Equatoria Travel Guide

Get an in-depth look into Equatoria, South Sudan with our comprehensive tour guide. Discover the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, and more!


Introduction to Equatoria

Welcome to Equatoria, a region located in South Sudan, Central Africa. Boasting of beautiful landscapes, rich history, and fascinating culture, Equatoria is where adventure and relaxation blend seamlessly. Here, you’ll find diverse wildlife, stunning waterfalls, beautiful savannas, and richly endowed cultures.

In this tour guide, you’ll get to know the best places to visit, exciting activities and tours to enjoy, mouth-watering local delicacies to sample, where to reside during your stay, and much more.

List of Places to Visit in Equatoria

Equatoria has numerous attractions that you can visit to learn about its rich history and culture. From museums and historical sites to natural parks, here is a list of the must-visit places:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Juba National Museum: This museum houses cultural and historical artifacts including traditional weapons, pottery, and household items. You’ll learn about South Sudan’s prehistory, ancient civilizations, colonialism, and its contemporary culture.
  • Wonduruba Cultural Center: It is a traditional boma showcasing the culture and way of life of the Equatoria region. The Wonduruba Cultural Center has an outdoor theater and it’s perfect for traditional dance performances.
  • Lopitanga Rock painting: This UNESCO World Heritage Site has ancient rock paintings depicting the lives of early humans.

Natural Attractions of Equatoria: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Nimule National Park: This park has lush savannas, diverse wildlife, and a variety of birds species, making it a great destination for outdoor adventures like hiking, game watching, and birding.
  • Imatong Mountain: The highest mountain in South Sudan, Imatong provides an opportunity for visitors to hike, rock climb, and take in stunning views from the summit.
  • Kapoeta Hot Springs: These hot springs will provide you with a unique warm relaxing bath in the wild.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Equatoria

Equatoria offers numerous hiking and biking routes amidst stunning landscapes

  • Lodiko Trail: It is an exciting 4-day long trek from Yei to Lodiko with ancient rock caves and lush green scenic routes.
  • Lopit Trail: A 4- day hiking adventure through the Lopit mountain range, where you will adventure through rock paintings, waterfalls, and stunning scenic routes.
  • Juba Mountain biking: Hire a bike and explore Juba city limits on two-wheel, get fresh air and see the beauty of the city.
  • Mount inyangani hiking: In the tallest mountain in South Sudan, your hike is rewarded with magnificent views of the surrounding countryside.

Best Things to Do in Equatoria: Activities and Tours

Equatoria offers a variety of activities to suit different preferences. Here are the best things to do:

  • Game Drives: Discover the wildlife in South Sudan at Nimule National Park.
  • River Cruise: Take a relaxing cruise down the Nile river and enjoy the serene sensation.
  • Cultural tour: Tour the traditional bomas and cultural centers of the different communities living in Equatoria.
  • Waterfall chasing: Equatoria has several waterfalls worth visiting, including the Ponoi, Lo’bonokitumi, and the Liotonomo falls.

Week-Long Itinerary for Equatoria

Here is an itinerary that covers only the best Equatoria has to offer over a week.

Day Activity
Day 1-2 Safari, nature walks, and birding at Nimule National Park.
Day 3-4 Cultural tours around Juba, Wonduruba cultural center, and villages.
Day 5-6 Hiking and camping Mount inyangani hiking trails, Lopitanga Rock painting.
Day 7 Relaxing Hot Water Springs in Kapoeta.

Food and Drink Scene of Equatoria

Equatoria offers numerous cuisines that reflect its diverse communities. Here are some must-try local delicacies:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Assida: It’s a traditional staple food made from sorghum flour served in a pot with a side dish of soups and stews.
  • Sambusa: A popular street food snack that’s similar to Indian samosas.
  • Kisra: This is a flatbread made of sorghum flour, almost like a pancake.

