Babile Elephant Sanctuary
A reserve protecting the remnant African elephant population of eastern Ethiopia. Tracking elephants takes a full day in a 4WD vehicle with a guide, and whether you see any is a matter of luck.
Babile Elephant Sanctuary was established in 1970 to protect the small remaining group of African elephants in the Horn of Africa, numbering several hundred. The terrain is dry bush and seasonal river valleys, and the reserve is also home to lions, antelopes and other wildlife. Facilities are minimal. You need to contact the management office in advance and hire an armed ranger and a guide. The trip from Harar takes a full day by 4WD, and tracking elephants often means walking, with a low chance of sighting. It is recommended only for experienced bush travelers with plenty of time.
Opening hours
Contact management in advance
Nearby sights
- Babile Camel Market
- Valley of Marvels (Dakata)
- Harar Hyena Feeding
- Gidir Magala & Old Town Markets
- Arthur Rimbaud House
- Harar Jugol
- Sherif Harar City Museum (Ras Tafari's House)
- Tomb of Emir Nur