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Chebera Churchura National Park

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Animal habitat

Chebera Churchura National Park (Ethiopia)

Weather…

Chebera Churchura National Park is located in southwestern Ethiopia and is widely regarded as one of the country's most pristine and wildlife-rich protected areas. Established in 2005, the park encompasses a rugged landscape of deep valleys, dense montane forests, and expansive grasslands. It is particularly noted for hosting a significant and healthy population of African elephants and Cape buffaloes. Water is a defining feature of the park, which is drained by rivers like the Zigina and adorned with beautiful crater lakes such as Lake Shita and Lake Gulo. The biodiversity is exceptional, with residents including lions, leopards, hippopotamuses, and numerous endemic bird species. Due to its remote location, Chebera Churchura gives a truly authentic wilderness experience for those seeking to explore Ethiopia's untouched natural beauty. The park's conservation is crucial for safeguarding vital watersheds and protecting threatened megafauna in the Omo River basin.

Location: Ethiopia
Nearby: Jimma (61 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	20	22	22	20	19	18	18	18	19	19	19	19
Rain mm	36	47	112	269	266	158	136	170	169	183	117	72

📋 Practical info

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Best season

The dry season from December to March is optimal for watching elephant and buffalo herds at waterholes. During the rainy season, animals disperse and vegetation thickens.

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Best time of day

Large game is most active during the cool morning hours and late afternoon. At midday, animals usually rest in the shade and are difficult to spot.

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Etiquette

Maintain a safe distance of at least 100 meters from elephants and buffalo. Never leave your vehicle outside designated areas, as wild animals can be dangerous.

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What to bring

Binoculars with 10x magnification and a camera with telephoto lens are essential for wildlife viewing. Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and a hat, as the sun is intense.

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Getting there

Chebera Churchura is in southwestern Ethiopia, about 600 km from Addis Ababa. Access is via the main road to Jimma and then unpaved roads; a 4x4 vehicle is required.

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What to expect

Elephants and buffalo often move in large herds, but their movement can be slow - be patient. Find a good vantage point near a waterhole and wait.

Geography

Coordinates

7.00000, 36.70000

Facts

The national park was officially established in 2005.
It covers an area of approximately 1,215 square kilometers.
The park is home to an estimated population of over 500 elephants.
Four major lakes, including Lake Shita, are located within the park.
Elevation ranges from 700 to 2,450 meters above sea level.
The ecosystem supports 37 species of large mammals and 237 bird species.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Skikda Fruit Growing14 km · NWExplore →

Skikda21 km · NExplore →

Roknia Dolmens27 km · SEExplore →

Hammam Debagh36 km · SEExplore →

El Marsa43 km · NEExplore →

Guelma47 km · SEExplore →

Monument to the Dead of Constantine50 km · SWExplore →

Collo52 km · NWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Which animals live in Chebera-Churchura National Park?

The park is famous for its elephant population, buffaloes, lions, and hippos.

What is the terrain like?

It is a mix of hilly terrain, deep valleys, and several crater lakes.

Do you need a 4WD vehicle?

Yes, due to difficult tracks, a robust 4x4 is essential for park access.

Are there hiking trails in the park?

There are nature trails, but they can only be walked accompanied by park scouts.

What should you bring for the tour?

Sufficient water, food, insect repellent, and good binoculars are a must.

Chebera Churchura National Park: where is it located?

Chebera Churchura National Park is located in Ethiopia.

Chebera Churchura National Park: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.

Chebera Churchura National Park: why is it worth visiting?

Chebera Churchura National Park is located in southwestern Ethiopia and is widely regarded as one of the country's most pristine and wildlife-rich protected areas.

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