Simien Mountains National Park, Northern Ethiopia, Ethiopia

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The Simien Mountains Massif is one of the major highlands of Africa, rising to the highest point in Ethiopia, Ras Dejen (4,620m), which is the fourth highest peak in the continent. Although in Africa, and not too far from the equator, snow and ice appear on the highest points, and night temperatures often fall below zero. The National Park has three general botanical regions. The lower slopes have been cultivated and grazed, while the alpine regions (up to 3,600m) were forested, although much has now disappeared. The higher lands are mountain grasslands, with fescue grasses as well as heathers, splendid Red Hot Pokers and Giant Lobelia. The park was created primarily to protect the Walia Ibex, a type of wild goat, and over 1000 are said to live in the park. Also in the park are families of the gelada Baboon, and the rare Simien Fox. Although named after the mountains this is rarely seen by the visitor. Over 50 species of birds have been reported in the Simien Mountains. Access to the park is from Debareq, 101 km from Gondar, where riding and pack animals may be hired. This should be arranged in advance through your local tour operator or the office of the wildlife conservation Department. Animal Checklist Walia Ibex Gelada Baboon Simien Fox Klipspringer Grimm's Duiker Bushbuck Hyena Golden Jackal Yangudi-Rassa National Park Although this park has little development and no tourist faculties, its dry grassland are home to herds of the endangered Somali Wild Ass, as well as Grevy's Zebra, Hamadryras Baboon and Beisa Wryx. The park lies astride the Addis Assab road, and consists of 4,730km Sq of semi desert and dry scrub. Access to the park is from the town of Gewane, where the park administration is based. Animal Checklist Wild Ass Gerenuk Soemmering's Gazelle Beisa Oryx Grevy's Zebra Hamadryas Baboon.

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