Borena Sayint WorehimenoNational Park, Wollo Travel Guide

Borena Sayint National Park, formerly known as Denkoro Chaka state reserve, is located in the South Wollo Zone of the Amhara region in northern Ethiopia. Approximately 600km from Addis Ababa via Debre Birhan, 300km from Bahir-Dar through Merto Lemariam, and 200km southwest of Dessie, the park sits at the intersection of Borena, Sayint, and Mehal Sayint districts.Established in 2009, Borena Sayint covers 15,262 hectares and features a dramatic landscape with deeply incised valleys, escarpments, plateau, and cone-shaped peaks. Altitudes range from 1,900 to 4,280 meters above sea level, creating three distinct agro-climatic zones: Woina Dega (temperate), Dega (cool), and Wurch (alpine). This variation supports diverse flora, from Afromontane forests to afro-alpine vegetation.The park is home to over 354 plant species, with 63 endemic to the area, including giant lobelia and *Echinops kebericho*. It also shelters a variety of wildlife, including over 30 species of large mammals, amphibians, reptiles, and smaller mammals. Endemic mammals include the Ethiopian wolf, Gelada baboon, Stark's hare, and Menelik's bushbuck. Birdwatchers can spot over 77 recorded bird species, including the Harwood's francolin.Borena Sayint also has cultural and historical significance, with more than ten caves that once served as hiding places. The park's peaks, such as Kabu Kora and Gulas, offer natural viewpoints for tourists. The area has been recognized and protected since the 14th century, potentially marking it as the oldest conservation practice in Africa.