Southern National Park, National park in Gbudwe State, South Sudan
Southern National Park spans across multiple states and features a mix of grasslands and deciduous forests crossed by several rivers including the Jur, Sue, Ibba, and Maridi. The terrain varies from open plains to forested areas with gentle elevation changes between 400 and 700 meters.
The protected area was established in 1939 during colonial administration and ranks among the earliest designated nature reserves in what became South Sudan. This early protection status has shaped how the park is managed and valued today.
The park holds significance for surrounding communities who have long depended on its resources for hunting and gathering within established conservation limits. This relationship between people and land remains visible in how the area is used today.
The best time to visit is during the dry season when roads are passable and wildlife is more active. The rainy season from May through October makes access difficult, though vegetation becomes lush during this period.
The park hosts a diverse array of large animals including African elephants, giraffes, and lions distributed across different landscape zones. This mix of predators and herbivores across varied habitats reveals the area's ecological complexity.
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