Category: Natural Attractions


Region: Afar

Geographical Location:-500km north east of Addis Ababa on Awash Asab road.


Physical Features: Temperatures’ is high as in Awash National park. Very little rainfall as the area is semi- desert.

Vegetation:-semi-desert trees and scrub, savannah, open.Woodland

Fauna:-Thirty six(36)species of mammal, including wildass, GrebyZebra, gerenuk, Beisa Oryx, Hamadryads Baboon, Soemmering’s gatelle, and alt’s dik-dik.

Birdlife:-The 136 species of birds include two endemics.

Visitor facilities: Not yet Developed/Billen lodge can be served. Hotel in Gawane.

Yangudi-Rassa National Park

This roughly 5000 km2 National Park consists of mount Yangudi and the surrounding Rassa plains, and it harbors the only existing population of the African wild ass, a critically endangered species ancestor to the domestic donkey. Other large Mammal species survive in Yangudi Rassa, notably Beisa oryx, Soemmering’s and Dorcas Gazelle, Gerenuk and possibly Grevy’s Zebra. A good selection of dry country birds is resident in the area. The Arabian Bustard is a special and Ostriches are frequently observed

Size: 179km2(ninth)

Region: Amhara

Geographical Location:-760km north ofAddis Ababa , Via Bahardar,Gondar


Physical Features: Spectacular scenery, gorges and escarpments, just outside the park is RasDashen, Ethiopia’s highest peak at 4,543meters.

Temperatures: can fall below freezing at night. The Daytime temperatures are in the region of 11.50cto180c. The rainfall average 1,550mm a year.

Vegetation:-Afro-alpine montane, Savannah, heather, Much of the Vegetation has been Altered by Humans over the years and few trees will be seen in the area except the introduced eucalyptus. But In inaccessible areas, such as the escarpment, natural habitats areas, such as the escarpment, natural Habitats are preserved and plants such as St. John’s wort and heather may be seen as small trees or bushes, and many smaller herbs form carpets of color.

Fauna;- walia Ibex: semen Fox, Gelada Baboon, gery duiker, and Klipspringer are among the 21(Twenty-One)species.

Simien Mountains National Park

Massive erosion over the years on the Ethiopian plateau has created one of the most spectacular landscapes in the world, with jagged mountain peaks, deep valleys and sharp precipices dropping some 1500m. The park is home to some extremely rare animals such as the Gelada baboon, the Ethiopian Wolf and the Walia ibex, a goat found nowhere else in the world.

The Simien mountain massif is one of the major highlands of Africa, rising to the highest point in Ethiopia, Ras Dejen (4543m), which is the fourth highest peak in the continent. Although in Africa and not too far from the equator, snow and ice appear on the highest points and night temperatures often fall below zero.
The national park has three general botanical regions. The lower slopes have been cultivated and grazed, while the alpine regions (up to 3600m) were forested, although much has now disappeared. The higher lands are mountain grasslands with fescue grasses as well as heathers, splendid Red Hot Pokers and Giant Lobelia.

The park was created primarily to protect the Walia Ibex, a type of wild goat, and over 1000 are said to live in the park. Also in the park are families of the Gelada Baboon and the rare Ethiopian Wolf. The Ethiopian Wolf, although named after the mountains, is rarely seen by the visitor. Over 50 species of birds have been reported in the Simien Mountains. Access to the park is from Debark, 101 km from Gonder, where riding & pack animals may be hired.


Size:4,068km2 (third)

Region: SNNPR

Geographical Location:870 km. south west of Addis Ababa on the west bank of the Omo River.


Physical Features: Belts off forest along the omo and Mui Rivers, hot springs extensive wilderness. The grass plains are relieved by bands of hills to the north and south of the centrally located Park headquarters.

Temperatures: are high, ranging from 140c, and the rainfall averages 500 mm 780mm a year. Falling B/n March and April, and September and October.

Vegetation:-Savannah, riverine forest, deciduous woodland. Acacia bush.

Fauna;-The parks wildlife includes, large herds of eland, and buffalo, elephant, giraffe, cheetah, lion, leopard, and Burchel’sZebra. Lesser Kudu.Lelwel Hartebeest, topi, and Oryx are all found here. As well as debrazzas and Colobus monkeys, and Anubis baboon. A total of 57(70) species of mammals can be found in the park.

