Lake Yirol

Lake Yirol sits beside the town of the same name in the Lakes region, a shallow body of water in Dinka cattle country where herds are brought down to drink and fishermen work from dugouts, with papyrus around the edges and open water in the middle. Hippos live in it. The lake is one of a group in this region that gave the state its name and it holds water through the dry season. The Lakes region takes its name from this group of waters, which are among the few permanent lakes in the country.

What you actually see

• The lake - shallow water holding through the dry season.
• The cattle - the Dinka herds brought down to drink.
• The dugout fishing - the boats worked from the shore.
• The hippos - the animals in the open water.

When to go

December to March is the dry season and the roads are best. The rains from April make travel difficult. Cattle come to the water most days.

Honest expectations

There is no visitor infrastructure. Hippos are dangerous and the shore should be treated with care. Travel needs local arrangement.

Nearby

Rumbek is west, and Shambe is northeast.