ETHIOPIAN WILDLIFE CONSERVATION AUTHORITY

ENHANCED MANAGEMENT AND ENFORCEMENT OF ETHIOPIA’S

PROTECTED AREA ESTATE PROJECT

TOURISM DEVELOPMENT PLAN OF KAFTA-SHERARO

NATIONAL PARK

July, 2020

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

FORWARD
Ethiopia has a critical role to play in the conservation of biodiversity in Africa. Our northern
lowlands like Kafta Sheraro National park provide habitats for a unique assemblage diversified
wildlife species, many of which are critically endangered and globally threatened. At the heart of
this lowland of Tekeze valleys and plains lies one of the jewels of Ethiopia‟s protected area
network, a globally recognized biodiversity hotspot and home to an array of unique and
charismatic plants and animals: Kafta Sheraro national park, a heaven for wildlife in Ethiopia.

This tourism development plan of Kafta Sheraro national park will enable to create diversified
wildlife tourism products, tourism marketing and promotion, infrastructures and facilities,
projects, programs and planning to increase tourism opportunities. This plan also has
strengthened relationship with tourism stakeholders and improved engagement process with the
community which will better equip us to achieve the shared outcomes from this plan.

Tourism is very important for Kafta Sheraro national park. People that enjoy the beauty of the
park form the justification for the conservation of the area, and generate income and employment
opportunities to maintain the park, increase economic development, increase local support for
conservation, and community benefits.

We are certain that the implementation of this tourism development plan will improve tourism
conservation, development and management of Kafta Sheraro national park with the context of
the broader exceptional resource value of the park, at the same time maintaining the support of
all relevant stakeholders.

It is therefore, with great pleasure to call all tourism conservation partners to together in the
implementation of this tourism development plan to achieve the sustainability of wildlife tourism
in and around Kafta Sheraro national park.

i
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Tourism industry is an ever-changing, yet fast growing sector. Ethiopia tourism needs to enhance
the competitiveness of its offering along the tourist lifecycle while taking into account the major
trends governing the dynamic of global tourism landscape. To effectively drive the growth of
Ethiopia‟s tourism industry, everyone needs to have the same picture of where Ethiopia wants to
be.

Ethiopia‟s wildlife Protected Areas (PAs) which includes national parks, game reserves, wildlife
sanctuaries, biosphere reserves, and controlled hunting areas, are most suitable for tourism
development. Ethiopia‟s many national parks enable the visitors to enjoy the country scenery and
its wildlife, conserved in natural habitats and offer opportunities for traveler different
experiences unparalleled in Africa. Although these resources are of huge importance for
developing tourism industry, which plays an invaluable role in boosting the local and national
economy and creating job opportunities, the country is currently known and visited mostly from
its historical aspect. Nature-based tourism activities, particularly wildlife-based and the
landscape and ecosystem which they are part, in the country‟s protected areas are still under
developed.

The Kafta Sheraro National Park area was an extension of the 1973 established wildlife reserve,
known as “Shire Wildlife Reserve”. The present Kafta Sheraro National Park (KSNP) was
designated in 2007 mainly to conserve the relict populations of the African Elephant found in the
area and its co-occurring biodiversity and the ecosystems. The park had been managed under the
auspice of the Tigray Regional Bureau of Agriculture and Rural Development until 2009 after
which the responsibility of its management was handed over to the Ethiopian Wildlife
Conservation Authority (EWCA) - a Federal organization responsible to manage nationally and
globally important wildlife and their habitats of the country. The KSNP was gazette in 2014 with
described boundaries.

The KSNP supports globally threatened and flagship species including African Elephant, Roan
Antelope, Heuglin‟s Gazelle, Demoiselle crane, striped hyena and other conservation important
species. The park is also more important area for the biome restricted and globally threatened

ii
bird species. It also contained unique natural heritages with outstanding beauty; diverse
attractions and great tourism potentials in and environs including cultural and historical assets.
KSNP locations in the historic route, unique wildlife, and natural beauty underpin its tourism
potential. With strong conservation management efforts by EWCA, stakeholders and its partners,
the Parks‟ natural values can be preserved, and indeed enhanced, in the future. This will translate
directly into human benefits including income from wildlife and nature tourism, natural products,
soil stability and water quality in surrounding areas of human settlement.

Even though there are tremendous tourism products that can be applicable for tourists‟
satisfaction, there are several challenges and threats to realize tourism in KSNP. Unless very
significant efforts are made by EWCA and the Government to reduce human pressures in the
park, the natural values of the KSNP will become increasingly threatened and there is no realistic
possibility for KSNP tourism opportunities to be recognized. Therefore, tourism development in
KSNP is depending on leveraging the conservation potential of the Park, boosting Park
management capacity and increased community engagement.

The objective of this KSNP tourism development plan is to guide in the development of tourism
products and marketing, infrastructures and services, capacity building and local community
involvement that will cater for the needs and interest of visitors, in cognizance of- and respecting
the natural and cultural values of the area in the life span of KSNP GMP (2019-2029). It also to
increase income generated by tourism, as a sustainable source of income for the National Park,
communities, and private sectors through increasing the visitor number, mounting the length of
stay of visitors, amplify and improve the facilities and opportunities for visitors, improved
community involvement in tourism, and increase the conservation value of the park through
tourism, that is align with GMP of the park (2019-2029).

Given that each implementation action plan was carefully constructed from the consultation
provided by relevant stakeholders, with facilitation providing a constant check to ensure
efficiencies were being applied at all time, allocation of the all-inclusive budget requirement of
an estimation of ETB 14 million for the 30 month period of this Tourism Development Plan
Actions, must be seen as an imperative for the future of the park tourism.

iii
ACRONYMS

CBETD- Community Based Ecotourism Development

EMEPA- Enhanced Management and Enforcement of Protected Areas of Ethiopia

ETB- Ethiopian Birr

EWCA- Ethiopian Wildlife Conservation Authority

GEF- Global Environmental Facility

GMP- General Management Plan

KSNP- Kafta Sheraro National Park

MoCT- Ministry of Culture and Tourism

MSEs- Medium and Small Enterprises

NGO- Non Governmental Organization

NP- National Park

PAs- Protected Areas

TDP- Tourism Development Plan

TE- Tourism Ethiopia

TUFs- Tourism User Fees

TRS- Tigray Regional State

iv
Contents
...................................................................................................................................................................... 1
FORWARD.................................................................................................................................................... i
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY .......................................................................................................................... ii
ACRONYMS ............................................................................................................................................... iv
1. INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................ 1
1.1. THE PURPOSE AND SCOPE OF THIS TOURISM DEVELOPMENT PLAN (TDP) ............... 2
1.2. KEY PRINCIPLES ................................................................................................................................ 3
1.2. THE LEGAL FRAMEWORK ............................................................................................................... 1
1.3. PLANNING PROCESS ................................................................................................................. 3
2. DESCRIPTION OF KAFTA-SHERARO NATIONAL PARK ....................................................... 4
2.1. VALUES OF KAFTA-SHERARO NATIONAL PARK ...................................................................... 6
2.1. 1. VALUES IN CONSERVATION CONTEXT OF KSNP .............................................................. 6
2.1.3. VALUES IN TOURISM DEVELOPMENT CONTEXT OF KSNP ......................................... 7
3. SITUATIONAL ANALYSIS ........................................................................................................... 9
4. THE TOURISM DEVELOPMENT AND MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES ....................................... 11
5. TOURISM ZONE ................................................................................................................................. 1
6. STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES AND ASSOCIATED ACTIONS .............................................................. 2
6.1. Objective one –Tourism products and marketing strategy developed and diversified ................. 2
6.1.1. Action 1.1: Identify, describe and mapping of Tourism products of KSNP and environs........ 2
6.2. Action 1.2: Develop and implement tourism marketing strategy ................................................. 6
6.2. Objective two –Tourism infrastructures and facilities improved and developed through
concessions ............................................................................................................................................. 23
Action 2.1: Identify and Mapping Tourism Concessions of KSNP ........................................................ 23
Action 2.2: Maintain and Develop Basic Tourism Infrastructures and Facilities ................................... 25
Action 2.2.1: Develop Physical Tourism-Infrastructures and facilities .................................................. 25
7.2. Objective 3. Tourism Staffs‟ and Concessionaires‟ Capacity of KSNP Built and Attracted ........ 1
Action 3.1: Improve the staffs‟ Tourism Capacity of KSNP .................................................................... 1
Action 3.2: Strengthen the Private Sectors‟ and Communities‟ Tourism capacity of KSNP ................... 2

