Things To Do
in Aweil
Aweil is a small, friendly town in Northern Bahr el Ghazal, South Sudan, perched along the Bahr el Ghazal river and serving as a regional hub. It offers a welcoming pace of life, lively markets, and a strong sense of community rooted in local traditions. Visitors can discover everyday Sudanese and South Sudanese culture through food, music, and conversations with residents.
The surrounding landscapes feature riverine plains, open skies, and nearby villages that make for rewarding day trips.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive at Aweil International Airport and meet your local guide who will brief you on the road ahead. Feel the warm welcome as you transfer to your comfortable guesthouse and settle into your room. Get a first glimpse of the landscape dotted with acacia trees as the sun rises over the plains.
Enjoy a traditional lunch at the guesthouse featuring locally sourced grains and freshly roasted vegetables. Take a gentle walk around the neighborhood to admire community life and friendly greetings from children playing in the yards. Visit a nearby market stall to sample fresh mangoes and purchase cold water to refresh your palate.
Join your host family for an evening meal of kisra flatbread and stewed greens in a thatched dining area. Listen to your guide share stories about Aweil’s history and the resilience of its people. Retreat to your room under a mosquito net and reflect on your first day immersion.
Begin at the Aweil Cultural Centre with an introduction to Dinka customs, language basics, and traditional greetings. Observe artisans weaving baskets and carving ornate wooden tools unique to this region. Participate in a short workshop on local proverbs and storytelling techniques.
Head to the governor’s grounds for a guided tour of colonial-era buildings repurposed as community galleries. Sample sorghum porridge with honey while learning about the significance of harvest festivals in Dinka culture. Engage with a historian who will explain Aweil’s role in South Sudan’s journey to independence.
Attend a traditional storytelling circle under a canopy of stars by the banks of the Lol River. Savor a communal pot of boiled yams and fish while elders recite ancient Dinka legends. Practice the call-and-response singing style in preparation for tomorrow’s dance session.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍲Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-6 |
| ☕Coffee or tea | $0.5-1.5 |
| 🥙Street snack | $0.5-2 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel room (per night) | $20-60 |
| 🚕Taxi ride (short trip) | $2-5 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Warm hospitality and rich cultural exchange
- Relatively low-cost travel in a less-visited region
- Limited infrastructure and healthcare facilities
- Security considerations and travel advisories in the region
- Limited formal nightlife and tourist amenities
- "Marhaban" - Hello
- "Shukran" - Thank you
- "Min fadlak" - Please
- "Bikam hatha?" - How much is this?
- "Ayna souq?" - Where is the market?
Places to Visit in Aweil
Visit one of these nice places.
Soft morning light over calm waters and reed beds; a classic spot for quiet river photography.
Colorful market scenes with vendors, textiles, and daily life—great for candid street photography (with permission).
Thatched-roof huts and rural architecture offering authentic cultural portraits.
Panoramic overlooks of the town and river; ideal for sunset silhouettes.
Food in Aweil
Aweil Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Sorghum flatbread served with a hearty vegetable or peanut-based stew; a common meal that can be enjoyed with other dishes.
Must-Try!
Fresh river fish cooked in a tomato- and peanut-based sauce, often served with kisra or millet.
Slow-cooked meat in a rich groundnut (peanut) sauce, usually eaten with flatbread or porridge.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Bustling market with fresh produce, grains, staples, and ready-to-eat snacks; ideal for trying local bites and buying ingredients.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet elders first, use the right hand for introductions, and show respect in conversations. Dress modestly in public and avoid loud displays of anger.
Ask permission before photographing people or intimate community settings; respect local boundaries and privacy.
Dress modestly, especially in religious or ceremonial settings; avoid public intoxication and disruptive behavior.
Safety
Tipping in Aweil
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated for good service. Common practice is to round up bills or leave 5–10% where appropriate; for guides or drivers, consider small daily tips.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Very hot days; light clothing, sun protection, and ample water are essential. Early morning or late afternoon are best for outdoor activities.
Increased rainfall and mud can affect travel; routes may become slippery. Pack rain gear and plan contingencies for outdoor plans.
Warm to hot days with cooler nights; generally more comfortable for outdoor exploration, but dust can be common.
Aweil at Night
Hiking in Aweil
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Riverside paths suitable for easy hikes and nature walks.
Airports
How to reach Aweil by plane.
Small domestic airport serving Aweil with limited flights to Juba and regional hubs.
Major international gateway; connections to regional hubs and beyond.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
One of the major ethnic groups in the region; diverse communities with distinct customs and languages.
Another significant group in South Sudan; rich cultural traditions and varying dialects.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport; informal games and local leagues are common in the evenings.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Aweil.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Focus on vegetable stews, peanut sauces, lentil dishes, and kisra. Request oil-free or meat-free options when available, and ask for vegetable-based sauces to avoid meat stock.