Ethiopia: Where the Wild Things Are

A gelada. Photo by Jane Behrend

Although most people visit Ethiopia for the rich history and diverse cultures, the big Horn of Africa nation is also a great wildlife destination. More than two dozen national parks flaunt a great variety of wildlife, from iconic savannah animals you normally see on an East African safari to creatures that aren’t found anywhere else on the planet.

Without doubt, Ethiopia’s best places for unusual and indigenous wildlife are in Semien National Park in the north and Bale Mountain National Park in the south. Jacaranda Tours offers custom-made itineraries to both reserves and is currently building its own luxury safari camp in Semien.

One of the highlights of East Africa, the rugged Semien Mountains are renowned for their deep gorges, towering escarpments, unusual highland flora and unique wildlife. The massif rises to 4,620-meter (14,930-foot) Ras Dejen, highest peak in Ethiopia and fourth highest mountain on all of Africa.

Founded in 1969 — and one of the first places on the planet to be declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site — Semien provides habitats for the walia ibex and a rare primate called the gelada, as well as caracal wildcats, giant lammergeier vultures and the elusive Ethiopian wolf. Over 50 species of bird are also found in the park.

The Bale Mountains support a wide variety of fauna across five major habitats including grasslands, juniper woodlands, Afro-alpine meadows, moorlands and Harenna forest. Among the park’s endemic species are the Ethiopian wolf, mountain nyala antelope, giant mole rat and Bale monkey. Nocturnal animals include the genet, civet, porcupine and hyena. The national park is also home to 16 endemic bird species.

For more information, contact Jacaranda Tours or their North American representative, Emerging Destinations.