v
 Objective four –Community based eco-tourism investment developed and livelihood benefited through
stakeholders cooperation ........................................................................................................................... 3
Action 4.1: Prepare guideline for Community based Eco-tourism development of KSNP ...................... 3
Action 4.2: Develop Community Based Eco-Tourism (CBETD) Investment .......................................... 3
Action 4.3: Strengthen the Cooperation and Coordination of Stakeholders of KSNP.............................. 4
8. Three years Action plan of Strategic management objectives and operational actions of KSNP ..... 1
9. MONITORING AND EVALUATION ................................................................................................ 1
10. FINANCIAL ASPECT OF TOURISM IN KSNP ............................................................................ 5
SOURCE ....................................................................................................................................................... 9
African Wildlife Foundation (2019). Simien Mountains National Park Tourism Develeopment Plan
Park Tourism, EWCA, Addis Ababa, 59pp 9
APPENDIXES ............................................................................................................................................ 10

vi
 1. INTRODUCTION

Travel to protected areas is increasing due to an overall expansion of tourism and development
of transport networks, and because of the growing interest among tourists to learn more about the
natural and cultural heritage of the destinations they visit. Visiting natural and cultural heritage
sites is the fastest growing segment within the tourism sector overall. It is estimated that about
10% of international tourists choose to visit natural and cultural heritage sites. Domestic tourism
is also considerable at many of these sites. Protected areas offer tourism companies important
possibilities to add value to the excursions and packages they offer.

Protected areas can be benefited from tourism in several ways; additional funds for conservation
can be generated from tourism which is important as many protected areas face serious financial
constraints, the profile of a protected area can be boosted when it attracts increasing numbers of
visitors which can help to solicit support for conservation of the site, tourism may reduce
unsustainable exploitation of natural resources in a protected area when it provides alternative
income opportunities for people living in and around the protected area, regular tourist presence
can effectively discourage illegal activities such as poaching due to permanent presence of staff
in some areas, and by linking conservation with the tourism sector, protected areas staff can learn
about- and try to meet the requirements of tourists, while the tourism sector can increase its
understanding of- and contribute towards conservation (cross-fertilization).

Despite the rich endowments of Ethiopia has in nature based tourism attractions, it is not yet well
benefitted from this business mainly due to underdevelopment of its protected areas attractions‟
destination. Kafta-Sheraro National park is one of these protected areas of which are enriched
with outstanding natural and cultural attractions but with little or no known destination.

It is vital to find ways for local people and communities to benefit from tourism linked with
conservation, as this helps to demonstrate the economic value of the natural resources being
conserved. Hence, tourism can form a motor for local development and may provide urgently
required income, for both the park and surrounding communities.
Tourism can, however, also add to the costs of managing a protected area. Also, if not well
planned, visitors can add more environmental and socio-cultural pressures. It is eco-tourism which
ought to be planned and implemented with greater care and keeping the Limits of Acceptable Change (LAC)
of the ecosystem.
Hence, preparing this TDP is found to be significant and followed the principles of active adaptive
management planning process.
This tourism development plan was commissioned by the global environmental facility (GEF)
funded project entitled “Enhanced Management and Enforcement of Ethiopia‟s Protected Area
Estate” in collaboration with Ethiopian Wildlife Conservation Authority (EWCA). This project
had also supported the development of a General Management Plan (GMP) of the park which is
published at the time of preparation of this plan. The TDP plan is undertaken by Enda Emba
Tours and Consultancy service Private Limited Company.

1.1. THE PURPOSE AND SCOPE OF THIS TOURISM DEVELOPMENT PLAN (TDP)

This TDP was developed based on the endorsed General Management Plan of (GMP 2019-2029)
of the national park and will form part of the Tourism Development and Management program.
By maintaining the basic vision and purpose of Tourism Development and Management Program
of the GMP of the park, the purpose of this TDP is coined as:

“Tourism products, infrastructures, facilities, human capacity and livelihood of local

communities developed, marketed and improved in collaboration with stakeholders to meet
visitors‟ satisfaction in respecting the natural and cultural values, during the life span of GMP
(2019-2029)”

This Tourism Development Plan (TDP) provides a framework for the further strategic
development and management objectives and action of the plan of tourism in KSNP. It goes in
line with the 10 years strategic development and operational annual plans of EWCA, GMP of the
Park and strategic plan of the tourism master plan of the country.

The plan further provides a basis for decision making to be applied for the next ten years (2020 -
2028). More explicitly, the TDP guides the park managers, investors, tour operators and
stakeholders on the implementation of management objectives and actions. It explores the
exceptional resource of the park and provides types, size and locations of tourism products,
environmentally sensitive design and operations, public and private sector facilities and
transportation and infrastructure to be developed and followed management principles. It fulfills
legal, policy and international convention requirements and serves as the basis from which
budgets and procurement plans are compiled. Moreover, it offers a baseline from which progress
can be measured and management effectiveness tracked and frames accountability and
performance can be assessed. It shares responsibility and management risks mitigation of the
sensitivity to the full natural, social and economic context within which the Park is located.

The geographic scope of this TDP goes beyond the KSNP and its immediate neighbours. The
environmental historic tourism route of the country is also part of the plan. The TDP is fully
integrated into the local and regional social and economic setting within the park is located.

1.2. KEY PRINCIPLES

1. Economic sustainability - that is profitable in both the immediate and long term
 Form partnerships throughout the entire supply chain from micro-sized local businesses to
multinational organizations
 Use internationally approved and reviewed guidelines for training and certification
 Promote among clients an ethical and environmentally conscious behavior
 Diversify the products by developing a wide range of tourist activities
 Contribute some of the income generated to assist in training, ethical marketing and product
development
 Initiative on incentives for businesses to adopt sustainability principles
2. Ecological sustainability - development that is compatible with the maintenance of essential
ecological processes, biological diversity and biological resources
 Codes of practice should be established for ecotourism at all levels
 Manual for tourism operations, impact assessment and monitoring of cumulative impacts should
be established
 Formulate tourism development strategies that are consistent with overall objectives of
sustainable development
 Institute baseline environmental impact assessment studies
  Ensure that the design, planning, development and operation of facilities incorporate
sustainability principles
 Ensure tourism in the national park is incorporated into and subject to sound management plan
 Monitor and conduct research on the potential impacts of tourism
 Identify acceptable behavior among tourists
 Promote responsible tourism behavior
3. Cultural sustainability - increase people's control over their lives and is compatible with the culture
and values of those affected and strengthen the community identity
 Tourism should be initiated with the help of broad based community input
 Education and training programs to improve and manage heritage and natural resources should be
established
 Conserve cultural diversity
 Respect land and property rights of traditional inhabitants
 Guarantee the protection of nature, local and the indigenous cultures and especially traditional
knowledge
 Work actively with indigenous leaders and minority groups to ensure that indigenous cultures and
communities are depicted accurately and with respect.
 Strengthen, nurture and encourage the community's ability to maintain and use traditional skills.
 Educate tourists about desirable and acceptable behavior
 Educate the tourism industry about desirable and acceptable behavior
4. Local sustainability - that is designed to benefit local communities and generate/retain income in
those communities
 The community should maintain control over tourism development
 Tourism should provide quality employment to community residents
 Encourage businesses to minimize negative effects on local communities and Contribute
positively to them
 Ensure an equitable distribution of financial benefits throughout the entire supply chain
 Provide financial incentives for local businesses to enter tourism
 Improve local human resource capacity
1.2. THE LEGAL FRAMEWORK

The adopted GMP of the park shall be taken as the basic legal document for the implementation
of the management objectives of the park during its life span. Hence, the Vision provides the
framework for the GMP and need to remain unchanged for its ten year lifespan. The Vision that
was derived at the Stakeholder Workshop in August 2018, in consultation with relevant
stakeholders and is in answer to the question “what do we want the Kafta Sheraro National Park
to look like ten years from now?” is as follows:
Vision: To conserve the ecological system of the Kafta-Sheraro National Park, including the
different habitat types and the rare and diverse flora and fauna species, while contributing to the
sustainable development of the present and future generations of people locally and nationally
in Ethiopia and the globe as a whole

Among the programs of this GMP, Tourism Development and Management program is one of
the core programs and its purpose is described as:

“Diverse tourism opportunities in the KSNP developed and managed in collaboration with
key partners so as to improve the sustainable conservation of KSNP’s exceptional resource
values and to create livelihood opportunities for park-associated communities.”

