Safari in Southern Ethiopia & Borana
Discover the vast, dry savannas of southern Ethiopia, a region known for its unique pastoralist cultures and resilient wildlife populations.
Southern Ethiopia & Borana Parks Map
Explore safari parks across Southern Ethiopia & Borana
Southern Ethiopia & Borana Safari Parks
Explore safari parks in Southern Ethiopia & Borana
Borana National Park
Borana National Park is a protected area in Ethiopia.
Geraille National Park
Situated in the Somali region, Geraille National Park is a vast, arid to semi-arid landscape of acacia bushland and open plains. It's home to unique dryland species such as the critically endangered Grevy's zebra, Beisa oryx, and Gerenuk, offering a different kind of safari experience focused on desert-adapted wildlife.
Malka Mari National Park
Malka Mari National Park is a protected area in Ethiopia.
Rhamu Community Wildlife Conservancy
Rhamu Community Wildlife Conservancy is a protected area in Ethiopia.
Compare Parks in Southern Ethiopia & Borana
Side-by-side comparison of safari parks in Southern Ethiopia & Borana
| Park | Area | Wildlife | Lodges | Crowds | Malaria | Airport |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Geraille National Park | - | 272 | - | Very Quiet | Moderate | EGL (62km) |
| Borana National Park | - | 296 | - | Very Quiet | Moderate | KE-6650 (102km) |
| Malka Mari National Park | - | - | - | Very Quiet | Moderate | HKBN (47km) |
| Rhamu Community Wildlife Conservancy | - | 96 | - | Very Quiet | Moderate | KE-0072 (27km) |
12 species recorded in Southern Ethiopia & Borana5 threatened
We love the raw, untamed beauty of southern Ethiopia and the Borana lands. The sheer scale of the dry savanna is breathtaking, a landscape that feels ancient and enduring. You can almost taste the dust kicked up by passing herds, and the silence is profound, broken only by the wind and the calls of unseen birds. The sunsets here are sensational, painting the vast sky in hues of orange and purple, a truly unforgettable spectacle.
Terrain & Altitude
Vast, undulating plains of dry savanna stretch across the landscape, punctuated by rocky outcrops and acacia woodlands.
500-1,500m above sea level
Vegetation
Dominated by drought-resistant grasses, scattered acacia trees, and hardy shrubs adapted to the arid conditions.
Water Sources
Ephemeral rivers and seasonal pans are the primary water sources, often drying out completely during the long dry season.
Unique Features
The region is characterized by its extensive, open grasslands that support large herds of grazing animals and the unique semi-nomadic pastoralist lifestyle.
Getting to the Borana region is an adventure in itself, and we think the best way to truly appreciate the vastness is by flying into a local airstrip. While driving from Addis Ababa is possible, it's a long haul, and we prefer to save our energy for the incredible landscapes and wildlife. If you do drive, ensure your vehicle is robust and you have ample supplies.
Nearest Airports
Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD)
800km / 12-15hr drive
Multiple daily connections from major international hubs
Arba Minch Airport (AMH)
350km / 6-8hr drive
Limited domestic flights from Addis Ababa
Bush Airstrips
Driving Routes
From Addis Ababa
A long but scenic drive south. We recommend breaking the journey in Awassa or Arba Minch. The roads are mostly paved until the southern borderlands, but can be rough in places. A 4WD is essential for exploring off the main routes.
From Nairobi, Kenya
Cross the border at Moyale. This route is more adventurous and requires careful planning, especially regarding border formalities and road conditions. We advise checking current conditions locally before setting off.
Temperature
26.1°C
79°F
Rainfall
6.6 mm
Dry season
Humidity
39.3%
Sunshine
11.1 hrs/day
Data source: Open-Meteo Archive API
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Health & Travel Info
Important health and safety information for Ethiopia