Welcome to the Youngest Country in the World: South Sudan Travel with the Mundari Tribe
- Ankitha
- Nov 14, 2023
- 5 min read
Updated: Aug 12
Welcome to South Sudan, the youngest country in the world—formed after a brutal 21-year battle with Sudan and finally gaining independence in 2011. My short yet powerful South Sudan travel experience revolved around visiting one of the most iconic communities in the region—the Mundari tribe.
As one of the largest ethnic groups in South Sudan, numbering around 750,000 people, the Mundari South Sudan community has preserved their fascinating cattle-centric traditions and Mundari culture for centuries. If you’re keen on offbeat Africa travel, meeting this cattle herding tribe in Africa is an unforgettable way to connect with the roots of the continent.
Why the Mundari?
I’ve been captivated by the Mundari tribe for years—their rich rituals, unique lifestyle, and deep connection with cattle. So finally being able to immerse myself in their daily lives was an experience I’ll always treasure. For those planning to travel to South Sudan, understanding the Mundari culture offers a rare glimpse into a resilient people whose way of life has endured despite adversity.
The Mundari South Sudan tribe gave me a window into a culture still thriving today. From their intricate body art and striking orange-dyed hairstyles to their shelters made from cow dung and urine, everything revolves around their sacred Ankole cattle. Their cattle herding traditions in Africa are among the most well-preserved on the continent.
South Sudan Itinerary (3-Day Trip)
Day 1: Arrive in Juba South Sudan, explore the capital, and drive to the Mundari tribal area by evening.
Day 2: Full day with the Mundari tribe, experiencing their routines and camping with them.
Day 3: Return to Juba and catch your outbound flight.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Costs + Local Guide + Photography
Highlights Juba Mundari Tribe
Flights + Visa
I flew in with Ethiopian Airlines, though Fly Dubai is another convenient option.
Visa: South Sudan now offers e-visas. Just upload your arrival date, yellow fever card, vaccination proof, and tour letter. The process costs $120 (single entry) and you can only apply 7 days before your arrival. Mine came through within hours.
Language
Given the heavy UN presence, English is widely understood, especially in Juba South Sudan and around tourist spots.
Best Time to Visit
December to February is ideal for travel to South Sudan, as these are the driest months—perfect for outdoor tribal experiences without rain interruptions.
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Currency
USD is accepted widely in Juba, but it’s helpful to exchange a small amount of local currency for tips and souvenirs.
How Long to Spend
My visit was a long-weekend trip, but if your budget allows, you can organize a South Sudan itinerary for 7–9 days to explore more tribes and offbeat locations across the country
Where I Stayed
I camped with the Mundari tribe, which is the most immersive way to experience Mundari culture. Dry season is the best time for this. In the rainy season, be prepared for roadblocks and muddy conditions.
Costs + Local Guide
Given that this is one of the least visited countries in the world, there’s little info on local guides. I recommend Mayoum Bul from Metro Safaris—a reliable, South Sudanese-Canadian guide who customizes trips safely and efficiently. Highly recommended!
Solo Travel + Safety + Photography
Traveling solo? You’ll feel safe with a guide. The locals are welcoming. However, if you're planning to bring camera gear, apply for a photography permit ahead of time especially for Juba South Sudan.
Highlights of South Sudan
Juba South Sudan
Overlooking the White Nile, Juba South Sudan blends ancient traditions with a fast-modernizing capital. At Konyo Konyo Market, I explored stalls filled with produce and handcrafted goods. Religious diversity was evident too—Sunday Mass at the Catholic Cathedral, and afternoon prayers at Juba Grand Mosque. I also visited John Garang’s Mausoleum, a poignant place honoring the man who led South Sudan to freedom.
Mundari Tribe: The Cattle-Herding Warriors
At dawn, I awoke to the sound of barking dogs and the deep bellows of cattle—the Mundari tribe was already in motion. These resilient people rely on their Ankole cattle for everything: milk, fuel (from dung), housing material, and spiritual connection.
Even Mundari children as young as five are entrusted with herding responsibilities.Their homes—built from dung, ash, and thornbush—are both eco-conscious and symbolic. The ash even serves as a natural mosquito repellent. By midday, I sat under a shelter watching Mundari warriors wrestle in traditional bouts, a display of strength, identity, and pride
The cows are milked, then released to graze on the scrub grasslands under the careful watch of the boys. The dung is collected to build their mud and thornbush huts - the ash also acts as a mosquito-repellent for the cows. These cattle keep the Mundari nourished and housed, forming a symbiotic relationship.
At midday, the heavy rains drove the tribe and herd to seek shelter. The cattle provided a soothing breeze with their massive horns as the Mundari rested. I was offered fresh milk the cattle as gifts but I politely refused. The Mundari revere the cowds as gifts from the gods. As one elder told me, "If the cattle thrive, so do we." As the rain stopped, the cattle were guided back out to pasture in preparation for the evening's rituals. The Mundari are also fiere warriors and often engage in wrestling matches amongst themselves.
.Their warmth was astonishing. Even as a stranger, I was offered fresh milk and smiles. Their duku hairstyles, painted faces, and body markings all told stories of heritage and identity.
Final Thoughts
Visiting South Sudan tribes like the Mundari tribe is one of the most moving experiences I’ve ever had. Their lifestyle—rooted in ancestral wisdom—reflects the richness of Mundari culture, and their resilience offers hope that tradition can endure even in modern times.
From the cattle herding rituals of Africa to their distinctive appearance and community life, the Mundari South Sudan experience is unmatched.
If you're considering offbeat Africa travel, don't hesitate. Travel to South Sudan and witness the spirit of the Mundari for yourself. Their stories, rituals, and strength will stay with you long after you leave.
Thanks for reading. Leave your questions and comments below.
Lots of love,
Anki
To explore more destinations, be sure to check out other blogs for additional insights.
Hoi! Leuk om je verhaal te lezen. Wanneer heb je Zuid-Soedan bezocht? En moest je in Juba, nadat je bent aangekomen, nog naar de immigrations voor een stempel of iets dergelijks? Of was het e-visum het enige wat je moest aanvragen? Bedankt! Groeten Inge