South Sudan National Parks, Safaris and Game Reserves

(South Sudan, SS, North-East Africa)

South Sudan is home to several national parks and game reserves. They incorporate some of the most spectacular scenery in the area, ranging from vast regions of grassland to the leafy river banks of the Nile.

Unfortunately, at this stage in the country's development, access to its wealth of wildlife is rather limited, with some of the resident species being categorised as endangered.

With few roads, many parks and reserves can only be approached by plane. The potential for safari enthusiasts in the future is huge. South Sudan is the home of one of the world's largest animal migrations and has some of the most well-preserved habitats in existence, such as expansive savannas, inland floodplains and lots of mountainous vegetation.

Bandingilo National Park

Bandingilo is one of South Sudan's more popular parks. Set up in the early 1990s, it is home to a significant collection of wild animals, including tiang antelope, white-eared kob, hyenas, baboons, elephants, hippos, crocodiles and giraffes. Vast numbers of animals migrate right through the Bandingilo National Park from Boma, as part of South Sudan's spectacular migrations. Depending on road conditions, the park can be a two-hour drive from Juba.
Open hours: daily
Admission: charge

Boma National Park

The Boma National Park isn't just the largest natural reserve in South Sudan - it is considered to be the largest in Africa. With hardly any roads and rangers on the ground, the park's swampland is as remote as you get. Boma is famous for its huge numbers of migrating animals, which cross the park in search of grazing. It is estimated that around two million animals - including antelope and gazelle, travel through the park each year. Safaris operate to coincide with the migration, which is dependent both on the rains and the state of the grassland. By far the easiest way to reach Boma National Park is to fly. Otherwise, it is a three-day trip over rough dirt roads.
Open hours: daily
Admission: charge

Southern National Park

The Southern National Park is South Sudan's oldest game reserve. Established some 70 years ago, it is best known mainly for its large populations of buffalo, rhino and elephant. Many animal species have survived here, despite heavy poaching during the country's civil wars. Of note to potential visitors, the park's infrastructure consists of little more than dirt tracks.
Open hours: daily
Admission: charge

Nimule National Park

Located in the most southerly part of South Sudan, the Nimule National Park is bordered on one side by the White Nile. Nimule's hills offer visitors some great vantage points. So too does the River Kayu, which flows through the park. Taking a boat trip is a great way to spot hippos and riverside villages. Nimule can be reached by road or by boat.
Open hours: daily
Admission: charge