Ethiopia is graced with more than 20 national parks. The awe-inspiring Omo National Park is one of the standouts. The park hosts several endemic animals and plants as well as reptile and bird species.
Wild animals such as eland, giraffe, cheetah, lion, leopard, zebra and buffalo are among the many creatures which dwell in the park. In addition to this, the park boasts lash savanna grasslands, hot springs, riverine and other plant species. Besides, the park has about 306 spectacular bird species that could amuse visitors. Bustards, hornbills, weavers and starlings are among the many interesting birds which are found in the area.
The 4,068 square km park is found in the South Nations, Nationalities and Peoples’ State, located on the western bank of River Omo, about 870 kilometers southwest of Addis Ababa. The park is the largest park in Ethiopia.
Omo River that flows to Lake Turkana has huge significance in preserving the ecosystem of the park and surrounding areas.YaregalAbebe, Geography Lecture at Addis Ababa University said that the park is the result of volcanic eruption. There are many signs of that.
‘‘Omo National Park is the outcome of two adjacent environmental fragmentations that was formed due to geological changes. The volcanic basalt and granite are the signs of the eruption which took place millions years ago,’’ he said.
Omo National Park is so attractive that it has been luring tourists from around the world. Especially of late, the number of visitors is showing an upward swing. In addition to that, Omo Riverthat snakes through the park has been adding beauty to it attracting international water-rafters attention since 1973.The suitable season for rafting is between September and October, according to Yaregal.
‘‘Though the topography is magnificent, it has not human habitation. But tribessuch as the Surma native to the land livenearby areas. Since there weren’t basic infrastructural development activities done there, it was hard toeasily accessit. ”
However,circumventing all the challenges,European rafters used to visit the area,he points out. The other challenge is lack of restaurants and accommodation.
The Ethiopian Herald Sunday Edition 29 December 2019
BY TSEGAY HAGOS
