Southern

Chebera Churchura National Park

Hidden forested park in the southwest with Ethiopia's largest herds of forest elephants.

What is Chebera Churchura National Park

Chebera Churchura National Park is a 1,250 square kilometre park in southwestern Ethiopia, between the Dawro and Konta zones, about 133 kilometres south of Jimma. It protects deep forested valleys, tall grasslands and rivers, and is best known for its population of around 500 wild African elephants, one of the largest in the country, along with buffalo, lions, leopards and hippos.

The park ranges from about 500 to 2,000 metres in altitude and includes mountain forest, riverine forest, woodland and grassland dominated by tall elephant grass. Waterfalls and rivers cut through the valleys.

Besides elephants, the park records around 37 large mammal species and more than 230 birds, including several Ethiopian endemics.

Why Visit Chebera Churchura National Park

Chebera Churchura offers something rare in Ethiopia: the chance to track elephants on foot through forest and grassland, far from other tourists. It suits adventurous travellers who enjoy hiking, birding and genuine wilderness.

History and Significance of Chebera Churchura National Park

The area was protected as a wildlife reserve before being upgraded to a national park in 2005. Local communities in Dawro and Konta have long lived alongside the elephants, and conservation work focuses on reducing conflict between wildlife and farmers.

Top Things to Do in Chebera Churchura National Park

Elephant tracking: follow scouts on foot to find herds in the forest and grassland.
Waterfalls and rivers: hike to falls inside the park.
Birdwatching: forest and grassland species, including endemics.
Wildlife drives: buffalo, bushbuck, warthog and primates where tracks allow.
Dawro and Konta culture: meet the communities around the park.

Best Time to Visit Chebera Churchura National Park

The dry season from December to February is best: grass is shorter, tracks are passable and animals concentrate near water. The long rains from March to September make access difficult.

Period	What to expect
December to February	Dry; best wildlife viewing and access.
October to November	Transitional; tall grass.
March to September	Wet; tracks often difficult.

How to Get to Chebera Churchura National Park from Addis Ababa

Fly from Addis Ababa to Jimma, about 1 hour, then drive south roughly 133 kilometres on increasingly rough roads to the park, allowing several hours. Overland from Addis Ababa is about 480 kilometres. A 4×4 is essential.

How Many Days Do You Need in Chebera Churchura National Park

Allow at least two nights in the park to give yourself a good chance of finding elephants.

Trip type	Suggested time
Minimum	Two nights in or near the park.
Recommended	Three nights for tracking and hikes.
Combined trip	Add Jimma and the Kaffa coffee forests.

Where to Stay in Chebera Churchura National Park

Accommodation inside and near the park is basic, from a simple park lodge to camping. Jimma offers more comfortable hotels for the nights before and after.

What to Wear and Pack for Chebera Churchura National Park

Bring hiking boots, long trousers and sleeves, insect repellent, a headlamp, binoculars and rain protection. Ask your doctor about malaria prevention for the lowland areas.

Is Chebera Churchura National Park Safe to Visit

Walk only with an armed park scout and keep a safe distance from elephants and buffalo. The park is remote, so travel with an experienced operator, carry basic first aid and check current travel advice for southwestern Ethiopia before you go.

Nearby Attractions and Suggested Itineraries

Combine with Jimma, the coffee forests of Kaffa, and the road south towards the Omo Valley.