Local Beverages

  • Marisa: Marisa is basically a local beer brewed from fermented sorghum potent enough to make for a good evening at any local hangout place.
  • Nile Special: A popular Ugandan beer that’s widely consumed all over the region.
  • Saza Likati: This is milk infused with honey, and it’s traditional to have a glass or two after a heavy meal to help digestion.

Where to Stay in Equatoria: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Equatoria offers a wide range of accommodation options that cater to different needs and budgets. Some of the best places to stay include:

  • Mambo Hotels: A luxurious hotel in Juba with high-class facilities and amenities
  • Nimule Safari Lodge: At the entrance to Nimule National Park, it offers the perfect setting to connect with nature.
  • Wonduruba Guesthouse: This accommodation is located at a walking distance from the Wonduruba Cultural Center and provides an ideal base for cultural tours.

What to Buy in Equatoria: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

When in Equatoria, here are some local products and souvenirs to buy:

  • Traditional artwork: Purchase traditional art at the National Museum of Juba.
  • South Sudanese coffee: Equatoria has high-quality coffee beans, and local vendors usually sell roasted beans at affordable prices.
  • Beading: bracelets and necklaces made of colorful beads.

Local Culture and Customs of Equatoria

Equatoria region is rich in culture and customs influenced by diverse communities that have lived here for ages. Here are some local customs and cultures to be aware of:

  • Respect the cultural dress code, which varies from community to community. Avoid walking around in isolated areas in shorts or sleeveless tops, which may attract unwanted attention.
  • Shake hands with your right hand, as the left hand is considered unclean
  • Politeness is crucial in the region, so say “thank you” and “please” when making requests.

Best Time to Visit Equatoria

The best time to visit Equatoria is during the dry season from December to March. During this time, the weather is at its best, and there are many outdoor activities to enjoy.

Do’s and Don’ts of Equatoria

Do:

  • Respect local cultures and customs.
  • Walk around with an authorized guide when exploring trails, visiting villages, or unfamiliar areas.
  • Try out the local food, as it is safe and a part of the experience.

Don’t:

  • Don’t take photographs of locals or their properties without asking for permission.
  • Don’t drink tap water; stick to bottled or purified water.

Safety and Health

Security concerns in South Sudan generally revolve around crimes such as theft, counters of civil unrests but the Equatoria region enjoys relative peace.

Safety in Equatoria

Terrorism is not prevalent. However, petty crime does exist. Stay vigilant and avoid walking on the streets after dark if you can. Always keep a low profile while in secluded areas.

Health in Equatoria

Ensure that you get vaccinations and malaria prophylaxis from your physician before traveling. Also, purchase travel insurance that caters to medical emergencies.

Getting to Equatoria: Transportation Options and Logistics

Equatoria is accessible from several airports, bus stations, and other transport means.

Airports Near Equatoria

  • Juba International Airport: It’s the largest airport in South Sudan located in Juba, and serviced by regional and international airlines.

Bus Stations Near Equatoria

  • Juba Bus Station: It’s the central bus station in Juba that connects to other major cities within South Sudan.

Other Options

The Nile River connects South Sudan to neighboring countries such as Sudan and Uganda, and is serviced by ships and boats, offering an alternative means of travel.

How to Get Around in Equatoria

Taxis, minibusses, or private rental cars are the most common means of transport around Equatoria.

Where to Go Next from Equatoria: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

After touring Equatoria, here are some nearby destinations and excursions to consider:

  • Nimule National Park to Kidepo Valley National Park, Uganda, for wildlife watching.
  • Lamu Island, Kenya, for beach relaxation and cultural tours.
  • Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda, for stunning views, wildlife, and boat cruises.

Conclusion

Equatoria region is a beautiful and diverse destination worth visiting for its awe-inspiring landscapes, cultural and historical attractions, outdoor adventures, and much more. Plan a trip to Equatoria today and experience a delightful blend of adventure and relaxation!



    Juba
    Yei