3-Day Borana National Park Tour (Flying to a Southern Hub)

Borana National Park is located in the southern part of Ethiopia, near the town of Yabello in the Oromia Region. The park is part of the larger Borana Plateau, which is characterized by semi-arid savannah, grasslands, and acacia woodlands. Borana National Park is known for its unique wildlife, including Grevy’s zebra, Grant’s gazelle, and the endemic Ethiopian wolf. The park is also home to various bird species, making it a great destination for birdwatchers. The Borana people, who are pastoralists known for their rich culture and traditions, inhabit the area around the park. Visitors to Borana National Park can experience the natural beauty of the region while also learning about the traditional way of life of the Borana people.

This itinerary assumes you fly from Addis Ababa to a more suitable southern airport, like Arba Minch, to reduce road travel time to Borana National Park.

Morning (Early): Transfer to Bole International Airport (ADD) in Addis Ababa.

Flight: Take an early morning domestic flight from Addis Ababa (ADD) to Arba Minch (AMH). (Flight duration: approx. 1 hour). Arrival in Arba Minch: Upon arrival at Arba Minch airport, meet your dedicated vehicle and guide.

Drive to Borana: Begin your drive towards Borana National Park. The drive from Arba Minch to the Borana area (e.g., Yabello) is still a significant journey, approximately 4-5 hours depending on road conditions. You’ll pass through interesting landscapes.

Lunch: Have a packed lunch or stop at a local restaurant en route.

Late Afternoon: Arrive at your lodge or campsite near Borana National Park, likely in or around Yabello. Check in and relax.

Evening: Dinner at your accommodation. Briefing with your guide about the next day’s activities.

Morning (Early): After an early breakfast, head into Borana National Park.

Game Drives: Spend the day on extensive game drives through the diverse habitats of the park. Focus on areas known for wildlife concentrations. Look for:

⦁ Grevy’s Zebra: The park is a critical habitat for this endangered species.

⦁ Ostriches, Gazelles (Grant’s, Thomson’s), Kudu (Greater and Lesser), Gerenuk, Guenther’s Dik-dik.

⦁ Predators (Rare): While sightings are less common, the park is home to lions, leopards, and hyenas.

⦁ Birdwatching: Borana is a birdwatcher’s paradise. Keep an eye out for over 300 bird species, including endemics like Stresemann’s Bushcrow and the White-tailed Swallow, especially if you visit the Yabello Wildlife Sanctuary component.

⦁ Optional Guided Walk: If permitted and arranged, enjoy a short guided walk in a designated area to experience the smaller flora and fauna.

Picnic Lunch: Enjoy a packed lunch in a scenic spot within the park.

Afternoon: Continue your exploration, focusing on different sections of the park or revisiting areas with promising wildlife activity.

Late Afternoon: Return to your accommodation for some rest.

Evening: Dinner and share your wildlife sightings.

Morning: Enjoy breakfast at your lodge.

Option A (Cultural): Depending on your flight schedule, you might have time for a brief cultural visit to a local Borana community. Learn about their unique traditions, especially the Gadaa system, and their relationship with the natural environment.

Option B (More Park Time): If you prefer, a shorter morning game drive or a visit to another section of the park not fully explored on Day 2.

Mid-Morning: Begin your drive back to Arba Minch airport.

Lunch: Have a packed lunch or a quick meal in Arba Minch before your flight.

Afternoon: Take your domestic flight from Arba Minch (AMH) back to Addis Ababa (ADD).

Late Afternoon/Evening: Arrive at Bole International Airport (ADD), Addis Ababa

Total Cost: $600 pp

⦁ Accommodation

⦁ 2 nights in comfortable mid-range eco-lodge or safari-style accommodation near Borana National Park (e.g., Yabello Motel or Borana Lodge)

⦁ Twin/double room sharing (single supplement available upon request)

⦁ Meals

⦁ Full board basis: breakfast, lunch, and dinner included daily

⦁ Packed picnic lunches for park and travel days

⦁ Domestic Flights

⦁ One-way or round-trip domestic flight from Addis Ababa to Arba Minch and back (as per package)

⦁ Ground Transport

⦁ Private 4WD vehicle with an experienced driver throughout the tour

⦁ Fuel, insurance, and all road expenses

⦁ Airport transfers (Addis Ababa and Arba Minch)

⦁ Park Entry Fees & Activities

⦁ Entrance fees to Borana National Park

⦁ Full-day game drives in Borana National Park

⦁ Optional short guided nature walk inside the park (subject to availability)

⦁ Cultural Experience (Day 3 Optional)

⦁ Brief community visit to a Borana village (if selected instead of morning game drive)

⦁ A cultural guide or translator to facilitate respectful interaction

⦁ Professional Guide

⦁ English-speaking guide/driver with knowledge of the region’s wildlife and culture

⦁ Drinking Water

⦁ Bottled mineral water is supplied during the tour

⦁ Taxes and Fees

⦁ All applicable government taxes, tourism levies, and service charges

⦁ International Flights

⦁ To/from Ethiopia (Addis Ababa)

⦁ Visa Fees

⦁ Ethiopian entry visa (can be arranged online or upon arrival)

⦁ Travel Insurance

⦁ Mandatory for participation, not included in the package price

⦁ Alcoholic Beverages and Soft Drinks

⦁ Not included unless stated otherwise in the accommodation

⦁ Personal Expenses

⦁ Souvenirs, laundry, phone calls, internet, snacks, etc.

⦁ Tips and Gratuities

⦁ For guides, drivers, lodge staff (customary but not compulsory)

⦁ Additional Optional Activities

⦁ Extra cultural performances, camel rides, extended hikes, or additional excursions not included in the standard itinerary

⦁ Single Room Supplement

⦁ Additional cost if a private room is required (varies by lodge availability)