Shala / Abyata National Park Tour

Day 01: Addis Ababa to Ziway

The tour starts with a morning drive of around 3 hours, out of Addis Ababa and south through the green Rift Valley to the lakeside town of Ziway.

After lunch, you'll look for birds near the shoreline marshes, before taking a cruise around the nesting grounds of Tulu Simbero, which means Bird Island in the local Oromifa language. You may also see local fishermen at work on traditional reed boats. You'll then head to Debre Sina (Mount Sinai), and take a short walk to the monastery to discover the island’s history and view ancient relics and parchments.

Afterward, your guide will show you a cave system on the island that has served as a home to secret hermits, refugees, and villagers’ valuables. Hiking through the island’s rare natural forest also offers excellent bird watching.

After leaving Debre Sina, you will then visit Wamecha, a community-protected forest on the mainland, where you can take a short hike to the top of the mountain, which offers scenic views of the lake and surrounding areas. Villagers used to use this spot to call to the people inhabiting Gelila and Debre Sina Islands. Finally, you will return to a comfortable hotel in Ziway, where you'll spend the night.

Meals: Lunch and Dinner

Transportation: High Roof mini-bus

Accommodation: Haile Resort Ziway

Consultant Note

You will cover approximately 160km

Day 02: Drive Abijata Shala - Langano - Addis Ababa

In the morning, you will eat your breakfast and drive to Abijata and Shala National Park. The lakes Shala and Abijat located on the opposite side of the route from Addis Ababa to Shashamane are separated by the narrow, 3-kilometer dam.

Even though so nearly located lakes are very different in the case of the ecosystem, availability of fish and birds. Shala is the deepest lake in Ethiopia, probably the deepest in Africa north to the equator - 266 m, and Lake Abijata is shallow - max. 14 meters. Its northern part is famous for its hot waters. National Park - Abiata Shala Lakes National Park - which was created here, is to protect birds, especially pelicans and flamingos. The watercolor resembles ice Tea, which is a result of the high density of salt.

The park is believed to be one of the seven most important nesting places for birds in Africa. Unfortunately, cutting the surrounding woods results in deserting of the terrain and leads to degradation of the environment.

However, it is still worth seeing the park, especially because of the impressive flocks of flamingos. After visiting the Abijata-Shala National Park you will have lunch at Sabana Beach Resort. In the late afternoon, the tour continues to Addis Ababa.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Transportation: High Roof min-bus

Accommodation: -

Consultant Note

You will cover approximately 190km