Borena NP
Borana National Park: Ethiopia’s Southern Wilderness
Borana National Park, also known as Borena National Park, is a vast wildlife sanctuary in the Borena Zone of Ethiopia’s Oromia Region, covering 45,366 km² along the Kenya-Ethiopia border. Established in 2017 to restore wildlife and promote ecological recovery, it lies at the southern edge of the Ethiopian Highlands, encompassing diverse landscapes from savannas to rugged mountains and acacia woodlands. Administered by the Oromia Forest & Wildlife Enterprise and the Ethiopian Wildlife Conservation Authority, the park aims to protect endangered species and combat drought, having transitioned from a poorly managed controlled hunting zone. Home to over 40 mammal species, 280 bird species, and 327 plant species, Borana is a biodiversity hotspot, with cultural significance for the pastoralist Borana Oromo people. Despite challenges like drought and past regional conflicts, it offers a pristine eco-tourism experience, accessible from Addis Ababa (570 km) or as part of an Omo Valley tour.
Attractions
Borana National Park’s diverse ecosystems and wildlife make it a paradise for nature lovers and birdwatchers. The park’s Booqee Sadeen, three maar lakes including El Sod, is a key attraction, offering mineral water and salt for local communities and stunning views for visitors. Wildlife highlights include Burchell’s and Grevy’s zebras, ostriches, gazelles, and rare antelopes like the Swayne’s hartebeest, which the park was originally established to protect. Birdwatchers can spot over 280 species, including endangered endemics like the Ethiopian bushcrow, white-tailed swallow, Prince Ruspoli’s turaco, and black-fronted spurfowl. The park’s five blocks—Yabello, Dida-Hara, Gammedo, Danbala-Dhibayu, and Sarite—feature varied terrains, from the grasslands and savannas of Sarite to the drought-resistant woodlands of Dida-Hara, rich with Acacia tortilis and Boscia mossambicensis. Cultural encounters with the Borana people, including their Gada system ceremonies, add depth to the experience, showcasing traditional pastoralist life and vibrant rituals.