Bird Life:306(318) species, one of which, the black winged love bird is endemic to Ethiopia.

Visitor Facilities: Campsite on River Museum

Omo National Park

Omo National Park is on the west bank of the Omo River in the lower Omo valley. The park is 140 km long, stretching from the Neruze River in the south to the Sharum plain in the north, and up to 60 km wide where the Park Headquarters are situated. Major land features include the Omo River on the east, the Maji Mountains and the Sharum and Sai plains in the north and west, and the Lilibai plains and Dirga Hills to the south.

There are three hot springs, and the park is crossed by a number of rivers, all of which drain into the Omo. The important Mui River crosses the middle of the park. Much of the park is at 800m above sea level but the southern part by the Neruze river drops to 450m. The highest peak in the Maji Mountains is 1,541m. The edges of the Omo River, which borders the park along its length to the east, are covered by close stands of tall trees.

A well-developed shrub layer combined with woody and herbaceous climbers provides dense cover along the edge of the river which, however, is frequently broken by incoming streams and the activities of the local people and animals (particularly Hippo). Away from the river edge, dense stands of Euphorbia tirucalli abound, the canopies shading standing water long after the rains have abated. The park also embraces extensive open grasslands interspersed with stands of woodland species, and bush vegetation.

The park is home to the Surma, Mogudge and Dizi peoples, with the Bume (yanyatong) making much use of areas in the south and the Mursi crossing the Omo River from the east. These people are pastoralists and hunter-gatherers, but also cultivate a few crops on the river levees, and make extensive use of the river resources. They hunt wild animals for meat, skins and items to sell, in particular elephant tusks. The lower Omo valley as a whole, including Omo and Mago National Parks, is one of the least-developed in terms of modern-day investments.

The poor road network in the region is perhaps one reason why the area has stayed intact. This has assisted in delaying the destruction of the lifestyles of the people who live there as well as the balance of natural resources on which they depend. The track from Jinka in the east to the edge of the Omo River is only accessible in the dry season (August – February). Another track, from Maji to the Omo National Park on the west, is almost impassable and is mostly used only by Omo National Park vehicles and a few other adventurous visiting groups.

Omo National Park was established to conserve the areas rich wildlife and develop the area for tourism. However, the potential of the Omo River (between the two parks) for recreation and tourism activities has not been fully realized. Since the mid-1970s, the National Parks Omo to the west and Mago to the east of the river have not been able to attract many visitors, largely as a result of the communication barrier created by the Omo River and the very poor tourist facilities in the parks. This is now being remedied.
The current bird list for the park is 312 species. The riverine forest along the Omo River is important for several different bird groups, including herons and egrets, kingfishers, barbets, chats and thrushes, woodpeckers, pigeons, shrikes, warblers and flycatchers. Pale arctic species, especially waders, are fond of the hot springs at Illibai.



Region: SNNPR

Geographical Location:-505km.south –west of Addis Ababa near ArbaMinch


Physical Features: The park is an impressive Swathe (wrapping)of white grass plains set against the back drop of Clearly Defined, deeply cut hills and Mountains. 78km of The Park is water-parts of Lake Chamo and abaya.

Temperature There are host springs at the far eastern sector of the Park. Temperature range B/n 110c and 260c. January to March is the hottest period with daily maximum of around 350c. November and December are typically the coldest month’s whit maximum of Around 280c.

Rainfall: averages 888(900)mm and mainly falls march to May and September to November.

Vegetation;-Savannah dry bush ground water forest.

Fauna:-Anubis baboon, verve Monkey, cloobus Monkey, Swayne’s Harte best, Busechel’s Zebra, African Wild dog greater kudu, cat, Grant’s gazelle, Guenther’s dik-dik, black –backed Jackal, Crocodile and hippopotamus.

Birdlife:-The 188(333) bird species, Including 2(3) endemics-of the area are quite varied reflecting the d/f habitats within the park . Both the red-billed and gerhornbill are Common here. The Three endemics are- thick-billed raven. The watt led Ibis and the mysterious, Nechisar nightjar. Also common are fish eagle, Kingfishers, and rollers, various bustard species are also found in the park, including the large and impressive kori.

