NATURE AND WILDLIFE SITES AND NATIONAL PARKSEthiopia is known as 'A land of natural contrasts'. It encompasses the highest points of the Simian Mountains to the lowest solid ground points of Danakil desert. And eventually, the variety of endemic wildlife is one of the many aspects the country enjoys: From mammals Geala, Mountain Nyala and Waliya Ibex, to the birds. More than 20 species are believed to be confined in Ethiopia such, Ankober serin and Abyssinian catbird; the land area does contain a reasonable amount of other wildlife. Ethiopia has also been very forward- looking in its provision of national park areas and there are at present a dozen regions within the country that have been designed as protected areas for wildlife. THE BLUE NILE FALLS
SOF OMAR CAVES
NECHISAR NATIONAL PARK In the far eastern part of the park hot springs bubble to the surface. Accommodation is available at Wendo Genet, Arba Minch and Awasa, while there are camping sites in the park.
SIMIEN MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK It is home to the endemic mammals of Walia Ibex, Semien Fox, Geleda Baboons and many species of birds and plants apart from its spectacular scenic beauty. The best way to see all that the country has to offer in a short period of time is to choose an itinerary offered by a travel agency. This work best for one-week trips or longer to historical places like Lalibela, Axum and Gonder or visit to fascinating national parks.
ABIJATTA-SHALLA LAKES NATIONAL PARKS
MAGO NATIONAL PARK Mainly grass savannah, some forested areas around rivers. It is 2,162 square kilometer, on the east bank of Omo River.
OMO NATIONAL PARK Located on the west bank of Omo River, covering an area of approx 4,068 square kilometer. Wildlife found in this park include, buffalo, elephant, giraffe, cheetah, lion, leopard, zebra, kudu, hartebeest, oryx, abybis baboon and many other animals. Over 306 species of birds can be seen. This is also wonderful area for visiting local people and experiencing their cultures.
AWASH NATIONAL PARK
THE DANAKIL DEPRESSION
BABILE ELEPHANT SANCTUARY
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Domestically renowned as Tis Abay ('Smoke of the Nile') otherwise known as Tis Isat ('Water that smokes'),is one of Africa's vast and magnificent waterfalls. It is believed to be 400m wide and falls as deeper as 37m. Today, many travelers prefer to visit Tis Isat during the rainy season, for its swift and powerful waterfall. The pressurized fall-over once it was reputed for, has considerably deceased due to the recent built Hydro-electric power, which diverts more than 90% of the water. No matter what, it is one of the greatest natural sites the country offer and a place tourists still catch a glimpse of. It plunges over 45m high rock face to form one of Africa's most spectacular waterfalls.
Allegedly, it is the largest limestone caves in African hemisphere, with its 20m high pillars and dark shallow, one can undergo fear and fascination simultaneously. These natural caves are cut by the Wab River that resort from Bale Highlands and extends to the nearest mountain. The caves are named after the local Sheikh Sof Omar, a 12th-century Muslim leader, who at one time used the caves as safe haven; and is still one of the very pilgrimage spot for the Muslim community.
Situated near the town of Arba Minch, in between Lakes Abaya and Chamo. A wild variety of game roams freely amongst 514 square kilometer of savannah, dry bush and groundwater forest, which are also the habitat of 188 recorded species of birds. Animals to be seen are Bushbuck, Swayne's Hartebeest, Burchelli's Zebra, Grant's gazelle, Guenther's Dik-di, Greater Kudu, Crocodile, Anubis baboon, Grey Duiker. Birds seen including re-biled Hornbill, Fish Eagle, Abyssinian Ground Hornbill etc. a backdrop of hills and mountains combined to make this one of the most attractive national parks in Ethiopia, and its location makes it very accessible. 
The
sizable national park with 2,200km2 care for the Bale Mountains
that includes Mount Tullo Deemtu, the second highest peak
in Ethiopia set at an attitude of 4,377m. The park is
renowned for endemic birds as well as Mountain Nyala, the
last discovered African antelopes, is comparable with greater
kudu but differ by its small horn and brown color. The
other fully endemic large mammal is Menelik Bushbuck, which
the male race is quite handsome with leg marking and light
spotting on its flanks and relatively difficult to look is
the endangered Ethiopian Wolf or Kai Kebero (Red Jackal) who
is at the rank of the most rare species of the world.
The semien mountains are a must for all those interested in wildlife, scenery and spectacular landscapes. The park has been declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO. The Semien Mountains constitute one of the major mountain massifs in Africa. The region includes many summits above 4000 meters and culminates n the highest point in Ethiopia, Ras Dejen, at 4620 meters, the fourth higest mountain in Africa.
The park covers an area of 827 square kilometers. It is possible to see its population of mammals such as he Belsa Oryx, Soemmerrings Gazelle and Wild Pigs at all locations and all times. In Awash National Park Camping is by far the best alternative, camping sites are located on the edge of the river above the falls. Large spreading trees provide not only shade but also shelter a wonderful collection of rare types of birds. Over 350 species are recorded. There is a museum near the camping site.
It's other name Dallol; Danakil Depression is one of the hottest surfaces on the earth. It has an average 35oC temperature and, much of the area remain depopulated. More than 30, either active or dormant volcanoes have been recorded so far. The often visited volcanic choice in the Danakil is Erta Ale, which comprise of seven active peaks, of which Erta Ale itself that mark 600m is the most significant with being registered as the most active volcano in Africa.