Therefore, based on the above Tourism Development and Management program purpose of the
GMP of the park in consultation with relevant tourism stakeholders was developed.

Furthermore, there are a number of policy documents and legal instruments that guide Ethiopia‟s
biodiversity conservation efforts, tourism development and sustainable utilizations in general and
protected area management in particular. Key national policies relevant to implementation of this TDP
include; the Wildlife Development, Conservation and Utilization Proc. No. 541/2007 accompanying
regulation and guidelines (tourism service providers and wildlife filming in wildlife PAs) no. 28/2016 and
22/2015) are the principal legislation dealing with the conservation and management of wildlife resources
in Ethiopia. The proclamation clarifies its objectives as to conserve, manage, develop and properly utilize
the wildlife resources of Ethiopia. Under Article 3-2 declares to create conditions necessary for
discharging government obligations assumed under treaties regarding the conservation, development, and
utilization of wildlife. Art. 3-3 also promotes wildlife-based tourism and to encourage private investment.

1
Finally, under the umbrellas of proclamation no. 541/2007 Kafta-Sheraro National Park is gazette by the
Regulation No. 335/2014 and also states the collaboration management work through the park advisory
committee who are from the local woreda leaders.

The Ethiopian Wildlife Conservation Authority establishment proc. No. 575/2008 explains about the
objectives of the Authority shall be to ensure the development, conservation, and sustainable utilization of
the country‟s wildlife resource. The Wildlife Policy and Strategies of Ethiopia (2005) aim at preserving,
developing and sustainable utilization of wildlife resources including ecotourism development in
environmentally conscious way with the involvement of local people. To avoid adverse effects on the
environment and to ensure that environmental quality is maintained, restored and enhanced, EIA will be
required on all major actions, developments, activities within and adjacent to national park boundaries,
including other types of protected areas. The Environmental policy is the Ethiopia‟s umbrella policy on
environment management with its overall objective to improve the health and quality of life and promote
sustainable socio-economic development through sound management and use of resources and the
environment.

Furthermore, the Constitution of Ethiopia (1995) provides guiding principles for environmental protection
and management. The concept of sustainable development, environmental rights, and peoples‟ right to
improved living standards to meet their basic needs are boldly recognized. Similarly, the National
Tourism Policy (2009) has the vision  to see Ethiopia’s tourism development led responsibility ad
sustainably and contributing its share to the development of the country aligning itself with
poverty elimination. It articulates to increase the quality and quantity of, developing existing and new
tourism attractions in variety, scale and quantity. Develop and expand tourism infrastructures and
Facilities essential for tourism development and capacitate of human resource in the sector, strengthen
collaboration relationships among tourism actors, improve and increase tourism promotional nationally
and internationally, and embrace the participation the private sector and local communities and
Diversifies tourism service. The Sustainable Tourism Master plan (2015-2025) also has the vision for
Ethiopia‟s Tourism that “Ethiopia becomes one of the top five tourist destination in Africa in year 2025”.
And with the mission to develop Ethiopia‟s tourism to maximizes its contribution to the country‟s
economic development, preserving Ethiopia‟s rich cultural ad natural heritage, and providing the warmest
of hospitality, excellent values for may ad memorials, authentic experience to every visitors” and the
Ministry of Culture and Tourism Establishment proclamation No. 471/2005 outlines to ensure
coordination of efforts being made by government, the private sector, communities at the tourism
destination and civic organisations.

2
At the international level, the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (FDRE) is signatory to a
number of conventions including: Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD); Convention on
International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES); Conservation of
Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS); Agreement on the Conservation of African Eurasian
Migratory Water birds (AEWA); Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD); UN
Framework Convention for Climate Change ((UNFCCC), and etc. all the conventions has direct
influence on the tourism management strategy of the country. They focus on considering the
biodiversity, species, gene and the local community as integral part of all development issues.

1.3. PLANNING PROCESS

The overall planning process of the TDP has been prepared based on global best practices series
of Guidelines on Sustainable Tourism Planning and Management in Protected Areas put forward
by the IUCN (Paul F. J. Eagles, Stephen F. McCool and Christopher D. Haynes, 2002; Thomas
and Middleton, 2003) and the strategic development plan of EWCA. It has been compiled on the
basis of the best information available at the time and with the knowledge that implementation of
each management action will be tracked and assessed for its effectiveness

The tools or methodology used for this tourism development plan was prepared based on desk
reviews of published papers, annual reports, feedback from relevant stakeholders, key
informants, formal and informal discussion with local communities, field visit and surveys. The
preparation of this TDP mainly basis on the existing information in the management plan of the
park (KSNP GMP 2019-2029), and additional materials which had been assessed during the
GMP preparation were also used.

Moreover, the process has followed a series of planning steps. Planning team was selected,
mandated and reviewed the relevant literature and visits the KSNP and neighbouring areas. The
draft road map and the ideology of the preparation was presented and discussed with the
EWCA‟s management and experts‟ team at Addis Ababa and valuable inputs and feedbacks
were taken into consideration.

Series of discussions and consultations with different stakeholders‟ beauros and offices of the
Tigray Regional State; the Bureaus of Culture and Tourism, Bureaus of Natural Resource and

3
Agriculture, and the respected zonal and woredas offices and the local communities were carried
out at Mekelle, Humera and Sheraro towns. Specific attractions and activities to be carried out
were surveyed and their GPS readings were taken for the development of the plan. Interview
questions were sent via e-mail to a number of relevant tourism organizations. Due to the absence
of tourists during the field visit, the opinions of potential visitors were collected through internet
sources.

Following the review of the situational analysis including conservation relevance and challenges,
to identify the stakeholders associated with the management dynamics identified in the
situational analysis, the purpose, strategic management objective, actions zonation, financial and
monitoring and evaluation plan were also developed.

The draft document was distributed to different experts of EWCA, project management unit and
the park and regional organs. Valuable comments and feedbacks were incorporated to the plan.
Hence, the contractor has been worked in close contact with the Ethiopian Wildlife Conservation
Authority (EWCA), Kafta Sheraro National Park, Relevant bureaus of Tigray Regional State and
the project management unit (PMU) of Enhanced Management and Enforcement of Ethiopia‟s
Protected Area Estate Project.

2. DESCRIPTION OF KAFTA-SHERARO NATIONAL PARK

Kafta-Sheraro National Park (KSNP), which was recognized as a park in 2007, is situated in the
northwest of Ethiopia in Tigray Regional State, between 14°03‟17‟‟ and 14°27‟52‟‟ north, and
36°41‟43‟‟ and 37°40‟31‟‟ east (Figure 1). This national park was designated mainly to conserve
the relic population of African Elephant found in the area and the co-occurring biodiversity and
ecosystem. It is bordered by Eritrea in the north and it is presumed to have an estimated total
area of 2176.43 square km. The park is located 600 km northwest of Mekelle, the capital city of
Tigray Regional state (TRS) and is one of a few areas in the region which is relatively not
densely populated and with relatively better natural vegetation cover compare to other part of the
region. Administratively the park lies between two zones (North-Western and Western Tigray
Zones) and three Woredas (=Districts) (Kafta-Humera, Welkait, and Thahtay-Adyabo).

4
The park is home to many ungulates, predators and other wild animal species. Altitude ranges
between 568 m a.s.l and 163 m a.s.l. Temperature of the area shows variability between dry and
wet seasons. The warmest period being from April through May while the coldest from July
through August. Average monthly temperature in the area varies between 18.2oc to 37.5oc The
main rainy season is from July to September, with a short rainy season from February to April
with mean annual rainfall about 400-650mm.

Figure 1: Map showing the location of Kafta Sheraro National Park

5
2.1. VALUES OF KAFTA-SHERARO NATIONAL PARK

2.1. 1. VALUES IN CONSERVATION CONTEXT OF KSNP

Exceptional Resource Values (ERV) of the park are the biophysical features that are considered
to be particularly important in maintaining the unique ecological character and functions of the
area and that provide outstanding benefits (social, economic, aesthetic) to the local, national and
international stakeholders. The ERV are the basis of sustainable tourism development plan.