Visitor Facilities: Campsite in forest near kilfo river, Hotels in near by town of Arab Minch

Nechi Sar National Park

Nechi Sar National Park (Amharic for white grass) is located near Arba Minch town, named after the white grass that covers the undulating Nechi Sar plains, hosting the lakes Abaya and Chamo. Nechi Sar National Park is in eastern Gamo Gofa Zone. The zonal capital, Arba Minch, is on the western border of the park. Arba Minch is 510 km south of the capital Addis Ababa and 279 km south-west of the regional capital Awassa. Nechi Sar is named after the white grass that covers the undulating Nechi Sar plains and contrasts with the black basalt rocks of the Amaro Mountains to the east, and the black soils of the plains.

This 750 km2 National Park was established in 1974, and it is among the most beautiful game reserves in Africa set in the Rift Valley at an altitude of 1,000-1650m, the Park protects not only the easterly Nech-Sar “white grass plains for which it is named, but also portions of lake Chamo and Abaya and the mountainous bridge of God” that lies between the two lakes. Nech-Sar National Park is the wide Varity of animals and 350 bird species have been recorded.

The most common large mammal here is Burchell’s Zebra, which is regularly seen in herds of two or more you should also see grant’s gazelle and, with a bit of luck, one of the 100 odd resident Swayne’s hartebeest. Lion, cheetah and even Africa world dog are present and Guenther’s dik-dik and greater Kudu, Crocodile, Hippo and Waterbuck are frequently seen from the view point over Lake Chamo. Acacia birds such as rollers, Sparrow weavers and Starlings are well represented, and Nech-Sar seems to be particularly good for Raptors

Around 15% of the park comprises portions of Lakes Abaya to the north and Chamo to the south. The water of Lake Abaya is always brown or red-brown, in contrast with Lake Chamo which has strikingly blue water and white sandy beaches. The park also covers the neck of land between the lakes which supports groundwater forest. At the foot of Mt Tabala in the south-east there are hot springs. The altitude ranges from 1,108m at the shore of Lake Chamo to 1,650m on Mt Kalia in the north-east.

The main habitats of Nechi Sar National Park are the lakes, their shorelines, the groundwater forest and connecting river, the dry grassy plains, thick bushland and the wooded valleys and foothills of the Amaro Mountains. Most of the park is covered in bush land, which is thick and impenetrable in places, the taller trees.
The forest between the two lakes and by the Kulfo River is dominated by Ficus sycamorus up to 30m tall. This same area supports a number of shrubs and scramblers, but few herbs on the forest floor. The freshwater swamps at the mouth of the Kulfo River and in Lake Chamo are dominated by Typha angustifolia, tall waterside grasses, e.g. Saccharum spontaneum, and the small leguminous trees, Sesbania sesban and the legume Aeschynomene elaphroxylon.


Size:2,162 km2 (fifth)

Region: SNNPR

Geographical Location:-800(7.70) km South-west of Addis Ababa Touching the East bank of river Via Arba Minch. Konso and Jinka


Physical Features: The highest Point is Mount Mago (2,528m) situated in the north of the park

Temperature: here swings b/n 140C AND 410 C

Rainfall: which fall from March to May and October to December is Low, Being 480mm on average.

Vegetation:-Mainly grass Savannah , with Some forested areas around the rivers. Very dense bush makes Difficult for games viewing.

Fauna:-The park was set up to Conserve the large numbers of plain animals in the area ,Particularly buffalo (about 2000 head), giraffe, and elephant (200 head)Also among the species of mammal seen here are topi and lelwel Hartebeest, as well as lion, chieetah, Leopard, burchel zebra, gerenuk, Oryx, and greater Kudu and Lesser Kudu. There are Many Small mammals too making up altogether 81 mammals species so far recorded

Birdlife:-The birds are typical of the dry grassland habitat, featuring bustards, hornbills, Weavers, and starlings. King fisher’s and Herons can be seen around the Neri river, which provides an alternative There are Altogether 153 Species of birds recorded to date, Four(4)of them endemic; the white winged cliff chat, the black-headed forest Oriole, the Thick billed raven , and the watt led ibis.

