Boma National Park

Boma National Park, located in eastern South Sudan near the Ethiopian border, is a spectacular protected area that was established in 1977. Covering an impressive 22,800 km2 of grasslands and floodplains, it’s one of the largest national parks in the country, offering visitors an opportunity to explore the breathtaking scenery and wildlife. The park is home to a diverse array of wildlife, with white-eared kob, tiang, and Mongalla gazelle being the most notable species. You can also spot large mammals such as buffalo, elephant, African leopard, Nubian giraffe, oryx, hartebeest, Northeast African cheetah, common eland, Lelwel hartebeest, maneless zebra, waterbuck, Grant’s gazelle, Lesser kudu, bongo, Giant eland, and Nile lechwe. The park is also an important bird area, with Ruppell’s vulture and the black-chested snake eagle among the species that call it home. One of the most iconic species in the park is the white-eared kob antelope, which can be found mostly to the east of the Nile River within the clay plains and wetlands. Although it occurs in significant numbers in the Boma National Park, it’s also found outside the protected area. Its migration route and population during the summer and monsoon seasons have been recorded, and it’s exposed to hunting threats due to the variation in rainfall and flooding from year to year. The UNEP survey of 2001 reported a count of only 176,120 during the wet season, significantly less than the 680,716 reported in 1980. The park has played an essential role in lion conservation since 2005, when it was considered a lion conservation unit alongside Gambella National Park in Ethiopia. Despite its protected status, the park has provided bush meat, which has caused significant biodiversity damage. It accounts for the highest concentration of wildlife in the country, particularly of mammals. Overall, Boma National Park is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the beauty of South Sudan’s natural wonders. With its diverse wildlife and stunning scenery, it’s a place that will leave you in awe and inspire a deep appreciation for the importance of conservation efforts.