Kafta Sheraro National Park

Overview

Kafta Sheraro National Park is a remote and little-known protected area located in the Tigray region of northern Ethiopia, along the border with Eritrea. The park is characterized by vast savannah plains, seasonal rivers, acacia woodlands, and semi-arid landscapes that support migratory wildlife. Kafta Sheraro is especially significant as a key refuge for African elephants that migrate seasonally between Ethiopia and Eritrea, making it one of the northernmost elephant habitats in Africa. Its isolation, raw wilderness, and low visitor numbers offer a true off-the-beaten-path safari experience for adventurous travelers and conservation-focused visitors.

High Season

November to February

Best Time to Go

November to February (dry season with better wildlife movement and access)

Pros & Cons

One of the few parks in Ethiopia supporting elephant migration
True wilderness with very few visitors
Important transboundary conservation area
Excellent destination for remote and exploratory safaris

Very limited tourism infrastructure
Challenging access due to remoteness
Wildlife sightings depend on seasonal movements
Not suitable for first-time safari travelers

Map in Ethiopia

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Wildlife & Animals

Kafta Sheraro National Park protects dry savannah and woodland ecosystems that support large mammals adapted to arid conditions. The park is best known for its migratory elephant population, which uses the area as a seasonal corridor. Other mammals are widely dispersed, and wildlife viewing often requires patience and local knowledge. The park plays a critical role in conserving species in a fragile and underrepresented ecosystem.

Wildlife Highlights

The seasonal arrival of African elephants is the park’s greatest highlight, offering rare opportunities to observe elephants in a stark northern savannah setting. Occasional sightings of large predators and antelope species add to the park’s sense of untamed wilderness.

Best Time for Wildlife Viewing

The best time for wildlife viewing is from December to February, when elephants and other species concentrate near remaining water sources.

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Birds

Kafta Sheraro supports a variety of savannah and dryland bird species, particularly birds of prey and ground-nesting species adapted to open landscapes. While not a classic birding hotspot, the park offers rewarding sightings for experienced birders exploring northern Ethiopia.