DEHUROEN

Plizio Visual Lab

Lake Nyubor

Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Lake
—°
Lake Nyubor (South Sudan)

Weather…

Lake Nyubor is situated in Lakes State, South Sudan, south of the town of Yirol, and serves as a prime example of the marshy lakes found at the periphery of the Sudd basin. It is primarily fed by seasonal rainfall and local runoff from the surrounding plains, causing its water levels to fluctuate dramatically throughout the year. The lake is encircled by vast grasslands and seasonal floodplains, which attract thousands of Dinka pastoralists and their cattle during the dry season. These grazing lands are of immense socio-economic importance to the region, as they provide the essential forage needed for livestock survival during the most arid months. Ecologically, Lake Nyubor is a vital stopover for migratory birds and supports a rich variety of fish species that are central to the local diet. Despite its relative isolation, the lake is a traditional crossroads for ancient migration routes. Protecting its watershed is critical to preventing the degradation and potential drying out of this sensitive ecosystem. Unlike lakes directly connected to the Nile, Nyubor is particularly susceptible to regional climate variability.

Best time to visit & climate

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

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C303233322927272627282930
Rain mm13135311711512815711793227

📋 Practical info

🧭
Getting there
Located in the remote center of the country, access is extremely difficult and typically requires chartered flights to nearby airstrips followed by travel via rugged off-road vehicles.
📅
Best season
It is highly recommended to visit only during the strict dry season (December to March) when the vast surrounding grasslands are somewhat passable and not completely flooded by seasonal rains.
⛰️
Terrain & paths
The area is characterized by vast, flat, and often marshy grasslands that surround the shallow lake. The ground can be incredibly muddy and difficult to traverse, even during the relatively drier months.
🎒
What to bring
Pack comprehensive outdoor survival gear, robust mosquito protection, malaria prophylaxis, and high-quality sun protection. A satellite phone is highly advisable due to the complete lack of cellular service.
🅿️
Parking
There are no formal parking facilities; vehicles are typically kept at temporary field camps or remote local settlements under the direct supervision of hired guides or local escorts.
⚠️
Safety
Travel here requires meticulous logistical planning, reliable local contacts, and strict adherence to security protocols due to the region's intense isolation. Hippos, crocodiles, and other wildlife pose substantial risks.
⏱️
Time needed
Due to the extreme remoteness and difficulty of access, any journey here is typically part of a multi-day expedition, with several hours specifically dedicated to surveying the lake itself.

Geography

Coordinates
6.80000, 30.10000

Facts

  • Lake Nyubor is located in Lakes State, south of the regional hub Yirol.
  • The lake's surface area fluctuates between 15 and 50 square kilometers.
  • It is a key dry-season destination for Dinka transhumance patterns.
  • The lake is an endorheic system with no permanent outlet to the Nile.
  • A high diversity of lungfish and catfish is found within its waters.
  • Evaporation during the dry season significantly increases water salinity.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

GanylielGanyliel44 km · NEExplore →
Rumbek StadiumRumbek Stadium47 km · SExplore →
YirolYirol50 km · NWExplore →
Lake YirolLake Yirol53 km · NWExplore →
PanyijarPanyijar62 km · NEExplore →
Shambe Nature ReserveShambe Nature Reserve73 km · NEExplore →
Rhourde Nouss Gas FieldRhourde Nouss Gas Field74 km · NEExplore →
Shambe River PortShambe River Port81 km · NExplore →

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

Is Nyubor Lake developed for tourism?
No, it is a remote natural area without any tourist infrastructure.
What is the best way to reach Nyubor Lake?
Reaching it requires several hours of driving by off-road vehicle with local support.
What wildlife can be observed there?
The lake is home to numerous water birds, hippos, and crocodiles.
Do I need a permit to visit?
Inquire with local authorities in Juba regarding current access regulations.
Is the area safe?
The safety situation is unstable; check travel advisories before visiting.
Lake Nyubor: where is it located?
Lake Nyubor is located in South Sudan.
Lake Nyubor: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Nov, Dec.
Lake Nyubor: why is it worth visiting?
Lake Nyubor is situated in Lakes State, South Sudan, south of the town of Yirol, and serves as a prime example of the marshy lakes found at the periphery of the Sudd basin.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
Africa
Explore with Plizio Discover more places in Africa
More places in South Sudan →

Nearby cities

Rumbek — Lake Nyubor (South Sudan)
Rumbek
Rumbek is the capital of Lakes State and served as an important administrative base during the war.
Yirol — Lake Nyubor (South Sudan)
Yirol
Yirol is picturesquely located on Lake Yirol and is an important commercial center for fish and agricultural products.
🗺️
Ganyliel
Ganyliel is an isolated town in the Sudd swamps, accessible mainly by boat.
🗺️
Panyijar
Panyijar is located in the south of Unity State in a water-rich swampy landscape.

History & landmarks

🗺️
Rumbek Stadium
The heart of sporting life in Rumbek, host to local football matches.
Holy Family Cathedral — Lake Nyubor (South Sudan)
Holy Family Cathedral
The main church in Rumbek, a center for faith and reconciliation in the Lakes region.

Nature

Lake Yirol — Lake Nyubor (South Sudan)
Lake Yirol
A freshwater lake in Lakes State, central to the local fishing industry.
Shambe Lake — Lake Nyubor (South Sudan)
Shambe Lake
A lake in the Sudd region, known for its abundant fish and wildlife.

More places

Yirol Sesame Processing Plant — Lake Nyubor (South Sudan)
Yirol Sesame Processing Plant
A processing plant for sesame, utilizing the rich agricultural production of the Lakes region.
Shambe Nature Reserve — Lake Nyubor (South Sudan)
Shambe Nature Reserve
A water-rich protected area in the Sudd swamps, providing a refuge for endangered species and numerous water birds.
🗺️
Shambe River Port
An important inland port in Lakes State, serving as a trade link for fishing and agriculture.
Rhourde Nouss Gas Field — Lake Nyubor (South Sudan)
Rhourde Nouss Gas Field
One of the largest natural gas and condensate complexes in Algeria, supplying domestic and international needs.