Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrive in the dense capital, acclimatize, and get your first taste of South Sudanese life along the banks of the White Nile.
Morning
Arrival at
Juba International Airport (JUB)
Meet your pre-arranged guide and driver—essential for travel in South
Sudan. Transfer to your hotel for a security and itinerary briefing. The drive has a first glimpse of
Juba's dynamic, chaotic energy.
1-2 hours
$0 (included in tour)
All travel in South
Sudan must be arranged through a reputable, registered tour operator in advance.
Lunch
Da Vinci Restaurant
Italian & International
Mid-range
Afternoon
John Garang Mausoleum & White Nile Views
Visit the memorial of South
Sudan's founding father, John Garang. The site offers panoramic views of
Juba and the White Nile. Then, take a short drive to the riverbank for a quiet moment watching local fishing boats and the flowing Nile.
2-3 hours
$5 (small donation)
Evening
Dinner by the Nile
Notos Lounge & Restaurant for sundowners and a meal overlooking the river.
Where to Stay Tonight
Juba Town (Hotel (e.g., Pyramid Continental Hotel or similar))
Central location with reliable security and amenities, important for the first night.
Change money (USD to SSP) at the hotel or with your guide. Official banks are less reliable. Small USD bills are king.
Day 1 Budget: $300
Dive into the capital's street-level energy and understand the nation's complex history.
Morning
Juba Market & Konyo Konyo Market
A sensory immersion. Navigate the active alleys of these main markets. See everything from fresh produce and spices to colorful fabrics and electronics. It's a hub of daily life and commerce. Photography requires extreme sensitivity and permission.
3 hours
$0 (shopping extra)
Go with your guide. Keep belongings secure and be prepared for crowds.
Lunch
Mug Mali Restaurant
South Sudanese (try the Kisra with stew)
Budget
Afternoon
South
Sudan National Museum & St. Theresa's Cathedral
Visit the modest but poignant national museum, housing cultural artifacts and historical exhibits. Afterwards, see the distinctive architecture of St. Theresa's Cathedral, a landmark of faith in the city.
2 hours
$2
Evening
Cultural Evening
Your tour operator may arrange a traditional dance performance and dinner at a local cultural center.
Where to Stay Tonight
Juba Town (Hotel)
Same base for ease before heading into the countryside.
At the market, ask your guide to help you try 'sukuma wiki' (collard greens) or fresh mangoes from a vendor. Barter gently.
Day 2 Budget: $280
Start the first major road journey, traveling north to the capital of Jonglei State on the Nile.
Morning
An early start for the approx. 200km drive (4-6 hours). The road is rough but offers classic African savanna scenery. Pass through small villages and watch daily life unfold along the highway. Frequent security checks.
5-6 hours
$0 (included in tour)
Ensure your vehicle is a strong 4x4 and carries extra fuel and water.
Lunch
Picnic lunch en route
Packed meals
Budget
Afternoon
Bor Town Orientation & Nile Sunset
Upon arrival, get a brief orientation of Bor town. The main event is a walk to the banks of the White Nile to witness a spectacular sunset, reflecting on the river's central role in the region's geography and history.
2 hours
$0
Evening
Local Guesthouse Dinner
Simple meal at your guesthouse, discussing the next day's plans.
Where to Stay Tonight
Bor Town (Basic Guesthouse (best available))
The only feasible accommodation option in Bor; essential stopover for the Sudd.
This drive is a reality check. Be patient, flexible, and view the journey itself as part of the adventure.
Day 3 Budget: $250
Venture into the fringes of the Sudd, a vast papyrus swamp and haven for birdlife.
Morning
Boat Trip on the Sudd Channels
With a local boatman, navigate the maze of narrow channels through the papyrus reeds. This is a prime bird-watching opportunity—look for shoebills, African fish eagles, herons, and kingfishers. The silence is profound.
