$700/
Per Person
Borana National Park is located in the Borana Zone of Oromia, Ethiopia, approximately 570 km south of Addis Ababa. It’s known for its diverse wildlife, including Grevy’s zebras, ostriches, and gazelles, and is a significant birdwatching destination.
Itinerary
Day 1: Addis Ababa to Yabello / Borana National Park vicinity
Morning (7:00 AM): Depart from Addis Ababa early in the morning. Your journey will take you south through the Great Rift Valley.
En Route: Enjoy the changing landscapes and pass by some of Ethiopia’s Rift Valley Lakes like Ziway and Langano (though you might not have time for extensive stops on this route).
Lunch: Stop for lunch at a local restaurant along the way, perhaps in Ziway or Shashemane.
Afternoon: Continue your drive towards the Borana Zone. The roads might become less paved as you approach the park area.
Late Afternoon/Evening: Arrive in Yabello or at your chosen accommodation near Borana National Park. Check into your lodge or campsite.
Evening: Dinner and relaxation. Prepare for an early start for wildlife viewing the next day.
Day 2: Full Day in Borana National Park
Morning (Early): After an early breakfast, head into Borana National Park for a full day of exploration.
Wildlife Drives: Embark on game drives through the vast savannahs and acacia forests. Look out for:
⦁ Grevy’s Zebra: One of the key species in the park.
⦁ Burchell’s Zebra, Ostrich, Gazelles: Commonly sighted.
⦁ Other Wildlife: Keep an eye out for greater and lesser kudu, gerenuk, Grant’s gazelle, and Guenther’s dik-dik. While less common, the park is also home to elephants, lions, leopards, and buffalo.
⦁ Birdwatching: Borana National Park is a paradise for birdwatchers with over 300 bird species. Look for endemic species like Stresemann’s bushcrow and the white-tailed swallow, particularly if you visit the Yabello Wildlife Sanctuary area.
⦁ Photography: The diverse landscapes offer excellent opportunities for wildlife and landscape photography.
Picnic Lunch: Enjoy a packed lunch amidst the wilderness of the park.
Afternoon: Continue with more game drives, guided walks (if permitted and arranged), or visit specific areas like Dire Dida Soda and Danbala Dibayu blocks to observe different ecosystems.
Late Afternoon: Return to your lodge/campsite.
Evening: Dinner and reflection on your day’s sightings.
Day 3: Return to Addis Ababa
Morning: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast. Depending on your departure time, you might have a final short game drive or visit a local community near the park for a cultural experience.
Late Morning: Begin your journey back to Addis Ababa.
Lunch: Stop for lunch at a convenient town along the route.
Late Afternoon/Evening: Arrive back in Addis Ababa, marking the end of your Borana National Park tour.
Total Cost: $700 pp
Inclusions
⦁ Accommodation
⦁ 2 nights in a comfortable eco-lodge or guesthouse near Borana National Park (e.g., Borana Lodge or Yabello Motel)
⦁ Twin/double room sharing (single supplement available)
⦁ Meals
⦁ Full board basis: 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 2 dinners
⦁ Picnic lunch inside the park on Day 2
⦁ Transportation
⦁ Private 4WD vehicle with driver for the entire 3-day journey
⦁ Fuel, road tolls, and driver allowances
⦁ Hotel pickup/drop-off in Addis Ababa
⦁ Park Entry Fees & Game Activities
⦁ Entrance fees to Borana National Park
⦁ Full-day guided game drives and optional nature walks
⦁ Visit to key wildlife hotspots: Dire Dida Soda, Danbala Dibayu zones
⦁ Birdwatching & Wildlife Spotting
⦁ Access to areas within or near Yabello Wildlife Sanctuary for endemic birds
⦁ Opportunities to spot Grevy’s zebras, kudu, ostrich, dik-dik, gazelles, and more
⦁ Professional Guide
⦁ English-speaking driver-guide with experience in the southern Ethiopia wildlife circuit
⦁ Bottled Drinking Water
⦁ Provided daily during travel and excursions
⦁ Taxes and Fees
⦁ All government taxes and service charges are included
❌ Exclusions
⦁ International Flights
⦁ Flights to/from Ethiopia (Addis Ababa)
⦁ Travel Insurance
⦁ Mandatory but not included in the tour cost
⦁ Ethiopian Visa Fees
⦁ Available online or on arrival for many nationalities
⦁ Soft Drinks & Alcoholic Beverages
⦁ Not included in the package price
⦁ Personal Expenses
⦁ Laundry, souvenirs, phone usage, and tips
⦁ Tips & Gratuities
⦁ Not included (but customary for guides and lodge staff)
⦁ Cultural Visit on Day 3 (Optional)
⦁ If a visit to a Borana Oromo community is arranged, additional fees may apply for community contribution or local guides
⦁ Single Room Supplement
⦁ Additional cost if solo travelers require a private room
⦁ Additional Activities Not in Itinerary
⦁ Horseback riding, night game drives, or visits to nearby towns not listed in the standard itinerary