Abijata-Shalla Lakes National Park

This park protects two of the Great Rift Valley lakes, Abijata and Shalla, known for their contrasting characteristics – Abijata is shallow and alkaline,...

Abijata-Shalla Lakes National Park at a Glance

Location
Central Rift Valley & Awash, Ethiopia, East Africa
Coordinates
7.539642, 38.521233
IUCN Category
II
Crowds
Very Quiet
Malaria Risk
Low
Best Time to Visit
October to March (dry season) for the Simien Mountains and Bale Mountains.

Getting to Abijata-Shalla Lakes National Park

Nearest airport: Dodola Airport (HADO), 82 km away.

Nearest international airport: Bishoftu International Airport, 132 km away.

Wildlife in Abijata-Shalla Lakes National Park

Home to 93 recorded species including 34 waterbirds, 31 iconic birds, 17 birds of prey, 7 tropical birds, 2 primates, 2 big herbivores.

Notable Species

Safari Lodges in Abijata-Shalla Lakes National Park

5 safari lodges available.

Other

mid-range

Similar Parks in Central Rift Valley & Awash

Visitor Tips - Abijata-Shalla Lakes National Park

We love that Abijata-Shalla offers a truly raw and authentic birding experience, far from the crowds. The sheer scale of the flamingo and pelican colonies on Lake Shalla, set against the backdrop of dramatic volcanic landscapes, is sensational and unlike anywhere else we've visited in Ethiopia.

Gate Times

The park generally opens at 6:00 AM and closes at 6:00 PM daily. We always recommend arriving shortly after sunrise to catch the best bird activity and avoid the midday heat. Permits are typically purchased at the gate upon arrival, and we haven't encountered any pre-booking requirements, though it's wise to confirm with your tour operator, especially if visiting during peak season.

Tipping

Tipping is customary and greatly appreciated. For a full-day guide, we suggest around 10-15 USD per person. If you have a separate driver, 5-10 USD per person for the driver is appropriate. For any local rangers who might accompany you on a walk, 5 USD is a thoughtful gesture. We always tip in local currency or crisp USD notes, and we hand it directly to the individual.

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Ethiopia

Travel advisory for Ethiopia

Abijata-Shalla Lakes National Park FAQs

When is the optimal time to visit Abijata-Shalla Lakes National Park for birdwatching, especially to see the flamingos?

The best time for birdwatching, particularly to witness the spectacular flamingo congregations on Lake Abijata, is during the dry season from October to March. During these months, water levels are lower, concentrating the birds and making viewing more accessible and impressive.

Given that large mammal viewing is limited, what other wildlife can visitors realistically expect to encounter at Abijata-Shalla Lakes National Park?

While the park is primarily a birdwatcher's paradise, you might spot a few smaller mammals such as warthogs, baboons, and various antelope species like Grant's gazelle and common reedbuck, especially around the lake shores and acacia woodlands. The focus remains overwhelmingly on its diverse avian life, including pelicans, storks, and a multitude of other waterbirds.

What unique activities or experiences does Abijata-Shalla Lakes National Park offer, beyond typical safari game drives, given its lake-centric nature?

Beyond observing the incredible birdlife from designated viewpoints, visitors can explore the contrasting geological features of the two lakes, including the active hot springs near Lake Shalla. Some areas allow for short nature walks, offering a chance to appreciate the unique Rift Valley landscape and its endemic flora.

How accessible is Abijata-Shalla Lakes National Park from Addis Ababa, and what is a recommended duration for a visit to fully experience its unique features?

The park is approximately 200 km south of Addis Ababa, typically a 3-4 hour drive on paved roads, making it quite accessible for a day trip or an overnight stay. To fully appreciate the diverse birdlife and geological contrasts of both lakes, a full day or an overnight visit is recommended, allowing time for birdwatching and exploring the hot springs.

What makes Lake Shalla a unique attraction within the park, distinct from the bird-rich Lake Abijata?

Lake Shalla stands out for its impressive depth, being the deepest lake in the Ethiopian Rift Valley, and its volcanic origins, evidenced by the presence of active hot springs along its shores. Visitors can explore these geothermal features and observe the dramatic, steep cliffs that contrast sharply with Lake Abijata's shallow, alkaline expanse, offering a different kind of natural wonder.

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.