Northern

Alatish National Park

Remote woodland park on the Sudan border, home to lions, elephants and seasonal wetlands.

What is Alatish National Park

Alatish National Park, also spelled Alitash, is a 2,666 square kilometre lowland park in the North Gondar zone of Ethiopia's Amhara region, on the border with Sudan, where it adjoins Sudan's Dinder National Park. Established in 2006, it protects dry woodland, grassland and seasonal wetlands, and in 2016 researchers confirmed a previously unrecorded lion population in the Alatish and Dinder landscape.

Lying between about 520 and 920 metres above sea level, Alatish is hot, low country very different from the highlands. Seasonal rivers, including the Alatish that gives the park its name, create wetlands that attract wildlife and birds.

Mammals include lions, elephants, leopards, greater kudu and many antelope, and more than 200 bird species have been recorded.

Why Visit Alatish National Park

Alatish is one of Ethiopia’s least-known wildernesses. For specialist wildlife travellers and researchers it holds real interest: lions of Central African lineage, cross-border wildlife movement with Dinder and an almost untouched landscape.

History and Significance of Alatish National Park

Alatish was declared a national park in 2006. Together with Dinder in Sudan it forms a large transboundary conservation area. In 2016 a survey team reported lions in the Alatish and Dinder area, estimated at up to around 200 animals across the wider landscape, highlighting its importance for big cats in the region.

Top Things to Do in Alatish National Park

Wildlife tracking: look for signs of lions, elephants and antelope with park scouts.
Seasonal wetlands: birdwatching around pools and rivers in the dry season.
Woodland walks: explore the dry forests and rocky hills.
Research visits: link with conservation projects where possible.
Twin Mountains of Amadog: landmark hills in the southwest of the park.

Best Time to Visit Alatish National Park

The dry season from November to April gives the only realistic access. The rains from June to September flood the lowlands and close tracks.

Period	What to expect
November to April	Dry; tracks open.
May	Very hot before the rains.
June to October	Wet; largely inaccessible.

How to Get to Alatish National Park from Addis Ababa

Alatish lies about 1,000 kilometres northwest of Addis Ababa. Travellers typically fly to Gondar and continue by 4×4 west towards the Sudan border, a long journey on rough roads. Permits and scouts must be arranged in advance.

How Many Days Do You Need in Alatish National Park

This is an expedition destination: allow several days for travel and at least two to three days in the park.

Trip type	Suggested time
Minimum	Four to five days from Gondar.
Recommended	A week including travel.
Research trip	Longer, by arrangement.

Where to Stay in Alatish National Park

There is no tourist accommodation inside the park; visits require full camping support. Gondar has hotels for the start and end of the journey.

What to Wear and Pack for Alatish National Park

Full camping equipment, water purification, sun protection, insect repellent and malaria prophylaxis (ask your doctor) are essential. Temperatures are very high.

Is Alatish National Park Safe to Visit

At the time of writing, the UK government advises against all travel to the Amhara region and to areas within 20 kilometres of the Sudan border. Alatish falls within these warnings. We do not recommend planning a visit until official advice changes.

Nearby Attractions and Suggested Itineraries

When conditions allow, Gondar, Lake Tana and the Simien Mountains are the gateway region for this part of Ethiopia.