Chebera Churchura Wildlife National Park

Chebera Churchura Wildlife National Park is a stunning natural reserve located in Ethiopia, specifically in the Kaffa Zone of the Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples’ Region. Established to protect diverse wildlife and unique ecosystems, the park covers an area of approximately 1,200 square kilometers. It boasts a variety of habitats, including montane forests, grasslands, and wetlands, making it a biodiversity hotspot.

The park is home to numerous species, including the endemic Swayne’s Hartebeest, African elephants, hippos, Cape buffaloes, lions, and various antelopes. Chebera Churchura is also renowned for its scenic landscapes, characterized by rolling hills, stunning lakes, and lush vegetation, providing excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing and trekking.

Visitors can engage in various activities such as guided hikes, wildlife observation, and cultural experiences with local communities. With its rich biodiversity and breathtaking scenery, Chebera Churchura Wildlife National Park is a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers exploring Ethiopia.

Itinerary Overview:

Duration: 11 Nights (12 Days)
Transportation: Land (4WD)
Accommodation: Hotel & Tent
Tour Start: Addis Ababa
Tour End: Addis Ababa

Day 1: Arrival in Addis Ababa & City Tour
Begin your journey in Addis Ababa, meaning “New Flower” in Amharic. Founded by Emperor Menelik in 1886, this city serves as Africa’s diplomatic capital, hosting numerous embassies and the African Union Headquarters. After arriving at Bole International Airport, transfer to your hotel. Following breakfast, embark on a panoramic drive to Entoto Mountain for breathtaking views, visit the Entoto Museum, and explore the historic Church of St. Mary and Menelik II’s old palace. In the afternoon, visit the Ethnological Museum at Addis Ababa University and the National Museum to see significant archaeological artifacts, including a replica of Lucy’s skeleton. Conclude your day with a visit to Trinity Cathedral and a lively cultural dinner at a traditional restaurant such as Habesha or Yod Abyssinia. Overnight stay at a hotel in Addis Ababa.

Day 2: Journey to Chebera Churchura National Park
After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Chebera Churchura National Park, covering a total distance of 470 km via Jimma, the capital of Kaffa Province — the birthplace of coffee. Enjoy lunch in Jimma before continuing to your tented accommodation at the park’s head office.

Day 3: Wildlife Observation at Lake Bulo
Set out on a trek toward Lake Bulo, where you can observe African elephants, hippos, Cape buffaloes, lions, and leopards. Expect a maximum trek time of 4 hours. Overnight camping near Lake Bulo.

Day 4: Trekking to Filwuha Campsite
Explore the Filwuha region, known for its hot springs and abundant wildlife, including buffalos, elephants, and lions. Engage in a 4-hour trek or ride a mule through this stunning landscape. Overnight at the tented camp in Filwuha.

Day 5: Visit to Kerbela Lake
Drive to Shoshuma Forest for potential sightings of elephants and bush pigs, then descend to Kerbela Lake for crocodile observations amidst dense forests. Overnight camping at Kerbela Lake.

Day 6: Scenic Drive to Gudumu
Ascend from Kerbela Lake to Gudumu, passing through picturesque towns and landscapes. Enjoy a full day’s drive and camp overnight at Gudumu park’s office.

Day 7: Trek to Chofre Lake
Trek for 4 hours through dense forests to reach Lake Chofre, where you may spot lions, waterbucks, crocodiles, and hippos. Overnight tented stay at Lake Chofre.

Day 8: Churchura Forest Exploration
Embark on a 5-hour trek to Churchura Forest, renowned for its stunning scenery and vibrant wildlife, including buffalos and gazelles. Overnight in tents at Churchura campsite.

Day 9: Return to Gudumu
Trek back or ride a mule for approximately 6 hours to Gudumu park’s office. Overnight camping at Gudumu.

Day 10: Adventure in Maze National Park
Drive to Maze National Park, a savannah grassland dedicated to conserving the endemic Swayne’s Hartebeest population. Look out for various mammals, including redbucks, bushbucks, and leopards. Overnight in tented accommodation at Maze National Park.

Day 11: Return to Addis Ababa
Enjoy a final morning in Maze National Park before driving back to Addis Ababa via the scenic Butajira Road. Overnight at Friendship International Hotel or a similar accommodation in Addis Ababa.

Day 12: Departure
Depending on your flight schedule, transfer to Bole International Airport for your departure, concluding your thrilling wildlife adventure.

For more information, please visit Zufan Eco Tour.
Contact: Mulat Israël, General Manager