South Sudan, the world's youngest nation, offers intrepid travelers a unique opportunity to explore untouched wilderness and vibrant indigenous cultures. From the wildlife-rich plains of Boma National Park to the White Nile flowing through the capital Juba, this emerging destination rewards adventurous spirits with authentic experiences.
Best souvenirs
Authentic items worth bringing home.
Dinka Beaded Necklaces
Handcrafted beaded necklaces made by Dinka women using traditional color patterns that carry cultural significance. Each color represents a different aspect of community life and status.
Price: $5-25
Where: Konyo Konyo Market, Nyakuron Cultural Center craft stalls
Woven Grass Baskets
Traditional coiled baskets woven from local grasses in geometric patterns by Zande and other ethnic groups. Used for storage, serving food, and as decorative items.
Price: $8-40
Where: Custom Market, Konyo Konyo Market
Cattle Horn Carvings
Decorative items carved from cattle horns and wood depicting wildlife and traditional motifs, a craft deeply tied to South Sudan's cattle-herding culture. Popular as unique souvenirs reflecting the importance of cattle in local society.
Price: $10-50
Where: Juba Craft Market near Nyakuron Cultural Center
Traditional Dinka Cloth (Toich)
Colorful printed fabrics used in traditional Dinka attire featuring bold patterns. Sold by the meter or as ready-made garments including women's dresses and shawls.
Price: $5-30
Where: Konyo Konyo Market, Central Market, Juba
Traditional Drums and Lyres
Handcrafted musical instruments including small talking drums and the traditional lyre (angunga) made from local wood and animal hide. Authentic instruments played in ceremonies and celebrations.
Price: $15-80
Where: Nyakuron Cultural Center, specialist craftsmen in Gudele area
Handmade Leather Items
Small leather goods including belts, sandals, and bags crafted from locally tanned hides using traditional techniques. Items reflect the cattle-herding heritage of South Sudanese communities.
Price: $10-45
Where: Custom Market, Central Market Juba
Local Paintings and Prints
Original artwork by South Sudanese artists depicting wildlife, village scenes, and national landscapes. Paintings on canvas or paper offer affordable and portable souvenirs of authentic local creativity.
Price: $20-150
Where: Ozone Cafe gallery area, select artists near Juba Town Center
Traditional markets
Where locals shop and travellers find treasures.
Konyo Konyo Market
Juba's largest and most vibrant open-air market selling everything from fresh produce and live animals to crafts and household goods. The market is a sensory immersion into South Sudanese daily life with hundreds of vendors.
Where: Konyo Konyo area, Juba
Hours: 6AM-6PM daily
Custom Market (Juba Central Market)
The main commercial hub of Juba where traders sell electronics, textiles, imported goods, and local products. A busy trading center frequented by locals and NGO workers alike for all types of goods.
Where: Central Juba near the river
Hours: 7AM-5PM daily
Gudele Market
Community market serving the Gudele neighborhood with fresh food, vegetables, and household necessities. Less touristy than central markets, offering an authentic local shopping experience without crowds.
Where: Gudele residential area, Juba
Hours: 6AM-7PM daily
Shopping districts
Neighbourhoods known for retail.
Custom Market Area
The heart of Juba's commercial activity spanning several blocks near the White Nile. Dozens of small shops, money changers, and vendors create a dense trading environment. Best area for all types of shopping in one location.
Best for: General shopping, textiles, currency exchange
Kololo Road
A relatively modern street with better-quality shops, restaurants, and some retail stores catering to expat community and business travelers. Cleaner and more organized than market areas.
Best for: Quality goods, dining, expat-friendly shopping
Hai Referendum
Residential neighborhood with local market stalls and small shops selling daily necessities. Authentic neighborhood commercial area with community atmosphere and reasonable prices.
Best for: Local produce, everyday items, neighborhood experience
Malls & modern shopping
Air-conditioned, international brands, and food courts.
Juba Shopping Center
One of Juba's few organized retail spaces offering imported goods, clothing, and household items under one roof. Air-conditioned interior makes it a comfortable shopping destination in hot weather.
Hours: 9AM-8PM
Pyramid Mall (Ground Floor Shops)
Commercial space at base of Pyramid Continental Hotel featuring pharmacy, convenience stores, and small retail shops. Convenient for hotel guests and nearby residents seeking branded and imported goods.
Hours: 8AM-9PM
Bargaining tips
Negotiate like a local.
Bargaining is expected at all markets and from street vendors — always negotiate the price before agreeing
Start at 40-50% of the asking price and work toward a middle ground; vendors expect negotiation
Be friendly and respectful during negotiations — aggressive bargaining is considered rude
Walk away slowly if price is too high — vendors often call you back with a better offer
Bundle purchases together to negotiate a better overall price for multiple items
Have small bills ready as vendors rarely have change for large denominations
Customs & restrictions
What you can and can't take home.
Restrictions: Avoid exporting traditional artifacts or items that may be considered cultural heritage without documentation. Wood and wildlife products may require permits.
Tax Refund: No formal VAT refund system exists for tourists in South Sudan.
Duty Free: Travelers can import duty-free: 200 cigarettes or 250g tobacco, 1 liter of spirits. Declare all cash over $10,000 USD.
Shipping: International shipping is very limited. DHL operates in Juba but services are inconsistent and expensive. Consider carrying souvenirs in your luggage rather than shipping.