Abijatta-Shalla National Park

Abijatta-Shalla National Park is a natural area in the Oromia Region with two separate lakes set at different elevations and surrounded by mountainous terrain. The park features grasslands, forested slopes, and water bodies that create varied landscapes across the reserve.

The Ethiopian government created this park in 1963 to protect the lakes and their surrounding ecosystems. This action reflected a broader effort to preserve natural areas during that period.

Local people around the lakes have fished and herded animals here for generations, maintaining ways of life deeply connected to the waters and grasslands. These activities shape how the park is used and felt by those who live nearby.

The park lies south of Addis Ababa along the road toward Shashamane and can be reached by vehicle. Visitors should come prepared for changing elevations and bring sturdy footwear since the terrain varies across the reserve.

Natural hot springs bubble up in the northeastern corner of Lake Abijatta, creating a striking contrast with the cooler waters nearby. Lake Shalla alongside it ranks among the deepest lakes in Ethiopia and offers a dramatically different setting from its neighbor.