If you’re planning a trip to Juba, you’ll soon find out that the White Nile is at the heart of everything. A Juba Nile Cruise offers a unique way to see the city and its surroundings—something that can’t really be experienced from the land. Organized by Afex, the cruises take you on a 60 to 90-minute journey down the river, giving you a real slice of life along the banks.
Whether you’re checking out the river’s industrial side or seeing local tribal life up close, the cruise offers a mix of culture, history, and nature.
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What to Expect on a Juba Nile Cruise
As you head out on the Juba Nile Cruise, you’ll quickly realize how much the river shapes life in South Sudan. The White Nile is one of the two main branches of the Nile River, starting in Uganda and flowing into Sudan. It’s vital for trade, transportation, and providing water for locals. The cruise takes you past communities living on the riverbanks, giving you a glimpse into their daily routines. You’ll see fishermen casting nets, locals using the water for transport, and you might even spot a few crocodiles if you’re lucky.
The cruise gives you the chance to kick back and enjoy the river’s natural beauty. Along the way, you’ll pass a mix of urban and rural areas, with dense vegetation lining the banks. The odd small island here and there gives you a glimpse into the world of local tribes that have lived there for generations. It’s peaceful, it’s raw, and it’s one of the best ways to really connect with the area.
Shipwrecks and History on the River
One of the more unusual aspects of the Juba Nile Cruise is the sight of shipwrecks along the river. These old, abandoned ships serve as a reminder of how dangerous navigating the Nile can be. But, it’s also what makes the journey feel like it’s part of something bigger—a history that stretches back centuries. The river has always been a vital route for goods, people, and trade, and the wrecks are part of the story of this important waterway.
You’ll also pass a few small islands on your cruise, each with its own little world. Some of them are inhabited by local tribes who rely on the river for survival. These tribes live much as they have for generations, and being able to glimpse their way of life is one of the unique features of this trip. The riverbanks are a perfect mix of raw nature and human history.
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Why Take the Juba Nile Cruise?
The Juba Nile Cruise is a must-do for anyone visiting Juba, a city not exactly being known for an eclectic mix of things to do. For about $50 per person, you’ll get a chance to see the city from a completely different angle. The cruise is one of the most relaxing ways to spend your day, and it’s a great addition to any South Sudan itinerary. The price might vary depending on the boat size and number of people in your group, but it’s worth every penny.
When I run tours to South Sudan we don’t usually offer this as part of the regular itinerary, but it can be done as an optional extra usually on the last day. Price vary and will depend greatly on if I have organized it for you! The boats cost a few hundred meaning numbers will dictate how much it costs, usually about 50 bucks a head.
And you know what, there are worse ways to spend a day! Click to check out my South Sudan Tours with YPT.