Among the predators are the distinguished Black-Backed Jackal (Canis mesomelas), Side-Striped Jackal (Canis Adustus) and Spotted Hyena (Crocuta Crocuta). Lions and Leopards are also available to hunt in Ethiopia and are present in large numbers. Hunting Lion is only done by tracking. Ethiopia issues more licenses for hunting Leopards than any other country in Africa.
Hunting in Ethiopia follows specific rules. A species can only be hunted in those areas that have been designated for hunting that particular species. Unfortunately for hunters interested in hunting Elephant or the Neumann's Hartebeest, these species can be hunted in theory only, no land has been designated for their hunting in Ethiopia as of yet.
There is no hunting season in Ethiopia and therefore it is theoretically possible to hunt all year round. The best time of year for hunting Ethiopia is from October through June. The months of July, August and September can be particularly wet.
The hunting areas in Ethiopia are spread out over a large portion of the country. The larger areas are mainly located in the southern half of the country and south of the capital, Addis Ababa. The Omo Valley, Bale province, Arusi mountains and Bale Mountains to the south as well as the Danakil region and the Afar region to the north are the most frequented hunting areas.
The hunting areas in Ethiopia are open territories, not fenced. Hunting concessions are leased and managed by hunting outfitters. There are less than half a dozen hunting outfitters in Ethiopia and the professional hunters are mostly English speaking (American, South African or white Zimbabwean).
Hunting in Ethiopia is done on foot except for the Mountain Nyala for which hunting is most often done on horseback. It should be known that Mountain Nyala hunting can be very physically demanding and is similar to hunting sheep or Bongo. It is often described as a "vertical" Bongo hunt due to the difficulty negotiating the terrain. While hunting Mountain Nyala, flying camps are often the standard. Elsewhere in Ethiopia the hunting camps are tent camps and are usually large and quite comfortable.
The hunting areas are accessible only by road from Addis Ababa and the drive is on average 5 to 10 hours depending upon the location of the area you will be hunting and the road conditions.
Climate in Ethiopia
There are three main seasons in Ethiopia, with temperatures depending on the altitude. The lowlands are generally hot and humid, with cooler temperatures in the Ethiopian Highlands. The dry season runs from October to May and is the most pleasant time to visit, while June to September is the rainy season.
There are three main seasons in Ethiopia, with temperatures depending on the altitude. The lowlands are generally hot and humid, with cooler temperatures in the Ethiopian Highlands. The dry season runs from October to May and is the most pleasant time to visit, while June to September is the rainy season.
Ethiopian climate varies according to the different topographical regions. The central plateau has a moderate climate with minimal seasonal temperature variation. The mean minimum during the coldest season is 6DC (43DF), while the mean maximum rarely exceeds 26DC (79DF). Temperature variations in the lowlands are much greater, and the heat in the desert and Red Sea coastal areas is extreme, with occasional highs of 60DC (140DF). Heavy rainfall occurs in most of the country during June, July, and August. The High Plateau also experiences a second, though much milder, rainy season between December and February. Average annual precipitation on the central plateau is roughly 122 cm (48 in). The northern provinces receive less rainfall, and the average annual precipitation in the Ogaden is less than 10 cm (4 in). The westernmost region of Ethiopia receives an annual rainfall of nearly 200 cm (80 in). Severe droughts affected the country in 1982?4,1987?8, and 1991.
World Weather Online provides a very detailed look at current weather conditions, weather forecasts, a history and almanac for predicting average weather conditions during the time while you will be traveling in that part of the world. Click here for Ethiopia's climate and temperature forecast.
Ethiopia Hunting Season & When Hunting is Allowed
- Hunting Season - January 1st to December 31st (all year round)
- Trophy hunting is allowed throughout the year with the one exception of the Nile Crocodile that is restricted to be hunted only from May 1st to November 30th as they lay their eggs the rest of the year.
- Trophy hunting may take place within the hours of daylight during the hunting season.
- Hunting is allowed at night with artificial light but only for nocturnal species such as Lion, Leopard, Hyena, Jackals and smaller cat species such as Serval and Genet. The Giant Forest Hog does is not classified under nocturnal species and therefore cannot be hunted at night.
- The Ethiopian government strictly controls the minimum number of days for a hunting safari based upon the species being hunted. Above and beyond the government regulations, the hunting outfitter may also impose their own guidelines as to the minimum number of days required to hunt certain species or combination of species.
- A 21 day hunting safari is the minimum number of days required to be able to hunt Mountain Nyala or dangerous game.
- A 15 day hunting safari is the minimum number of days required to be able to hunt any other species available on a hunting license.
- A maximum of one trophy per species may be harvested, per hunting client per hunting permit with the exception of Warthogs, Bushpigs and Baboons while on a Leopard or Lion hunt as these animals may be used as bait.
- Hunting of female is prohibited. Should such animal be taken, the professional hunter will be fined double the license fee, however the trophy can still be exported.
- Based on the SCI record book minimum scoring system the minimum legal trophy size is to be reached. Should an animal be taken under the minimum score, the professional hunter will be fined a 25% penalty fee on the license fee, however the trophy can still be exported.
- All animals are subject to quota availability.
- Baiting with domestic animals is not permitted.
- Hunting with dog(s) is not permitted.
- Bow hunting is permitted.
Ethiopia defines two categories of land where hunting is permitted; controlled hunting concessions which will give the sole hunting right to one outfitter and open hunting areas which will give the hunting right to the outfitters who financially contribute to the area and share the allocated quota.
You will find information about the bird hunting season in Ethiopia near the bottom of this page.
Association of Bid Game Professional Hunters (AGGC - Association des Guides de Grande Chasse)
Association of Professional Hunters in France (ACP - Association des Chasseurs Professionnels)
