GAMBELA NATIONAL PARK
Gambella national park (5061 sq.km) lays along the course of another important river the baro. The park contains many species of animals not found elsewhere in the country such as the Nile lechwe and white-eared kob. It was originally established for the protection of extensive swamp habitat and the wildlife there. The altitude ranges from 4000 to8000 above sea level and t
emperature ranges 27 to 400c. Fauna-39 mammal species are known to occur in the park the most common species observed are Nile lechwe, buffalo, giraffe, tiang, water buck, roan antelope, zebra, bushbuck, elephants and warthogs.154 bird species have been recorded. An outstanding feature of this area is the spectacular migration of herds of white-eared kob. OMO NATIONAL PARK
The omo national park (4,068 sq.km) is one of the least spoit wildernesses with splendid attraction of rich savannah and geomorphologic formation. The park is perhaps the last strong hold from several species of wildlife in Ethiopia. The most notable animal species are the eland and tiang, the former being the only animal unique to the park. The altitude ranges from 450-2528 above sea level and the highest temperature is 36-390c between December and February; while the lowest temperature is 20-210c between March and may. Fauna-75 mammal species are known to exist in the park; mostly consisting of large herds of elephants, buffaloes ,grant’s gazelle, greater and lesser kudus.320 bird species, including the endemic black-winged lovebird both aquatic
Simien mountain national park
The simien mountain massif (225 sq.k.m) is a broad plateau, cut off to the north and west by an enormous single crag of over 60 kilometers long. The region includes many summits which are over 3,800 meters and culminates at the highest point in Ethiopia, Rasdashen, which are 4,620 meters and the fourth highest mountain in Africa. Fauna-within this spectacular splendor live the walia (Abyssinian) ibex, semein red wolf and gelada baboon-all endemic to Ethiopia-as well as the hamadryad’s baboon, klipspringers and bushbuck. Birds such as the lammergeyer, augur buzzard, verreaux; s eagle, kestrel and falcon also live in this mountain. The altitude ranges between 750-4,620 m above sea level and temperature ranges between 160-450c The natural beauty of Ethiopia amazes the first time visitor Ethiopia is a land of rugged mountains (some 25 are over40000meters high) broad savannah lakes and rivers. The unique refvet valley is a remarkable region of volcanic lakes, with their famous collections of birdlife. Great escarpments and stunning vistas. With 14 major wildlife reserves, Ethiopia provides a microcosm of the entire sub-Saharan ecosystem. Birdlife abounds, and indigenous animals from the rare Walia Ibex to the shy wild ass, roam free just as nature intended Ethiopia after the rains is a land decked with flowers and with a many more native plants than most countries in the Africa. Among the many natural tourist attractions only the principal’s ones are briefly given below. Nyala are a magnificent sight, particularly the old bulls with their fine spiraled horns. Females do not carry horns and they have rather long necks and large ears, which are very conspicuous. The body color of an old male is dark grey. Nyala are similar to Greater Kudu but can be distinguished by the single spiral horns and the absence of clear white stripes on the body. It stands 135 cm (53 inches)
AWASH NAIOTNAL PARK
It is the first park (765 sq.km) legally in Ethiopia on account of the great numbers and varieties of wild mammals and birds as well as its tourist potential. Another feature of the park is the Filwoha (hot springs) situated in the extreme north of the park it is used as spa by the local people the altitude ranges for m 750 m- 2007 above sea level and f temperature ranges between 160 – 450 c flora out of 7,000 species of plants recorded in the country 400 is found in this park. Fauna there are about 76 mammal species in the park mostly consisting of Oryx, bat eared fox, caracal, aardvark, Columbus and green Monkeys, Anubis and hamadryads Baboons, klipspringer, leopard, bushbuck, hippo, soemmering’s gazelle, gravy’s zebra, cheetah, greater and lesser kudus, mountain reedbuck, warthog, lion, serval cat, crocodile and several others. ABIYATTA SHALLA LAKES NATIONAL PARKS
Abijata-shalla National park or Lakes Park is reputed as bird watchers’ paradise. Despite their natural beauty, these lakes are best known for their bird life. A great number of endemic and exotic birds travel from Africa and different parts of the world to the park. The shelters migratory birds usually from July to September
