Abijatta-Shalla National Park National Park

Admission: Entrance often free; park fees may apply for guided excursions-check local authorities

Abijatta-Shalla National Park is a protected area in Ethiopia’s Oromia Region that centers on two alkaline lakes, Abijatta and Shalla. It is noted for its wetland habitats and importance for waterbirds.

The park’s main attractions are the two contrasting soda lakes and their shoreline habitats. Visitors commonly observe large flocks of flamingos, waders and other waterbirds along shallow flats and tidal margins. Open woodland and semi-arid rift-floor landscapes around the lakes provide additional viewing and short walking opportunities.

The area was set aside for conservation to protect the lakes and their birdlife in the later 20th century and has since been managed as a protected area under national authorities. Traditional pastoral and small-scale agricultural uses occur around the park boundaries.

Geographically the park sits in the Main Ethiopian Rift in central-southern Ethiopia. It lies within Oromia Region, occupying rift-valley terrain with flat saline basins and low volcanic highlands.

• Birdlife: Large concentrations of flamingos and other waterbirds make the site important for birdwatching and wetland studies.
• Shoreline variability: Seasonal water levels and saline flats create dramatic shoreline changes, so access and viewing points vary through the year.

What to See#

• Lake Abijatta: One of the two main alkaline lakes inside the park, characterized by shallow shoreline flats and extensive saline mudflats that attract wading birds and flamingos.
• Lake Shalla: A deeper rift lake with steeper shorelines that forms the park’s second major water body and supports waterbird populations distinct from Abijatta’s flats.

The park lies roughly 200 km south of Addis Ababa near Ziway; access is by road (4-6 hours depending on vehicle and conditions). Organized tours depart Addis Ababa; private vehicles or hires from Shashamane and nearby towns are common. Roads may be rough-4x4 recommended.

• Hire a local guide for wildlife viewing-lakes are best watched at dawn for flamingos and birds.
• Avoid walking on the lake margins-sulphurous mud and fragile saline crusts can be hazardous.
• Combine a visit with the Rift Valley lakes region to see contrasting ecosystems.