Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Negele Borena (Birr116, 10 to 11 hours). Minibuses to Awasa (Birr8, 30 minutes) depart
nearly constantly.
Senkelle Swayne's Hartebeest Sanctuary
Senkelle
(admission per person per day Birr90, vehicle Birr20, park guide Birr100)
was
established to protect Ethiopia's endemic Swayne's hartebeest, and though the population
of around 700 is a far cry from the huge herds of the past, it's large enough to make a visit
enjoyable.
A typical visit, whether driving or walking, goes through the savannah, where Swayne's
and oribi antelope are sure to be seen, and then up to Borena Hill, 6km from the headquar-
ters, for views of Lake Awasa and likely
wildlife encounters
with warthogs, olive ba-
boons, vervet monkeys and bushbuck. Don't count on seeing any of the few remaining
leopards, cheetahs, spotted hyenas or caracals. The globally threatened greater spotted
eagle is one of 191
bird species
documented, and swallow-tailed kites are often seen.
Going deeper into the 57-sq-km park, there are
lakes
and
hot springs
. Wherever you
go, a park guide is mandatory.
Camping is permitted, though there are no facilities or food. The town of Aje provides
the closest lodging, but nothing's clean enough to be recommendable over any other.
Getting There & Away
The road towards the park lies 2km west of Aje and then the turn-off is after 10.3km at
Debu, from where you follow the signs 4.6km to the headquarters. Public transport runs
frequently from Shashemene (Birr10, 30 minutes) and Sodo (Birr60, two hours) to Aje,
and from Aje a few minibuses pass Debu (Birr10, 30 minutes); from Debu you need to
walk.
Awasa
POP 200,400 / ELEV 1708M
Perfectly poised at Lake Awasa's edge, the capital of the Southern Nations, Nationalities
and People's Region (SNNPR) is large, modern and a bit of a shock to the system for
