List of National Parks in Ethiopia

Here’s a detailed guide to all 22 national parks in Ethiopia, including their location, wildlife, activities, and best time to visit.

List of national parks in Ethiopia

1. Abijatta-Shalla National Park

📍 Location: Oromia Region
🦩 Wildlife: Flamingos, pelicans, ostriches, gazelles
🎯 Activities: Birdwatching, hot springs, scenic lake views
📅 Best Time to Visit: October–May (dry season)

2. Alitash National Park

📍 Location: Amhara Region (near Sudan border)
🦓 Wildlife: Elephants, lions, leopards, oryx
🎯 Activities: Wildlife viewing, cultural visits to local communities
📅 Best Time to Visit: November–March

3. Arsi Mountains National Park

📍 Location: Oromia Region
🦌 Wildlife: Mountain nyala, Ethiopian wolf, colobus monkeys
🎯 Activities: Trekking, mountain climbing, wildlife photography
📅 Best Time to Visit: October–April

4. Awash National Park

📍 Location: Afar & Oromia Regions
🦓 Wildlife: Oryx, baboons, crocodiles, leopards
🎯 Activities: Game drives, Awash River waterfalls, hot springs
📅 Best Time to Visit: November–February

5. Bejimiz National Park

📍 Location: Benishangul-Gumuz & Amhara Regions
🦌 Wildlife: Antelope, lions, buffalo
🎯 Activities: Wildlife safari, birdwatching, hiking
📅 Best Time to Visit: October–March

6. Borana National Park

📍 Location: Oromia & Somali Regions
🦓 Wildlife: Giraffes, zebras, cheetahs
🎯 Activities: Safari, cultural tours with Borana people
📅 Best Time to Visit: November–April

7. Bale Mountains National Park

📍 Location: Oromia Region
🐺 Wildlife: Ethiopian wolf, mountain nyala, Bale monkeys
🎯 Activities: Trekking, wildlife viewing, horseback riding
📅 Best Time to Visit: October–March

8. Chebera Churchura National Park

📍 Location: SNNPR Region
🐘 Wildlife: Elephants, lions, buffalos
🎯 Activities: Safari, birdwatching, waterfalls
📅 Best Time to Visit: November–April

9. Dati Wolel National Park

📍 Location: Oromia Region
🦜 Wildlife: Birds, primates, leopards
🎯 Activities: Hiking, camping, wildlife watching
📅 Best Time to Visit: October–May

10. Didessa National Park

📍 Location: Benishangul-Gumuz Region
🦌 Wildlife: Antelope, elephants, crocodiles
🎯 Activities: River safaris, camping
📅 Best Time to Visit: November–March

11. Gambela National Park

📍 Location: Gambela Region
🦌 Wildlife: Elephants, giraffes, white-eared kob migration
🎯 Activities: Safari, birdwatching, cultural visits
📅 Best Time to Visit: December–April

12. Geralle National Park

📍 Location: Somali Region
🦓 Wildlife: Giraffes, zebras, cheetahs
🎯 Activities: Wildlife safaris, eco-tourism
📅 Best Time to Visit: November–March

13. Gibe Sheleko National Park

📍 Location: SNNPR Region
🦌 Wildlife: Antelope, warthogs, monkeys
🎯 Activities: Boat rides, fishing, hiking
📅 Best Time to Visit: October–April

14. Kafta Sheraro National Park

📍 Location: Tigray Region
🐘 Wildlife: Elephants, lions, giraffes
🎯 Activities: Safari, birdwatching
📅 Best Time to Visit: December–March

15. Loka-Abaya National Park

📍 Location: SNNPR Region
🦜 Wildlife: Monkeys, birds, hippos
🎯 Activities: Boating, camping
📅 Best Time to Visit: November–April

16. Mao-Komo National Park

📍 Location: Benishangul-Gumuz & Oromia Regions
🦌 Wildlife: Antelope, leopards, buffalo
🎯 Activities: Trekking, cultural visits
📅 Best Time to Visit: October–May

17. Mago National Park

📍 Location: SNNPR Region
🦛 Wildlife: Hippos, lions, giraffes
🎯 Activities: Safari, visiting Mursi tribes
📅 Best Time to Visit: November–April

18. Maze National Park

📍 Location: SNNPR Region
🦓 Wildlife: Swayne’s hartebeest, zebras
🎯 Activities: Wildlife safaris, camping
📅 Best Time to Visit: October–March

19. Nech Sar National Park

📍 Location: SNNPR Region
🦓 Wildlife: Zebras, hippos, crocodiles
🎯 Activities: Boat trips, game drives, birdwatching
📅 Best Time to Visit: November–March

20. Omo National Park

📍 Location: SNNPR Region
🦁 Wildlife: Lions, elephants, buffalo
🎯 Activities: Safari, cultural visits
📅 Best Time to Visit: December–April

21. Simien Mountains National Park

📍 Location: Amhara Region
🐵 Wildlife: Gelada baboons, Ethiopian wolf
🎯 Activities: Trekking, mountaineering
📅 Best Time to Visit: October–April

22. Yangudi Rassa National Park

📍 Location: Afar Region
🐎 Wildlife: African wild ass, gazelles
🎯 Activities: Wildlife safari, cultural experiences
📅 Best Time to Visit: November–March

🌍 Travel Tips for Ethiopian National Parks

✅ Best time to visit: Dry season (October–April)
✅ Guides: Highly recommended for safety & best experience
✅ Vehicles: 4×4 required for most parks
✅ Packing list: Binoculars, camera, sunscreen, insect repellent
✅ Local culture: Respect traditions, especially in tribal areas