Juba - Nimule

Date: 13 - 15 October 2013

Total Distance: 200km

Day 1: Juba to Aru

Day 2: Aru to Nimule

Summary

This was my first ever tour by bicycle, solo and happened in African continent. Consider a test ride before long tour. Earlier planned, I wanted to cycle from Juba, South Sudan to Entebbe, Uganda. Due to visa limitation, I've decided to cycle until Nimule (border town between South Sudan and Uganda).

Hit the road as soon as first day light leaving Juba heading to the southern most of South Sudan. Since didn't bring any tent, I asked local people for place to sleep in between Juba and Nimule. Reached small town called Aru which had basic lodge with no electricity and only provide 5 liter of waters for cleaning and shower. Cost only USD 5. Distance Juba to Aru about 90km and just nice to complete day 1. Continue on day 2 for another 110km (Aru to Nimule). So many stop due to hot weather which about 40°C at maximum and also several climbs that tortured my physical and mental.

Along the way, I past several villages which the houses were grass-thatched mud huts. One thing I realized that the phone sat-tower located near to the village and town. Hence, when I saw the tower from afar, I knew there was a village or small town over there.

After final climb at about 5 km to Nimule, I was amazed with the scenery. From the top I can see that Nimule is a small town located at the valley near to the White Nile River and surrounded by hills which remind me of my birth place. Reached Nimule exhausted and quickly check in the cheap lodge which cost about USD 25. The lodge only got electricity from 7pm to midnight and as usual a bottle of water (5 liter) for cleaning and shower.

I feel satisfied with this short tour even though I knew the route Juba-Nimule were not unsafe for solo traveler due to many raid cases reported. Even every village occupied by military and national security to observe any terrorism activity. I managed to complete the route safely and no mechanical breakdown along the way. Local people especially villagers were very friendly and supportive. Surprisingly, police and national security never asked for my passport but they more interested to know about my journey. Not much photo taken since photography in South Sudan still prohibited unless got official permit from the government. I think they still adapted to the north regulation.

After Nimule sightseeing in the morning, I went back to Juba on day 3 (Eid Adha) by taxi-van which took only 2 hours with the cost about USD 15. Till my next journey..............