Abijata Shalla Lakes National Park
One of the country’s Most Important Bird Areas, with the highest wetland bird diversity which found in the center of the Ethiopian Great Rift Valley. A National Park sprawled in an area of 887 km2 of which 482 km2 of the park is covered by water, Lake Abijata, Lake Shalla, and Lake Chitu. The area has feeding grounds and breeding islands as well as the unique scenery rendered by its three lakes: Abijata, Shalla, and Chitu. Lake Shalla serves as a breeding site, whereas Lake Abijata serves as a feeding site for birds. In addition, ASLNP has immense natural resources in its wetlands and terrestrial ecosystems with various species of wild animals including the birds of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. The existence of high bird species diversity in the area makes the park one of the unique biodiversity hotspots.
Wildlife: Grant’s gazelle, Oribi, Warthog, Greater kudu, Anubis baboon, Gureza, klipspring, Grivet and golden Jackel
Birds: Ostrich, Pied avocet, White Pelican, Great and Lesser Flamingos, African Fish Eagle, Egyptian goose, various plover species, herons, flycatchers, barbet, bee-eater, starlings
Why visit this park: This Park is home to three Great Rift Valley lakes and serves as a home to many water birds, of which Lake Shalla, is the deepest lake in Africa (266 m). There are also hot springs.
Park Discription
Before its designation as a national park, the area was framing land for inhabitants. However, in the 1960s the area was recommended to be designated as a national park. Subsequently, the area was designated as a proposed national park in 1970 to conserve bird species, particularly waterbirds.
- Park areas are open from 6: 00 am – to 6:00 pm.
- Overnight stay is prohibited in any park area except in campsites.
- Fires are permitted only in existing fireplace grills using charcoal. No fire shall be left unattended, and any fire must be completely extinguished before leaving the area.
- Motorized vehicles must always remain on designated roadways and parking areas.
- All trash, litter, or refuse is to be placed in the provided trash receptacles. No dumping allowed.
- Hazardous Activities – It shall be unlawful for any person to engage in any activity on any park lands that constitutes a hazard to the safety of self or other persons.
- The use of any fireworks and/or weapons is strictly prohibited.
- It is unlawful to remove, damage, destroy, deface, or otherwise vandalize any park property, structure, sign, or vegetation.
- It is unlawful to hunt, trap, harass, or harm any wild animal, bird, or plant life.
06:00 am – 06:00 pm
Agro-climatic type of the area belongs to the ‘Upper Kolla’. The climatic condition of the area is favorable for visitors and residents. Its rainfall pattern is bimodal with a short rain in March and long rain in June-September. The average annual rainfall is 500 mm. The annual average temperature is 210C with a mean maximum of 260C and a mean minimum of 13.5 0C.
Game driving, bird watching, nature walking, camping and others.
Bishangari Lodge, Kerkero Lodge, Langano Lodge, African Vacation Club, Simbo Lodge, 10 10,000 Flamingo Lodge, and other Private Camping sites are available in and around the park.