Things to Do in Boma National Park

Boma National Park hosts one of Africa's largest wildlife migrations, yet almost nobody has seen it. The park covers roughly 23,000 square kilometers of South Sudan's southeastern wilderness, making it one of the continent's most untouched frontiers. Complete isolation for decades. The region blends savanna grasslands with woodland, creating ecosystems that support what might be Africa's largest remaining wildlife migration—though researchers are still studying the numbers since the area has been largely inaccessible. What makes this place genuinely remarkable is its raw, unfiltered nature. No tourist infrastructure exists here, no lodges dot the horizon, just pure African wilderness that feels like stepping back centuries. The park's claim to fame is the annual migration of white-eared kob, tiang, and Mongalla gazelle—a spectacle that some wildlife experts believe rivals the Serengeti. You'd be hard-pressed to find anyone who has witnessed both to make the comparison. Worth the uncertainty. Beyond the migration, Boma harbors populations of elephants, lions, leopards, and countless bird species, all thriving in an ecosystem that has remained largely unchanged for millennia. Visiting here is not for the casual safari-goer. It requires serious planning, significant resources, and a genuine appetite for adventure in one of the world's most remote destinations.

Dining in and around Boma National Park means embracing expedition-style meals prepared by camp cooks over open fires or portable gas stoves. Most tour operators provide hearty, simple fare—think rice, beans, grilled meat when available, and canned goods supplemented by whatever fresh ingredients can be sourced in Kapoeta. Simple but filling. The local communities primarily subsist on sorghum, millet, and livestock products, and sharing a meal with them offers insight into traditional foodways that have sustained people in this harsh environment for generations. Don't expect variety or gourmet preparations—the focus is on nutrition and fuel for long days in the field. There is something deeply satisfying about simple food eaten around a campfire under the vast African sky.

The dry season from December through March offers the most reliable access to Boma National Park, with passable roads and concentrated wildlife around water sources. April and May can be excellent for wildlife viewing as animals gather near the remaining water holes. Temperatures soar and conditions become increasingly harsh. The migration patterns vary, but generally the great herds are most active from May through July, which unfortunately coincides with the beginning of the wet season when access becomes challenging. June through November sees heavy rains that make most areas completely inaccessible by vehicle—though this is when the landscape transforms into lush grasslands. The sweet spot is late April through early June. For photography and wildlife viewing, accept that you might face some weather challenges in exchange for witnessing one of Africa's greatest natural spectacles.