In order to optimize the contribution of tourism to the conservation goals of the Park and to
ensure that its natural values are preserved in turn for the benefit of future tourism operations, it
is important to begin the tourism development planning process by carrying out the assessment
of the conservation context values of the park.

The principal ecosystem components of the park represent its unique biodiversity and ecological
process (ERVs). The principal ecosystem components (PECs) were identified for the KSNP.
Such as: -
1. Acacia Commiphora Woodland (the important ecosystem that harbors the arrays of live
phenomenon‟s including cultural and heritages)
2. Combretum-Terminalia Woodland, (the important ecosystem that harbors the arrays of
live phenomenon‟s and the cover of the undulating massive terrains)
3. Riverine Woodland (harbors the important ecosystem)
4. Hydrological System (the Tekeze river and its associated tributaries are the live source of
the park)
5. Elephant (the most relict animal where the park is established for)
6. Heuglin‟s gazelle (Eritrean Gazelle), (globally endangered species of gazelle)
7. Nubian Spitting Cobra (A record of snake represents the first for Ethiopia)
8. Boswellia Papyrefera (gene bank for the economical resin species locally threatened
species)
The above PECs interactions are considered as the basis of the conservation and of course origin
of multiple tourism products and activities of the park.
More over the primary conservation importance of Kafta Sheraro National park are explained as:

6
  The Park is home to 45 larger Mammals, 240 Birds, 9 Reptiles and 3 Fishes so far
identified but more unidentified species are expected.
 The Northern Kudu (Greater kudu), striped hyena and Roan antelope are also
conservation significance of the park.
 It has biodiversity and ecosystems with mosaic woodlands of Combretum-Terminalia,
Acacia-Commiphora, Dry-evergreen Montane, Scrubland, Savanna Grassland, and
Riparian Vegetation.
 The avifauna of the Park is quite immense. As a result, the Park is registered as one of the
73 Important Bird Areas in Ethiopia. But what make this park unique from the rest of
Ethiopian National parks is the great flocks of the Demoiselle cranes in the Great Tekeze
Valley. This record of the Demoiselle crane perhaps is the only report in Ethiopia.
 Sheltering the highest population of Demoiselle cranes and Northern Kudus in the
country, and may be in the Horn of Africa.
 Home of many aquatic species including crocodiles and fishes; and other reptiles
Of course, the above conservation context values are not only for conservation context they are
values for both conservation and tourism context values. They are also considered as indicator
for successes of management interventions of the park.

2.1.3. VALUES IN TOURISM DEVELOPMENT CONTEXT OF KSNP

Initial consideration is given to the natural environment to wildlife (wildlife numbers, their
visibility, the presence of charismatic species etc.) and the quality of the physical landscape
(including features such as mountains, river valleys, and escarpments) and the ordinary
surroundings.

Among the comparative advantages of the KSNP that favors to this tourism development plan
are its gazette and vastness of the area. The park is legally gazetted and have vast area
(>2000km2) that favors for the development of diversified tourism products in the area.

It has pristine wild environment that are useful for the tremendous ecotourism potentials for geo-
tourism & hydro-tourism, wilderness experience opportunity associated with the fantastic and
mosaic distinctive attractions. The spectacular geographical features; the magnificent scenic
beauty; the navigable Tekeze river (168 Km crossing and bordering the park) are among the eye
7
taking vista. It is the extensive length of navigable area on Tekeze River at the border of
Ethiopia, Eritrea and Sudan.

Moreover, the park also swanks miraculous landscape features that capture the attention of
tourists. It has distinctive sites for adventure tourist interest ( Rocky and sandy Islands,
Tekeze river, River side beaches, rocky outcrops, caves, gallery of chain of undulated hills,
horizons and gallery naturally curled erected stones. Spectacular scenic view of Mount Hillegin,
which is the nearest Mt. to the Humera town, along the dense vegetation where elephants cross to
Eritrea is utterly attention-grabbing. It is the magnificent view of the Elephant corridor area
between Ethiopia and Eritrea across the Tekeze River. There are also many more spectacular
scenic view points at Mt. Hillegin, Mt. Tsirga Girmay, Mt. Emba-Durkuta, Keyih Gobo, Kalema,
ZibanWediembi, Tahitay and Laelay Siye, and several mountains in Aditsetser.

Above all, KSNP consists of several globally recognized flagship, charismatic mammal and bird
species that have maximum tourism significances. It is the promising potential place for the
globally endangered Heuglin‟s gazelle and has the competitive advantage to Ethiopia. Wildlife in
the Park includes large herds of African Elephant (~400), great number of Northern Kudus,
water buck, Roan antelope (only in KSNP & Gambella national park), Eland, Oribi, common
bush buck, Water-buck, Warthog, Duiker, Olive baboon and others. The park also hosts various
species of predators including leopard, serval cat , the three species of hyenas (striped hyena,
aardwolf, spotted hyena), common jackal, black-backed jackal, wild cat …, etc. and is often seen
around the dense forest area of the park.

Among reptiles and amphibians, the Nubian Spitting Cobra is so far recorded only in KSNP for
the country. The Boomslang (Dispholidus typus) a venomous snake with the poisonous fangs
located in the back of the jaw is also spotted inside the park. The Nile crocodiles, the African
Spurred Tortoise and python species are abundant. However, there is limited or no information
about reptiles and other small mammals of the park.

The exceptionality wintering site for more than 21,000 Demoiselle Crane; KSNP is considered as
an important habitat for birds, particularly for migratory species. The avifauna of the Park is

8
rather immense. As a result, the Park is registered as one of the 73 Important Bird Areas in
Ethiopia. The Brown-headed parrot, Parakeet, Little green bee-eater, and Demoiselle crane are of
the few most attractive bird species of the Park. But what make this park unique from the rest of
Ethiopian National parks is the great flocks of the Demoiselle cranes in the Great Tekeze Valley.
The Tekeze Valley and the wide expanse of agricultural lands around have been found to be an
ideal habitat for the Demoiselle Cranes. They are the tallest of all flying birds. Many of them
make long migrations and need large undisturbed wetlands for migratory stop-over as wintering
and feeding grounds.

The high cultural interest like indigenous culture and knowledge of the Kunama is also another
area of attraction in the area.
From the above ranges of tourism attractions and their potential tourism products the game safari
and bird watching are the only tourism products so far have been exercised traditionally inside
the park.

3. SITUATIONAL ANALYSIS

The above description of the values of the park in terms of conservation and tourism
development context serve as the basic strength and opportunities on the potential tourism
products and activities. To add up more on it, the park has enormous secondary and internal dirty
road networks (~above 200km) that can able to reach most of the attractions. A 10 km standard road is
also built this year by EWCA along the main elephant and kudu habitat. The park has newly built
standard office at Humera town and 4 outposts that serve for rangers‟ stations. The park charges entrance
fees for an adult tourist are 90 Birr (about $3.00). Vehicle fees are 20 Birr and camping fees (for a tent of
4 or less people) are 40 Birr a night).

In addition to the above opportunities, the route location of park is located on Northern tourist Circuit
Known as Historic Routes, comprise the most important tourist sites in Ethiopia. There are highways
connecting to the tourism routes through Addis-Humera either through Gondar or Mekelle Cities. There
are 4 regular airports (The Humera, Shire, Gondar and Akisum) at nearby, asphalt roads with multi
directional accessible to the destination. The park is found near Humera and Sheraro towns which can
afford delivery of basic accommodation and cousins at fair cost. Hospitals are available at Humera and
other nearby towns, security (police station), communication like mobile network and data (internet) are

9
in fair, good and very good conditions respectively. Humera town is an investment town which has more
than 500 investors and is a city where the Sudanese and other foreigners have their enjoyment and
businesses. Hence, the area has high potential of private investors that can participate in the tourism
business. Moreover, the park is a trans-boundary protected area which shares much of its PECs with
neighbouring country Eritrea. The elephants, Heuglin‟s (Eritrean gazelle), the roan antelopes, more
important birds and the basic ecosystem are the shared values. Hence it increases the tourism and
conservation significance of the area. Moreover, the park has strong support from the region and local
government in collaboratively enforcing the law.

Nevertheless, the park has enormous weaknesses and threats which are adversely affecting on the
reliability and connectivity of the park‟s ecosystem, associated species, the state of park management
and image of tourism and society in wide-ranging.

