Abyata-Shala Lakes National Park

Abyata-Shala Lakes National Park is formed by the twin lakes of Abyata and Shala. The park covers a total area of 887 sq km, of which 482 sq km is water. Abyata-Shala Lakes National Park is one of the most scenic national parks in Ethiopia especially at dusk when park visitors get sight of Pelicans dipping into the silver waters of Lake Abyata. The vegetation surrounding area is dominantly acacia woodland, but it has been extensively degraded by man.

Lakes Abyata and Shalla

Lake Abyata is a shallow pan, only 14 meters (46 feet) deep and its level fluctuates periodically. The lake provides the main source of food for the colonies of great while pelicans on the nearby Lake Shala. The adjacent islands to Lake Shala serve as breeding sites by many birds, and are home to the continent’s most important breeding colony of Great White Pelicans.

Birds

The establishment of Abyata-Shala Lakes National Park was in principal to serve as breeding ground as well as conserve the many aquatic bird species that use the lakes, particularly the Great White Pelicans and Greater and Lesser Flamingos. (The park is one of the seven nesting sites of these bird species in the whole of Africa).

Other birds in the park include the White-necked Cormorant, Egyptian Geese, African Fish Eagle, a diverse range of Plover species as well as Herons.

Wildlife

Besides of the countless Birds list, Abyata-Shala Lakes National Park is also home to over 70 species of mammals such as more common Grant’s gazelle, shy wild ass, Oribi warthog, Golden Jackal and the rare Walia Ibex. Also present are the less numerous and not common lions, giraffes and zebras. Many other animals are seen roaming within the forested areas of the park especially while in late evening drives into the park.