Demaro Controlled Hunting Area

Demaro Controlled Hunting Area is a protected area in Ethiopia.

Demaro Controlled Hunting Area at a Glance

Location
Bale Mountains & Southeast Highlands, Ethiopia, East Africa
Coordinates
6.924778, 40.293625
IUCN Category
IV
Crowds
Very Quiet
Malaria Risk
Moderate
Best Time to Visit
October to March (dry season) for the Simien Mountains and Bale Mountains.

Getting to Demaro Controlled Hunting Area

Nearest airport: Robe Airport (GOB), 35 km away.

Nearest international airport: Bishoftu International Airport, 257 km away.

Weather & Climate in Demaro Controlled Hunting Area

The warmest temperatures in Demaro Controlled Hunting Area occur in February, averaging 17.5°C (up to 23.6°C). The coolest conditions are in July at 13.4°C.

The driest weather conditions are typically in December with average rainfall of 14.1mm. Average humidity: 53.8%.

Monthly Temperatures

  • January: 16.2°C (rainfall: 22.4mm)
  • February: 17.5°C (rainfall: 15.0mm)
  • March: 17.1°C (rainfall: 94.8mm)
  • April: 16.0°C (rainfall: 208.5mm)
  • May: 15.6°C (rainfall: 125.4mm)
  • June: 14.4°C (rainfall: 57.1mm)
  • July: 13.4°C (rainfall: 150.2mm)
  • August: 14.2°C (rainfall: 127.2mm)
  • September: 14.8°C (rainfall: 127.8mm)
  • October: 14.8°C (rainfall: 162.7mm)
  • November: 15.0°C (rainfall: 59.3mm)
  • December: 15.6°C (rainfall: 14.1mm)

Best Time to Visit Demaro Controlled Hunting Area

The best months to visit Demaro Controlled Hunting Area are January, February, December, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Great, temperature 16.17°C, rainfall 22.4mm, sunshine 10.9 hrs, humidity 52.6%
  • February: Great, temperature 17.46°C, rainfall 15mm, sunshine 11 hrs, humidity 47.2%
  • March: Good, temperature 17.13°C, rainfall 94.8mm, sunshine 10.7 hrs, humidity 60.8%
  • April: Good, temperature 15.96°C, rainfall 208.5mm, sunshine 10.4 hrs, humidity 79.8%
  • May: Good, temperature 15.62°C, rainfall 125.4mm, sunshine 10.7 hrs, humidity 84.4%
  • June: Good, temperature 14.42°C, rainfall 57.1mm, sunshine 10.5 hrs, humidity 86.1%
  • July: Poor, temperature 13.45°C, rainfall 150.2mm, sunshine 8.7 hrs, humidity 89.1%
  • August: Poor, temperature 14.16°C, rainfall 127.2mm, sunshine 9.8 hrs, humidity 84.1%
  • September: Good, temperature 14.76°C, rainfall 127.8mm, sunshine 10.5 hrs, humidity 81.9%
  • October: Poor, temperature 14.83°C, rainfall 162.7mm, sunshine 10.6 hrs, humidity 79.2%
  • November: Good, temperature 15.03°C, rainfall 59.3mm, sunshine 11.2 hrs, humidity 68.1%
  • December: Great, temperature 15.63°C, rainfall 14.1mm, sunshine 11.4 hrs, humidity 53.8%

Wildlife in Demaro Controlled Hunting Area

Home to 21 recorded species including 8 waterbirds, 6 birds of prey, 5 iconic birds, 2 predators.

Recommended Packing List for Demaro Controlled Hunting Area

Based on average temperature of 15.4°C, typical conditions, humidity 72%.

  • Layered clothing - recommended for 15°C temperatures
  • Fleece or warm jacket - essential for cool mornings and evenings
  • Binoculars - essential for every game drive
  • Sun hat & sunscreen - protection from the African sun
  • Sturdy walking shoes - for bush walks and uneven terrain
  • Neutral-coloured clothing - khaki, olive, and tan blend with the bush
  • Insect repellent - essential in most safari regions
  • First aid kit - basic medical supplies for remote areas
  • Torch / headlamp - useful for evenings at camp
  • Camera with telephoto lens - capture your safari memories

Notable Species

Similar Parks in Bale Mountains & Southeast Highlands

Visitor Tips - Demaro Controlled Hunting Area

Demaro offers a raw, untamed Ethiopian wilderness experience, a stark contrast to more developed safari destinations. We love the feeling of true remoteness here, where encounters with wildlife feel genuinely wild and unscripted. The birdlife alone is worth the journey for avid ornithologists.

