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The Omo National Park  ne of the most beautiful national parks in Ethiopia, its 4,068 square kilometres of wilderness bordered by the Omo river, is home to an amazing range of wildlife. 306 species of birds have been identified here, while large herds of Eland, some Buffalo, Elephants, Giraffe, Cheetah, Lion, Leopard, Burchell's Zebra, are quite common.
The park is not easily accessible. The current means of access is via Omorate and the ferry to the north bank of the river. The park headquarters is 75 km from Kibish settlement. However, a new airstrip is available close to the headquarters and to a pleasant campsite on the Mui River. Plans are in hand for further major improvements.
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Wild Ethiopia
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The Gambella National Park
Although little developed and receiving few visitors, Gambella National Park, in the west of the country, is unique with its large area of swamps and wetlands. Most of
the terrain is comprised of grassland, and wooded savannah. The park contains many species which are more typical of the Sudan rather than of Ethiopia.
The wetlands and the Baro River attract large quantities of birdlife, many of which are migratory visitors.
Access is best from the town of Gambella, and there are no tourist facilities in the park.
The Awash National Park
Lying in the lowlands east of Addis Ababa and astriding the Awash River, the Awash National Park is one of the finest reserves in Ethiopia. The Awash River, one of the major rivers of the horn of Africa, waters important agricultural lands in the north of Ethiopia and eventually flows into the wilderness of the Danakil Depression. The dramatic Awash Falls, where the river tumbles into a gorge, is a sight not to be missed.
Wild Ethiopia
| Awash National Park, surrounding the dormant volcano of Fantale, is a reserve of arid and semi-arid woodland and savannah, with riverain forests along the Awash River. Forty six species of animals have been identified here, including Beisa Oryx and Swayne's Heartbeest. The birdlife is prolific, especially along the river and at nearby Lake Basaka. There are fine endemic amongst the 392 species recorded.
A special attraction is the beautiful clear pools of the Filwoha hot springs.
Access to the park is best from the main Addis/Assab highway, and there is a caravan lodge called Kereyu Lodge at the edge of the gorge. |
The Mago National Park
Covering an area of 2,162 square kilometres on the banks of the Omo River, the Mago National park is relatively undeveloped for tourism. The broad grasslands teem with herds of Buffalo, Giraffe, Elephants and Kudu, while sometimes it is possible to find Lion, Leopard and Burchell's Zebra. The abundant birdlife here is typical of dry grasslands and rivers banks.
The park rises in the north to Mount Mago (2,528 m) and is home to 56 species of mammals.
The Nech Sar National Park
The broad grass plains of Nech Sar National Park lie 510 km south of Addis Ababa near the town of Arba Minch, between the lakes Abaya and Chamo. A wide variety of plain game roams freely amongst 514 square miles of Savannah, dry bush and groundwater forest, which are also the habitat of 188 recorded species
of birds. In the far eastern part of the park, hot springs bubble to the surface. A backdrop of hills and mountains combine to make Nech Sar one of the most attractive national parks in Ethiopia.
Accommodation is available at Wendo Genet, Arba Minch and Awasa, while there are camping sites in the park.
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The Yangudi - Rassa National Park
Although this park has little development and no tourist facilities, its dry grasslands are home to herds of the endangered Somali Wild Ass, as well as Grevy's Zebra, Hamadryras Baboon and Beisa Oryx. The park lies astride the Addis Assab road,
and consists of 4,730 sq. km of semi-desert and dry scrub.
Access to the park is from the town of Gewane, where the park administration is based.
The Bale Mountains National Park
Set on a high plateau, the vast moorlands of the Bale Mountains National Park are home to most of the Siemen Fox population. The virgin woodlands and mountain streams, with an almost alpine climate, make this national park one of the most beautiful in Ethiopia. |
Mountain Nyala, The 'Semien' Fox
Walia and Menelik's bushbuck
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Also protected here are the mountain Nyala and Menelike Bushbuck. The Rivers are well stocked with both brown and rainbow trout, just ready for the fishermen.
The Abiata - Shalla National Park
The Rift Valley Lakes National Park, about 215 km south of Addis Ababa, is an ornithologist's paradise. As would be expected in a park surrounding two Rift Valley lakes, Waterbirds predominate. However, 150 different species have been recorded here, including large numbers of great white pelicans, great and lesser Flamingos and Sacred Ibis. The forests are especially good for seeing unusual weavers and turacos.
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