The best reason for coming to this national park is to see the spectacular views; with viewpoints allowing a panoramic look at the surrounding country, and some incredible geography. They are also notable for being the only mountain range in Africa which regularly has snow-topped caps; one must venture further than the foothills to observe it, however.
Ethiopia is home to several national parks: |
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One of the most beautiful national parks in Ethiopia, its 4068 km 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, and Burchell’s zebra are not uncommon. |
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Lying in the lowlands at the east of Addis Ababa and striding 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 east of Ethiopia and eventually flows into the wilderness of the Danakil Depression. The dramatic Awash Falls, as the river tumbles into its gorge, is the sight not to be missed in the national park. 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 hartebeest. The bird life is prolific especially along the river and in the nearby Lake Besaka and there are fine endemic amongst the 392 species recorded birds. A special attraction is the beautiful clear pools of the Filwoha hot springs. |
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Abijatta-Shalla National Park |
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Located in the heart of Rift valley, near Langano is 225 kilometers south of Addis Ababa and comprises 887 square kilometers. The two lakes are separated by three kilometers of hilly land. The altitude of the park ranges from 1540 to 2075 meters, the highest Mount Fike, which is situated between the two lakes. Lake Shalla is thought to be the deepest lake in Africa (250 meters deep), north of the Equator. Despite their natural beauty, these lakes are best known for their bird life. Different kinds of water birds such as greater and lesser flamingos along with white-necked cormorants, several species of herons, storks, spoonbills, African ducks, gulls and Sterns can be seen around the these lakes. During the northern winter thousands of Asiatic and European ducks and Waders migrate to the Lake Abiyatta shores. Lake Shalla is well known for its large colony of great white pelicans, undoubtedly the most breeding site for these species in Africa |
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The Gambella National Park was established primarily to protect two species of endangered wetland antelopes: the White-eared kob and the Nile Lechwe. Other wildlife reported as living here include populations of elephant, African Buffalo, lion, roan antelope, tiang, Lelwel Hartebeest, olive baboon, and Guereza monkey. Several birds only found in this area include the shoebill stork, the Uelle Paradise Whydah and the Red-throated and Green Bee-eaters. In Gambela Region Aguak and Nuer ethnic groups are dominant |
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