Awash National Park
Awash National Park, situated in the Great Rift Valley around 200 kilometers east of Addis Ababa, is one of Ethiopia’s oldest and most accessible national parks. Its landscape is a mixture of acacia woodlands, savannas, and dramatic volcanic features, including the stunning Mount Fentale and the Awash River Gorge, where waterfalls tumble down into rocky canyons. The park is home to over 80 mammal species such as oryx, gazelles, baboons, and even leopards, though the dense brush can make sightings elusive. Birdwatchers are especially drawn to Awash, as it hosts more than 450 bird species, including hornbills, bee-eaters, and the endemic yellow-throated serin. The nearby Afar communities and hot springs add to the cultural and geological richness of a visit to this dynamic park.
Nechisar National Park
Located near the town of Arba Minch in southern Ethiopia, Nechisar National Park is a spectacular mosaic of lakes, savanna plains, and forested highlands. It’s most famous for its location between Lake Abaya and Lake Chamo, which can be viewed from the stunning “Bridge of God”, a natural isthmus separating the two bodies of water. The park is home to wildlife such as zebras, antelopes, crocodiles, and hippos, as well as over 300 species of birds including the giant kingfisher and African fish eagle. Boat safaris on Lake Chamo give visitors close-up views of crocodile basking spots and hippo pods, while game drives across the Nechisar Plains offer scenic and serene encounters with nature.
Omo National Park
Located in southwestern Ethiopia along the banks of the Omo River, Omo National Park is one of the most remote and untouched wilderness areas in the country. This expansive park is characterized by open savannas, riverine forests, and hilly landscapes that support a variety of wildlife including buffalo, elephants, giraffes, lions, and leopards, though they are not always easy to spot due to the park’s vastness and limited infrastructure. More than just a natural reserve, Omo is also a cultural treasure trove, lying within the Omo Valley—a region known for its diverse and colorful ethnic groups such as the Mursi, Surma, and Nyangatom. Visiting Omo National Park offers a rare chance to combine raw nature with deeply rooted traditions that have been preserved for centuries.
Gambella National Park
Tucked away in the far western part of Ethiopia near the South Sudanese border, Gambella National Park is one of the largest national parks in the country, though also among the least developed. It is particularly renowned for hosting Africa’s second-largest mammal migration—tens of thousands of white-eared kob cross the park’s floodplains in a seasonal spectacle that rivals any seen on the continent. The park is also home to Nile lechwe, hippos, elephants, and a wide range of birds including rare wetland species. Its vast, watery landscapes—comprised of rivers, swamps, and grasslands—create an ideal environment for those seeking off-the-beaten-path adventures. The presence of Anuak and Nuer communities nearby adds a fascinating cultural dimension to the park experience.
Simien Mountains National Park
The Simien Mountains National Park, located in northern Ethiopia, is one of the most breathtaking landscapes in Africa and the first site in Ethiopia to be recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Often referred to as the “Roof of Africa,” the park features dramatic jagged mountain peaks, deep valleys, and towering cliffs that drop sharply into vast gorges. It is a paradise for trekkers, with trails leading through remote highland villages and spectacular viewpoints. The park is also home to some of Ethiopia’s most iconic and endangered wildlife, including the Gelada baboon, the Walia ibex (found nowhere else in the world), and the elusive Ethiopian wolf. Whether you’re hiking to Ras Dashen, Ethiopia’s highest peak, or simply admiring the sunrise over the cliffs, Simien Mountains offers an unforgettable adventure in the wild heart of Ethiopia.
Bale Mountains National Park
In the southeast highlands of Ethiopia lies the vast and ecologically rich Bale Mountains National Park, a lesser-known gem that offers diverse habitats, from alpine meadows and bamboo forests to lush cloud forests and volcanic peaks. The park is a sanctuary for rare and endemic species, including the highest concentration of Ethiopian wolves, the graceful Mountain nyala, and over 300 species of birds. One of the park’s highlights is the Sanetti Plateau, a dramatic high-altitude landscape often shrouded in mist, where you can drive across the roof of Africa and spot wildlife roaming freely. The mystical Harenna Forest, on the park’s southern slopes, offers a completely different experience, with thick greenery, hidden waterfalls, and the chance to encounter traditional forest-dwelling communities. Bale Mountains is a dream for ecotourists, trekkers, and wildlife lovers alike.
