Borana National Park and Yabelo Wildlife Sanctuary

Location: Southern Ethiopia

Borana National Park and Yabelo Wildlife Sanctuary are adjacent protected areas situated in the Borana Zone of the Oromia Regional State, close to the Ethiopian Highlands and the Kenya border. These areas offer diverse wildlife experiences and are pivotal for conservation efforts in the region.

Borana National Park

• Area: 45,366 square kilometers
• Location: Southern edge of the Ethiopian Highlands
• Boundaries:
  • South: Kenya
  • West: Chelbi Wildlife Reserve
  • East: Geraille National Park
  • North: Yabelo Wildlife Sanctuary and Arero National Forest Priority Area

Wildlife

• Bird Species (280 recorded):
  • Endemic and endangered species such as the Ethiopian bushcrow, white-tailed swallow, Prince Ruspoli’s turaco, and black-fronted spurfowl.
• Mammals:
  • Plains zebras and the endangered Grevy’s zebras
  • Lesser kudus, greater kudus, black-backed jackals, Beisa oryxes, gerenuks, warthogs, Soemmerring’s gazelles, and Grant’s gazelles

Conservation:

• Original Purpose: Protect endemic Swayne’s hartebeest
• Challenges:
  • Deforestation
  • Illegal hunting
  • Decline of species like spotted cats and ostriches

Yabelo Wildlife Sanctuary

• Area: 2,500 square kilometers
• Elevation: 1430 to 2000 meters above sea level
• Location: West of Yabelo town

Environment

• Soil: Unique red soils with little organic matter
• Vegetation: Predominantly Acacia savanna, with major tree species including A. drepanolobium, A. brevispica, and A. horrida.

Conservation

• Original Purpose: Established to protect the endemic Swayne’s hartebeest.
• Challenges: The sanctuary faces deforestation, illegal hunting, and a decline in species such as spotted cats and ostriches.

Weather and Best Time to Visit

The climate in Borana National Park and Yabelo Wildlife Sanctuary is typically semi-arid with distinct wet and dry seasons.

Weather Conditions

• Dry Season: From June to September, the weather is dry with daytime temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F). This season offers the best wildlife viewing opportunities as animals gather around water sources.
• Wet Season: From March to May and October to November, the area experiences moderate rainfall. Temperatures are cooler, ranging from 18°C to 26°C (64°F to 79°F). While the landscape is lush and green, some roads may become challenging to navigate.

Best Time to Visit

• Optimal Months: The best time to visit Borana National Park and Yabelo Wildlife Sanctuary is during the dry season from June to September. This period offers excellent wildlife sightings and more accessible travel conditions.
• Birdwatching: For bird enthusiasts, the wet season, particularly from March to May, can also be rewarding due to the abundance of bird activity and the presence of migratory species.

Transport from Addis Ababa to Borana National Park

Getting to Borana National Park from Addis Ababa involves several transportation options, which offer a blend of convenience and scenic travel.

By Air

• Flights to Yabelo: Ethiopian Airlines offers flights from Addis Ababa to Yabelo Airport. The flight duration is approximately 1.5 hours.
• Ground Transport: From Yabelo Airport, visitors can arrange for a car rental or use local transport to reach Borana National Park, which is about 20 kilometers away.

By Road

• Private Car: Renting a car or hiring a private driver for the approximately 600 kilometers journey from Addis Ababa to Borana National Park is a comfortable and flexible option. The drive takes around 10-12 hours, depending on road conditions.
• Public Transport:
  • Buses: Regular buses and minibuses operate from Addis Ababa to Yabelo. The journey takes about 12-14 hours.
  • Shared Taxis: Shared taxis are also available for this route, offering a more direct but potentially less comfortable option than buses.

Visitor Information

Borana National Park

• Hiring a Scout: Visitors must hire a scout, available for Birr 175 per day, from the headquarters in Yabelo.
• Main Entrance: Located on the road to Dilla, about 10 kilometers north of Yabelo.

Borana National Park and Yabelo Wildlife Sanctuary are crucial conservation areas in Southern Ethiopia. Borana National Park is renowned for its diverse wildlife, including many endangered species and unique birdlife, supported by the sustainable efforts of the Borana Conservancy. Although Yabelo Wildlife Sanctuary faces significant conservation challenges, it remains an essential protected area for endemic species. Both areas offer rich biodiversity and opportunities for visitors to engage in conservation-supporting activities and enjoy the natural beauty of the region.

For further information, visit the Borana National Park official website.

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