, it can get quite cold so make sure to pack a jumper and some warm clothes. We will be camping a few nights so make sure you have enough clothes to be comfortable sleeping outdoors.

Are there ATMs in South Sudan?

There is one bank whose ATM dispenses United States Dollars (USD). South Sudan only accepts USD. Sometimes the transactions do not work out due to restrictions from your home bank, so best to avoid them if possible. It is prudent upon each visit to make sure that your banks back home have lifted such restrictions.

Can you drink in South Sudan?

Yes, you can have drinks in South Sudan! There is a popular night scene in the capital city Juba, on your last night of the tour you can experience the bars and clubs. A typical price for a beer is $2-3 in restaurants.

Is it ethical to travel to South Sudan?

Since independence South Sudan has been rocked by civil strife, war and immense corruption. This has led South Sudan to be placed under a number of sanctions, sanctions which adversely affect the poor, rather than the ruling elite. We therefore that not only is it ethical, but extremely advantageous to the common people. Questions of ethics are though down to your own opinion.

IS THERE INTERNET?

There is Wifi in the Juba hotels. There is no internet outside of Juba including mobile internet so be prepared to go offline!

Kilimanjaro Safari Extension 

Kilimanjaro Safari Extension. When joining our  African Safari Extension from a Kilimanjaro climb With just 4 days of safari action you can experience the awe-inspiring UNESCO Heritage site of the Ngorongoro Crater, enjoy a safari at Lake Manyara National