Important weaknesses that are relevant to tourism development of the park are:

No buffer zone for the park,

Lack of proper built tourist infrastructures and services such as eco-lodges, campsites, picnic
sites, viewpoints, etc...
No website, branding, standard tourism signposts....
Inadequate promotion efforts to the park at national, regional and local level
Inadequate budget, material and manpower, to effectively run basic park operation
There is no staffs‟ life insurance, are under-skilled and poorly paid.
Turnover over of professional staff is high
No compensation for human- elephant conflict
No mechanism for benefit sharing from park revenue with local community

Together with the above serious weaknesses the park has numerous threats that are arise from
anthropogenic pressures. The high-very high level threats that are affecting the parameters of the principal
ecosystem components of the park are uncontrolled fire, agriculture land invasion and expansion,
irrigation, illegal gold mining, livestock overstocking and settlement. The major threats especially the
land invasion that are carried out on the Tekeze Valley are more associated with the influxes illegal tillers
called “Wofer Zemet” who come from different provinces of the Tigray region every year goes with the
rapid population growth of the region. Illegal tree cutting and charcoal making are also basic threats that
devastate the economical, tourism artefacts, Gum Arabic and resin bearing tree species. Occasionally
there is also poaching that is mainly targeted on kudus and elephants. Illegal tree cutting and charcoal

10
making are also basic threats that devastate the economical, tourism artefacts, Gum Arabic and resin
bearing tree species. Occasionally there is also poaching that is mainly targeted on kudus and elephants.

The situation of the KSNP is so critical that tourism product / Experience have restricted appeal
currently:

“Unless very significant efforts are made by EWCA, stakeholders and the Government to reduce human
pressures in the park, the exceptional resource values of the KSNP will become increasingly threatened
and there is no realistic possibility for KSNP tourism opportunities to be recognized.”

4. THE TOURISM DEVELOPMENT AND MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES

From the survey undertaken and the information gathered from the situation analysis and
following the vision of the GMP a purpose is formulated as:

Purpose: Tourism products, infrastructures, facilities, human capacity and livelihood of local
communities of KSNP developed, marketed and improved in collaboration with stakeholders to
meet visitors‟ satisfaction in respecting the natural and cultural values during the life span of the
GMP (2019-2029)

Then four key strategic objectives have been developed which collectively will ensure that the
purpose is achieved and tourism within KSNP is taken to the next level with environment,
economic and social benefit being brought to the area as a result.

This tourism development and management plan was refined by breaking down of the purpose
into a series of objectives according to S.M.A.R.T rule i.e., each objective is specific measurable,
attainable, realistic and time bounded. The breakdown of each objectives in a serious of actions
has provided at a level at which park tourism team will be able to take day-to-day decisions and
track their implementation, holding designated officials accountable.

The timeframes applied to the actions are in bi-annually beginning at the second half of 2020 and
ending at the first half of 2029. It is a 10 years strategic plan. Three years action plan with

11
financial plan is also develop. It is imperative that the actions are revised within the first quarter
of 2023 to ensure a new action plan is derived for the next periods.

Summary of the strategic objectives and Actions are listed below:

1. Objective one – Tourism products and marketing strategy of KSNP developed and
diversified. The planning actions which will encourage tourism product on the tourist
traffic on the “Brand Highway” (the north historic route) to divert through KSNP. It will
primarily focus on tourism product planning in KSNP and environs and drive increased
visitation by branding and maximized exposure of the destination using tourism marketing
strategy. Based on the objective the actions are:

Action 1.1: Identify, describe and mapping of Tourism products of KSNP and environs
Action 1.2: Develop and implement tourism marketing strategy of KSNP

2. Objective two – Tourism infrastructures and facilities improved and developed

through the private sector engagement.
The action plans prioritize and source funding for tourism related services and physical
infrastructure development. Based on the objective the actions are:
Action 2.1: Identify and mapping tourism concessions of KSNP
Action 2.2: Maintain and develop tourism infrastructures and facilities of KSNP
3. Objective three– Tourism Staffs’ and Concessionaires’ Capacity of KSNP Built
and Attracted

Based on the objectives the actions are

Action 3.1: Improve and increase tourism capacity of KSNP
Action 3.2: Strengthen the Concessionaires‟ Tourism capacity of KSNP
4. Objective four – Community based eco-tourism investment developed and livelihood
benefited through stakeholders cooperation

The action plans support the coordinated efforts of community-based ecotourism

investments and local tourism related businesses. This will principally focus on

12
 empowering local community in tourism related businesses. Based on the objective the
actions are:
Action 4.1: Prepare guideline for Community based Eco-tourism development of KSNP
Action 4.2: Develop Community Based Eco-Tourism (CBETD) Investment
Action 4.3: Strengthen the Cooperation and Coordination of Stakeholders of KSNP

13
LOGICAL FRAME WORK OF TOURISM DEVELOPMENT AND MANAGEMENT STRATEGY

Purpose: Tourism products, infrastructures, facilities, human capacity

and livelihood of local communities of KSNP developed, marketed and
improved in collaboration with stakeholders to meet visitors‟ satisfaction
in respecting the natural and cultural values during the life span of the
GMP (2019-2029

Objective 2 :
Objective 1: Objective 3:
Objective 4:
Tourism Tourism Staffs‟ and M&E
Tourism infrastructures and Community based strategy
products and Concessionaires‟ eco-tourism
facilities improved Capacitiy of KSNP investment
carried
marketing and developed Built and Attracted developed and out
strategy of KSNP through private livelihood benefited
developed and through
sector engagement Action stakeholders
diversified cooperation
Action 3.2.
3.1. Strengthen
Improve the
and Concessio Action Action Action
Action 2.2. increase naires‟ 4.1. 4.2. 4.3:
Action 1.1. Action 1.2. Maintain tourism Tourism Prepare Develop Strength
Identify, Action 2.1: and guideline Commun en the
Develop capacity capacity of
describe and Identify and develop for ity Based Cooperat
and KSNP
mapping of mapping basic Communit Eco- ion and
implement tourism tourism Tourism Coordin
Tourism tourism y based
products of concessions infrastructu (CBETD ation of
marketing Eco- Stakehol
KSNP and of KSNP res and )
strategy tourism Investme ders of
environs facilities developm nt KSNP
ent
Figure 2: Logical Frame Work of Tourism Development Strategy of Kafta-Sheraro National Park

1
 5. TOURISM ZONE

Based on the GMP of KSNP mapping on tourism zones, the recommending tourism zones,
together with all proposed tourism infrastructures/facilities, game view/scenery routes and
tourism areas. These zones shall be further refined by KSNP/EWCA with the use of a detailed
topography map, giving consideration to practical and specific issues such as water supply, road
access, noise and visual impacts of any future tourism facilities and tourism activities. These
tourism zones should be competitive and branded.

Source: General Management plan of KSNP, 2020

1. Core area (wilderness zone): 41% of the NP, it is allowed to trails and perhaps a few, basic
special camping sites, bird watching and some game viewing of tourism products and some
temporal tourism facilities.

1
2. Limited development zone: 36.5% of the NP, it is allowed to Road networks, out posts,
camping sites and other tourism facilities and products would be developed and manipulated.
3. Intensive interim development/service zone: it is allowed to Constructing roads, loges and
other tourism service and facilities may permit under controlled manner.
4. Traditional and indigenous use zone: it is designed to accommodate the sustainable
utilization of ecosystem goods and services by affected neighboring communities.

6. STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES AND ASSOCIATED ACTIONS

6.1. Objective one –Tourism products and marketing strategy

developed and diversified

This strategic objective deals with the tourism product development and marketing strategy of
the park. This objective would magnify the natural and manmade tourism treasures of KSNP
through possible market recommendations and the alternatives to formulate tourism products to
end users. It identifies the product market niches of the park. It also look over the promotion
product through branding, signage, research, printing material, cooperative campaigns, media
relations, websites, social media and technologies, events in a tourism context. The objective has
two actions.

6.1.1. Action 1.1: Identify, describe and mapping of Tourism products of

KSNP and environs

The primary attempt of KSNP and EWCA is the identification, description and mapping of
KSNP tourism products. Practically, KSNP is only known for its game viewing and bird
watching in specific sites. From the values inventory and situational analysis the potential
tourism products of the park are rather immense and identified as follows.

