Starting from

$500PP

Overview

Addis Ababa is the capital city of Ethiopia and is known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and unique cuisine. While it may not be as well-known for safari tourism as other African destinations, there are still plenty of opportunities to explore the country's wildlife in the nearby nature reserves and parks.

Some of the popular wildlife reserves and parks near Addis Ababa include:

  1. Bale Mountains National Park - located in southeastern Ethiopia, this park is home to a variety of wildlife including Ethiopian wolves, mountain nyala, and many bird species. Visitors can explore the park on foot, by vehicle, or on a guided safari tour.
  2. Awash National Park - located about 3-4 hours from Addis Ababa, this park is home to a variety of wildlife including baboons, antelopes, and many bird species. Visitors can explore the park on foot, by vehicle, or on a guided safari tour.
  3. Mago National Park - located in southern Ethiopia, this park is home to a variety of wildlife including elephants, lions, and many bird species. Visitors can explore the park on foot, by vehicle, or on a guided safari tour.

In addition to wildlife viewing, visitors to Addis Ababa can also enjoy a range of other activities such as visiting historical landmarks, exploring local markets, and sampling traditional Ethiopian cuisine.

High Season
June to September and January to February
Best Time to Go
Year-round destination with seasonal variations

Pros & Cons

  • Excellent wildlife viewing opportunities
  • Beautiful and diverse scenery
  • Professional guided safaris
  • Unique ecosystem and biodiversity
  • Can be crowded during peak season
  • Weather dependent activities

Map in Ethiopia

Addis Ababa map

Wildlife & Animals

Wildlife Highlights

Best Time for Wildlife Viewing

Birds

Best Time for Birding

Birding is usually best during the Wet season when migratory species are present.

Best Time to Visit – Addis Ababa

High Season
Varies by park and activity
Low Season
Seasonal rains can affect access in some areas
Best Weather
Typically during dry months; check local patterns
Worst Weather
Peak of Wet season; very hot months vary by region

May to October (Dry Season)

  • Less vegetation and animals concentrate around water, making them easier to spot
  • The skies are clear, rain is rare, and there are fewer mosquitoes
  • Even though most tourists visit during the Dry season, the parks still feel uncrowded, except for the bustling Chobe riverfront area
  • Early morning and evening drives are cold in June, July and August

November to April (Wet Season)

  • The scenery is greener, and there are lower rates during this season
  • Although wildlife is easier to spot in the Dry season, you'll still see plenty
  • There are many newborn animals and migratory birds
  • Except for January and February, rains seldom interfere with your trip
  • During January and February, the rains can be continuous for days
  • It gets very hot in October and November
  • Some lodges and camps close down during part of the Wet season

Activities

Explore popular activities available in and around Addis Ababa.

No FAQs available for this park yet.

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