Home › Destinations › Boma National Park
Boma National Park, South Sudan جنوب السودان - Things to Do in Boma National Park

Boma National Park

Southsudan, Southsudan جنوب السودان - Complete Travel Guide

Southsudan is Southsudan's largest national park, covering approximately 22,800 square kilometers in the eastern part of the country near the Ethiopian border. This vast wilderness area is home to one of Africa's most spectacular but lesser-known wildlife migrations, where over one million white-eared kob, tiang, and Mongalla gazelle traverse the landscape seasonally, rivaling the famous Serengeti migration in scale. The park represents one of the last great untouched ecosystems in East Africa, featuring expansive grasslands, seasonal wetlands, and scattered woodland areas. Despite facing challenges due to regional instability and limited infrastructure, Southsudan offers intrepid travelers a unique opportunity to witness pristine African wilderness and extraordinary wildlife phenomena in one of the world's most remote and unexplored destinations.

Top Boma National Park

Wildlife Migration Viewing

Witness one of Africa's largest animal migrations as over one million antelope species move across the park's vast plains. This incredible natural phenomenon occurs seasonally and offers unparalleled wildlife viewing opportunities in a completely unspoiled environment.

Booking Tip: Plan visits during dry season (December-April) for best migration viewing. Arrange through specialized East African safari operators with Southsudan permits, expect costs of $300-500 per day including guides and permits.

Bird Watching Expeditions

Explore the park's diverse avian population with over 300 recorded bird species including various raptors, waterbirds, and endemic species. The seasonal wetlands and grasslands provide excellent habitat for both resident and migratory birds.

Booking Tip: Best during wet season (May-October) when migratory species are present. Hire local ornithology guides through conservation organizations, budget $50-100 per day for specialized birding guides.

Cultural Encounters with Local Communities

Meet with indigenous pastoral communities including the Murle and Toposa people who have lived alongside wildlife in this region for centuries. Learn about traditional cattle herding practices and cultural traditions that have shaped this landscape.

Booking Tip: Arrange through local NGOs or community-based tourism initiatives. Respect cultural protocols and expect to pay community fees of $20-50 per visit. Always travel with local guides familiar with community relations.

Photography Safaris

Capture impressive images of untouched African wilderness, massive wildlife herds, and dramatic landscapes. The park offers unique photographic opportunities due to its remote location and minimal human impact on wildlife behavior.

Booking Tip: Bring extra batteries and memory cards as no facilities available. Best light during early morning and late afternoon. Budget $400-600 per day for specialized photography guides with 4WD vehicles.

Wilderness Camping

Experience true African wilderness through multi-day camping expeditions in one of the continent's most remote locations. Sleep under pristine night skies while listening to the sounds of wild Africa all around you.

Booking Tip: Bring all camping equipment and supplies from Juba as nothing available locally. Arrange armed guides through official channels, expect total costs of $200-300 per person per day including security and logistics.

Getting There

Reaching Southsudan requires careful planning and typically involves flying into Juba International Airport, Southsudan's capital. From Juba, visitors must arrange overland transportation via 4WD vehicles for the approximately 8-10 hour journey to the park area, depending on road conditions and security situation. All travel should be coordinated with local authorities and security services, as the region requires special permits and often armed escort due to ongoing regional instability. International visitors should work with established tour operators who can handle logistics, permits, and security arrangements.

Getting Around

Transportation within Southsudan is exclusively by 4WD vehicle due to the lack of developed roads and infrastructure. Visitors must be completely self-sufficient with fuel, spare parts, and emergency equipment as no services exist within the park boundaries. Local guides are essential for navigation across the vast grasslands and for security purposes. Walking safaris are possible but require armed guides and careful planning due to both wildlife and security considerations. All movement should be coordinated with local authorities and follow established security protocols.

Where to Stay

Mobile camping sites within the park
Community guesthouses in nearby villages
Temporary bush camps near water sources
Expedition-style tented camps
Basic lodges in border towns
Self-sufficient camping areas

Food & Dining

Dining options in and around Southsudan are extremely limited, requiring visitors to be completely self-sufficient with food supplies. All meals must be planned and prepared by expedition teams, with supplies brought from Juba or other major towns. Local communities may offer traditional foods like sorghum, millet, and occasionally meat or dairy products, but this should not be relied upon as a primary food source. Visitors should bring camping stoves, cookware, and preserved foods suitable for extended wilderness travel. Water purification equipment is essential as safe drinking water sources are limited.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Juba

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

View all food guides →

Juba Restaurant & Café

4.5 /5
(1431 reviews) 1

Zucchini Restaurant & Lounge

4.8 /5
(226 reviews)

Elvis Italian Grille

5.0 /5
(105 reviews)

Looking for specific cuisines?

Local Cuisine Italian Japanese Fine Dining

When to Visit

The best time to visit Southsudan is during the dry season from December to April when wildlife concentrations are highest and travel conditions are most favorable. This period coincides with the spectacular migration when millions of antelope gather in accessible areas. The wet season from May to October makes travel extremely difficult due to impassable roads and scattered wildlife, though it offers excellent bird watching opportunities. Visitors should also consider the security situation and consult current travel advisories, as conditions can change rapidly in this region.

Insider Tips

Obtain all necessary permits and security clearances through official Southsudan government channels well in advance, as bureaucratic processes can be lengthy and complex
Travel only with reputable operators who have current security protocols and established relationships with local authorities and communities
Bring complete medical and emergency supplies including satellite communication devices, as you'll be completely isolated from medical facilities and rescue services

Activities in Boma National Park