1. Game Safari: - There are so many game animals: African Elephant is the iconic animal
of the park. It is the most relic animal found in the north most of the country. Globally
considered as “vulnerable” and found along the Tekeze River through Adebay–Fire-

2
 selam at the NW end of the park. Almost found every season with some exception of
disturbance. Heuglin's gazelle also known as the Eritrean gazelle is a species of gazelle
found east of the Nile River in Eritrea, Ethiopia and Sudan. It was considered a
subspecies of the Red-fronted gazelle (E. rufifrons) Biologist Colin Groves considered
Heuglin's gazelle an independent species, and this has subsequently been followed by
many authors including Hakån Pohlstrand, 2019. The IUCN Red List classifies Heuglin's
gazelle as ENDANGERED. It is found throughout the park. Sometimes during early
season the Heuglin‟s gazelle found outside the park at agricultural site. Roan Antelope a
large and rare antelope in Ethiopia and are only has seen at Gambela and Kafta-Sheraro
NPs. The species number is insignificant. The animal is too shy and difficult to spot.
Sometimes on in small herds of 3 -10 Roans can be seen. Found adjacent to Tekeze River
through Adebay to Fireselam. Northern Kudu (Greater Kudu) is a common Antelope in
KSNP. The park has higher population of Northern Kudus. Found more from Adebay
Gobo-Hilegin, Jebel usman, to Kershelit. Almost found in most part of the park. In KSNP
there are all the three species of Hyenas. Spotted, Striped and Aardwolf Hyenas are
available! Globally, the Striped Hyena species is Near Threatened and rarely seen.
Leopards are threatened globally and are seen insignificant number. Leopards are found
in almost all habitats of the park. They are mostly nocturnal and difficult to spot. There
are also Caracal, fox species, water buck, eland and others.
2. Bird watching:- The park is an ideal place for bird safari. It has above 240 bird species
belonging to 68 avian families and 22 orders, representing 28.1% the total bird species
found in the country. 179 (75%) are Residents and 61 (25.4%) of them are Migrant
species that visit the area annually. 44 (18 %) of the migrant species are Palearctic
migrant, 17 (7 %) Intra-African migrant which some of them are vagrant and more of
resident. KSNP is home for 12 (5.1%) species that are currently known to be globally
threatened (CR, EN & VU) species. Four critically endangered (CR) species:- Hooded
Vulture, African White-Backed Vulture , White-headed Vulture and Rüppell's Vulture ;
Three endangered (EN) species:- Lappet-Faced Vulture, Steppe Eagle and Egyptian
Vulture ; and Five vulnerable species (VU):- Tawny Eagle, Beaudoin's Snake Eagle,
Abyssinian ground hornbill, Woolly-necked stork and Southern Grey Shrike . There are
also two near threatened species (NT) Bateleur (Terathopius ecaudatus) and Arabian

3
 Bustard (IUCN, 2016-2019). KSNP has more than 37 species of hawks, eagles, vultures
and owls. The park is one of the best destinations for Raptor /birds of prey lover bird
watchers species. Among the Globally threatened species of KSNP 10 (83%) are Raptor
species. I.e. 24.3% of the Raptor species found in the park are threatened. KSNP is the
only site in Ethiopia where records of 6 species like Rufous-rumped Lark, Golden-
Breasted Bunting, House Sparrow, Chestnut-Bellied Starling, Sennar Penduline Tit and
Vieillot's Barbet are found in. The park also shares the above sixe bird species with only
Eritrea. The area hosts a number of species belonging to either of two biome-restricted
assemblages. Demoiselle crane (Anthropoides virgo) is a vagrant and rare Palearctic
winter visitor to North-Western Ethiopia and Eritrea. Furthermore, KSNP is the only
protected area in the country for wintering of over ~21,500 (9% of the global population)
of Demoiselle Crane every year.
3. Undulating adventure (Hiking &Trekking):- Mount Emba-Durkutan is distinctive land
mark, large mountain, in grace setting, artistic, about 16km left side of the Adi-Goshu
asphalt road. Top pick elevation altitude is 1778m a.s.l. It is ideal and perfect mountains
for those who need challenging mountain hiking and ballooning experience. While hiking
up, one can observe the wonderful kind of rocks, enormous and dissected valley
mountains covered with dense vegetation.
4. Ferry/Boating: - Tekeze River is an excellent destination for an adventurous boat ride.
This wilderness journey brings tourists close to the main ecosystem and the elephants so
that they can enjoy these marvels of nature. The trail inside the Tekeze River stirring
experience and allows tourists a closer glimpse of the life teeming inside this riverain
ecosystem.
5. Camping Safari: Few things can match the thrill of waking up in the middle of KSNP
bush with nothing between you and the animals except a sheet of canvas and dying
embers of last night‟s fire. Enda-Mekie , Menta-Dibue , Deguagum, …etc. camping sites
are the unforgettable areas that you share ideas and joys of the beautiful nights with
your friends.
6. Camel Riding Safari: - A camel ride through the KSNP and bird sighting trails, and
along the undulating terrains, the river shore and beautiful adjoining landscapes, provide

4
 an exciting and refreshing experience to nature lovers. Can be applied throughout the
park.
7. Eco-Cycling:- From Adebay to Addigoshu (100 km) or from Adebay to Fireselam
kebeles (15km) or from Addigoshu to Wuhidet (70km), etc. kebeles is an exciting and
awesome experience, and brings you close to the beautiful landscape of KSNP. With eco-
cycling, one gets rid of the hustle and bustle of the city and can discover the wonders of
nature. This is basically an educational cycling tour that could ideally be performed in the
morning or evening.
8. Ballooning: - Adi-Goshu Mount Emba-Durkutan , Mt. Helegin and can be applied at any
place and best time is at the dry season and at early the rain season.
9. Sport Fishing : at the inlet and out let of Tekeze river
10. Swimming: at the inlet and out let of Tekeze river, river Degua-gum, through the park
and in other crocodile free areas.
11. Filming – landscape, game animals, horizons…,etc. everywhere at anytime
12. Photographing :- landscape, game animals, horizons…,etc. everywhere at anytime
13. River Rafting – at Tekeze river
14. The Authentic Culture and the Momentous of the Kunama and Tigraway People (cultural
dancing, dress and life style)
15. TPLF‟s natural rock assembly caves during the gorilla fighting;
16. Traditional frankness tree tapping techniques, camel ploughing…., etc.
17. Especial visit areas:-

Gobo Hilegin the elephant‟s corridor landscapes , Enda Zibie the Hyena cave, indigenous
Kunama people‟s ancient tomb and spiritual sites, burial grounds, Menta-Dibue; Traditional
gold mining areas, camel ploughing …, etc. Undulating landscapes and Spectacular scenic
view points at Gobo chogar, Mt. Hilegil, Mt. Tsirga Girmay, Mt. Emba-Durkuta, Keyih
Gobo, Kalema, Ziban Wediembi, Tahitay and Laelay Siye,

18. Products Package:- that can be carried out along the Tekeze River and the
surrounding ecosystem phenomenon :
The sandy beaches along the river bank, particularly the section near Tekeze villages,
Humera Town and Sudan border, are ideal recreational sites for visitors interested in

5
 picnicking, boating, rafting, watching wetland birds, fishing, etc. The riverine forest
associated with it is also important source of attractions for game viewing, elephant
watching and others. Most interestingly, section of the river that lies at the border of
Ethiopia, Eritrea and Sudan are still in use for boating.

So many products are identified, described and mapped but still need further research,
identification, standardising and mapping. Hence, the park admin needs to investigate more
and update it.

6.2. Action 1.2: Develop and implement tourism marketing strategy

This action more deals with developing tourism marketing plans through identifying and
describing the niche target market of the park. The recommended marketing strategies and
branding will be communicated for each target markets to the experience of the park. The
planning actions which will encourage tourism product on the tourist traffic on the “Brand
Highway” (the north historic route) to divert through KSNP. It will primarily focus on tourism
product planning in KSNP and environs and drive increased visitation by branding and
maximized exposure of the destination using tourism marketing strategy. It has sub actions that
go with the marking and promotion materials.