Visitor Facilities:  campsite by Neri River near the Head quarters of the park

Mago National Park

Mago National Park is in South Omo Zone, 35km south-west of Jinka, the administrative centre of the Zone.
The Mago River flows through the centre of the park and joins the Neri River at Mago swamp, before continuing southwards as the Usno to join the Omo River. The river, which is 760 km long, originates in the central, south-western highlands of Ethiopia, where it is known as the Gibe. Its final destination is Lake Turkana, close to the Kenyan border.
Proclaimed in the 1960, the 2,162 km2 Mago National park is bisected by the Mago Rivers which flow into the Omo in the park’s southern boundary. Although Mago National Park share some 5km of its southwestern boundary with Omo National Park, the protected areas effectively form one ecological unit.
The altitude at the edge of the park is 400 m. To the east are the Mursi Hills, rising to over 1,600 m. North of the Neri river are the Mago mountains with the highest point, Mt Mago, at 2,528 m. The south-eastern quarter of the park is crossed by many small streams and rivers. The headquarters for the park are by the Neri River, near the entrance from Jinka.

The main habitats of the park and surrounding area are the rivers and riverine forest, the wetlands of Mago swamp and Lake Dipa, the bush land, savanna grassland and open grassland on the more level areas, and bush land and scrub on the sides of the hills. Open grassland comprises just 9% of the area, the rest of the area being described as very dense. The largest trees are found in the riverine forest beside the Omo, Mago and Neri. Areas along the lower Omo (within the park) are populated with a rich diversity of ethnic groups including the Ari, Banna, Bongoso, Hamer, Karo, Kwegu, Male and Mursi peoples. A number of these groups live beside the river and make extensive use of its natural resources and its levees to grow crops.



Region: Gambella

Geographical Location:-West Ethiopia,850km west of Addis Ababa


Physical features: EXTENSIVE Swamps and wetlands of the Akobo river system

Rainfall;is1500mm a year, falling b/n April and October

Temperatures are high

Vegetation:-Semi-arid open Woodland, Savannah, swamp

Fauna:-The park conations forty-one(41) Species many representative of neighboring Sudan and not found elsewhere in Ethiopia, such as Nile Lechwe and the white-eared kob,the latter migrating in Large numbers. Roan antelope, topi, elephant, buffalo, lelwel hartbeest, lion, and giraffe are also present.

Birdlife:-The most important of the 154 bird species present here is the whale-headed stork, an unusual large billed, tall bird seen standing in the swamps.

Visitor Facilities: NO development yet.

Gambella National Park

Gambella National Park is a remote and swampy park established primary to protect population of two endangered wetland antelopes whose range is restricted to this part of Ethiopia and adjacent regions in southern Sudan. The park has never been fully protected, the area does support significant though shrinking populations of Elephant, Buffalo and Lion, as well as Roan antelope, Tiang, Lelwel hartebeest, Olive baboon and Guereza monkey. Several interesting birds inhabit the Gambella National Park, notably Ethiopia’s’ only population of the elusive and weird looking Shoebill Stork. Other interesting and unusual species found in the park include the country’s entire population of the localized Lelwel hartebeest, Paradise Whydah, the lovely Little green bee eaters, as well as Black-faced Fire Finch, Red-necked Buzzard, Egyptian Plover, and several localized but drab Cisticolas and other Warblers.


One of the most important features of this region of Africa resulted from faulting and cracking on its eastern side. This has caused the Great Rift Valley, which extends from the Middle East to Mozambique, passing in a north-south direction right through Ethiopia. This shearing of the earth’s surface occurred at the same time that the Arabian Peninsula, geologically a part of Africa, was sundered from the rest of the continent. Volcanic activity, which has continued until today, finds expression in volcanoes in Ethiopia’s Danakil Depression, as well as in the hot springs in many parts of the country.

Earth tremors are often felt, and exposed cones of old volcanic plugs are seen throughout the plateau. After the Rift opened, much of this area was flooded by the inrushing waters of the red Sea, a flood that was subsequently stemmed by fresh volcanic activity that raised barriers of basaltic lava. Behind these barriers the trapped inland sea that had formed began to evaporate under the fierce heat of the tropical sun – a process that is almost complete today. Only a few scattered, highly saline lakes – Gamarri, Affambo, Bario, and Abbe remain. Elsewhere, there are huge beds of natural salt – which, at points, are calculated to be several thousands of meters thick.


