In the heart of Africa tucked away in the exquisite scenic escarpments of vast wilderness and diverse landscapes of rolling hills, deep valleys, and lush plains lies an incredible land of the tall and dark people, South Sudan. This epic cradle of a country employs vast languages and cultures of the indigenous people who have walked its lands for centuries. Their resilience in overcoming some of the most dramatic and harsh climates in the world coupled with difficult situations like wars and natural disasters like famine and drought has shaped their identity.
These people have so many differences from their living to dress codes, cultural customs, traditional activities, and the general being. However, these differences do not remove the fact that they are brothers of the same country and continent as they have very many similarities in names, dress codes, activities they do, and appearance to mention but a few.
South Sudan is a cosmopolitan state with diverse people from different backgrounds and cultures. The question of culture and identity was the number one cause of the many years of instability and turmoil that shaped the country. Before the division of the entire Sudan, there was much unrest leaning on the unfair political treatment of cultures and identities of the southerners by parochial policies of their northern Arab brothers. South Sudan is a multicultural state that encircles multiple cultures and these can be encountered during cultural safaris in the country.
What are the different cultures of South Sudan?
South Sudan is a cosmopolitan country with diverse cultures of people from various tribes across the country. The different tribes that habitat this spectacular land have shaped and defined the country into a multicultural state. These tribes live harmoniously as neighbors and have survived for a very long time. Below is a list of the different tribes in South Sudan.
Dinka People
The Dinka tribe is the largest in South Sudan with over 4.5 million people as per the 2008 census. They migrated from the Gezira and were under the Nubians who ruled them for a while but later migrated south settling in many areas of South Sudan including Hol, Nyarweng, Twic East, and Bor. They adopted the Nubian vocabulary and ways of life. The Dinka people are traditional nomadic pastoralists who move with the cattle for fresh pastures and water. A tour of the fascinating Dinka people will expose the visitor to the unique customs and cultures of these people such as their dress codes, dances, and songs.
Mundari Tribe
The Mundari tribe is a small tribe of people resident of Juba city close to the banks of the White Nile. They have similar cattle herding practices to the Dinka people. The Mundari people originated from the Nilotic. Wrestling, and cattle rearing practices like mixing blood and milk are some of the cultural traditions you can miss out on while on a cultural visit to South Sudan.
Nuer Tribe
Cattle herding is a pretty common activity among most of the tribes in South Sudan the Nuer people are not any different. They are part of the Nilotic people. The Nuer tribe ranks second largest tribe in the country after the Dinka. The Nuer people call themselves the Naath. Interacting with the Naath people on a cultural safari in South Sudan will expose you to various norms, values, and also cultural beliefs such as they do not count their cattle as it is seen as misfortune thus they don’t mention the number of their children.
What are the cultural experiences in South Sudan?
South Sudan is a multicultural country offering different tribes of people to visit and explore their cultures and backgrounds. The following are some of the different experiences to keep an eye on as you explore South Sudan.
Cultural practices
South Sudan has many different tribes of people that have diverse but also similar cultural practices. These cultural practices represent the identity of the Indigenous people of South Sudan such as music and dance. The traditional music and dances of the South Sudanese have hidden meanings and rituals they perform as they sing them.
Polygamy is also a cultural practice Indigenous to the Dinka people which is a sign of dominance and wealth. Exogamy is also a custom of the Dinka people where strong and wealthy men must marry outside their home villages. As you conclude your cultural safaris in the country, you will have learned the different cultural practices of the people.
Traditional activities
Explore the traditional activities of the South Sudanese people in their tribes of origin. Various tribes in the country practice different traditional activities, however, many have similar traditions though they identify with a particular tribe. Cattle rearing is a traditional practice common to the Dinka and Mundari tribes while cultivation and crop farming is commonly practiced by the Shilluk and Anywa tribes.
Cattle herding practices
Herding of cattle is also a major cultural experience of many tribes of South Sudan worth exploring. The Dinka and Mundari tribes are core cattle keepers and traditionally nomadic pastoralists. Their movements with the cattle in their search for water and fresh pasture are a fascinating journey that is worth a tale and documentation. There are also unique cattle herding practices like blowing in the bottom of cattle to boost the cow’s milk production which is commonly done by the Mundari people.
Do you know South Sudan is all not about cultural tours?
Although South Sudan offers the best incredible and spectacular cultural safaris, it is also well-equipped as one of the best safari destinations in Africa. Some of the safari destinations to explore in the country include the following.
Nimule National Park
With a maximum mass area of about 4,320 square kilometers, Nimule National Park is an exquisite safari destination in South Sudan offering an incredible safari adventure experience that will surely not leave the same. This is because it harbors several flora and fauna species, including wildlife such as elephants, lions, giraffes, antelopes, and hyenas. The park is a natural haven of over 300 bird species that make Nimule National Park a birder’s paradise. What better way to seal off a cultural safari tour in South Sudan than embarking on an adventure experience in Nimule National Park?
Sudd Wetland
Africa’s largest wetland and one of the largest swamps in the world, the Sudd wetland is a giant in its category. It stretches for over 57,000 square kilometers, situated in the basin of the White Nile. It is a source of livelihood for wildlife, humans, and plant life with its abundance in water, vegetation, and pasture for grazers, and home to aquatic life like fish, crocodiles, and hippos. Add the Sudd wetland to your bucket list of cultural safaris in South Sudan for a breathtaking experience.
John Garang Mausoleum
Culture usually comes in handy with history since the culture of South Sudan was shaped by its history. Talking about the history of South Sudan is talking about John Garang, a man who individually fought for the independence of South Sudan. He is the epitome of revolution and success as he became a sacrifice for his country to gain independence. Garang fought for the sovereignty of South Sudan from the oppression of the Sudanese but unfortunately died in a plane crash from Uganda.
The John Garang Mausoleum was established as a monument of remembrance of his divine leadership. This mausoleum is located at the Avenue of Nations where the country’s independence celebrations are held. A visit to the John Garang Mausoleum will paint a historical picture of the country for a deeper understanding of South Sudan and pay your last respects to its fallen hero.