Action 1.2.1: Develop Tourism Marketing plan of KSNP

Action 1.2.1.1: Collect and Monitor Tourism Data

Tourism data collection is an essential component of developing tourism in the KSNP which is
considerably big wildlife protected areas in Ethiopia. In comparison 9 particularly east African
countries, the tourism data collection and analysis system of the park is relatively poor and there

6
 Visitors Number and incomes from National
Parks and Sanctuaries of Ethiopia in consecutive
years
25000000
Income (ETB)

20000000
15000000
10000000
5000000
0
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Year (E.C) 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
Visitor number 74,9 71,4 75,8 92,5 98,6 93,5 83,8 44,0 91,0 59,2 63,0 95,3
Income (ETB) 3,36 3,72 9,24 13,6 10,9 - 5,45 - 14,3 4,78 13,8 22,4

Figure 3: visitor number and income from wildlife protected areas of Ethiopia

is no particular examples EWCA to learn (little commencing Simien Mountains National park
and Bale Mountains National park).

From the above figure there is a fluctuation of both visitor number and tourism income in
wildlife conservation areas of Ethiopia throughout the previous years. The other visitors are local
and from higher educational institutes‟ students, instructors and researchers, National Medias,
parliament members and from local administrations. There is a drastically decline in 2005 E.C
and between 2007-2009 due to the fact that many tourists were attacked to Erta-Ale and
emergency of political turmoil in the country which affected the travel industry especially to
wildlife Protected areas. In addition to this it is recognized that there is poor documentation of
visitor numbers and tourism income in national parks and wildlife sanctuaries. Moreover, two
important messages need to be taken from these figures; firstly meaningful income generation is
possible, and secondly the drop may well be related to the deteriorating conditions in the PAs in
particular and the country in general.

However the share of KSNP visitor number and tourism income is too small and insignificant.
The existing tourism data from 2017 to 2020 revealed that a total of 1104 visitors had been
visited the KSNP. Within the four years, the 87 visitors were foreigners who were mostly hosted

7
by the tour operators‟ Magic land, Image Ethiopia, Expedition, Express and Enda-Emba were
foreigners from USA, Germen, Sweden, Israel, UK and South Africa.

The tourism data will measure the following parameters.

Overall visitor numbers, Nationality, Length of stay, Reason for visit and activities under
taken, Sources of information, Agent/private, Mode of transportation and
Accommodation.
Collecting and monitoring tourism data will also help most to identify and target the
place where the marketing strategy is aimed and visitors‟ specific needs in perspective of
tourism activities, facilities and accommodations.

Action 1.2.1.2: Identify Target Markets and marketing strategies of KSNP

In order to gain international and national recognition of KSNP, there is a need to provide proper
marketing and promotional activities to develop tourism particularly to „channel‟ visitors to those
tourism experiences which are compatible with wildlife and protected area conservation. Many
of these efforts should be aimed at the niche target markets of KSNP.

Action 1.2.1.2.1: Identify Target Markets of KSNP

The situation analysis in the context of existing potential markets, market perception, the
experience offered (product and infrastructure) and the resources available leads to the
recommendation of the following prioritized target markets;
Table 4: Kafta Sheraro NP product Niche (tourism development opportunities)

Niche Definition

Sightseeing Visitors in a general sense, and do not engage significantly in any

specialist activity. They will include vehicle-based / driving tourists
and other visitors who will enjoy short walks and explore the areas.

Wildlife Although wildlife will be an integral part of the experience of all

visitors to the KSNP, this category of visitors will visit the KSNP

8
 specifically to view and photograph wildlife.

The birdlife, and in particular the unique bird species of the KSNP
Bird Watching
represent a major tourism opportunity for specialists.

Other Adventure Other specific outdoor activity such as mountain biking, forest
Activity walking, trekking …

Boating & Rafting and beaches suitability at Tekeze River and the
Water based tourism
environs

Potential for a tourism product which focuses on experiencing the

Cultural / Community culture and way of life of the peoples of the region, which will be
enhanced due to the setting and natural values of the KSNP.

Historical Potentials for historical and/or heritage tourist attractions including

old-aged churches, caves and burial grounds in and around KSNP.

Schools / volunteer Potential for a fascinating product offering for groups of international
tourism schools and/or universities, with the further possibility of attracting
specialised research focused tour operators.

These are the primary target markets for KSNP and connectivity with the north historic route of
Ethiopia. The recommended marketing strategies and branding will communicate the KSNP
experience to these target markets.

Action 1.2.1.2.2: Identify Recommended Marketing strategies

It should be recognized that some attractions and activities will appeal to and draw visitors from
other markets however they are not considered a priority and they can participate in and benefit
from the recommended marketing activities. An instance of this is the potential appeal of KSNP
to culture enthusiasts of international visitors. However, these synergies best explored by private
operators who can potentially attracted to KSNP.

9
i. Sightseeing Tourism

This category of visitors generally consists of tourists who are undertaking a wider tour of
Ethiopia (mainly culture/history focused but also potentially including other wildlife protected
areas). Wildlife and birdlife will be certainly part of their experience and although they cannot be
considered to be specialist „wildlife tourists‟ it is probable that sighting opportunities like
elephants, antelopes, and scenery will be one of the key reasons they will choose to KSNP.

The geomorphology of KSNP and its surroundings have many potential tourism attractions. The
topography is quite unique and made up of varied natural features that holds different natural
facial appearance with distinctive scenery, typical rock out, amazing natural archetype,
mountains, astonishing Hills, plains, undulated gorges, valleys, rivers, streams, colorful and
shaped stones which used for artifact making, islands, beaches, and different mineral types and
others that could be used to attract different tourists. Moreover, through the seasonal variations
of the year, the whole area of KSNP illustrates distinct tri-facial charming view experiences.
The vista and status of the vegetation cover of the Park change dramatically within the dry and
wet seasons of the year. These alluring changes in appearance are part of the tourism assets
which is used for driving many tourism activities from. Flowering seasons (some vegetation
produce flower in the dry season) and unique vegetation are paramount significant sightseeing
potentials.

The main limitation of the current experience shows that there is no or too few visitors demand
for this tourism market. For any tourism activities in KSNP visitors require a four wheel drive,
also, the existing too few tourists the trip into the park is negatively impacted by presence of
human induced pressures that need to be mitigated to enhance this market segment.

ii. Wildlife Tourism (Game Viewing)

Game viewing is the main market target KSNP. It is endowed with potential game viewing: big
animals‟ attractions which are described more on the product type above (Action 1.1.) There best
game viewing big mammals are the African Elephant, Heuglin‟s gazelle, Roan antelope,
Northern Kudu, water buck, the Striped Hyena, and Leopard are which the ideal attractions in the
area are.

10
The overall product of wildlife tourism visitors are primarily interested in high quality viewing
opportunities and will want to learn about the habitat of the wildlife they are viewing from expert
guides. They will also usually be interested in wildlife photography. The prevailing situation of
the Ethiopian wildlife protected areas of this market showed that mostly it is characterized by
older guests and as such it will be necessary to be creative experience which do not require
significant physical activity.

Little data on this market from some wildlife protected areas of Ethiopia showed that visitors of
this demand are quite wealthy, educated, and well-travelled. Many will be seasoned Africa
travelers and will have experienced other unusual wildlife attractions elsewhere in Africa. The
geographical source target markets for this category are again primarily the „mature‟ wildlife
tourism markets of Europe and North America (and others such as Japan and Australia/New
Zealand) however it is likely that the emerging markets such as Brazil and India will be
interested in this kind of tourism product.

iii. Bird watching Tourism

In recent days, the park is becoming highly attractive to bird watcher tourists. This market will
travel extensively in order to view particular species, and are less sensitive than other sectors to
issues of logistics and accommodation standards. The requirements of this market are primarily
centered upon the ability to see the key bird species they are interested in. Of foremost
importance therefore is the guide, who must be able to facilitate sightings and also deliver the
experience in a highly knowledgeable way, explaining the behavior and habitat context of the
target species. Given the costs involved in pulling such experiences together (both for the tour
operator and the client), expectations among visitors are very high. This market is not usually
very active and although some „birders‟ are intrepid and prepared to walk long distances to sight
their key species of interest, the majority prefer to be relatively close to their vehicles. As such,
short paths through key areas of the Park that are a short distance from the access roads will help
with the development of this market.

The avifauna of the Park is rather immense as described in product (Action1.1.). The park is the
ultimate place for bird watchers. Since the area is found on the vicinity of three neighboring

11
countries like Sudan, Eretria and Ethiopia, different bird species are seen through different times
and bird watchers are still identifying the new bird species to the country.

