Babille Elephant Sanctuary

Eastern Ethiopia


Despite considerable tree cutting, livestock grazing and land encroachment, Babille is better protected than many of Ethiopia’s national parks, and the population of elephants (which some authorities identify as a unique subspecies, Loxodonta africana orleansi) has risen to around 400. Also resident, though unlikely to be seen, are lions (notable for their black manes), leopards, Menelik’s bushbucks, Soemmerring’s gazelles and greater and lesser kudus. The bird list is at least 227 species strong.

The best way to see the elephants is to drive through the Erer Valley, which comprises the majority of the 6982-sq-km sanctuary, to near where they were last spotted and then get out and walk. With enough patience and perseverance you stand a good chance (but no guarantee) of finding them. They prefer the thick brush so are difficult to see clearly, but you can often get quite close. Wear long trousers; there are many thorn trees and cacti.

The signed turn-off is 20km from Harar on the Jijiga road at Kile, and then it’s another 12km to the office. Except during heavy rain, a taxi or minibus can handle the road through the reserve.

Camping (per tent Birr20) is allowed anywhere, but there are no facilities.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Eastern Ethiopia attractions

1. Babille Market

5.92 MILES

If you’re travelling east of Harar on a Monday or Thursday, don’t miss the super-atmospheric livestock market in the village of Babille – it's one of…

2. Koremi

8.5 MILES

With its superb architecture and dramatic setting, the clifftop village of Koremi, 19km southeast of Harar above the Erer Valley, is a definite must-see…

3. Valley of Marvels

12.98 MILES

In the Dakhata Valley (better known as the Valley of Marvels), tall rocks have been sculpted into strange, often phallic shapes by the elements. The name…

4. Mikael Cemetery

16.29 MILES

You don’t come to this place below Mikael Church for the graves, but for the excellent views of the old town from the road below them. Photography is best…

5. Eastern Hyena Feeding Site

16.4 MILES

One of Harar's two infamous hyena feeding sites, it is located about 1.5km east of Erer Gate (near the garbage dump). This site is usually more productive…

6. Tomb of Sheikh Abadir

16.42 MILES

The tomb of Sheikh Abadir, Harar’s legendary founder and second emir, is an important pilgrimage site. His tomb still attracts worshippers seeking…

7. Mosque

16.49 MILES

A small mosque just outside the city walls, to the east.

8. Erer Gate Market

16.55 MILES

At the eastern end of the old town, Erer Gate was the one Richard Burton entered in 1854, disguised as an Arab merchant. The chat market is found here.

  • placement: superzone
  • path: Destinations/POIs/superzone
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [1, 1],
  • targeting:
    {
      "url": "ethiopia/eastern-ethiopia/attractions/babille-elephant-sanctuary/a/poi-sig/1424759/355290",
      "destination": "Eastern-Ethiopia",
      "continent": "Africa",
      "country": "Ethiopia",
      "region": "Eastern-Ethiopia",
      "position": "superzone"
    }