Discover the Wonders of Yabelo Wildlife Sanctuary

• HelloSelam
  [sɛlɑm]
• GoodbyeTafari Godhana
  [tɑfɪri gɑdɑnɑ]
• YesEe
  [eɪ]
• NoAla
  [ɑlɑ]
• Please/You're welcomeEjjennoo
  [ɛʤːɛnnoʊ]
• Thank youGalatoomi
  [gɑlɑtoʊmi]
• Excuse me/SorryFayyadama
  [faɪjːɑdɑmɑ]
• How are you?Akka dhufee?
  [ækːɑ dhuːfiː]
• Fine. And you?Dhufte. Akkuma?
  [dhuftɛ. ækːumɑ]
• Do you speak English?Inni Ingliziffa dhufu?
  [ɪnni ɪŋglizɪfːɑ dhuːfu]
• I don't understandHarka qabnu
  [hɑrkɑ kɑbnʊ]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseAkkuma menuu haadha jedhe?
  [ækːumɑ mɛnuː hɑːdhɑ ʤɛdʰɛ]
• I don't eat meatNaa gara morkoo hin qabdu
  [nɑː gɑrɑ mɔrkʷoʊ hɪn qɑbdʊ]
• Cheers!Dhiifama!
  [dʰiːfɑmɑ]
• I would like to pay, pleaseAkkuma bilisa jedhe
  [ækːumɑ bɪlɪsɑ ʤɛdʰɛ]

• Help!Dhiifne
  [dʰiːfnɛ]
• Go away!Dhukkubsi
  [dʰukːubsi]
• Call the Police!Polisii nagaan deebi'ee
  [polisii nɑgɑːn dɛːbɪʔɛ]
• Call a doctor!Dhoktara nagaan deebi'ee
  [dʰɔktɑrɑ nɑgɑːn dɛːbɪʔɛ]
• I'm lostKan dhufu
  [kɑn dhuːfu]
• I'm illKan godhu
  [kɑn gɑdhu]

• I'd like to buy...Akkuma irratti injifannoo dha
  [ækːumɑ ɪrɑtti ɪnʤɪfɑnnʊ ðɑ]
• I'm just lookingAkkuma gara kijibee
  [ækːumɑ gɑrɑ kɪʤɪbɛ]
• How much is it?Dhaloota keessanii?
  [dʰɑloʊtɑ keːsːɑniː]
• That's too expensiveDadoo itti ka'i
  [dɑdʊ ɪtːi kɑʔi]
• Can you lower the price?Dhaloota kana irraa hin qabdu?
  [dʰɑloʊtɑ kɑnɑ ɪrɑː hɪn qɑbdʊ]

• What time is it?Mitiin keessanii?
  [miːtiːn keːsːɑniː]
• It's one o'clockHawwa miti
  [hɑwwɑ miːti]
• Half past (10)Kutaa (10) duwwaa miti
  [kutɑː (10) duwwɑ miːti]
• Morningergaa
  [ɛrgɑː]
• Afternoondabalata
  [dɑbɑlɑtɑ]
• Eveningsa'aa
  [sɑʔɑː]
• Yesterdayguddisu
  [gʊddɪsu]
• Todayguyyaa
  [gʊjːɑː]
• Tomorrowsana
  [sɑnɑ]
• 1tokkoffa
  [tɔkːɔfːɑ]
• 2lafa
  [lɑfɑ]
• 3sodda
  [sodːɑ]
• 4afur
  [ɑfʊr]
• 5jira
  [ʤɪrɑ]
• 6dodda
  [dodːɑ]
• 7seera
  [sɛrɑ]
• 8saamtu
  [sɑːmtu]
• 9sadeet
  [sɑdɛːt]
• 10lakkoofsa
  [lɑkːɔfːsɑ]

• Where's a/the...?... hin geenyaa?
  [hɪn gɛːnjɑː]
• What's the address?Akkamitti geessanii?
  [ækːɑmɪtti geːsːɑniː]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Kan akka... sa'aa hin qabu?
  [kɑn ækkɑ... sɑʔɑː hɪn qɑbu]
• When's the next (bus)?Bara (bas) akka ta'e?
  [bɑrɑ (bɑs) ækkɑ tɑʔɛ]
• A ticket (to ....)Bara (....) akka ta'ee
  [bɑrɑ (....) ækkɑ tɑʔe]