Gate Times

Access to Demaro Controlled Hunting Area is typically managed by your safari operator. While official gate times are not widely published, expect gates to open around sunrise and close at sunset. Permits are essential and usually arranged in advance by your lodge or tour provider. We advise confirming exact timings and permit procedures with your chosen operator well before arrival.

Tipping

Tipping is customary and appreciated in Ethiopia. For guides, we recommend around 10-15 USD per person per day. Camp staff can be tipped collectively, with around 5-10 USD per person per day being a good benchmark. Rangers accompanying walks might receive a smaller tip, perhaps 5 USD per person. It's best to tip at the end of your stay, usually in USD or local currency, given discreetly to the head guide or lodge manager to distribute.

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Ethiopia

Travel advisory for Ethiopia

Demaro Controlled Hunting Area FAQs

Can I visit Demaro Controlled Hunting Area for wildlife viewing, or is it exclusively for hunting?

While Demaro is designated as a Controlled Hunting Area, it also offers opportunities for photographic safaris and wildlife viewing. Conservation efforts are integrated with sustainable hunting practices, allowing visitors to experience its diverse ecosystems and observe wildlife in a less crowded environment. It's important to confirm specific regulations for non-hunting visitors prior to your trip.

What specific wildlife can I expect to see at Demaro Controlled Hunting Area, given its Ethiopian location and low crowding?

Demaro is home to a variety of East African species, including various antelopes like Grant's gazelle and lesser kudu, as well as predators such as hyenas and leopards. Its low crowding level (1/5) means wildlife encounters can feel more exclusive and undisturbed, offering a unique opportunity to observe animals in their natural habitat without significant tourist presence. Keep an eye out for endemic Ethiopian birds as well.

What specific malaria precautions should I take when planning a trip to Demaro Controlled Hunting Area, considering its moderate risk?

Given the moderate malaria risk in Demaro, it is highly recommended to consult your doctor about antimalarial medication before your visit. Additionally, use insect repellent containing DEET, wear long sleeves and pants during dawn and dusk, and sleep under mosquito nets if provided, to minimize mosquito bites.

When is the best time to visit Demaro Controlled Hunting Area to maximize wildlife sightings and enjoy its low crowding?

The dry season, typically from October to March, is generally considered the best time for wildlife viewing in Demaro as animals congregate around water sources, making them easier to spot. With a crowding level of 1/5, you can expect a very private and intimate safari experience year-round, but the dry season offers optimal viewing conditions.

Are there any special permits or travel considerations required for non-hunting visitors to Demaro Controlled Hunting Area?

Yes, as a protected area with an IUCN Category IV designation and a hunting component, it's advisable to confirm specific entry requirements and any necessary permits for non-hunting visitors well in advance. While general Ethiopian visa rules apply, contacting the park management or your tour operator will ensure you have all the correct documentation for a smooth visit to this unique area.

