10-Day Tribal Heritage Expedition: South Sudan
Travel Dates: 2026 – 2028 Tribes Visited: Jie, Toposa, Larim (Moya), Lopit, Lotuko, and Mundari
Day 01: Arrival in Juba
Upon arrival at Juba International Airport, you will be met by our expert guide and transferred to your hotel for check-in. While the guide handles your alien registration, you will embark on a Juba City Tour. Highlights include the John Garang Mausoleum, the vibrant Konyo Konyo Market, All Saints Cathedral, and the historic Baobab House.
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Accommodation: Hotel (Juba)
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Activities: City sightseeing and registration.
Day 02: Flight to Kapoeta & The Jie People
We wake up early for a 05:00 AM breakfast before taking a local flight to Kapoeta. Upon arrival, we proceed to the Jie tribal lands. After setting up camp, we begin our evening cultural immersion. Activities include photographing Jie women during traditional dances, documenting their unique architecture (huts), and learning about their ancestral customs.
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Accommodation: Tented Camp
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Meals: Provided
Day 03: The Jie & Toposa Territory
At 05:00 AM, enjoy hot coffee and snacks before visiting a Jie village for morning photography. You will learn about their intricate facial scarification and the significance of their heavy beadwork. After a full breakfast at camp, we pack up and head to the Toposa tribe. While the Toposa share a language group with the Jie, their dress and scarification patterns are distinct. We will meet the local chief, set up camp, and observe evening activities such as the traditional grinding of sorghum.
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Accommodation: Tented Camp
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Meals: Provided
Day 04: Toposa Traditions & The Larim (Moya)
After a full breakfast, join the Toposa women in a traditional dance—a wonderful opportunity for photography and cultural exchange. We then drive approximately 4 hours to reach Kimatong, the heart of Larim (Moya) territory. The Larim are renowned for their elaborate body and facial scarifications. We will spend the evening exploring the Kimatong Hills, viewing beautifully decorated huts, and watching women grind grain on traditional stones.
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Accommodation: Tented Camp
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Meals: Provided
Day 05: The Larim & Lopit Hills
Rising at 05:30 AM, we join the Larim women for a morning dance and portrait session. Afterward, we drive 4 hours to the Lopit tribe. The Lopit are agro-pastoralists who reside in fortified villages on hillsides. They are famous for the large, striking masks worn by men during traditional ceremonies. We will have lunch, set up camp, and spend the evening documenting village life against the backdrop of the hills.
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Accommodation: Tented Camp
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Meals: Provided
Day 06: Lopit Mountains to Lotuko Kingdoms
Following breakfast and a morning dance with the Lopit, we drive to Lotuko territory. Upon arrival, we will visit the Lotuko palace to learn about their royal lineage and the reigning Queen. The Lotuko build their homes high on the hills to overlook their cattle. We will conclude the day with a sunset photoshoot from the mountain peaks.
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Accommodation: Tented Camp
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Meals: Provided
Day 07: Journey to the Mundari Cattle Camps
After a quick morning photoshoot and dance with the Lotuko, we begin a 6-hour drive to the Mundari region. The Mundari are nomadic cattle herders famous for their massive “mobile” camps and the legendary long-horned Ankole-Watusi cattle. In the evening, we will witness the “ash beauty process” (where they cover themselves in cow-dung ash) and the evening smoke fires used to protect the herd.
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Accommodation: Tented Camp
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Meals: Provided
Day 08: Full Day with the Mundari
We spend the morning documenting the unique Mundari rituals, including the cattle-cleaning and blowing processes. After breakfast, we visit Nyikabur, a traditional village in the Terekeka region, to hear local stories and history. We return to the cattle camp for sunset photography and dinner among the herds.
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Accommodation: Tented Camp
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Meals: Provided
Day 09: Final Morning at Camp & Return to Juba
On our final morning with the Mundari, we enjoy a farewell interaction and photoshoot before driving back to Juba. After checking into the hotel, we have some free time for a final visit to the local markets for souvenirs.
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Accommodation: Hotel (Juba)
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Activities: Transfer to Juba, leisure time.
Day 10: Departure
Transfer to Juba International Airport for your departing flight.