Size:2,479 km2 (four)

Region: Oromia

Geographical Location:-South east Ethiopia, Southern end of Eastern-edge of Rift valley mountain chain, 400km from Addis Ababa.

Altitude:-1,500-4,377 m

Physical Features: The extensive Afro- Alpine area contains alpine Lakes and the highest peak in Southern Ethiopian, Tulu Dimtu. The area of the parks divided into two major parts by the Hareman Escarpment that runs from east to west.

North of the escarpment is a high altitude plateau area, which dissected by many rivers and streams that, having cut deep gorges into the edges over the centuries. In some places this has resulted in scenic waterfalls. The northern part of the park is riverine plains,. Bushland and wood; the center is high plateau of 4,000 meters, which is crossed by the highes tall-weather road in Africa. The southern part of the park is forest

Temperature:range from 70c to 260c, depending on the seasons.

Rainfall:is high, averaging 1,150mm and usually falls b/n March and October, as well as in other months.

Vegetation:-in the north, are green riverine Plains bordered by bands of bushes, particularly St. john swort wild flowers from carpets of color. Fringing the hills are stands of hagenia and Junipers and above them are mountain grasslands higher up the mountains heather appears. The high Sanity-Plateau is characterized by Afro- alpine Plants, some coping with the extreme temperature by coming small land others by becoming large. The best dominant Wildflower in the park is the everlasting flower. The southern part of the park is heavily forested. The heather forest is particularly mature here, draped with many lichens.

Fauna:-The park was originally established to protect two of the Ethiopia’s endemic species, the mountain Nyala and the semen fox or mammal in the park, eleven(11) of them endemic including Menelik’s bushbuck, bohor, reed buck,geryduiker, Worthhog,several cat, colobus monkey, giant mole rat, African wild dog ,bushpig,gaint foreshog,lion &Anubis baboon.

Birdlife:-The 220 bird species, of Bale include 16(sixteen) endemic species, many of which are easily seen. These Include watt led lbs.,black-winged love bird blue-winged goose Roget’s rail, and thick billed raven. Wattled cranes are often seen on the high plateau in the wet season when they breed.

Visitor facilities: self-catering Lodge and campsite at park headquarters, camping allowed in park while trekking. Hotels in Goba and Robe,Museum.

Bale Mountains National Park

Bale Mountains National Park: This is a magnificent high altitude plateau with numerous dramatic volcanic plugs, seasonal tiny alpine lakes and cascading mountain streams. Located at about 400 kilometres from Addis Ababa, it is stretched over an area of 2000 square. kilometers with in altitude ranges of 1500m-4377m above sea level. Being the largest Afro Alpine habitat park in Africa, Balé mountain National Park offers the following major features of attraction.
It gives chances of viewing about 46 mammal and more than 200 bird species and vegetation of unspoiled wonderland including various tree species and precious endemic mammals, namely Red Fox, Mountain Nyala, and Menelik’s Bushbuck.

Its climate is mostly very cold with high rainfall and damp cloud with rare sparkling blue sky. The best season of walking, trekking and camping in the park to view the endemic life and enjoy other tourist activities in the astonishing vast alpine areas is the dry season which is from November to March. Visitors can also enjoy the habitat at all seasons with warm and weather proof clothing.

The three main divisions of the park, includes the northern area-Dinsho and Gassay Plain the central alpine part-Sanaté, and the southern forest area-Haranna that offer distinct features. Dinsho area is the perfect site of viewing Mountain Nyala and Menelik’s Bushbuck, etc. Tourists can also visit the head quarter and the museum of the park here at Dinsho and get lodge service and relevant information about the park.

Sanaté, nick-named as “ The Island in the Air”, is a high plateau souring up over 4000m on top. The second highest peak next to Ras Dashen in Ethiopia, Tullu Dimtu (4377m above seal level), is among many peaks on the plateau found. An all weather road from Goba to Dallo Manna passes over this plateau. The seasonal tiny alpine lakes, some rare birds, and above all, the endemic Red Fox, and giant Molrat the top tourist attraction mostly specific to Balé Mountains National Park are spotted here.

