Plizio Visual Lab

Ez Zeraf Game Reserve

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Animal habitat

Weather…

Ez Zeraf Game Reserve is a protected area in Jonglei State, South Sudan, located between the White Nile and the Zeraf River. Designated in 1939, it is one of the oldest reserves in the country, covering 2,000 km². The reserve is known for its high density of hippopotamus and Nile crocodile, as well as large flocks of migratory birds. Habitats include riverine forests, grasslands, and seasonal swamps. During the conflicts, poaching severely impacted wildlife. Post-2011, community-based conservation projects have been initiated. The Zeraf River provides essential water sources. In 2015, a hippo census recorded 2,500 individuals. Fishing is a primary activity for locals. The reserve has no lodges; visitors use boats for game viewing. It is an important site for ornithological research.

Location: South Sudan
Nearby: Leer (44 km)

Best time to visit & climate

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

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	29	31	33	33	30	28	27	26	27	28	29	29
Rain mm	0	0	4	26	92	132	138	166	144	101	7	4

📋 Practical info

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Best season

The best time to visit is during the dry season from December to March when water levels are lower and animals concentrate along the banks. The rainy season from April to October makes access difficult due to flooding.

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Best time of day

Early morning and late afternoon offer more pleasant temperatures and higher animal activity. At midday, many animals retreat to shade, making observations harder.

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Etiquette

Maintain a safe distance from animals, especially the endangered Nile lechwe. Entering swamp areas off the trails is not allowed, and fires are prohibited.

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What to bring

Binoculars with high magnification are essential for spotting animals across the vast swamps. Waterproof boots and insect repellent are strongly recommended due to the wet environment and mosquitoes.

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Getting there

Ez Zeraf Game Reserve is located on an island in the Zeraf River and is primarily accessible by boat. From Malakal, occasional boat transport exists, but prior arrangement is essential.

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What to expect

Wildlife viewing in the swamps requires a lot of patience as animals hide in dense vegetation. Plan for several hours and look for movements or sounds that indicate the presence of animals.