Yabelo Wildlife Sanctuary, located in the Oromia Region of southern Ethiopia, was established in the early 1970s. The sanctuary was created to protect the unique flora and fauna of the region, particularly the endemic species such as the Ethiopian bush-crow and the white-tailed swallow. The area was chosen due to its distinctive ecosystem, which includes savannah grasslands, acacia woodlands, and rocky hills.

The Borana people, an indigenous pastoralist community, have lived in the Yabelo area for centuries. They have developed a deep understanding and respect for the land and its wildlife. The Borana practice a traditional system of land management known as 'Tula Wells,' an ancient water management system that has sustained their way of life in the arid environment. Their knowledge and practices have been crucial in maintaining the ecological balance of the sanctuary.

Over the years, various national and international conservation organizations have collaborated to protect the biodiversity of Yabelo Wildlife Sanctuary. Efforts have included anti-poaching measures, habitat restoration projects, and community engagement programs to involve local residents in conservation activities. These initiatives have been essential in preserving the sanctuary's unique species and habitats.

In recent decades, there has been a push to develop ecotourism in Yabelo Wildlife Sanctuary. This initiative aims to provide sustainable economic opportunities for local communities while promoting the conservation of natural resources. Tourist activities include guided wildlife tours, bird watching, and cultural exchanges with the Borana people. Ecotourism has helped raise awareness about the sanctuary's ecological significance and cultural heritage.

Yabelo Wildlife Sanctuary has attracted researchers from around the world, drawn by its unique ecosystems and endemic species. Studies conducted in the sanctuary have contributed to a greater understanding of the region's biodiversity, including the behavior and conservation needs of rare species like the Ethiopian bush-crow. Research findings have informed conservation strategies and highlighted the importance of the sanctuary on a global scale.

Yabelo Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Borena Zone of the Oromia Region in southern Ethiopia. The closest major city with an international airport is Addis Ababa, approximately 570 kilometers north of Yabelo. From Addis Ababa, you can travel by car or bus to Yabelo. The journey typically takes around 8 to 10 hours by road. There are also domestic flights available to the nearby town of Moyale, from where you can hire a taxi or arrange for local transportation to Yabelo.

Within Yabelo and its surroundings, transportation options include local taxis and minibuses, which are relatively inexpensive. For those looking to explore the sanctuary and its remote areas, renting a 4x4 vehicle is recommended due to the rough terrain. Guided tours are also available and often include transportation. Walking is a viable option within the sanctuary for short distances and guided walks.

The official currency in Ethiopia is the Ethiopian Birr (ETB). Credit cards are not widely accepted in rural areas like Yabelo, so it is advisable to carry sufficient cash. ATMs are scarce, so it is wise to withdraw cash in larger towns or cities before heading to Yabelo. Ensure you have smaller denominations of Birr for easier transactions in local markets and for tipping.

Yabelo is generally safe for tourists, but standard travel precautions should be taken. Avoid walking alone at night in secluded areas and always keep an eye on your belongings. While there are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, it is advisable to stay vigilant, especially in crowded places such as markets. It is also recommended to travel with a guide when exploring remote areas of the sanctuary.

In case of emergency, dial 991 for police assistance and 907 for medical emergencies. The nearest medical facilities are located in Yabelo town, but they may be basic, so it's advisable to have comprehensive travel insurance that includes medical evacuation. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies in Yabelo where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially in local communities. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always ask for permission before taking photographs of people or religious sites. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake. A slight bow of the head is also a sign of respect. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and accept food offerings graciously. Don’t refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Yabelo Wildlife Sanctuary like a local, visit the local markets where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Ethiopian goods. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about their culture and the sanctuary. Don’t miss the chance to explore the unique flora and fauna with a knowledgeable guide who can provide insights into the local ecosystem. For a truly immersive experience, consider participating in community-based tourism initiatives that support local livelihoods.