ATTRACTIONS IN ETHIOPIA

Simien Mountains National Park

Simien Mountains National Park is the largest national park in Ethiopia. Located in the North Gondar Zone of the Amhara Region, its territory covers the highest parts of the Simien Mountains and includes Ras Dashan (the highest point in Ethiopia). The park was established in 1969, having been set up by Clive Nicol, who wrote about his experiences in From the Roof of Africa (1971). The national park was one of the first sites to be made a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, inscribed in 1978 because of its outstanding biodiversity and spectacular landscape. Attractions also include;

• Lalibela (Known for its rock-hewn churches, a UNESCO World Heritage site)
• Aksum (Famous for its obelisks and ancient ruins)
• Gondar (Renowned for its medieval castles and churches)

Nechsar National Park 

Nechsar National Park was proposed in 1967, then officially established in 1974. Since then it has not legally been gazetted, but has functioned as de facto national park. It is among the nicest parks, 500 km from Addis Ababa featuring plains with wildlife, dramatic lake views, boat rides, hot springs, huge trees and a dense forest. Valued by many visitors as the finest park of the country. 

• Nechsar Plains 
• ‘Bridge of God’’ (Lake Chamo & Lake Abaya)
• Crocodile Market (Kulfo River empties into Lake Chamo)

Omo National Park

Omo National Park was founded in the 1960s and is located on the west bank of the Omo River in the lower Omo Valley. This park covers approximately 4,068 square kilometers, about 870 kilometers southwest of Addis Ababa (Capital). The park conserves one of the largest diversities of mammalian species as compared to other parks and 63% of all mammal families in Ethiopia. It offers excellent opportunity to view wildlife. The lower Omo valley is a UNESCO Heritage Site after the significant discovery of early hominids in 1982. A visit here provides the chance to see undisturbed ancient cultures as well as diverse wildlife and habitats. Other Attractions found here are;

• Omo River Tribes (The Mursi, Bena, Surma and the Nyangatom; the Bodi and Dizi people)
• Maji Mountains (Highest Peak on the mountain is 1,541m above Sea level)
• The Sharum & Sai Plains
• Illabai Plains 
• Dirga Hills
• Mui & Neruze River

Mago National Park

The Mago National Park was established in 1979, making it the newest of Ethiopia’s several National Parks. Its highest point is Mount Mago (2528m). The 2162 square kilometers of this park is divided by the Mago River, a tributary of the Omo, into two parts. Mago National Park affords protection to 74 species of mammals and 237 species of birds. At least 10 species of reptiles and 14 species of fish are also found within the park’s ecosystem. The park’s perhaps best-known attraction is the Mursi people, known for piercing their lips and inserting disks made of clay. Areas along the lower Omo (within the park) are populated with a rich diversity of ethnic groups, including the Aari, Banna, Bongoso, Hamar, Karo, Kwegu, Male and Mursi peoples. The attractions available here;

• The Omo remains (archeological treasure in Calama, revealing the ancient history of humanity)
• Tour of theTagel Omo Valley (culture and landscape)
• Turmi (ancient tradition of ball jumping)
• Omo Valley 
• Gorgocha mountain summit (paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers)

Bale Mountains National Park (BMNP) 

The Bale Mountains National Park encompasses an area of approximately 2,150 square Kilometer. The park is divided into five distinct and unique habitats: The Northern Grasslands (Gaysay Valley), Northern Juniper Woodlands (Park Headquarters), Afro-alpine Meadows (Sanetti Plateau), Erica Moorlands, and the Harenna Forest. Five major rivers also originate within the Park, estimated to supply water and support the livelihoods of millions of people in and beyond Ethiopia. 

Attractions to be found;

• Gaysay Valley
• Sanetti Plateau (largest continuous area of its altitude in Africa)
• Mt. Tollu Demtu (the second highest point in Ethiopia at 4,377 meters above sea level) 
• Web Valley (a prime Ethiopian wolf habitat)