Home FAQs Where Is Chebera Churchura National Park Located and Is It Worth Visiting?

Where Is Chebera Churchura National Park Located and Is It Worth Visiting?

Chebera Churchura National Park (also spelled Chebera-Churchura) is a national park in south-western Ethiopia, in Africa. It lies in the South West Ethiopia Peoples’ Region (formerly Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples’ Region, SNNPR), on the western side of the central Omo-Gibe Basin, between the Dawro Zone and the Konta Zone (Konta Special Woreda).

Key Location Facts:

  • Geographic coordinates: Approximately 6°52′N 36°40′E.
  • Country: Ethiopia
  • Region: South West Ethiopia Peoples’ Region (SWER/SNNPR)
  • Geographic setting: Western side of the central Omo-Gibe Basin
  • The park covers an area of about 1,215 square kilometers.
  • Distance from key cities:
    • About 133 km south of Jimma.
    • Roughly 450–483 km southwest of Addis Ababa (the capital), typically via the Addis–Jimma–Chida–Ameya road.

Is It Worth Visiting?

Chebera Churchura is often considered one of Ethiopia’s "hidden gems" and one of the most untouched wilderness areas in the country.

  • Elephant Sanctuary: It is perhaps the best place in Ethiopia to see African Savanna Elephants. It hosts a significant and relatively well-protected population compared to other parts of the country.
  • Biodiversity: It is home to 37 species of large mammals, including Buffalo, Lions, Leopards, Hippos, and various antelope species like the Greater Kudu.
  • Avian Life: There are over 237 species of birds recorded, including several endemic species.
  • Vegetation: The park's ecosystem is a mix of montane woodland, savanna grassland, and dense riverine forests.
  • The Omo River Basin: It lies within the drainage basin of the Omo River, which provides a vital water source for the region's wildlife. The park is famous for its numerous perennial rivers (like the Zigna and Shita), hot springs, and four beautiful crater lakes: Lake Keriballa, Lake Bahee, Lake Choemana, and Lake Gidabo.

Best Time to Visit

The dry season (November to March) is the best time for wildlife viewing as animals congregate around the water sources.

It's a relatively remote and less-visited park. To get to this park, most visitors travel via Jimma or Sodo.

Inside the park, infrastructure is minimal. There are basic campsites, but it is primarily a destination for trekking and wildlife enthusiasts looking for an off-the-beaten-path experience. This makes it one of Ethiopia’s best-kept secrets for nature lovers and safari enthusiasts.

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