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Lul Mission

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Historical site
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Lul Mission (South Sudan)

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The Lul Mission, located in the Upper Nile State of present-day South Sudan, was founded in 1901 by the Verona Fathers, a Catholic missionary society. It was one of the first established Catholic stations in the territory of the Shilluk people and played a pivotal role in introducing Western education and healthcare to the region. The missionaries constructed schools and clinics that served as essential community hubs for local residents for several decades. Throughout the Sudanese civil wars, the mission frequently suffered from the impact of armed conflict and required multiple evacuations, yet it remained a symbol of endurance and social service. Geographically, Lul sits on the west bank of the White Nile, north of Malakal, a location that facilitated river access during the colonial era. Today, the site is a significant historical landmark for the Diocese of Malakal and the broader history of Christianity in South Sudan.

Best time to visit & climate

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

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C283032333128272627282928
Rain mm00223801031401711449452

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The Lul Mission is a historic Catholic mission station in the Shilluk area that can usually be visited during daylight hours. Local guides often lead visitors to the main buildings and explain the agricultural schools.
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Typical hours
As a working mission station, it has no fixed opening hours; visits are by arrangement with the local priest. It is advisable to call ahead to ensure someone is available.
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Photography
Photography is usually allowed across the grounds, but respect the privacy of residents. In the church and during services, photography may be restricted; ask permission.
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Time needed
Plan about one hour to explore the main buildings and agricultural grounds. A detailed guided tour may last up to two hours.
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Combine with
Combine your visit with other historical sites in the region such as the Shilluk royal hut or the Malakal Museum. The nearby town of Malakal features accommodation and markets.
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Getting there
The Lul Mission is located in South Sudan near the Nile, about 30 kilometres from Malakal. Accessible by car or boat; road conditions can be challenging especially during the rainy season.
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Insider tip
Bring mosquito protection and supplies as the area is remote. A small donation for the community is appreciated if you join a guided tour.

Geography

Coordinates
9.60000, 31.85000

Facts

  • Founded by the Verona Fathers in the year 1901.
  • Located on the west bank of the White Nile north of Malakal.
  • Established as the first Catholic station in the Shilluk territory.
  • Introduced the region's first formal schooling in the early 1900s.
  • Significant hub for medical services during the colonial period.
  • Subject to multiple evacuations during the Second Sudanese Civil War.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Malakal Vocational Training CenterMalakal Vocational Training Center21 km · SExplore →
Malakal River PortMalakal River Port23 km · SExplore →
TaufikiaTaufikia25 km · SWExplore →
Doleib Hill MissionDoleib Hill Mission26 km · SWExplore →
Shrine of Nyikang (Pachodo)Shrine of Nyikang (Pachodo)40 km · NEExplore →
KodokKodok40 km · NEExplore →
El Borma Oil FieldEl Borma Oil Field51 km · SWExplore →
TongaTonga84 km · SExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

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

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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What significance did the Lul Mission have?
It was an important center for education and religious work in the region.
Is the place still active today?
The original mission is largely historical and barely active.
Can I enter the site?
It is usually accessible, but one should be discreet.
Are there accommodations nearby?
No, accommodations are practically non-existent in this remote area.
What is the best time to visit?
During the drier months of the year.
Lul Mission: where is it located?
Lul Mission is located in South Sudan.
Lul Mission: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Nov, Dec.
Lul Mission: why is it worth visiting?
The Lul Mission, located in the Upper Nile State of present-day South Sudan, was founded in 1901 by the Verona Fathers, a Catholic missionary society.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nearby cities

Malakal — Lul Mission (South Sudan)
Malakal
Malakal is the capital of Upper Nile State and a major commercial hub along the White Nile.
Kodok — Lul Mission (South Sudan)
Kodok
Kodok, historically known as Fashoda, is the seat of the Shilluk King and a place of great cultural importance.
Nasir — Lul Mission (South Sudan)
Nasir
Nasir is a strategically important town on the Sobat River, near the Ethiopian border.
Renk — Lul Mission (South Sudan)
Renk
Renk is the northernmost city in South Sudan and a crucial gateway for trade with Sudan.

History & landmarks

Malakal Vocational Training Center — Lul Mission (South Sudan)
Malakal Vocational Training Center
A distinctive building complex in Malakal, crucial for professional training in the region.
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Malakal Stadium
The central sports stadium in Malakal, a major venue for football and athletics in Upper Nile State.

Nature

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Sobat River
A tributary of the White Nile that carries large amounts of sediment during the rainy season.

More places

Malakal River Port — Lul Mission (South Sudan)
Malakal River Port
This port on the White Nile is crucial for supplying the north and exporting local products.
Taufikia — Lul Mission (South Sudan)
Taufikia
A historical military station founded by Samuel Baker in 1870 on the White Nile.
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Doleib Hill Mission
One of the first American missions in South Sudan, founded at the beginning of the 20th century.
Shrine of Nyikang (Pachodo) — Lul Mission (South Sudan)
Shrine of Nyikang (Pachodo)
The spiritual and ritual center of the Shilluk Kingdom, dedicated to the founding father Nyikang.
Fashoda — Lul Mission (South Sudan)
Fashoda
The site of the 1898 Fashoda Incident, a diplomatic turning point between France and Great Britain.
Tonga — Lul Mission (South Sudan)
Tonga
A historically significant settlement at the confluence of the Nile and Sobat rivers.
Melut Basin Oil Complex — Lul Mission (South Sudan)
Melut Basin Oil Complex
An extensive complex of facilities for coordinating oil extraction throughout the Melut Basin.
Kaka Nile Port — Lul Mission (South Sudan)
Kaka Nile Port
A formerly important river port on the White Nile that served as a trading station in the 19th century.