Alitash National park is bordered by Dinder national park of Sudan, which upholds its ideal site for an ecological corridor to wildlife conservation, transboundary tourism, and ecotourism. The park which covers an area of 2665 km2 of land and situated at an altitude of 500-900 meters above sea level is the largest in the region and the fourth in Ethiopia. Above and beyond the affluence of flora and fauna it also enriched in historical, cultural, and traditional attractions.
What to See?
Wildlife: Elephant, Greater and Lesser Kudu, Lion and Leopard.
Birds: Ostrich, Chestnut billed starling, and other starlings. Undulating savannah plains interrupted by valleys, streams, scattered hills, and seasonal wetlands make this National Park a great destination. A visit to Alitash also offers the chance for observing rich cultural interactions and historical sites.
History: The area is known during the Italian invasion (1936-1941) Haile Sillassie I lived in England in exile and returned to his homeland after the war. After 5 years of exile in England, Emperor Haile Sillassie I returned to Ethiopia through Sudan and spent 7 days at Omedla, a place found at the edge of this park. For his rest, a temporary cave was prepared from a big tree. The cave had the capacity to accommodate eight people and some more space to shelve books. On the tree, there are entrance doors, which are carved the first letters of the king’s full name (ቀ.ኃ.ሥ) ‘Kedamawi Haile Selassie’ (Haile Sillassie I) and a seat for a guard. The lifestyle of the population of the area and their ways of dressing styles together create a beautiful mix and hence are special attractions worth visiting.
Practical information before your trip to Alitash National Park
Getting There
By Road
Alatish is a newly established national park that is located in Quara woreda of Western Gondar Zone. Its only accessed by cars. It is located 460 kilometers away from Bahir Dar, 204 kilometers from Gondar, and 187 kilometers from Metema Yohannes town. One has to drive to the small town of Tewodros ketema from Gondar or Mettema Yohannes via the town of Shawera. Then one has to drive to the park with a poor gravel road.
By flight
The closest airport to the park is Gondar airport. Then driving to Tewodros ketema and then to the park with a rented car is a must.
Getting Around
Once you arrive to the the Park , the wardens will take you around within the park.
Accommodation
There is a campsite and eco-tourism lodge inside the park. But the small town of Gelegu or Tewdros ketema at the gate of the park offers you some basic accommodations.