3-4 hours
$80 (for boat and guide)
Arranged by your tour operator via local contacts in Bor.
Lunch
Picnic on a stable riverbank
Packed meals
Budget
Afternoon
Visit a Riverside Nuer Village
Visit a community living in harmony with the Sudd. Learn about fishing techniques, papyrus boat building, and their adaptations to this aquatic environment. Interaction is respectful and guided.
2 hours
$20 (community contribution)
Always ask permission before taking photographs. A small gift of sugar or tea is appreciated.
Evening
Return to Bor
Dinner and debrief at the guesthouse.
Where to Stay Tonight
Bor Town (Basic Guesthouse)
Nearest secure base for exploring the wetland area.
Wear long sleeves and pants and use strong insect repellent. The Sudd is mosquito territory.
Day 4 Budget: $320
Travel to meet the iconic Mundari cattle herders, known for their majestic Ankole-Watusi cattle.
Morning
Drive Bor to Terekeka Area
Drive south-west from Bor towards the Mundari grazing lands near Terekeka. The landscape shifts to drier savanna. The final approach is off-road to find the current location of the cattle camps, which move with the seasons.
4-5 hours
$0 (included in tour)
Your guide will liaise with local contacts to locate the camps. Exact location is fluid.
Lunch
Simple lunch with the tour team
Packed meals
Budget
Afternoon
First Contact with Mundari Cattle Camp
Arrive at camp in the late afternoon, the most photogenic time. Observe the symbiotic relationship between the herders and their cattle. Witness the rituals of ash-sprinkling (to ward off insects) and milking. This is a deeply immersive cultural experience.
3 hours
$50 (mandatory community fee)
Photography is generally accepted but be unobtrusive. A local 'camp chief' will guide the visit.
Evening
Campfire under the Stars
Camp overnight near the cattle camp (in your vehicle rooftop tent or a basic camp). Share simple food and listen to stories.
Where to Stay Tonight
Terekeka Grazing Lands (Camping (rooftop tent or ground tent with security))
The only way to experience the full daily cycle of the cattle camp life.
Dust and ash are pervasive. Protect your camera gear with zip-lock bags. Offer to share your tobacco (if you carry it) as a gesture of goodwill.
Day 5 Budget: $290
Experience the magical sunrise at the cattle camp before returning to
Juba.
Morning
Sunrise at the Cattle Camp
Wake before dawn for the most iconic scene: cattle being released from their overnight enclosures, backlit by the rising sun through a haze of dust and smoke. The light is extraordinary. Participate in a simple breakfast of fresh milk.
2-3 hours
$0
Be silent and respectful. This is a working routine for the herders.
Lunch
Picnic lunch on the drive back
Packed meals
Budget
Afternoon
Return drive to
Juba. Use the journey to process the intense experiences of the last few days. Stop for a welcome cold drink upon arrival.
3-4 hours
$0 (included)
Evening
Well-Deserved Comfort Dinner
Buffalo Hotel restaurant for a reliable meal and cold drink in a secure compound.
Where to Stay Tonight
Juba Town (Hotel)
For a proper shower, rest, and resupply before the next leg.
If you have photos from the camp, ask your guide if it's possible to return on a later trip to give printed copies to the herders—an immensely valued gift.
Day 6 Budget: $260
Journey east into the Equatoria region, towards the Imatong Mountains.
Morning
A scenic drive (approx. 150km, 3-4 hours) east on a relatively better road. The landscape becomes greener and more hilly as you approach the foothills of the Imatong range. Torit is the capital of Eastern Equatoria State.
4 hours
$0 (included)
Lunch
Local restaurant in Torit
Simple stews and rice
Budget
Afternoon
Torit Historical Walk
Explore Torit's modest landmarks, including the old church and the monument commemorating the 1955 Torit Mutiny, a key event in South
Sudan's long struggle for independence. It's a quiet town with a significant history.