The southern Haranna area is an area of lower altitude covered with dense moist tropical forest. The road penetrating Sannaté and Haranna forest connects Goba with Dallo Manna. Bush pig, a frican hunting dog, giant forest hog, spotted hyena, lion, leopards, colobus monkey, etc. abound in Haranna forest area.
The beautiful rainbow and trout fish stocked in the park rivers with fry from Kenya in 1960 may give tourists a fishing opportunity if they have time.
The lodge at Dinsho provides tourists with 31 beds (room 6) and kitchen equipment for self service. The accommodation is simple but pleasant. Camping at Dinsho and at different sites in the park gives great delight to tourists. The Bekelé Mola (at Robé) and the Wabé Shebelé (at Gobba) Hotels welcome tourists with accommodation and catering services.

While in Bale Mountains National Park there are important specific sites worth visiting, these are Dinsho head quarter site, Gassay Valley, sannate- Tullu Dimtu, Harana escarpment, Harana forest-Kacha site Weib valley and others.

Touristic Appeal: The Bale Mountains National Park is an area of major importance in nature conservation, scientific research, education and tourism. Among the major factors that contribute to its tourist appeal, the following distinctive feature can be mentioned: The park conserves the largest area of afro alpine habitat on the continent of Africa; The Harana Forest, at the south of the area, is the second largest stand of moist tropical forest remaining in Ethiopia;

Size: 750m2(Seventh)

Region: Oromia/Afar

Geographical Location:-Bordering the A wash River in the upper rift valley,225kmeast of Addis Ababa

Altitude: 750-2,007m

Physical Features: Nearby Lake Basaka is to many water bird species. The park’s southern boundary is, in part, the Awash River,one of the Major rivres of Ethiopia.

In the middle of the Park is the dominant volcano of Fantale, reaching a height of 2,007m on its rim. The Park also includes the dramatic awash fall and the unbelievablyclear blue-but hot-pools of the Filwoha hot spring.

Temperatures: can reach as high as 420c.Nights are cooler, with temperatures between 100cand 220c.

Rain: mainly falls b/n February and April and June to August &averages 619mm

Vegetation: Arid and semi-arid woodland and savannah, but also riverine forest.The plains are covered by grass species, with scattered small tree covered in dense thickets of acacia species. The rocky valleys to the north of the parkare heavily bushed. Along the river a thin belt of denseriverine forest, including acacia, tamarina and fig species.

Fauna: Forty six (46) species, including Beisa Oryx, greater and lesser Kudu, Soemmering’s Gazelle, Swayne’s hartebeest,lion, Hamadryads and Anubis baboon and their hybrids, Defassa waterbuck, Salt’s dik-dik.

Birdlife:-There are five(5) endemic among the 392 species(1st) to be found in the park. Resident species include green wood hoopoe, red-and-yellow barbet, emerald-spotted wood dove, carmine bee-eater several bustard species, fish eagle, tawny eagle, lanner and pygmy, falcon, black shouldered Kite, dark chanting goshawk, several varieties of Kingfishers and rollers, ostrich and lammergeyer.

Visitor facilities: Very basic caravan lodge on edge of Awash gorge, campsite beside river, museum.

Awash National Park


Awash National Park: stretched over 756 kilometres2 AWNP is situated at 225 kilometers south east of Addis on the plain through which the highway and railway line leading to Dire Dawa and Djibuti passes.
Establish in 1966, Awash National Park is the first officially gazetted wildlife reserve in the country. The park is entirely established on the plain of the Rift Valley. With the exception of 2600m high mountain Fantallé, the park area is predominantly covered with shrub, bush, acacia and open grass lands.

