Things to Do in Southern National Park, South Sudan جنوب السودان

Southern National Park in South Sudan represents one of Africa's most pristine and untouched wilderness areas, encompassing vast savannas, wetlands, and diverse ecosystems that support an incredible array of wildlife. This remote park, located in the southern regions of the world's youngest nation, offers visitors a rare opportunity to experience authentic African wilderness in its most natural state, largely untouched by mass tourism development. The park serves as a crucial habitat for numerous species including elephants, buffalo, antelope, and various bird species, while also providing visitors with unique cultural encounters with local communities who have coexisted with wildlife for generations. Due to South Sudan's recent independence and ongoing development of tourism infrastructure, visiting Southern National Park offers an exclusive adventure experience for intrepid travelers seeking to explore one of the world's last frontier destinations.

Top Things to Do in Southern National Park

Wildlife Safari Adventures

Embark on guided game drives through the park's diverse landscapes to spot elephants, buffalo, various antelope species, and abundant birdlife. The park's remote location means wildlife viewing occurs in completely natural settings with minimal human interference, offering authentic African safari experiences.

Booking Tip: Arrange safaris through specialized South Sudan tour operators in advance, expect costs of $200-400 per day including guide and vehicle. Dry season (November-April) offers best wildlife viewing when animals congregate around water sources.

Cultural Community Visits

Experience authentic interactions with local communities who have lived harmoniously with the park's wildlife for centuries. Learn about traditional hunting practices, livestock management, and indigenous knowledge of local ecosystems while supporting community-based tourism initiatives.

Booking Tip: Book through local community tourism programs, costs typically $50-100 per visit including cultural demonstrations and meals. Always arrange visits through official channels to ensure respectful cultural exchange and fair compensation to communities.

Bird Watching Expeditions

Explore the park's rich avian diversity with over 300 recorded bird species including various raptors, waterbirds, and endemic species. The park's varied habitats from wetlands to savannas provide excellent birding opportunities for both casual observers and serious ornithologists.

Booking Tip: Hire local guides familiar with bird species and habitats, expect $30-60 per day for specialized birding guides. Best birding occurs early morning and late afternoon, with peak diversity during wet season (May-October).

Photography Safaris

Capture stunning images of pristine African landscapes, wildlife, and cultural scenes in one of the continent's least photographed regions. The park's untouched nature provides unique opportunities for landscape and wildlife photography without crowds or developed infrastructure interfering with shots.

Booking Tip: Book specialized photography tours with operators providing appropriate vehicles and local knowledge, costs range $300-500 per day. Bring extra batteries and storage as charging facilities are limited, and consider hiring local guides familiar with animal behavior.

Wilderness Camping

Experience true African wilderness through organized camping expeditions within or near the park boundaries. Sleep under star-filled skies while listening to the sounds of nocturnal wildlife, creating unforgettable memories in one of Africa's most remote locations.

Booking Tip: Only camp with organized tour operators who provide proper equipment and security, expect $150-300 per person per night including meals and camping gear. Camping requires advance permits and is only recommended during dry season for safety and accessibility.

Getting There

Reaching Southern National Park requires careful planning and typically involves flying into Juba International Airport, South Sudan's main international gateway, followed by domestic flights or overland travel to the park region. Most visitors arrange transportation through specialized tour operators who can navigate the challenging road conditions and security requirements. The journey from Juba can take 6-12 hours by road depending on conditions and exact park location, with some areas requiring 4WD vehicles and experienced local drivers familiar with the terrain.

Getting Around

Transportation within and around Southern National Park relies primarily on 4WD vehicles due to limited road infrastructure and challenging terrain during rainy seasons. Most visitors travel as part of organized tours that provide appropriate vehicles, drivers, and guides familiar with local conditions. Walking safaris and short hiking excursions are possible in certain areas under guide supervision, but independent exploration is not recommended due to wildlife presence and navigation challenges in this remote wilderness area.

Where to Stay

Juba (base for park trips)

Mobile camping within park

Community-based accommodation

Lodge near park boundaries

Organized safari camps

Guesthouse in nearby towns

Food & Dining

Dining options around Southern National Park are extremely limited, with most meals provided as part of organized tour packages featuring simple but hearty fare prepared by camp cooks. Visitors should expect basic African cuisine including rice, beans, grilled meats, and local vegetables, often prepared over open fires in wilderness settings. For those staying in Juba before or after park visits, the capital offers a wider variety of restaurants serving Sudanese, Ethiopian, and international cuisine, though visitors should stock up on snacks and special dietary items before heading to the park region.

When to Visit

The optimal time to visit Southern National Park is during the dry season from November through April when roads are more accessible, wildlife congregates around water sources for better viewing, and camping conditions are most comfortable. The wet season from May to October brings lush landscapes and peak bird activity but also challenging road conditions, flooding, and increased difficulty accessing remote areas of the park. Weather during dry season features warm days and cooler nights, while wet season brings high humidity, frequent rainfall, and potential travel disruptions.

Insider Tips

Obtain all necessary permits and clearances well in advance through official South Sudan tourism authorities and consider hiring local fixers familiar with bureaucratic processes

Pack comprehensive medical supplies and ensure evacuation insurance as medical facilities near the park are extremely limited

Bring cash in US dollars as banking facilities and card payments are unavailable in park areas, and confirm all costs and payment methods with tour operators beforehand

Things to Do in Southern National Park