12-Day Exclusive Cultural Trip to South Sudan
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Overview
12 Days of Exclusive Cultural Trip To South Sudan: For 6 Tribes, Mundari, Toposa Larim, Lotuko, Lopit And Jie.
Overview:
This 12-day itinerary offers an immersive experience of the rich cultural tapestry of South Sudan. Explore the diverse tribes of Mundari, Toposa, Larim, Lotuko, and Jie, each with its unique traditions, customs, and way of life.
Key Highlights:
- Mundari Cattle Herders: Witness the sacred bond between the Mundari people and their cattle, participating in daily rituals and experiencing their nomadic lifestyle.
- Lotuko Hills: Discover the traditional villages of the Lotuko people, exploring their thatched huts and participating in their vibrant dances.
- Lopit Traditions: Immerse yourself in the captivating culture of the Lopit tribe, observing their traditional dances, scarification practices, and way of life.
- Larim People: Learn about the fascinating customs and traditions of the Larim people, including their distinctive scarification patterns and traditional dances.
- Toposa Culture: Experience the rich heritage of the Toposa people, from their gold mining activities to their traditional dances and way of life.
- Jie Tribe: Explore the final destination of your journey, the Jie tribe, and witness their unique customs and traditions.
Itinerary Highlights:
- Arrival in Juba and orientation
- Mundari cattle camp experience
- Lotuko Hills exploration
- Lopit traditional dances and culture
- Larim village immersion
- Toposa gold mining and cultural experiences
- Jie traditional dances and farewell
Target Audience:
- Culture enthusiasts
- Adventure travelers
- Those seeking unique and immersive experiences
- Photography enthusiasts
Unique Selling Points:
- Explore five diverse South Sudanese tribes in a single itinerary.
- Experience authentic cultural immersion and interaction with local communities.
- Witness traditional dances, rituals, and practices.
- Discover the stunning landscapes and natural beauty of South Sudan.
- Gain insights into the history and culture of this fascinating country.
Included/Exclude
- Tour car and tour driver/guide
- All meals on the trip
- Accommodation is bed and breakfast only
- Alien registration
- Tourism permits (Ministry of Tourism and Wild Life, Media Authority & National Security)
- All activities in the itinerary
- Drinking water
- Community payments
- Visa fees
- Personal Insurance
- Airfares
- Tips
- All personal expenses such as laundry, phone bills, and curio purchases
- Gifts and clothes
- Alcoholic Beverages
- International flights
Tour Plan
As you touch down in Juba, the vibrant capital of South Sudan, you'll be warmly greeted by your experienced guide. They'll escort you to your hotel, where you can relax and unwind after your journey. While you settle in, the guide will handle the necessary travel permits and passport registration. The rest of the day is yours to explore the city or simply recharge.
Accommodation
- Budget: La Mer Inn
- Midrange: Royal Palace
- Luxury: Radisson Blu
After a nourishing breakfast, we'll embark on a journey to the northern outskirts of Juba to visit the renowned Mundari cattle herders. A short 1-2 hour drive on a newly paved road will take us to their camp, where we'll immerse ourselves in their daily lives.
We'll witness the fascinating morning rituals of the Mundari, including collecting cow dung for fuel and exploring the nearby villages. As the day unfolds, we'll have the unique opportunity to observe the deep bond between the Mundari people and their sacred cattle.
Accommodation: Tent
Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch and Dinner
Rising early, we'll savor a cup of coffee or tea and enjoy a light snack before heading to the camp for sunrise photos. Our guide will introduce us to the intriguing practices of cow stimulation, washing with urine, and massaging with ashes. This day is dedicated to fully immersing ourselves in the Mundari culture and learning about their way of life.
Accommodation: Tent
Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch and Dinner
As the sun rises on our final morning with the Mundari, we'll capture the last few precious moments with photographs. After a hearty breakfast, we'll pack our belongings and depart for the eastern part of the country, a journey of approximately 3 hours.
Along the way, we'll stop in Juba to stock up on essentials like liquor, soft drinks, and snacks. Upon reaching Torit, the capital of Eastern Equatoria State, we'll enjoy a delicious lunch while our guide secures the necessary permits.
