South Sudan where cattle population is higher than population of people, recently hosted a pope and despite being officially newest country on the world map, still struggles for international recognition.Juba, the capitol, is a home to one of the worst traffic organizations in Africa. Central round about can proudly compete with Dhaka rush hours. Nearby streets are filled with entrepreneurs’ outlets, on Custom Road you will find Fast Food Rolex, Dubai Mall, Doha stores, amongst many others.
Among the tallest people in the world, towering over the cows and bulls of their cattle camps, the Mundari are one of the most fascinating tribes on the planet, their way-of-life far removed from the modern world. The fertile region of South Sudan, home to wildlife migrations, raiding tribes and warriors, and everyday rituals sure to shock you out of the ordinary!
The Mundari are a small ethnic group of South Sudan and one of the Nilotic peoples, indigenous to the Nile Valley, and composed of cattle-herders and farmers. Like much of South Sudan, the land they occupy is low-lying area prone to flooding, providing very fertile basis for cattle grazing. The Mundari people have close connection to their cattle, from giving them names and having them take part in their rituals and practices.
The most treasured cattle among the Mundari are the Ankole-Watusi, the “Cattle of Kings”, with the most impressive having horns that can reach over 2 meters long. The cattle themselves have heritage dating back thousands of years, from the combination of the Egyptian Longhorn of Africa and the Zebu Longhorn of India.
Relying on the herding of cattle, sheep and goats to obtain milk, blood, meat and leather, the tribe also have a reputation for being fierce warriors, where status and wealth are measured in cattle and loaded weapons. Low-level warfare to rustle and raid cattle is not uncommon.
South Sudan is a place for the true explorer, with expedition into this remote and unknown part of the world for those wishing to see what few others can!
Let's go!
Day 1 // Arrival + sunset at Mundari
Morning flight, followed by Immigration adventure. Local lunch and hit the road for one of the best sunsets you can have in Africa – orange horizon between Mundaris, ocean of curved horns cattle and the smoke, used as repellent from mosquitos. Head back to city for dinner and overnight in the hotel.
Day 2 // Mundari morning, Juba + wrestling
Early wakeup call and drive for sunrise and Mundari morning ceremony. Come back for breakfast and hit the city. Between the cathedral and mosque, we will surely find time to visit Konyo Konyo – the biggest market, where ladies can order Mundari dress for the afternoon wrestling show. Lunch at the bank of the river, before we move to the wrestling ground, followed by local dance show. After dinner, we will have possibility of checking the night life, rooftop bars and perhaps the casino, where Chinese expats bet high with locals. Overnight in the hotel or optional wedding crashing, subject of availability.
Day 3 // Nile boat trip
Breakfast and check out from the hotel. Morning boat trip on a Nile, refreshing sneak peek on how the riverbanks prepare for Sunday mass in the church. Afternoon time airport drop off and return flight back home. Bye, bye Juba!
Level: Easy.
Activities: Tribe encounters, sightseeing, boating.
Room & Meals: Hotels, double sharing. Meals excluded except breakfasts.
Cost: AED 3800 excl. flights until MARCH 20th. Past this date cost will change.
Flights: 3900 AED (Ethiopian).
Specifically Excluded: Meals, any cost related to visa on arrival, photography permits for professional cameras.
Visa: Based on entry permit, cost excluded from trip budget, 130 USD.
Yellow fever certificate mandatory to enter South Sudan.
Photography: Expect 150-200 USD for “photography permit” if you are bringing professional camera equipment.
See yah in South Sudan x
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