2 hours
$0
Evening
Guesthouse Relaxation
Dinner at your simple Torit guesthouse, enjoying the cooler mountain air.
Where to Stay Tonight
Torit (Basic Guesthouse)
Necessary stopover for accessing the Imatong Mountains region.
If available, try the local honey sold in reused bottles—it's excellent.
Day 7 Budget: $240
Venture deeper into the scenic highlands, home to different ethnic groups and cooler climates.
Morning
Drive to Ikotos Area
A rugged drive further east towards the small town of Ikotos, deep in the Imatong foothills. The journey is through beautiful, rocky landscapes and small Lotuko communities. The air is noticeably fresher.
2-3 hours
$0 (included)
Road conditions deteriorate; a 4x4 is non-negotiable.
Lunch
Picnic amidst the hills
Packed meals
Budget
Afternoon
Visit a Lotuko Village
Meet the Lotuko people, known for their distinctive facial tattoos and traditional homesteads built on slopes. Learn about their agricultural life and social structure. The interaction is often more reserved than with the pastoralist groups.
2-3 hours
$20 (community contribution)
Dress modestly. Your guide will need to negotiate entry and explain protocols.
Evening
Mountain Camp
Camp in a designated safe area in the foothills. The night is cool and quiet.
Where to Stay Tonight
Imatong Foothills (Camping)
To fully appreciate the remote beauty of the highlands.
Nights get cold here. Have a warm sleeping bag and layer up.
Day 8 Budget: $250
A long travel day back to the capital for a mid-trip respite.
Morning
Early Start Drive to
JubaBegin the long return journey to
Juba. Stop for breaks in Torit or other small towns. This is a day for watching the changing landscapes and catching up on travel notes.
6-7 hours
$0 (included)
Lunch
Roadside stop in Torit or Magwi
Simple local fare
Budget
Afternoon
Arrival in
Juba & Free Time
Arrive back in
Juba by mid-afternoon. Check into your hotel. Use the free time to relax by the pool, organize laundry, or visit a supermarket for snacks.
Free
$0
Evening
Dinner of Your Choice
Opt for the restaurant at the Crown Hotel or try Ethiopian cuisine at Asmara Restaurant.
Where to Stay Tonight
Juba Town (Hotel)
For rest, resupply, and preparation for the final southern leg.
This is a good day to buy any local crafts you may have seen (like beads or baskets) from the craft shops in
Juba, as you may not get another chance.
Day 9 Budget: $270
Travel south towards the Ugandan border, entering the fertile and forested 'Green Belt' of South
Sudan.
Morning
A drive of approx. 180km (4-5 hours) on a relatively good road south. The environment transforms into lush, green farmland and forest. Yei is a crowded agricultural town with a more relaxed atmosphere.
5 hours
$0 (included)
Lunch
Green Valley Restaurant, Yei
Local and International
Budget
Afternoon
Yei River State Exploration
Take a walk through Yei's lively market, which feels different from
Juba's. Visit local coffee trading stalls—this region produces coffee. See the Yei River and feel the marked change in climate and agriculture.
2 hours
$0
Evening
Guesthouse Evening
Dinner at your Yei guesthouse, enjoying the fresh produce of the region.
Where to Stay Tonight
Yei (Basic Guesthouse/Lodge)
Key town for exploring the agricultural south and its communities.
Buy some locally grown and roasted coffee beans here—they make a unique souvenir.
Day 10 Budget: $240
A day trip to a historically rich area near the borders of Uganda and DRC.
Morning
Drive to Kajo Keji
A scenic drive (approx. 2 hours) southeast to the town of Kajo Keji, located near the historic 'Nile-Congo Divide' watershed. The area is known for its fertility and was a key settlement during the war.
2 hours
$0 (included)
Check security conditions with your operator before this trip.
Lunch
Picnic lunch by the Kaya River
Packed meals
Budget
Afternoon
Community Visit & River Walk
Visit a local farming community, possibly of the Kakwa or Kuku people. See subsistence farming and learn about life in this border region. Take a short walk along the beautiful Kaya River.
