Juba is the largest city and capital of South Sudan. Juba is on banks of the White Nile River. In 2017, it had a population of 525,000 people. The city has been growing quickly since it was named capital of South Sudan in 2005.
Photos: Wikimedia Commons contributors.
Juba is a small town with big plans. You can walk through most of it in a few hours - however, the town is quite spread out in to 3 areas - Juba Town, Government ministries, and the Nile camps - and it's a long, hot, dusty walk between the three. It is also not recommended to walk because of the high risk of crime. If you are coming here to live and work, a car is essential to get around - although there are a lot of boda bodas (motorbike taxis) running during the day. The roads are mostly unsealed, but you can get by in a saloon - although after a heavy rain it's 4x4 only.
"Greek" buildings. In the 1920s the city grew rapidly, and about 2,000 Greeks lived here working as merchants and tradesmen. Many of the city's major public stone buildings like the Ivory Bank, Notos Lounge, the old Sudan Airways Building, Paradise Hotel, Nile Commercial Bank and Buffalo Commercial Bank were developed by Greeks at this time, as were later the Central Bank and Juba Hotel buildings. (updated Aug 2018) 1 Juba Stadium. A multi-use stadium, opened in 1962 and home to the national football team. (updated Aug 2018) 2 John Garang Mausoleum. Final resting place of John Garang, who led the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement to gain independence for South Sudan in 2011.
Plan to entertain yourself as there is not much to see or do. However, due to the many expats including many Kenyans, Ugandans and the hundreds of Westerners there are numerous bars, restaurants and nightspots. There is something going on most weekends. You can also take a boat trip on the Nile, go fishing, go jogging, and there's a Hash House Harriers in Juba. But even then if coming here to work for an extended period, bring out lots of books, DVDs, etc.
The Village and Da Vinci camp are battling over who cooks the best pizza in town. Home and Away has some average food at western prices in western-ish surroundings. Numerous tent camps line the Nile, and all look the same, buffets tend to be the norm. Prices vary widely. Worth seeking out Rock City for the views over Juba. 1 Da Vinci's Restaurant (South of centre, where the A43 passes White Nile). A bit on the expensive side, but great atmosphere and views over the Nile, sometimes has live music. About US$30 for a meal. (updated Jul 2016) 2 Notos Lounge Bar & Grill (Opposite Hamza Inn). A smart restaurant with outdoor seating area. The tandoori grill is recommended. (updated Jul 2016)
A cold beer is easy to find in Juba, in strong contrast to the North, but the best stocked bar in Juba is Fresh Freddies - everything from a 20yr old malt whisky to sambuca shots to vodka slush puppies.
See the warning at the South Sudan article for information on the security situation. There have been instances of armed robbery and muggings of foreign nationals. Take extra care with any travel at night. Landmines remain outside in some areas the city.
Guide content from Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA) — abridged; the full article has much more.
In Sep, Juba typically sees ~31°C daytime highs and 21 rainy days.
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