MileHacker Logo
Juba Travel Tips

Juba Travel Tips

Juba Central Equatoria, South Sudan Travel Guide

Typical Operating Hours

Operating hours vary across different types of businesses and institutions within Juba.

Business Schedules

  • Government Offices: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Mon-Fri)
  • Shops/Markets: Generally 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM (Daily)
  • Restaurants: Open from morning till late evening

Banking & ATMs

Banking services have specific hours, and ATM availability is limited and often unreliable.

Financial Access

  • Banking Hours: 8:30 AM - 3:00 PM (Mon-Fri)
  • ATM Locations: Few, at main financial institutions/hotels
  • Carry cash (USD preferred) due to unreliability

Public & Religious Holidays

Public and religious holidays can influence the availability of services.

Holiday Impact

  • Independence Day (July 9th)
  • Christmas (Christmas DAY), New Year's Day (Jan 1)
  • Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha (Islamic holidays)

Seasonal Schedules

No specific seasonal closures for tourism, but services might be reduced during major holidays or periods of heightened political tension.

Planning Ahead

  • Review local event listings for dates.
  • Anticipate reduced services during tension.
  • No tourism-specific off-seasons.

Etiquette & Cultural Norms

Interactions & Dress

  • Handshakes are common greetings.
  • Conservative dress for all settings.
  • Eat with the right hand when sharing.
  • Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory.

Sensitivity & Privacy

  • Always ask permission for photography.
  • Avoid politics or tribal issues.
  • Public displays of affection are not welcomed.
  • LGBTQ+ travelers practice extreme discretion.

Navigating Juba

Patience, adaptability, and respect for local customs are valuable for navigating Juba. A smile and a polite greeting make interactions smoother.

Environmental Aspects

South Sudan's environment faces pressure. Visitors influence minimizing their footprint.

Protected Areas

National parks (Bandingilo, Boma) hold diverse wildlife but are largely unmanaged. Threats include poaching and resource extraction. Conservation efforts exist with international support.

Waste Management

Waste management in Juba is rudimentary. Minimize your waste. Carry out non-biodegradable items. Dispose responsibly. Avoid single-use plastics where alternatives exist. Find reusable products at Package Free Shop.

Water Conservation

Water scarcity and access to clean water are challenges for communities. Use water wisely. Shorter showers and avoidance of unnecessary consumption are recommended.

Carbon Offset

No local carbon offsetting options exist in Juba. Travelers can investigate international programs to lessen their environmental influence.

Offset Your Journey

  • Consider international carbon offset programs.
  • Mitigate flight environmental influence.
  • Explore options with Terrapass.

Eco-Friendly Travel

Few explicitly eco-friendly accommodations or tour operators are present. Focus is on security and basic service. Your choices count.

Sustainable Choices

  • Choose accommodations with responsible resource use.
  • Consider eco-friendly accommodations via Ecobnb for other destinations.
  • Look for ethical tour operators like G Adventures for wider travel.

Sustainable Gear & Support

Responsible Equipment

Conservation Initiatives

  • Support organizations like The Rainforest Site.
  • Foster appreciation for natural heritage.
  • Awareness of local conservation efforts.

Conscious Choices

Your choices as a traveler possess an influence. Strive to be a respectful, conscious, and beneficial visitor to Juba.

Cultural Awareness

Cultural sensitivity is paramount for respectful and positive interactions in Juba.

Cultural Preservation

Efforts by the South Sudan National Museum and some cultural institutions work to preserve heritage, but information sources are limited. Show interest in local culture, history, and traditions.

Support Heritage

  • Visit national museum.
  • Learn about local history.
  • Support cultural institutions if opportunities arise.

Respectful Interaction

Guidelines for polite and positive connecting with locals.

Best Practices

  • Learn basic Juba Arabic phrases.
  • Dress modestly in all settings.
  • Practice patience and understanding.

Photography Ethics

Always ask for consent before photographing individuals. Exercise discretion in sensitive areas.

Consent Guidelines

  • Seek verbal request for photos.
  • Parental permission for children.
  • Respect if someone declines.

Religious Site Etiquette

Respect local customs when visiting religious sites.

Visiting Sacred Places

  • Dress modestly.
  • Remove shoes if entering mosques.
  • Respect prayer times; avoid disruption.

Taboos & Sensitive Topics

Topics to Avoid

  • Politics or tribal issues (unless initiated by trusted locals).
  • Public displays of affection.

Social Sensitivities

  • Gender interactions can differ.
  • Homosexuality is illegal and socially condemned.
  • LGBTQ+ travelers practice extreme discretion.

Accessibility Information

Mobility Challenges

  • Infrastructure extremely limited.
  • Roads, pavements not designed for accessibility.
  • Ramps, elevators, accessible restrooms are rare.

Sensory Impairments

  • No specialized services for tourists.
  • No sign language or visual aids.
  • No audio guides or tactile paving.

Planning with Care

Travelers with specific needs consult with organizations working with disabled persons in South Sudan for local insights, though these are typically not tourist-focused.

General Travel Planning

This section covers general considerations for planning your visit to Juba, including longer stays plus purpose-built interests.

Longer Stay Recommendations

For long-term residents (NGO workers, business professionals), focus on secure, serviced apartments or compounds. Establish local contacts, security protocols, and a reliable network for daily life and emergencies.

Extended Stay Advice

  • Secure, serviced apartments.
  • Establish area contacts.
  • Reliable security protocols.

Specialized Itineraries

Juba is not a family-friendly tourist destination. If traveling with family for essential reasons, enhanced safety and child-specific health precautions are paramount.

Family Travel Considerations

  • Enhanced security for family.
  • Child-specific health precautions.
  • Activities limited to secure hotel facilities.

Art & Architecture Emphasis

Juba's architecture is mainly functional. Any art would be found in small, informal exhibitions or local craft markets.

Cultural Focus

  • Limited art exhibitions.
  • Functional architectural style.
  • Local artisan markets for art.

Spiritual & Wellness Journey

This type of travel does not apply to Juba.

Wellness Overview

  • No established facilities for tourists.
  • No tourist-oriented retreats.
  • Religious sites are for local worship.

Seasonal Travel

Dry Season Nov-Apr

Easier movement, clear skies. Optimal for general city exploration.

Explore Activities

Wet Season May-Oct

Lush green landscapes, but challenging road conditions and higher mosquito activity.

Plan for Challenges

Event-Centered Visits

National Day of independence (July 9th) is the main national event. Off-season travel can mean fewer crowds.

See Local Events

Itinerary Alignment

Select an itinerary that aligns with your purpose of visit and your degree of ease with security challenges. Flexibility and local advice are always useful.

Next Up: Sustainable Travel in Juba. Eco-Friendly, Responsible Tourism, Conservation