South Sudan

South Sudan – A child of Africa

After the division of Sudan in 2011, the emergence of Africa’s newest country South Sudan came into existence. After years of war between the North and South Sudan, the division presumably would bring peace. But rebel militant groups and the new state clashed in South Sudan. But there is a multitude of ethnic groups that bring a flair to South Sudan and an array of wildlife on its interesting landscape.

http://www.travelosudan.com/tours/climb-the-highest-mountain-in-south-sudan/#.WL7QAW-GPcc – Image 01 (Imatong Mountains)

Start off with a hike through the Imatong Mountains.  Surrounded by tropical forest and peaks that look out onto Uganda. The mountains do fall part of the Imatong Forest Reserve and there are plentiful of animals. Look for elephants grazing in the plain fields and spot a leopard stalking prey from a tree. There is a hiking scene developing in South Sudan and there several agencies and local guides in the area offering hiking tours. Dress for the humidity and plan to spend a few days exploring South Sudanese wilderness.

http://benedictedesrus.photoshelter.com/image/I0000fiyU3wUqM.0 – Image 02 (Juba Stadium)

Wrestling is the most popular sport in South Sudan. Wrestlers clad in loin cloths and wraps, fight in Juba Stadium regularly and draw huge crowds that are completely enthralled by the sports. Wrestling takes place in the centre of the stadium, with all attention on them. Crowds chant for their favourite fighters and there are continuous drumbeats that play throughout the matches which gets the crowd going.

https://za.pinterest.com/pin/383720830722122153/ – Image 03 (South Sudanese food)

South Sudan food is made up of East African, Arab and European flavours. Asida is a common starch dish made from millet and water. Meat, fish and vegetables are also major parts of the South Sudanese dishes. A cup of steaming sweetened tea is also drunk at every meal. There are a few great Indian restaurants, but not nearly enough of South Sudanese food. But there are many stalls that offer food around city centres, so indulge in fresh fruit, fried peanuts and variations of tea.

https://za.pinterest.com/pin/512917845036398788/ – Image 04 (South Sudanese women)

Loose-fitting attire is worn in South Sudan. Women wear wraps over their heads, robes that fit like tunic dresses. Covering their heads is more for protection against the sun than religious reasons. Beaded jewellery is also quite popular in South Sudan. Men wear loose trousers and tunics. Women’s dresses in South Sudan resemble the Tob in Sudan, which is a material wrapped as a long dress.

While relaxing in Juba, you will see a country finding its feet in infancy and building its own identity from Sudan. While the country is still building up a plethora of attractions, there are gems worth visiting right now.