Recommended Books

  • Stuarts' Field Guide to National Parks & Game Reserves of East Africa by Chris & Mathilde Stuart - Park-by-park guide with maps, species lists, and practical information. Perfect for planning which parks to visit and what to expect.
  • The Handbook of Bird Photography by Markus Varesvuo, Jari Peltomäki & Bence Máté - Excellent for birding photographers on safari - covers technique, equipment, fieldcraft, and post-processing with stunning example images.
  • Birds of East Africa by Terry Stevenson & John Fanshawe - Covers Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi - 1,388 species illustrated with range maps. The essential birding companion for East African safaris.
  • Photographing Wildlife in Africa by Paolo Torchio - Practical guide specifically for African safari photography - camera settings, lens choices, composition techniques, and how to make the most of game drives.
  • Lonely Planet East Africa by Lonely Planet - Comprehensive travel guide covering Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and beyond. Practical information on visas, transport, accommodation, and detailed park guides.
  • Fodor's The Complete Guide to African Safaris by Fodor's Travel - Country-by-country planning guide with lodge reviews, practical logistics, packing lists, and insider tips. Often cited as the best all-in-one safari planning resource.
  • Lonely Planet Ethiopia & Djibouti by Lonely Planet - Covers the Simien Mountains, Bale Mountains, Omo Valley, and the Danakil Depression. Essential reading for Ethiopia's unique wildlife and cultural experiences.
  • National Geographic Kids: Safari by National Geographic - Age-appropriate wildlife facts with stunning photographs. Great for getting children excited about the animals they'll see on safari.
  • The Last Elephants by Don Pinnock & Colin Bell - Conservation-focused book combining beautiful photography with urgent storytelling about the threats facing Africa's elephant populations.
  • Here Is the African Savanna by Madeleine Dunphy - Beautifully illustrated picture book about the savanna ecosystem. Teaches children about the interconnected web of life on an African plain.
  • Bradt Guide: Ethiopia by Philip Briggs - Comprehensive guide covering Simien and Bale Mountains trekking, the historic northern circuit, Omo Valley, and Ethiopia's unique endemic wildlife including gelada baboons and Ethiopian wolves.
  • Safari: A Photographic Journey by Art Wolfe - Large-format coffee-table book from one of the world's most celebrated nature photographers. Stunning images from across the African continent.
  • The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals by Jonathan Kingdon - The definitive mammal field guide for Africa covering over 1,150 species with detailed illustrations. Considered the gold standard for safari-goers and researchers alike.
  • The Behavior Guide to African Mammals by Richard Despard Estes - Goes beyond identification to explain why animals behave as they do. Essential reading for safari-goers who want to understand the wildlife they observe.
  • A Field Guide to the Reptiles of East Africa by Stephen Spawls, Kim Howell, Harald Hinkel & Michele Menegon - Comprehensive coverage of snakes, lizards, turtles, and crocodilians found across East Africa. A niche but appreciated guide for the thorough naturalist.
  • Remembering Lions by Various Photographers - Part of the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife conservation book series. Features contributions from world-class wildlife photographers, with proceeds supporting lion conservation.
  • African Animals ABC by Stella Blackstone & Petr Horacek - Simple alphabet book with bold, colourful animal illustrations. Perfect for toddlers and young children preparing for their first safari. Ages 2–5.
  • Beat About the Bush: Mammals by Trevor Carnaby - The single best book for understanding animal behaviour on safari. Explains why animals do what they do - feeding, mating, territory, predator-prey dynamics. Makes every game drive infinitely more rewarding.
  • Wildlife of East Africa (Princeton Pocket Guide) by Martin B. Withers & David Hosking - Compact pocket guide covering mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and insects of Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda. 500+ colour photographs. The best quick-reference guide to carry on game drives.
  • Africa's Top Wildlife Countries by Mark W. Nolting - The most respected safari planning book in print. Detailed country-by-country guide covering parks, lodges, best times to visit, and what wildlife to expect. Updated regularly. The first book every safari planner should read.
  • The Safari Companion: A Guide to Watching African Mammals by Richard D. Estes - Part field guide, part planning tool. Explains mammal behaviour in a way that transforms game drives. Covers tracks, signs, social structures, and habitat preferences. A must-pack for serious safari-goers.
  • The Shadow of the Sun by Ryszard Kapuscinski - Widely considered the greatest book ever written about Africa. Kapuscinski spent 40 years reporting from across the continent. Vivid, poetic, and deeply insightful. Essential pre-safari reading for understanding the continent.
  • Elephant Company by Vicki Constantine Croke - The extraordinary true story of James Howard Williams and the elephants who helped him build bridges, extract teak, and ultimately rescue refugees across the Burmese jungle during WWII. Gripping and moving.
  • When the Last Lion Roars by Sara Evans - An urgent, accessible account of the African lion's decline from 200,000 to under 20,000 in a century. Covers the science, politics, and human stories behind lion conservation. Eye-opening pre-safari reading.
  • Ivory, Horn and Blood by Ronald Orenstein - The definitive book on the poaching crisis devastating African elephants and rhinos. Covers the criminal networks, the rangers fighting back, and what travellers can do. Important context for any safari visitor.
  • Last Chance to See by Douglas Adams & Mark Carwardine - Witty and heartbreaking tour of endangered species by the Hitchhiker's Guide author. Combines humour with urgent conservation messaging.
  • Owen and Mzee by Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff & Paula Kahumbu - True story of an orphaned hippo befriending a 130-year-old tortoise in Kenya. A heartwarming tale of unlikely friendship that teaches empathy.
  • Remembering Elephants by Various Photographers - Stunning coffee-table book from the Remembering Wildlife series. All proceeds go to elephant conservation - beautiful photography with a purpose.
  • Whatever You Do, Don't Run by Peter Allison - Hilarious memoir from a Botswana safari guide - true stories from the bush that will have you laughing out loud. A favourite among safari enthusiasts.
  • Poached by Rachel Love Nuwer - Gripping investigation into the illegal wildlife trade - from African poaching networks to Asian markets. Essential reading for understanding the threats to safari wildlife.
  • Safari Nation by Jacob S. T. Dlamini - Fascinating history of South Africa's national parks and their complex colonial legacy. Academic but accessible - changes how you think about safari tourism.
  • Safari: A Photicular Book by Dan Kainen & Carol Kaufmann - Mesmerising book with moving photographic images of African animals. Kids and adults love the magical moving pictures - perfect pre-trip gift.