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Juba, South Sudan - Things to Do in Juba

Things to Do in Juba

Juba, South Sudan - Complete Travel Guide

Juba grew by 300% since 2011. South Sudan's capital sprawls along the White Nile, where traditional fishermen work alongside construction crews building a young nation. Construction cranes dot the skyline as new businesses open weekly, though basic infrastructure can't keep pace with the growth.

Top Things to Do in Juba

White Nile Riverfront

Fishermen cast nets at dawn. The White Nile forms Juba's center, where families gather on the banks each evening as restaurants and cafes capitalize on river views. Traditional river life contrasts sharply with the city's modern push—the divide shows most clearly here.

Booking Tip: River boat operators charge around $20-40 for short trips, though prices vary widely. Early morning or late afternoon offer the best light and cooler temperatures. Look for operators with life jackets and ask to see the boat before paying.

Juba Market (Konyo Konyo)

This market operates from dawn to dusk. The maze of stalls sells fresh produce, traditional crafts, and imported goods in what can feel like total chaos for first-time visitors. You'll find textiles, spices, and handmade items that beat hotel gift shops for authentic souvenirs.

Booking Tip: No booking needed, but bring small bills for bargaining and expect to negotiate prices down by 30-50%. Best visited in the morning when it's cooler and vendors are setting up. A local guide costs around $10-15 and can help with language barriers.

John Garang Mausoleum

The memorial honors independence leader John Garang. This site includes a small museum with photographs and artifacts from the liberation movement against Sudan. It's sobering but essential for understanding why South Sudan exists at all.

Booking Tip: Entry is typically free or very low cost (under $5). Open most days but hours can be irregular, so calling ahead or asking at your hotel is wise. Photography restrictions may apply inside the mausoleum itself.

Nile Bridge Views

The main bridge offers the city's best views. Connecting Juba's primary districts, it provides panoramic shots especially at sunset when light hits the water. Vendors sell snacks nearby while locals and visitors gather for evening walks—you'll understand how the Nile shapes everything.

Booking Tip: Free to walk across, though traffic can be heavy during rush hours. Sunset timing varies by season but generally falls between 6-7 PM. Street food vendors here are usually safe bets, but stick to well-cooked items.

Local Music Venues

Weekend venues host live music regularly. Juba's music scene mixes traditional South Sudanese rhythms with modern influences, drawing relaxed crowds of locals and expats. It beats tourist sites for experiencing contemporary culture.

Booking Tip: Most venues don't require advance booking but charge cover fees of $5-15. Shows typically start late (9 PM or later) and run until midnight or beyond. Ask locals or hotel staff for current recommendations as the scene changes frequently.

Getting There

Ethiopian Airlines offers the most reliable service. Juba International Airport connects to Nairobi, Khartoum, and other regional hubs, with Kenya Airways providing backup options when schedules shift seasonally. Overland routes from Uganda exist but demand patience—roads improve yearly yet turn rough during rains. Most travelers fly despite higher costs.

Getting Around

Negotiate taxi fares upfront. Taxis and motorcycle taxis (boda-bodas) handle local transport, with most city center trips running $3-8. Ride-sharing apps haven't arrived yet, making hotel-arranged drivers the smart choice for airport runs and day trips. Walking works along the riverfront—sidewalks are hit-or-miss elsewhere.

Where to Stay

Hai Cinema (city center)
Munuki (expat area)
Juba Bridge area
Thongpiny
Hai Referendum
Near the airport

Food & Dining

Lebanese and Ethiopian food dominates the restaurant scene. Juba's international population drives the dining options, with Da Vinci and Logali House earning consistent praise from locals and visitors. Street vendors near the market serve cheaper authentic options like asida (sorghum porridge) and grilled meats. Most upscale spots take US dollars.

Top-Rated Restaurants in South Sudan

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

View all food guides →

Soto

4.7 /5
(3631 reviews) 3

Uchi Austin

4.7 /5
(3294 reviews) 4
meal_takeaway

Nori

4.8 /5
(1097 reviews) 3

Tokyo | Japanese Cuisine

4.5 /5
(771 reviews) 2

Sushi Masa | Japanese Restaurant

4.5 /5
(468 reviews) 2

Harusame Japanese Cuisine

4.5 /5
(250 reviews) 2
Explore Japanese →

When to Visit

December through March brings the best weather. Temperatures stay warm year-round but humidity drops and rainfall stops during these months, making city walks more comfortable. May through October means heavy rains that complicate road travel and boost mosquito numbers. Hotel rates stay steady regardless.

Insider Tips

Clean US bills work better than local currency. Bring newer bills as damaged ones get rejected—most tourist expenses work this way.
Power cuts happen daily. Portable chargers and flashlights prove essential when the grid fails during evening activities.
Local SIM cards beat international roaming. Zain or MTN provide better connectivity for under $10 with data packages included.

Explore Activities in Juba

Continue Planning Your Trip

Itineraries

Sample trip routes and plans for Juba

Getting Around

Transport options and tips for Juba

Where to Stay

Accommodation guide for Juba

Budget Guide

Trip costs and money tips for Juba

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