Divided into two parts, the Northern and Southern Rift Valley, the former is one of the country’s least visited regions and includes the Awash National Park, a rewarding site for wildlife and birds of the Horn of Africa.
The Southern Rift Valley or lakes region is far better known, including scenic lakes such as Langano, at which there are some popular lodges including Bishangari and Sabana Beach Lodge. Abijatta-Shala National Park is included in many birding itineraries as is Awassa.
The more remote Nech Sar National Park is now easily accessible from the lakeside town Arba Minch, so visitors can enjoy boat trips on Lake Chamo and nature walks in the national park.
Sporadically, a few hundred thousand flamingos congregate at Abijatta. Another 50km to the south is Shashemene, of salutary significance to the Ethiopian Rastafarian community. 20km from Shashemene is the Wondo Genet hot springs area, where the gardens at the resort offer fantastic birding and some wildlife viewing.
Derek Schuurman
Travel Specialist
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