History established in 1970 but not gazette
LOCATION- 215 kms south of Addis Ababa in Oromia regional state
AREA- 887 sq.km out of which 482 sq.km is that of the alkaline lakes
ALTITUDE- range from 1540 – 2075 m above sea level
FAUNA- about 37 mammal species have been recorded and some of them are klipspringer greater kudu, Grant’s gazelle, orbit and mountain reed buck it is a wetland reserve bird sanctuary in the Great Rift Valley. Some 370 species of birds occur here. The most common are great which pelicans, flamingoes. Egyptian geese, Marabou stork Yellow billed strokes, eagles, herons and eagles, herons and egrets. The two lakes lie on the migratory route of aquatic birds from the northern hemisphere during the winter season. VEGETATION- savannah and acacia woodland
ACCOMMODATION- hotels and camping sites available at the nearby lake Langano beach resort. BALE MOUNTAINS NAITONLA PARK
It is an area of high altitude plateau of 2470 sq.km with numerous spectacular volcanic plugs and peaks beautiful tiny alpine lakes and rushing streams from the mountain descending into deep rocky goges on their way down at the lowlands. Bale Mountains National park is the largest afro alpine habitat. It offers visitors with opportunities of mountaineering horse trekking scenic driving and chances to view some of Ethiopia’s endemic mammals. The park was first established to serve as sanctuary for the three rare endemic species of animals namely semen fox mountain nyala and Menelik’d bush buck. Flora about 16010 plant species shelter in the park of which 160 are endemic, to Ethiopia and 34 are strictly endemic to the park. Altitude ranges between 1500 – 4450 mt above sea level and temperature ranges between150c – 300c fauna 78 mammal species of which 17 are endemic to Ethiopia. There are rare and endangered as well as endemic species (e.g. Ethiopia wolf and mountain Nyalsa). Over 280 bird species have been recorded, including eight endemic (e.g. Yellow fronted parrot, Abyssinian long claw, spot breasted plover and Abyssinian wood pe**er). There are several rare endemic frogs, including four species found in bale alone. Similarly, there are two chameleon species restricted to the park. NECH SAR NATIONAL PARK
The park (515 sq.km) was established as a sanctuary for the endemic and endangered Swayne’s hartebeest. The Amharic phrase’ neschsar’ means ‘white gradd’ refers to the central grassy plains, which is always associated with burchell’s zebra the park’s most striking feature. The park is an impressive swathe of white grassy plains set against the backdrop0of clearly defined, deeply cut hills and mountains. It is the only national park in the world where the critically endangered Swayne’s hartebeest still survives. The altitude ranges from 1100 – 1650m above sea level and temperature ranges between 200 – 390 c
Fauna 84 mammals’ species are known to occur in the park the main species of animal are greater kudu burches klipspringer baboons, coleus monkey, eild dog. Besides 342 bird species have recorded including tow found nowhere else in Ethiopia. YANGUDI RASA NATIONAL PARK
The yahgudi rassa National Park (4731 sq.km) is large but little developed. Yangudi rassia was created to protect the wild ass, an endangered species and ancestor of the domestic donkey. The park is traversed by the Awash River and almost on the edge of the Danakil depression and it was here that he famous “LUCY” was discovered. The altitude Ranges from 400 – 1460 m above sea level and Temperature is high and has very little rainfalls as the area is semi-desert. Fauna 36 mammal species have been recorded the common species observed are cheetah, Oryx, sommering’s gazelle, Grant’s gazelle, hyena, (spotted), Lion, Leopard, Warthogs and Wild asss. 230 bird species are known to occur in there park. MAGO NATIONAL PARK
The mago national park (21,620 sq.km) is situated within the Great Rift Valley system in the southern Nations, Nationalities and people ‘regional state. East of the Omo River, stretching to the south towards the Chew Bahir basin Maog National park is rich in wildlife with few human inhabitants the altitude ranges from 450 – 2528 above sea level and temperature is 140c410c
Fauna 81 mammal species are known to exist in the park mostly consisting of large herds of elephants, buffaloes, Grant’s gazelle, greater and lesser Kudus. 217 bird species have also been recorded
