a

Abijatta - Shalla Lakes National Park

Oromia  >  Ethiopia

Two salt lakes in Africa's Rift Valley on an altitude between 1500-1900 metres. Best visited in winter. 524 bird species recorded.

Added* by Iain Crawford
Most recent update 23 December 2022

Description

Abijatta - Shalla Lakes is a National park of 887 sq km. There are two big salt lakes, one deep and one shallow. The lakes are visited by European waders and passerines from October to March. 524 bird species recorded, of which 300 regular. This includes Common Ostrich, Somali Ostrich, pelicans, Greater Flamingo up to 10,000, Lesser Flamingo, African Jacana, African Darter, 16 eagle species, 6 vulture species, 8 types of kingfisher, 6 of bee-eater, 11 of starling, 12 wheatears and 9 cisticolas.

Mammals including warthog, kudu, baboon, gazelle and hyena are present, but difficult to spot. Flora is mostly dry savannah with acacia and fig trees.

Details

Access

Park is 200 km south of Addis Ababa and east of the Batu-Shashamane highway. Just east of the park there are numerous hotels with organised tours available. See link to website below.

As of 2022, armed conflicts are ongoing in Ethiopia, especially in some border regions. Check the latest travel advice before departing, see website below.

Terrain and Habitat

Scattered trees and bushes , Wetland , Mountain , Canyon/cliff , Steppe , Lake , Mud flats , River , Grassland , Plateau

Conditions

No shadow , Dry , Open landscape

Circular trail

Yes

Is a telescope useful?

Yes

Good birding season

Winter , Autumn

Best time to visit

Winter

Route

Unpaved road , Wide path

Difficulty walking trail

Easy

Accessible by

Car

Birdwatching hide / platform

No

Links

View other birding spots in the area that are published on Birdingplaces

Map

Top 5 birds

Other birds you can see here

Show more birds Show less birds
Show more images Show less images

Comments & Tips

Give feedback
Rate this area