Ethiopian Wildlife Conservation Authority
Gambella National Park
Gambella National Park (GNP), is well-known for its rich biodiversity and distinctive ecosystems. Covering approximately 457,500 ha, it is one of the largest national parks in the country. The GNP encompasses a diverse range of ecosystems including pristine areas of highland forests in the east and the expansive Duma wetland in the west. Most importantly, this landscape represents a transition from the East African ecological zone to the Central African ecological zone. Within these ecosystems one can find the world’s rarest species such as the Nile lechwe and the Shoebill stork. The GNP has gained significant recognition for its remarkable biodiversity, hosting a wide array of wildlife species. Among the notable mammals found in GNP include elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, lions, leopards, and antelopes such as white-eared kob, Nile lechwe, tiang/topi, and roan antelope. Additionaly, the park palys a significant role in bird conservation, attracting numerous species of avian life including waterbirds, raptors, and other bird species. The park is surrounded by major rivers such as the Baro, Akobo, Gilo and Alewero rivers, which along with the wetlands support a diverse array of aquatic life, including fish species and Nile crocodiles. Despite its remarkable attributes, the GNP has remained relatively unknown to the international community as the landscape has not been thoroughly explored and is one of the least developed and inaccessible regions of Ethiopia. Furthermore, the GNP boastes the second largest and longest terrestrial mammal migration in Africa, with a million mammals mainly the White-eared kob undertaking a phenomenal seasonal movement between Gambella and Boma national parks of South Sudan. In Gambella, the largest population of the species can be observed between December and May during the dry season when the surface flooding has receded. The species then begins its return journey to Boma in June before the onset of the wet season.
Access and Accommodation
The GNP is situated in the western end of the country roughly 777 km from Addis Ababa. The easiest access is by plane from Addis Ababa to Gambella with the Ethiopian Airlines usually flying twice a day. There is currently no accommodation inside the park. The accommodation options are mainly in Gambella town and the nearby small towns of the region.
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