The southern part of Sudan is known as "The Sudd".  The area contains vast swamps and rain forests.  The White Nile travels through the area on its journey towards Khartoum and it is thought to loose up to 60% of its water in the region through evaporation. 

The area is one of the largest wetlands in the world covering an area of anywhere between 30000 and 130000 square kilometres dependent on the season.  The shallow waters of the swamp are frequented by crocodiles and hippos, the slow moving water also makes the area home to numerous mosquitos and other waterborne diseases.

The area is considered impassable both overland and by boat.