Chebera Churchura, When to visit Chebera Churchura & Maze National Park 9 Days
During the months from October up to May. During these months, there is no main rain fall so the Savannah grass is not preventing to see animals.
The Chebera Churchura National Park was established in 1997 and is less disturbed and reliable ecosystem for the African elephant and Buffalo in Ethiopia.
Konta Tribes
According the information we gathered from local community, Konta Tribes have a special love and respect for vegetation. They live around Chebera Churchura National Park. If anybody amongst Konta tribe commits a crime, that person will be penalized by planting vegetation. Because of their loving tradition, therefore; the Chebera Churchura National Park is kept safe from human selfish and against wildlife activity such as cutting woods in the dense forest for fire consumption and killing wild animals for fame …..
Discover Chebera Churchura and maze National Parks
Itinerary
Program: wildlife trip
Code: WL 05
Duration: 8 Nights (9 Days)
Transportation: Land (4WD)
Accommodation: Hotel, Lodge & Tent
Tour starts: Addis Ababa
Tour ends: Addis Ababa
Day 1: Arrival/ Addis Ababa & City Tour of Addis Ababa: Addis Ababa is centered at the heart of the country. Addis Ababa in Amharic language means “New Flower”. It was founded by Emperor Menelik in 1886. Addis is graced as Africa’s diplomatic capital with the presence of the head quarter for the African Unity, a seat for numerous embassies and is the port of entry for most travelers.
In the morning, arrive at Addis Ababa bole International Airport, meet with us and transfer to your Hotel then after Breakfast, we drive to the Entoto Mountain (3300m) for a panoramic view of Addis, Entoto Museum with historical and royal exhibit, The Church of St. Mary, built in 1885 and the old palace of emperor MenelikII. Take some images at Mount Entoto. We drive back to Addis for Ethnological Museum (in Addis Ababa University) that exhibits the culture and handicrafts of various Ethiopian ethnic groups, the National Museum in which you are visiting different archaeological findings (including Lucy’s replica Skeleton). Afternoon, visit the Trinity Cathedral, Mausoleum of emperor MenelikII at Bààta Church (you will discover many turtles that have been here since before Addis Ababa was established in 1886) and finally Merkato – the largest open market in Africa. During evening, you will be attending the amazing shoulder to shoulder dances (northern culture) and other many live dances at best cultural restaurants in Addis (Habesha restaurant or Yod Abyssinia). Overnight – at chosen hotel – Addis Ababa
Day 2: Drive from Addis Ababa to Chebera Churchura National park (470km)
After breakfast, drive from Addis Ababa to Chebera Churchura National park via Jimma(346 asphalted + 124 km dirt road , totaled 470km from Addis Ababa), the main city in Kaffa province. Kaffa is the homeland of Coffee. It was here where coffee discovered by a shepherd named Kaldis then planted everywhere in the world. Lunch in Jimma and proceed to Chida – Amaya – then to the head office game view. Overnight - Tented camp – possibly at Filwuha campsite - CCNP
Day 3- Hippopotamus and Cape buffalo nearby Lake Bulo
Drive and walk towards Lake Bulo for the African elephant, hippopotamus, Cape buffalo, lion, and leopard. Overnight: tented camp – nearby Lake Bulo
Day 4- Shoshuma campsite
Drive and game view towards Shoshuma Campsite, especially for elephants. Overnight: tented camp –Shoshuma – campsite.
Day5: Maze National Park
After early morning game drive, leave Chebera Churchura National park for Maze National Park via Amaya – Chida – Sodo – Maze (323km) – Overnight – tented camp – MNP
Day6: Swayne’s Hartebeest
Maze National Park is covered by savannah grassland. The park is primarily designed to protect the endemic Swayne’s Hartebeest population. Mammals such as Orbi, Bohor, red buck, warthog, bushbuck, waterbuck, greater kudu, lesser kudu, bush pig, Anibus baboon, vervet monkey, leopard, and wild cats are much probable to seen. Overnight – tented camp – MNP
Day 7: Butajira
Drive back to Addis Ababa via Sodo – Butajira Road. Visit Welayata Villages on the way.
Day8: Tiya Stele, Addadi Maryam Church and Melka Kunturé
Drive to Addis Ababa. On the way, discover Tiya stelae, acknowledged by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Here you can see the northernmost example of a peculiar type of engraved, standing stelae which stretch across parts of southern Ethiopia.

These stelae are believed to have been erected between the 12th and 14th centuries and are almost certainly grave markers - recent excavations at Tiya have revealed the remains of young people of both sexes, aged between 18 – 30 ears. Then drive to the semi Rock Hewn Church of Addadi Mariam, contemporaneous with those of Lalibela - in fact local tradition ascribes it to King Lalibela who is said to have had it built on his visit to Mount Zuquala in 1106

Addadi Mariam was Damaged during the wars with Ahmed Gragn in the 16th century, it failed into disuse and was reopened in the time of Menelik II. And finally after the church, visit the Melka Kunturé Stone Age site that lies near the Awash River Gorge and is one of the most important Neolithic sites in Ethiopia. Hand axes and various other implements have been found here. There is a small museum at the site. Overnight – at chosen hotel – Addis Ababa
Day9: Departure
Based on departure time, transfer to Addis Ababa Bole International Airport for departure (end of the trip)