Oromia | Culture and Tourism

Abijata-Shala Lakes National Park

abijata

At about 215 kms 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 sq.kms in area out of which 482 sq.kms 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 how ever, 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 km 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.

Dhéra Dilfaqar Proposed Park

Dhéra Dilfaqar Proposed Park is located south of Adama on the way to Asalla. Having an area of 25 sq.km. the park hosts about 23 mammals and more than 100 bird species. The major mammals include greater Kudu, lesser Kudu, klipspringer, Caracal, Striped Hyena, silver backed Jakal, Grey Duiker and others. The animals can be observed in the morning and evening.

Lake Shala

shala

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 connecting its western and eastern shores.

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.

Sanqalle Wildlife Reserve (Sanctuary)

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Along the asphalt road to Arba Minch via Shashamanné, there is a Sanqallé wildlife Reserve. Located at 304 km from Addis Ababa. Sanqale sanctuary is hosting around 20 mammals and 110 bird species. Being one of the endemic mammals to Ethiopia Swayne's Hartebeest is the main inhabiting species here while Oribi Warthog, Bohor Reed Buck, Cheetah, Civet Cat, Spotted Hyaena, and Golden Jackal are also present. The reserve is covered by sparsed acacia trees bush and grasses. One has to make about 9 km detour to south east of the highway to arrive at the sanctuary.

Yabello Sanctuary and Other Wildlife Areas

Yabello Sanctuary, though originally established for the protection of Swayne’s Hartebeest, it has become dominantly a habitat of Burchell’s Zebra.

The sanctuary is 17 km away from the nearby town Yabello to the east or 205 km far from the border town Moyalé. This savannah/acacia habitat is also a home of greater and lesser Kudu, Gerenuck, and other mammals. The reserve also cliams about 194 species of birds.

The other localities with wildlife concentrations are the Sarité plain and Forolé depression, which offer incredible spectacle of oryx, zebra, hartebeest, ostrich, gerenuk, gazelle, lion and other mammals.

Dhedhessa Wildlife Reserve

Dhedhessa valley is one of the area with wildlife potential that has been proposed for conservation. The area is located in the middle and lower part of Dhedhessa River. The all weather road from Naqamte to Beddelle descends to Dhedhessa valley, where it crosses the river.

Here one can enjoy beauty of the river and the valley. The area proposed for conservation is estimated to cover an area of about 1333 sq. km with altitude range between 1300 to 1900m.

Dhedhessa valley is an area of numerous watershed that more than 14 small rivers and streams flow to the major one (Dhedhessa). The area is believed to be a habitat for about 54 plant species, 30 mammal species and a number of birds.

Jallo-Qunni Mukhtar and Dindin Forests

Touristically, west and east Harargé zones are famed by their un paralleled scenic landscape. The scenery begins at Chiro, the capital of West Harargé zone, and is magnified by the fantastically situated mountains like Jallo Mukhtar, Qunni Mukhtar and others that encircle Chiro (Asebe Teferi) town. This scenic beauty extends to East Hararge whereby attractive massifs and peaks are observed through out the route to Dangago ridge.

Such mountains as Jallo and Qunni Mukhtar have special significance both for their physical beauty, vegetation and as wildlife habitats. Jallo Mukhtar and Dindin forest are currently the main forest sites on better position among others. The former is preserved as a sanctuary of Mountain Nyala while the later is considered as one of the controlled hunting areas in Oromiya.

These two forest areas, offer visitors opportunities of trekking, nature sightseeing, and forest exploration, while Dindin was designated as controlled hunting and safari area.

Babbile Elephant Sanctuary

Shared between Oromia and Somali Regional States, Babille Elephant Sanctuary is covering an area of about 6982 sq.km. It is situated south east of Harar and south of Babbilé town. It was established for the protection of the endemic Lodinta Africana Oreleansi elephant sub species. Apart from elephant, this semi arid and wood land sanctuary is also a habitat for a number of mammals including black manned lion, Kudu (greater and lesser), wild Ass, and others.

Awash National Park

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Stretched over 756 km2. It is situated at 225 kms 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 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 453 species of birds which include secretary birds, ground hornbill, carmine bee eater, roller and birds of riverine forest like coucal, turaco and goaway;

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 forms 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.

Balé Mountains National Park

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niala

lobala

This is a magnificent high altitude plateau with numerous dramatic volcanic plugs, seasonal tiny alpine lakes and cascading mountain streams. Located at about 400 km from Addis Ababa, it is stretched over an area of 2000 sq. kms with in altitude ranges of 1500m-4377m above sea level. Being the largest Afro Alpine habitat park in Africa, Balé mountains 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, include 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.

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.

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, African hunting dog, giant forest hog, spotted hyena, lion, leopards, colobus monkey, etc. are found in Haranna forest area.

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 afroalpine 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;
The area is a centre of endemicity that conserves stocks of genetic materials, much of which is not just endemic to Ethiopia, but is confined only to these mountains;
The area contains the largest population of endemic Mountain Nyala and the endangered Red Fox.

The area also contains the entire global population of giant molerat etc.