Our adventure continues as we drive for another hour to the charming Lotuko village. We'll be greeted by the village guide, who will lead us on a nature walk through the picturesque surroundings. We'll visit the traditional healer, considered the spiritual leader of the village, and explore the unique thatched huts built with grass and coconut leaves. The Lotuko people practice subsistence farming and also keep cattle, sheep, and goats. Their belief system is a blend of Roman Catholicism and traditional African religions.
Accommodation: Tent
Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch and Dinner
We'll start our day with coffee and snacks before heading to the village to witness the vibrant Lotuko traditional dances. After this cultural experience, we'll return to the camp for breakfast while the team prepares for our departure.
We'll then embark on a 3-hour drive to Lopit Hills, enjoying a packed lunch along the way. Upon arrival, we'll relax for an hour before exploring the village of Imehejek, known for its tall traditional houses and hand-paved streets. We'll spend the night in tents, enjoying a delicious dinner.
Accommodation: Tent
Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch and Dinner
Our morning begins with coffee and snacks, followed by a captivating experience of the Lopit traditional dance. The dancers, adorned in ostrich feathers and leopard skins, create a mesmerizing spectacle. The Lopit people possess a rich musical heritage, with various drums used for different ceremonies and rituals.
After the dance performance, we'll return to the camp for breakfast and prepare for our departure to Buya Hills. The journey takes approximately 5 hours, and upon arrival, we'll relax and explore the village, observing the Larim people's daily activities like grinding, milking, and cooking.
Accommodation: Tent
Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch and Dinner
This day is dedicated to fully engaging with the Larim people and learning about their traditions through storytelling and conversation. After breakfast, we'll witness their captivating traditional dance, where women dressed in goat skin costumes perform graceful movements. The men, known for their shyness, typically do not participate in the daytime dances.
We'll also have the opportunity to admire the intricate scars that adorn the bodies of the Larim people, and if we're fortunate, we may even witness the process of scarification. A nature walk through the surrounding villages will reveal the breathtaking beauty of the mountain landscapes.
Accommodation: Tent
Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch and Dinner
As we say goodbye to the Larim people, we'll savor our final morning together, enjoying breakfast and capturing memorable photos. We'll then embark on a 2-hour drive to Kapoeta Town, the main city of the Toposa people.
Along the way, we'll witness the fascinating gold mining activities of the Toposa people and explore the bustling local markets. Upon reaching Mogos village, the largest Toposa village, we'll relax while our guide meets with the village elders and chiefs for introductions. We'll then embark on a nature walk through the village, experiencing the evening activities of milking, cooking, and traditional dances accompanied by prayers.
Accommodation: Tent
Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch and Dinner
Our final morning with the Toposa begins with traditional dances and photographs. After breakfast, we'll pack our belongings and depart for Lopet, the village of the Jie people. Before reaching Jie territory, we'll witness the vibrant Toposa traditional dances.
A 3-hour drive will take us to Lopet, where we'll enjoy a delicious lunch upon arrival. We'll then explore one of the largest villages in Lopet Payam, immersing ourselves in the Jie way of life. The Jie people are closely related to the Toposa and share a similar language.
In the evening, we'll have a farewell party with the Jie people, celebrating our unforgettable experiences.
Accommodation: Tent
Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch and Dinner
Our final morning with the Jie people will be filled with traditional dances and photographs. After breakfast, we'll pack up and drive back to Kapoeta Town. We'll enjoy a packed lunch during the journey.
In the evening, we'll gather at the hotel for a farewell dinner, sharing our stories and reflecting on the incredible adventures we've had.
Accommodation: Tent
Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch and Dinner
We'll start our day with a visit to the bustling Kapoeta market, where we can purchase souvenirs and gifts for our loved ones. The market is a vibrant hub of activity, with traders from various countries showcasing their wares.
After exploring the market, we'll head to Kapoeta Airport to board our flight back to Juba. Those who have earlier flights can rest assured that we'll accommodate their needs.
Accommodation
- Budget: La Mer Inn
- Midrange: Royal Palace
- Luxury: Radisson Blu
Meal plan: Breakfast,
On our final day, we'll enjoy a leisurely breakfast before heading to Juba International Airport for our flight back home. We'll carry with us unforgettable memories of our cultural odyssey through South Sudan, the land of diverse tribes and breathtaking landscapes.