Summary
South Sudan, as the world’s youngest independent nation, has faced numerous challenges since its widely supported decision to separate from the Republic of Sudan in January 2011, with over 98% of its population advocating for autonomy. The ongoing South Sudanese Civil War has led to over 300,000 fatalities and displaced more than a million individuals.
Additionally, persistent conflicts with militia groups and private armies, as well as tensions with neighboring Sudan, have rendered this nation largely inaccessible for travel. Nevertheless, with the hope for stabilization in the near future, we have explored various remarkable sites, from the majestic peaks of Mount Kinyeti to the verdant expanses of the Sudd wetland, identifying several noteworthy destinations. Anticipate encountering diverse wildlife, picturesque waterways of the White Nile, and vibrant trading hubs.
Let us delve into the top places to visit in South Sudan:
1. Boma National Park
There has been significant debate among environmentalists and naturalists regarding whether Boma National Park hosts the largest or the second-largest annual land mammal migration globally.
Some argue that the Serengeti, with its massive wildebeest movements, holds this distinction. However, many South Sudanese assert that it is this extensive wilderness, bordering Ethiopia to the east, that deserves the accolade.
Regardless of whether you witness the magnificent migrations of the white-eared kob, Boma National Park promises to be an unforgettable experience.
Visitors can observe zebras, gazelles, oryx, cheetahs, and even soaring vultures amidst the rolling savannah and occasional rocky outcrops.
2. Wau
The city of Wau finds itself at the intersection of several of South Sudan’s most populous ethnic groups, resulting in its involvement in some of the most severe conflicts within the nation.
However, once tranquility is restored, it is anticipated that this multicultural hub, the third largest town in the country, will thrive anew.
Wau boasts an array of attractions: from weathered colonial architecture to makeshift huts and markets crafted from locally sourced materials! Not to be missed is the striking cathedral topped with a large dome, one of the most significant in the region.
3. Southern National Park
Encompassing approximately 7,800 square kilometers in the core of South Sudan, Southern National Park features vast areas of patchwork woodlands and grassy savannas, making it one of the largest protected wildlife areas in the country.
This relatively underexplored area has remained largely untouched for over 70 years.
Wildlife enthusiasts may encounter the likes of the Congo lion, colobus monkeys, bushbabies, marabou storks, and kobs in abundance.
4. Kidepo Game Reserve
Located in the southernmost region of South Sudan, Kidepo Game Reserve shares a border with Kidepo National Park in Uganda and spans more than 1,200 square kilometers of lush grasslands and gallery forests.
One of the main attractions for safari enthusiasts is the approachable and agreeable nature of the animals.
Visitors can expect intimate encounters with elephants and defassa waterbuck, often seen wandering through the game lodges bordering the reserve.
5. Bandingilo National Park
Renowned for the stunning display of the annual migration of the white-eared kob, Bandingilo National Park is the natural treasure of the Equatoria region.
Extending over the riparian grasslands east of the White Nile River, the park’s accessibility is enhanced by its proximity to Juba, the capital; surprisingly, visitor numbers remain low. Should you decide to visit after the current difficulties in Sudan subside, expect to see Nubian giraffes and elephants in abundance at Bandingilo!
6. Juba
Juba does not have a lengthy historical narrative.
Established in 1922, it is situated along the bends of the White Nile River in the southern region of the country.
Initially, it served as a distant trading post established by Greek merchants seeking to facilitate trade routes between East Africa and British colonial outposts.
Over the years, Juba has been central to South Sudan’s civil wars and was proclaimed the capital in 2011. Despite its youth as a hub of the nation amidst ongoing conflict, the municipality offers a vibrant marketplace and a selection of safari outfitters.
7. Kodok (Fashoda)
Kodok, previously known as Fashoda, is historically significant for its association with the Fashoda Incident, a critical moment in the colonial power struggles between Britain and France, which ultimately altered the landscape of African territories.
Today, Kodok commemorates these pivotal moments in history, even as it bears the scars of famine and warfare of recent times.
8. Nimule National Park
Nimule National Park, despite its small size, is remarkable in its diversity! This area boasts lush forests and some of the richest riparian ecosystems in South Sudan, providing habitat for an array of wildlife including baboons, hippos, and crocodiles.
Coursing through the park is the White Nile River, which makes its way toward Juba, located just a brief drive away. Organized safaris to Nimule are readily available from the capital.
Noteworthy highlights include Opekoloe Island, home to herding elephants, and the Fola Falls, where local fishermen can be seen skillfully seeking their catch.
9. Bor
Once a site for some of the earliest Christian missions in this region, Bor has since transformed into a largely deserted ghost town.
The recent conflicts have severely impacted the area, with the memories of violent events during the Sudanese Civil War still palpable; approximately 20,000 individuals lost their lives here in 1991. Nevertheless, Bor retains its rich tribal culture and continues to be a premier location for witnessing traditional Sudanese wrestling matches, a unique cultural experience.
10. Radom National Park
Radom National Park extends across the delicate boundaries where Sudan meets the Central African Republic, with South Sudan housing a small section of this expansive 1,250,000-hectare reserve.
Despite its limited access, the park provides opportunities for visitors to observe endangered doka woods, roaming elephant herds, savannah dotted with trees, and various rare East African wildlife.
Reaching Radom National Park commonly requires extensive 4X4 driving from Raga, given its remote location.
11. Malakal
Malakal, positioned by the White Nile River and featuring an international airport, may appear to be a thriving town.
Unfortunately, however, the ravages of conflict have considerably diminished this once-bustling commercial hub.
The marketplace is now largely abandoned, while the Upper Nile State Government’s offices stand empty. It is hoped that, one day, life will return to the streets of Malakal, allowing it to showcase its stunning natural surroundings, highlighted by the nearby Ez Zeraf Reserve.
12. Ez Zeraf Game Reserve
Flowing through the core of South Sudan, the White Nile River navigates the extensive wetlands of the Sudd.
This ecosystem, teeming with breathtaking landscapes, spans 1.6 million acres and hosts a variety of wildlife.
Adventurous visitors can explore seasonally flooded forests by canoe, traverse marshy plains, and encounter hippos and crocodiles amid stunning scenery.
Consequently, the Ez Zeraf Game Reserve has gained prominence as a focal point for conservation efforts in east-central Africa.
13. Shambe Nature Reserve
Established in the mid-1980s, Shambe Nature Reserve is seen as the southern extension of the Ez Zeraf Reserve.
This area plays a critical role in the White Nile River ecosystem, characterized by unique oxbow lakes and dynamic flood plains.
The park features extensive biodiversity, incorporating lions, hippos, wild foxes, and various primates, in addition to numerous elephants. Shambe is also recognized as a birdwatching haven, attracting countless migratory species throughout the year.
14. Aweil
Aweil, enhanced by new tarmacked roads and its own airport, represents one of the few examples of development in the remote Bahr el Ghazal region in northern South Sudan.
A few hotels, a UN mission, restaurants, and reliable transportation links make this city a suitable stop for individuals aiming to cross the northern border or those venturing toward the untamed surroundings of Radom National Park.
Moreover, Aweil has demonstrated remarkable resilience amidst national upheaval, experiencing significantly less sectarian violence compared to other urban centers.
15. Gogrial
Gogrial is famously recognized as the birthplace of the notable NBA player and activist Manute Bol, according to local lore.
This area serves as the administrative center of Gogrial State and features an airstrip, primarily accommodating smaller aircraft, surrounded by relics of past conflicts such as decaying bomber planes from the Sudanese Civil War.
Delineated by the meandering course of the Jur River, Gogrial is a region where local traditions meet the haunting reminders of history.
