Dinder National Park – Africa’s Oldest Reserve

By: Hamza M. Elhassan

Dinder National Park is one of the most important nature reserves in Sudan and Africa. It is located in Sennar State in southeastern Sudan, on the border with Ethiopia, and covers an area of about 10,000 km².

1. Establishment and Location*

It was officially declared a reserve in 1935, making it the oldest nature reserve in sub-Saharan Africa. It is named after the Dinder River, which cuts through it from west to east and is the main source of water, along with the Rahad River.

2. Climate and Ecosystem*

The climate is tropical and seasonal, with two distinct patterns:

– *Rainy season*: From June to October. Rains fill more than 80 seasonal lakes known locally as “Mayo”. The savanna turns into dense green pastures and grass can reach 3 meters high.

– *Dry season*: From November to May. Most lakes dry up and animals concentrate around the rivers and permanent pools, making them easier to observe.

This alternation between wet and dry created a rich and diverse ecosystem.

3. Biodiversity

The reserve has a great wealth of plants and animals:

– *Mammals*: More than 27 species. The most prominent are the African lion in high density, the African elephant migrating from Ethiopia, leopard, cheetah, buffalo, giraffe, and several antelope species such as kob and reedbuck.

– *Birds*: More than 160 species of resident and migratory birds have been recorded. It receives large numbers of white storks and waterfowl coming from Europe and Asia to escape winter.

– *Plants*: Dominated by savanna trees such as gum arabic acacia, talh, and sunt, plus seasonal grasses that provide abundant food for herbivores.

### *4. Importance*

1. *Environmental*: It acts as a buffer zone for biodiversity and an important stopover for migratory birds between Africa and Eurasia.

2. *Research and scientific*: A center for wildlife studies and adaptation to seasonal climate. It hosts researchers from universities and global centers.

3. *Tourism and economic*: It has safari tourism potential. Viewing lions, elephants, and seasonal migrations could make it a global destination that generates income for the region if infrastructure is provided.

4. *Social*: Communities around it depend on its resources in sustainable ways such as grazing and collecting non-timber forest products.

### *5. Challenges*

The reserve faces several pressures:

1. *Poaching*: Targeting elephants for ivory and other animals.

2. *Agricultural expansion and grazing*: Pressure from local populations on the reserve’s borders, especially in drought years.

3. *Climate change*: Any change in rainfall patterns directly affects the filling of the “Mayo” lakes and the life cycle of organisms.

4. *Lack of funding and infrastructure*: It needs greater support for rangers, rehabilitation, roads, and visitor centers.

### *Conclusion*

Dinder National Park is not just a protected area, but a living model of nature’s cycle in Sudan. It combines rivers, forests, and savanna, and tells the story of a delicate balance between water and land, and between humans and animals. Protecting it is a national responsibility because it is part of Sudan’s natural heritage and a wealth for future generations.

Want me to add a short section on the best months to visit and how to get there from Port Sudan?