3 hours
$15 (community contribution)
Evening
Return to Yei
Drive back to Yei for dinner and overnight.
Where to Stay Tonight
Yei (Basic Guesthouse/Lodge)
Yei offers better accommodation options than Kajo Keji.
This region has many small, beautiful churches built by returning communities. Ask to see one.
Day 11 Budget: $230
A logistical day involving a return to
Juba and a charter flight to one of Africa's largest wilderness areas.
Morning
Drive Yei to
Juba Airport
Early drive back to
Juba International Airport. This is a transit day focused on reaching the remote Boma landscape.
4-5 hours
$0 (included)
Lunch
Quick lunch at
Juba airport or from a takeaway
Simple snacks
Budget
Afternoon
Charter Flight to Boma Airstrip
Board a pre-arranged small charter flight (1-1.5 hours) to the Boma airstrip. The flight offers panoramic views of the Sudd transitioning into the vast, remote savannas and mountains of Boma National Park.
1.5 hours (plus waiting)
$400-600 (included in premium tour cost)
Must be organized months in advance by your tour operator. Weather dependent.
Evening
Wilderness Camp Arrival
Arrive at your pre-set mobile bush camp in the Boma area. Sundowner drinks while listening to the sounds of the wild.
Where to Stay Tonight
Boma Wilderness (Mobile Bush Camp (full-service))
The only way to experience this vast, roadless region. Operated by specialist safari companies.
This is a true wilderness with significant wildlife. Always listen to your armed ranger/guide. Elephants and buffalo are common.
Day 12 Budget: $700
A full day exploring one of Africa's least-known wildlife spectacles and dramatic scenery.
Morning
Wildlife Drive: Seeking the Migration
Pre-dawn drive to seek out the massive herds of white-eared kob, tiang, and mongalla gazelle that partake in one of the planet's largest land mammal migrations (over 1 million animals). Also look for oribi, reedbuck, and predators like lion and cheetah.
4 hours
$0 (included in camp rate)
Seasonal: The migration is most visible in the dry season (Jan-Mar).
Lunch
Bush lunch in the shade of a tree
Camp-prepared meals
Mid-range
Afternoon
Visit the Boma Plateau & Murle Community
Drive up to the scenic Boma Plateau for impressive vistas. Later, have a carefully arranged cultural encounter with Murle communities, known for their intricate beadwork and adaptation to this harsh environment.
4 hours
$30 (community contribution)
These interactions are sensitive and must be led by trusted, long-established guides.
Evening
Farewell Bush Dinner
A special final dinner under the expansive African sky at your wilderness camp.
Where to Stay Tonight
Boma Wilderness (Mobile Bush Camp)
Continuation of the immersive wilderness experience.
The scale here is immense. Bring the best binoculars and longest camera lens you have.
Day 13 Budget: $650
A final flight over the wilderness, returning to
Juba for your international departure.
Morning
Final Game Drive & Transfer to Airstrip
One last early morning drive to soak in the Boma landscape. Return to camp for breakfast, then pack up and transfer to the remote airstrip for your charter flight back to
Juba.
3-4 hours total
$0 (included)
Lunch
Lunch in
Juba (depending on flight time)
At airport or a final restaurant visit
Budget
Afternoon
Transfer to JUB Airport for Departure
Your guide will transfer you to
Juba International Airport, assist with check-in, and bid farewell. Reflect on an memorable journey through a nation of profound resilience and beauty.
1 hour
$0 (included)
Ensure your international flight departs in the late afternoon/evening to allow for charter flight delays.
Evening
Departure
Board your international flight home.
Where to Stay Tonight
N/A (N/A)
Departure day.
Keep some South Sudanese Pounds (SSP) as a unique souvenir. They are not exchangeable outside the country.
Day 14 Budget: $200