The main tourist attractions of the park include:
The 46 major species of mammals and 453 species of birds among which six species are endemic to the country. All the mammals are East African plain animals origin like greater and lesser Kudus, oryx, bush buck, dik-dik, gazzelle, fox, klipspringer, cheetah, lions and others. The bird species include secretary birds, Abyssinian ground hornbill, carmine bee eater, Abyssinian Roller and birds of riverine forest like coucal, turaco and goaway birds;

The Awash River that at the end of its gentle flowing course in relatively plain surface, suddenly drops into a gorge where the waters hit the bottom basaltic rocks to form a smoky water falls offering delightful sensation; Fantallé mountain, which rises majestically over the surrounding low land with its fascinating feature of volcanic origin, and depression on the top of the mountain that form a rugged surface with clouds of volcanic steam rising here and there;

The palm springs of the northern part of the park, where hot water springs from the wall of hill flows down making a stream and a natural swimming pool amidst palm trees; The museum in the park head quarters where trophies of animals living in the park are displayed; The 22 caravans stationed on the edge of the Awash river gorge and the camp sites along the gently flowing Awash river where visitors could camp under riverine trees give opportunity to see crocodiles in the river and other larger animals that come to drink water.


Size:887km2 (sixth)


Geographical Location:-Rift Valley, 200km, south of Addis Ababa


Physical Features: 482km2 of the park is water comprising the fluctuating shallow pan of Lake Shalla, both of which are saline. Several hot springs bubble up by the shore and flow into Lake Shalla.Mount Fike, 2,075 meters high, is situated b/n the two Lakes.

Temperatures: can be high, reaching 450c at maximum and 50c at minimum. B/n March and April and June and Septumber average 500 mm

Vegetation:-Savannah and acacia wood Land, Many areasare adversely affected by people Practicing charcoal production and livestock grazingparticularly near the roads.

Fauna:-31 species of mammals, including greater Kudu, Grant’s Gazelle, warthog, Anubis baboongrivet and colobus monkeys, Oribi, Klipspringer, black-backed and common Jackal.

Birdlife;-300(200) species, including six endemics parkcreated for the water birds, especially great white pelican, greater and Lesser Flamingocormorants.

Visitor Facilities:Hotels (government and privet) and camping on nearby Lake Langano, Self Catering restHouse at Gike.

Abijata-Shalla National Park

At about 215 kilometers from Addis Ababa, visitors will arrive at Abijata-Shala National Park main gate or “Lakes Park” which was once reputed as one of the bird watchers ground in Africa. It was 887 square. kilometers in area out of which 482 square. kilometers is covered by water of Lake Abijata and Shala. This park used to have about 31 species of mammals such as Spotted Hyena, Golden and Black Backed Jakals, Olive Baboon, Grant’s Gazelle, etc., and 367 species of birds. But currently due to devastated ecology and extreme decrease of Abijata Lake water, one can see only less concentration of flamingoes.

Before, myriad of local and exotic birds that come from Europe and different parts of the world used to congregate here in at Lake Abijata. July to September being the peak season of congregation (and best time to watch birds) in the year. Hundreds of thousands of Flamingoes and Great White Pelicans, Fish Eagles, King Fishers, the tall Marabou Stork, Cormorants and Darters, etc. used to roam here in Lake Abijata and in the side-by lake Shala. There were also vast colonies of sacred Ibis, Queela, Stilt, Snope Black Heron, Avocet, Egyptian Geeze, Eglets, Plovers, etc. It is quite unlikely however, to see most of the birds mentioned above while some species are seen in small number (seasonally), due to the same reason stated earlier.

Located at 215 kilometers from Addis Ababa the small enclosure of Ostrich farm hosts a group of ostriches with some Grant’s Gazelles. At the park’s head quarter one can easily observe (watch) a flock of male and female ostriches and some gazelles. Lake Shala, which is separated to the south from lake Abijata by a strip of land has a delightful view for its deep blue color with excellent reflections of the magnificent western hills. At the north eastern shore of the lake Shala, one can be impressed by a tumbling cascade of hot springs and smoke of vapor that rush out down to the bay. This is typical investment potential for spa resort development and some investors are being attracted by this intact nature.

The other fascinating part of the lake is the Gike Site. It is situated on the lofty land at the south western shore of lake Shala. This is the best site for bird watching and camping. It is accessible by a sturdy car through Aware and Senbete towns found south of Shashamane. Lake Shala is also the ideal lake for water transportation to make touring around the tiny islands and for connecting its western and eastern shore. South west of lake Shala, there is also a small alkaline crater lake known as lake Chittu. This small lake, more than any other lake, is the best site of bird watching, especially the flamingoes. Chittu is accessible by four wheel drive via Sambaté town.