ETHIOPIAN NATIONAL PARKS & SANCTUARY

Ethiopian National parks

There are 20 National parks & wildlife sanctuaries found in Ethiopia in 4 directions of the country, with different geographical backgrounds and climates. Ethiopia is one of the top countries globally with many National Parks, making it an ideal destination for travelers interested in exploring its natural wonders. These parks include:

  • Abijatta – Shalla National Park
  • Awash National Park
  • Bale Mountain National Park
  • Borena National Park
  • Chebera Churchura National Park
  • Gambela National Park
  • Kafta Sheraro National Park
  • Mago National Park
  • Maze National Park
  • NechSar National Park
  • Omo National Park
  • Semien Mountain National Park
  • Yangudi Russa National Park

Additionally, Ethiopia has recorded 6 wildlife sanctuaries:

  • Didessa Wildlife Sanctuary
  • Aledeghi Wildlife reserve 
  • Babile Wildlife Sanctuary
  • Kuni-Muktar Wildlife Sanctuary
  • Senkelle Wildlife Sanctuary
  • Stephanie Wildlife Sanctuary
  • Yabello Wildlife Sanctuary

These national parks and wildlife sanctuaries are home to 279 mammal species, among which 31 are endemic to Ethiopia and endangered. There are 924 bird species recorded in Ethiopia, with 23 endemic to Ethiopia only. 

Semien Mountain National Park: This park is one of the world’s magnificent parks found in the northern part of Ethiopia. It is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its breathtaking landscapes, wildlife sanctuary, and birdlife sanctuary. The park is home to many species of wildlife, including the endemic Ethiopian wolves, Walia ibex, and gelada baboons. The dramatic landscape combined with the natural beauty of the area makes it an attractive place to visit. The tallest Ethiopian mountain, which is 4,550 meters above sea level, is found in this park, along with 50 bird species, including endemics found only in Ethiopia.  This park offers a good Ethiopia Holiday Package for Hiking and Trekking tours. 

Bale Mountains National Park: Located in the southeast of Ethiopia, this park includes mountains such as the 4377-meter Tulu Dimtu, the second-highest mountain in Ethiopia, and the 4307-meter Mount Batu. The park is home to diverse wildlife and birdlife, with lower reaches covered in extensive virgin woodlands, pristine mountain streams, and an alpine climate. It is crucial for the survival of the mountain Nyala, Minilik’s bushbuck, and the Simien red fox, with over 320 bird species, including half of Ethiopia’s endemic birds.

Awash National Park: This park, the oldest and most developed wildlife reservation in Ethiopia, features the 1,800-meter-high Fentalle volcano, extensive mineral hot springs, and extraordinary volcanic formations. It is home to a variety of East African plains animals and 450 species of birds, making it an ideal destination for those interested in wildlife safaris included in Ethiopia tour packages.

Omo National Park: Located in the southwest of Ethiopia, it is the largest park in Ethiopia, covering an area of 4,068 km2. It is known for its rich big game and is home to diverse bird and wildlife, including buffalo, elephant, giraffe, lion, African leopards, hartebeest, and cheetah. Omo National Park offers an authentic safari experience, making it a must-visit destination for travelers exploring Ethiopia tour packages.

Chebera Churchura National Park: Found 482 km west of Addis Ababa in the Dawro zone, this park is known for its elephants and diverse habitats for mammals and birds. It is an excellent addition to any Ethiopia tour package for those seeking encounters with wildlife in their travels.

Mago National Park: Established on the eastern bank of the Omo River, this park covers an area of 2220 km2 and is known for its variety of wildlife and birdlife, as well as the Mursi tribes living in the park territory. Including Mago National Park in Ethiopia tour packages offers travelers the opportunity to experience the unique cultural and natural heritage of the region.

Nech Sar National Park: Located 530 km to the south of the capital, it covers 514 km2 and consists of lakes, including Lake Abaya and Lake Chamo. It is known for its vast wildlife, including crocodiles, hippos, and various bird species. Adding Nech Sar National Park to Ethiopia tour packages provides travelers with a chance to explore the diverse ecosystems and abundant wildlife of southern Ethiopia.

Gambela National Park: Found in the western part of Ethiopia, it is known for its unique animals such as buffalo, elephant, giraffe, Masai lion, and African leopards, as well as its diverse bird species. Including Gambela National Park in Ethiopia tour packages offers travelers the opportunity to discover the untouched wilderness and abundant wildlife of the region.

Abijatta-Shalla National Park: Located in the southern part of Ethiopia, it is known for the Abijata and Shalla lakes, separated by the ‘Fike’ mountain. The park is a birdlife sanctuary, with 300 bird species, including flamingos and ostriches. Adding Abijatta-Shalla National Park to Ethiopia tour packages allows travelers to experience the stunning landscapes and rich birdlife of the Rift Valley region.

Wildlife Sanctuaries

Bablile Elephant sanctuary
The Bablile Elephant sanctuary was established in 1970G.C, it is found in east Hararghe zone of Ethiopia, it lies on 6,982 square kilometers, you can watch the native African Elephant in the sanctuary also other mammals.

Senkelle Hartebeest sanctuary
The Senkelle Hartebeest wildlife sanctuary is established to protect the endangered species of the Swayne’s hartebeest, it is found 340 kilometers south of Addis Ababa and covers an area of 54Km2, you can find also other mammals in the sanctuary and 91 species of birds in the scenic sanctuary.

Yabello wild life sanctuary
It is found 565 km south of Addis Ababa in Borena zone, the sanctuary consists of Acacia savannah, wooden land & forests, it is a home for 210 species of birds including Ostrich and mammals such as, swaynes Hartebeest, Zebra, Gerenuk, gazelle, Dik-Dik and others, best place for bird watchers.

N.B. Aone Ethiopia Tours prepare a special tour packages for the above National parks & sanctuaries.

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