Gambella National Park Ethiopia

Gambella National park is located 850 km west of Addis Ababa. It was established as a protected area in 1973 to conserve a diverse assemblage of wildlife and unique habitats. Although not technically in the Rift Valley, Gambella National Park lies along with another of the country’s important rivers: the Baro. Near the town of Gambella, Gambella National Park is one of Ethiopia’s least developed parks and has no facilities. Nevertheless, the large conservation area contains many species not found elsewhere in the country, such as the Nile lechwe and the white-eared kob. Roan antelope, topi, elephant, buffalo, giraffe, and the unusual whale-headed stork are also to be found here.Originally the park was created for the protection of extensive swamp habitat and its wildlife. Located on the Akobo river system, it hosts much wildlife not found elsewhere in Ethiopia. The banks of the Baro are rich in birdlife and thus give visitors an extra advantage. With its total area of approximately 50,600 hectares, it is the largest protected area in the country. Its northern boundary is formed by the Baro River. To the south of the park is the Gilo River flows from Gog to Tor in a north-western direction.

The landscape of Gambella is low and flat with altitudes ranging from 400 to 768 meters above sea level. The average altitude is around 500 meters above sea level.

The people of this area are the Anuak and the Nuer. Mainly fisher folk – but also cattle herders – the Anuak and Nuer are extremely handsome, with dark, satiny complexions. Both men and women favor a style of decorative scarification on the chest, stomach, and face; and often boast heavy bone bangles, bright bead necklaces, and spikes of ivory or brass thrust through a whole pierced in the lower lip and protruding down over the chin.

Unaffected by the ways of the modern world, these interesting people remain as remote, unchanged, and beautiful as the land in which they live.

Size of Gambella National Park Ethiopia

Gambella National Park, or Gambella National Park, is a 4,575-square-kilometre (1,766 sq mi) national park in Ethiopia, near the South Sudanese border.

Location of Gambella National Park Ethiopia

Gambella National Park, or Gambella National Park, is a 4,575-square-kilometre (1,766 sq mi) national park in Ethiopia, near the South Sudanese border. It is the nation’s largest national park. Gambella is located several hundred kilometers from Addis Ababa

How to get to Gambella National Park Ethiopia

Gambella is a place reserved for true explorers. In a remote corner of south-western Ethiopia, Gambella is only accessible via charter aircraft. Those that come exploring here will not be disappointed. Wildlife populations in Gambella are among the highest of Ethiopia, and exclusive tented camps and private aircraft make for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure at the frontier of what’s possible in East Africa.

the park is situated in Gambella Region, some 800km West of Addis Ababa at the coordinate between N8000’ and E34015 flights can arrange from Addis Ababa to Gambella where the parks are 64 km from the town of Gambella

Things to do in Gambella National Park Ethiopia

Wildlife encounters

Many mammal species in the park have faced sharp declines over the years due to civil unrest and the occasional influx of refugees to the area. Accurate numbers are not available; however Lions, Cheetah, Elephant, Giraffe, and Buffalo are still present in Gambela. Trips such as this one will bring in much-needed tourism revenue, which can hopefully assist in the on-going protection of the park and enforcement of anti-poaching measures. Daily surveys will assist us in collecting vital data on the status of large mammal species as well as avian diversity.

Birding tours

Almost 350 bird species have been recorded in Gambela National Park, with many more species no doubt waiting to be recorded! Birds of interest include Shoebill, Egyptian Plover, Black Crowned Crane, Black-faced Firefinch, Red-throated Bee-eater, and Beaudouin’s Snake-eagle.

When to visit Gambella National Park Ethiopia

Much of Ethiopia sits over 1,500m high; days can be mild and nights cold – especially in the fog-shrouded highlands, which soar well over 3,000m. The best time to visit Ethiopia is Sep-April, but particularly at either end of the rains – in April, when the land is dry and barren, or as it flourishes again in Sep-Oct. This green season is also best for highland wildlife. Rains replenish the Omo Valley even sooner – so travel Nov-Mar or Jun-Sep. Generally, though, the rains cause little disruption; you’ll just find lusher landscapes and fewer tourists.