While nightlife in Juba might not exactly be eclectic, there are some real gems out there, such as Lotus, Afex, and the rather special Pyramid Club.
Said establishment sits snugly in downtown Juba and is known as a little bit of an institution. Why, you ask? Well, we shall get to that.
What’s the Juba Nightlife?
Juba’s nightlife is a patchwork of high-end spots catering to expats and wealthier locals, with a healthy sprinkling of places aimed squarely at the South Sudanese market. You’ve got Lotus, a sleek establishment perfect for a more polished night out, and Afex, which leans a little more rugged yet dependable. If you’re feeling swanky, you can also hit up the Radisson or the Quality Hotel for something that resembles a slice of Western nightlife—complete with overpriced cocktails and imported beers.
But don’t think it’s all shiny hotels and fancy menus. There’s a thriving local scene, too. Street-side bars with plastic chairs and chilled bottled beer are the go-to for most locals, where tunes blast from tinny speakers and there’s little pretension—just good vibes.
But then there’s the Pyramid Club, which somehow manages to sit in both worlds, straddling the line between sleek expat hangout and Juba nightlife legend.
What’s the Pyramid Club?
The Pyramid Club isn’t just a club; it’s an entire complex. Opened several years back with the idea of bringing a bit of Vegas flash to South Sudan, it features a casino, a hotel, and a bar that just so happens to sit right at the top. Yes, the top floor. As in, rooftop views of Juba, where the stars above shine just a little brighter and the chaos below feels like someone else’s problem.
The casino is the real moneymaker here, with slot machines, card tables, and enough high rollers (Chinese people) to keep the chips moving. The hotel, meanwhile, offers decent accommodations, mostly aimed at business travelers and those wanting a convenient place to crash after a few too many beers.
But the star of the show? The rooftop bar. It’s here you’ll find everyone from NGO workers blowing off steam to local elites making deals over cocktails. There’s a certain charm to the place, where the beer is cold, the pizza is hot, and the conversations range from international aid gossip to big-money hustles.
What Makes the Pyramid Club Epic?
When you step into the Pyramid Club, it’s like stepping into another universe rather than another part of Juba. Once you hit the top floor, you’re thrown back by the sheer exuberance of the place—something amplified by the extreme poverty that surrounds the locale.
The clientele here is a diverse bunch. You’ve got expats of every stripe mingling with the upper echelons of South Sudanese society. Throw in a few local big shots and diplomats, and you’ve got a cocktail of personalities worthy of a Netflix series.
And then there are the “freelancers”—women from across Africa who flock to Juba in search of fortune. Think about that for a moment. People come to one of the poorest nations on earth to make money. And who said there was a Peace Industrial Complex?
Entertainment is never in short supply. Most nights, a DJ spins tunes, whether it’s local hits or the latest global tracks. If you’re lucky, you might even catch some live performances. And all of this is happening while you’re sitting there eating a pizza and pretending you didn’t just blow half your budget at the blackjack table.
Click to read about South Sudanese cuisine.
The Pyramid Club Menu
Now, let’s talk prices. Beers here are $4.50 a pop, sodas hit the $3 mark, but if you’re feeling fancy and go for a fruit juice, that’s going to set you back $7. Yep, you read that right. Seven dollars. It’s like they’re punishing you for trying to be healthy.
As for the food, pizza is the go-to. It’s passable, even decent, but you’re not here for gourmet dining. Burgers and the odd international dish also make appearances, but it’s all about the vibe rather than the cuisine. Just don’t come expecting Juba street food prices—this is very much a place that knows its clientele and charges accordingly.
Where is the Pyramid Club?
You’ll find the Pyramid Club sitting proudly in downtown Juba, at the heart of the city’s small but lively nightlife scene. Getting there is straightforward enough—assuming you’ve got a decent sense of direction or a trusty driver. It’s a well-known spot, so just drop the name and most locals will point you in the right direction.
Address:
Pyramid Club,
Downtown Juba,
South Sudan
Contact: Honestly, just show up. This isn’t the sort of place that thrives on emails and reservations.
Final Thoughts
The Pyramid Club is something of a Juba institution, a place where worlds collide and, occasionally, someone wins big enough at the casino to actually cover their bar tab. It’s the sort of spot that makes you feel like you’ve found the secret VIP room of South Sudan’s nightlife—glitzy, unpredictable, and always one step away from some sort of mini-disaster.
One point though, make sure you have transport to get home because sadly Juba is not a walking around kind of city even if like me you do get away with it….
Click to check out my South Sudan Tours with Young Pioneer Tours.