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Southern National Park

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Forest
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Southern National Park (South Sudan)

Weather…

Southern National Park is one of the oldest and largest national parks in South Sudan, spanning an expansive area of approximately 23,000 square kilometers. Located in the western part of the country, it encompasses portions of Lakes, Western Equatoria, and Warrap states. The landscape is characterized by vast bushveld savannas and dense gallery forests along the banks of the Sue and Jur rivers. Established in 1939 during the colonial administration, the park was created to protect the region's diverse wildlife, including giant eland, buffalo, elephants, and giraffes. Geographically, the park serves as a vital watershed for the region, as numerous tributaries of the Nile originate or flow through its territory. Due to its immense size and limited road access, much of the park remains largely unexplored and in a pristine natural state. In recent decades, illegal poaching has severely impacted wildlife populations, leading to renewed international efforts to secure and manage the park. It remains fundamental to the ecological stability of the Bahr el Ghazal basin.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Nov, Dec.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C283131302826252526262728
Rain mm342486145144151185151126248

📋 Practical info

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Getting there
Reaching this vast area is immensely challenging, typically requiring a sturdy 4x4 expedition vehicle originating from Juba or Rumbek. The lack of maintained road infrastructure means visitors almost always rely on specialized overland operators to navigate safely.
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Best season
The dry season, occurring roughly between December and March, is the only practical time to traverse the savanna tracks. During the rains, the clay-heavy soils turn into impassable mud, rendering the park entirely inaccessible by land.
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Terrain & paths
The terrain blends sweeping savannas, dense gallery forests, and occasional riverine thickets in the heart of the country. Exploring involves bumping along informal dirt tracks or walking cautiously through tall grasses where visibility can be limited.
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What to bring
Fully self-sufficient expedition gear is essential, including extra fuel, spare vehicle parts, and all required camping supplies. Heavy-duty protective clothing, strong insect repellent, and comprehensive medical kits are crucial for this remote environment.
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Parking
Dedicated parking infrastructure does not exist within this immense wilderness reserve. Vehicles are typically parked directly at makeshift, wilderness campsites established by your expedition guide near the savanna edges.
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Safety
Unpredictable security situations and extreme remoteness mean travelers must consult local authorities and travel only with highly experienced escorts. Encounters with dangerous wildlife and a severe lack of medical facilities necessitate constant vigilance.
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Time needed
Merely reaching the boundaries of the forest and savanna region involves several days of grueling overland travel. A meaningful reconnaissance of the area requires dedicating at least a week or more to a fully supported mobile expedition.

Geography

Coordinates
6.50000, 28.50000

Facts

  • Southern National Park was established in 1939, making it a legacy site.
  • The park covers a total area of approximately 23,000 square kilometers.
  • It spans across Lakes, Western Equatoria, and Warrap states.
  • The park is a critical habitat for the endangered Giant Eland.
  • The Jur River and Sue River provide essential water for the wildlife.
  • It is dominated by ironstone plateau vegetation and savannas.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

TonjTonj78 km · EExplore →
Wau Wildlife CenterWau Wildlife Center130 km · SEExplore →
WauWau130 km · SEExplore →
RumbekRumbek134 km · NExplore →
NageroNagero140 km · SWExplore →
TamburaTambura145 km · SWExplore →
Zande ThresholdZande Threshold147 km · WExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is the Southern National Park?
A significant nature reserve with diverse ecosystems.
Can you go on safaris there?
Yes, but the organization is complex and requires planning.
Which animals live there?
Elephants, buffalo, and numerous antelope species.
Are there lodges in the park?
No, camping is usually the only option.
When is the best time for animal observation?
In the dry season, animals come to the water holes.
Southern National Park: where is it located?
Southern National Park is located in South Sudan.
Southern National Park: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Nov, Dec.
Southern National Park: why is it worth visiting?
Southern National Park is one of the oldest and largest national parks in South Sudan, spanning an expansive area of approximately 23,000 square kilometers.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nearby cities

Wau — Southern National Park (South Sudan)
Wau
Wau is a culturally diverse city in northwestern South Sudan and the capital of Western Bahr el Ghazal.
Raja — Southern National Park (South Sudan)
Raja
Raja is the westernmost town in South Sudan, near the border with Sudan and the Central African Republic.
Deim Zubeir — Southern National Park (South Sudan)
Deim Zubeir
Deim Zubeir is a historical town in the west that was once a major base for the slave trade.
Tonj — Southern National Park (South Sudan)
Tonj
Tonj is a significant town in Warrap State and a center for livestock farming in the region.

History & landmarks

St. Mary's Cathedral (Wau) — Southern National Park (South Sudan)
St. Mary's Cathedral (Wau)
An impressive brick cathedral in Wau, known for its colonial-era architecture.
Wau Stadium — Southern National Park (South Sudan)
Wau Stadium
A significant sports stadium in Wau, serving as a hub for regional football competitions.
Wau Railway Bridge — Southern National Park (South Sudan)
Wau Railway Bridge
A distinctive railway bridge over the Jur River, marking the southernmost point of the Sudanese rail network.

Nature

Jur River — Southern National Park (South Sudan)
Jur River
A river in western South Sudan that flows into the Bahr al-Ghazal.

More places

Wau Wildlife Center — Southern National Park (South Sudan)
Wau Wildlife Center
A small educational and conservation center in Wau that introduces children to local wildlife and cares for injured animals.
Ironstone Plateau — Southern National Park (South Sudan)
Ironstone Plateau
An extensive plateau in the west, characterized by iron-rich soils.
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Ashana Game Reserve
A remote reserve in the northwest protecting important grassland habitats for various ungulates and big cats.
Zubeir Pasha's Fort — Southern National Park (South Sudan)
Zubeir Pasha's Fort
The historical fort of Zubeir Pasha, a powerful trader and slave hunter in the 19th century.
Bongo Massif — Southern National Park (South Sudan)
Bongo Massif
A highland on the border with the Central African Republic, forming the watershed between the Nile and Chad basins.
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Jebel Kunur
A rocky mountain in the northwest of the Bahr el Ghazal area, characterized by sparse vegetation.