Southern National Park

Southern National Park in South Sudan is a mesmerizing destination that leaves visitors in awe of its beauty. This park was established in 1939 and covers an area of 23,000 km², making it a vast and captivating area to explore.The history of Southern National Park is rich and fascinating. In the 1950s, the park spanned over 7,800 square miles (20,000 km²) and was home to three rivers; the Sue River to the west, which joined the Nile, the Gel River to the east, and the Ibba River in the center of the park. The Gel and Ibba Rivers created a floodplain that resulted in a swampy habitat, providing the perfect environment for diverse flora and fauna.The park’s vegetation is as diverse as it is stunning. Bushveld, true rainforest vegetation, forests in laterite soils, and gallery forests all contribute to the unique landscape. During the monsoon season, the park transforms into an expansive grassland, with grass reaching heights of up to 15 feet (4.6 m). The soil in the park is generally whitish clay, with sandy valleys adding to the park’s beauty.The fauna of Southern National Park is just as diverse as its flora. The park is home to a variety of aquafauna, such as aba, tilapia, Nile bichir, lung fish, catfish, and even a few crocodiles. The mammals found in the park include giant eland, waterbuck, kob, hartebeest, korrigum, African buffalo, Kordofan giraffe, oribi, northern white rhino, reedbuck, lion, colobus monkey, various galagos including the Senegal bushbaby, and giant forest hog. Visitors may also catch a glimpse of marabou storks and pelicans in some regions of the park.Southern National Park is thinly populated and visited by very few tourists, making it a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. The locals who live in the park area rely on hunting, fishing, and honey collection as their main sources of livelihood.In summary, Southern National Park is a paradise waiting to be explored. Its diverse flora and fauna, combined with its rich history and unique landscape, make it a must-visit destination for any nature lover.