Similarly, further identification and mapping of potential bird species and the location where
they are found through professionals is needed to diversify the tourism attractions in the area.
The EWCA/KSNP in cooperation with revenant partners will work further study and the
mapping.

Bird watching shouldn‟t only focus inside the park, the irrigation areas which are found outside
the park following the Tekeze River are also potential birding areas. There are nearby places
where the migratory birds are feeding and staying the long day.

The source markets of bird-watching are increasingly global; however the primary markets are
North America and North Europe (in particular UK, Netherlands, German and the Scandinavia).
Nowadays Sweden‟s are exploring the birds of KSNP.

iv. Adventure Tourism

Travellers who participate in strenuous, outdoor vacation travel, typically to remote places
renowned for their natural beauty and physical attributes, involving hazardous activities. These
visitors are seeing physically active and primarily non- vehicles based experience but are not
necessarily in walking. KSNP offers the possibility for activities such as mountain trekking,
undulating biking, ballooning and other potential adventure activities. These adventure activities
require specialist guiding skill and equipment, and visitor seeking this experience will be looking
for whether the operator who is offering these experiences possesses the necessary quality and
expertise.

KSNP and its localities are endowed with enormous mountainous areas, of which the two
mountains Mt Emba-Durkutan and Mt Keyih-Gobo are the remarkable mountains. They are ideal
and perfect mountains for those who need challenging mountain trekking experience.

There may also be opportunity to combine the global phenomenon of „adventure racing‟ with the
international reputation of Ethiopia as leading nation of athletes to develop a kind of ‘Tigray-
Elephant Marathon’ or similar events which may serve both as a specialized form of tourism
product and as a means to raise finance for KSNP and the surrounding community through
12
associated fundraising activities by participants. (There was similar event was held two times in
AbijataShalla Lakes National Park in 2014 & 2015, also existing in the Simien Mountains nation
park in partnership with Simien lodge).

The geographic source target market for this category are primary the mature adventure tourism
markets of Europe, North America, and others such as Australia/ New Zealand and South
Africa.

v. Water-Based Tourism

Exceeding the ample resource of the flora and fauna, the Tekeze River is the source of the
Hydro-tourism in the KSNP. The River has multi outstanding values as ecological functioning,
scenic, and recreational and socio-economic values, which the majority of the fauna and flora
species are based on. Its significance accounts the top priority. The core hydrologic function of
the area is manipulated by Tekeze River. It travels through the heart of the NP and westwards
down to the Sudanese border. The navigable Tekeze River harmonizes and adjoining three
countries (Ethiopia, Eritrea and Sudan) and is a nucleus tourism attraction point to the area.
Majority of the attractions bases are on the Tekeze River and the ecosystem phenomenon.
Almost every attractions of KSNP arise from the attachment of the park with the River. The
riverine forest found adjoining the River is home for many animals and birds. It is a place for
glimpse for crocodiles, game viewing, bird watching, boating, beach recreation, swimming,
fishing …, etc tourism activities.

As a result, due to the growing number of visitors arrivals globally and their diversified interests
in tourism activities, boating and rafting are becoming one of popular tourism activities currently
offered at suitable destination. Thus, given the presence of Tekeze River crossing the park,
boating and related water-base tourism service can be offered to visitors of the NP; contributing
to diverse income generation.

The geographic source target market for this category are primary the mature adventure tourism
markets of Europe, North America, and others such as Australia/ New Zealand and high demand
by domestic visitors.

vi. School/ Volunteer Tourism

13
KSNP offers a rich variety of study and educational possibilities. The diversity of habitats and
issues related to the park will ensure that a wide cross-section of experiences will be possible to
offer. This form of tourism is growing significantly with many schools from around the world
keen to offer students the opportunity to experience another culture/natural environment and to
broaden their educational experience. Similarly, many universities around the world offer some
form of “study abroad” program and KSNP lends itself to the programs offered by the
biology/conservation and geography departments of such universities. There are also an
increasing number of “volunteerism” companies around the world, who design and sell
commercial experiences which involve nature conservation and environmental education.

Many groups would also seek to work through an Ethiopian in-country tour operator in order to
arrange transport and other logistical aspects including “add-ons” to experience other parts of
Ethiopia during their visit (and indeed in-country tour operators will in turn provide business for
this sector, with several understood to be actively trying to develop product for this market).

The target market for this product will be regional and international schools, universities and
other youth organizations. The initial markets will be Europe and North America; however other
source markets from around the world will also become increasingly relevant with student
organizations from South America, and many parts of Asia known to be developing such
programs in other parts of East Africa. Ethiopia has the advantage of being perceived as a safer
destination than most others in Africa and this factor will be a major appeal for this category of
tourism.

vii. Cultural Tourism

This form of tourism is popular in many areas of the world, where the primary attraction is the
opportunity for cultural exchange between locals and visitors. This form of tourism is enhanced
if there is also the possibility experience wild nature and wildlife.

It is proposed that the Kunama village to be best promoted to be as cultural tourism destination
area. The Kunama ethnic group found in Kafta-Humera Woreda in two Kebeles named Adi-
Goshu-Kunama and Hilet-Koka. The two Kebeles are ideal for the Cultural tourism destination
in the area. There is also the Kunama tribe inside the Sheraro town and a Kunama‟s tribe
museum also situated at the center.

14
The indigenous knowledge of the kunama tribe to the area has cultural significance. The whole
tribes are linked themselves with the KSNP starting from their subsistence hunting and gathering
parts of plant products for their daily diet to-grave/ memorial place. As a result, they are well
known for their distinct traditional dances and different cultural materials /utensils made from
doum palm tree which is one of the important plant species found inside the national park.

Kunama villages has substantial potential to turn into an attractive, small-scale tourism product,
either as part of a several-day hike in and around Kafta Sheraro National Park or as a single
overnight visit, with a focus on cultural tourism. Group-tours including an overnight stay at Adi-
Goshu-Kunama and Hilet-Koka kebeles are being arranged with tour operators. Along the path
with some climbs facilities will be developed for people to rest. In some locations the path may
be improved with community labor. The path should (partly) be developed into a circular walk,
with the possibility to walk directly to the nearby access road. In these Kunama kebeles more
cultural resources will be developed for visitors.

The market for this product ranges from backpackers looking for something different involving
cultural exchange, to expats in Addis Ababa looking for a more interesting travel experience, to
older and wealthier clients, who are typically well travelled and well educated. The „mature‟
tourism markets, in particular Europe, are most likely to seek this kind of experience.

viii. Historical Tourism

Historical or heritage tourism means travelling with the primary purpose of exploring the history
and heritage of the area combined with wildlife.

The Kunama ethnic groups are indigenous community to the KSNP. According to the tribal
elders witnessed, in the ancient time the Kunama ethnic group used to live inside the park
following the Shore of the Tekeze River. Up to the current time they do have momentous places
inside the NP. Dated back to their ancestors‟ time during the feudalism regime their leader had
dug dawn a huge circle ground grave place. In this huge grave all the tribe members who had
been died were buried together. The males were buried on the right side while the females on the
left side. Accordingly, such grave areas are now historic and monument places. There are three
Kunama tribe‟s burial sites around Menta-Dibue, Tekileemba and Ayifora/Doni places of the

15
NP. At the moment the places are using for periodic memorial ceremony services. The tribes
used the area for preying and begging of their God for mercy during the dry and bad seasons.
They sacrifice oxen or any animal for the event of praying for their blessings.

There is a Meeting natural Halls (Cave) of Tigray‟s People Liberation Front (TPLF) during the
early period of gorilla fight to threw the Derg Regime (ruled Ethiopia from 1974-1991) found at
Adi-tsetser can be a place of historical asset or heritage value for learning military wisdoms and
tactics.

Mt. Emba-Durkutan has varied tourism assets. It is relatively natural environment with dense
natural vegetation, with distinctive indigenous trees, birds and mammal species within. It also
has wonderful and remarkable rocks, dissected valley and numerous chains of mountainous areas
which are the extension of the Simien Mountains.

Furthermore, the area has historical value as it had been used as the Italy strategic military
camping during the emperors‟ time after the Ethiopian patriots fought bravely in the area. The
mountain climb, the 3600 round view, 3-4 hours trip from Adi-Goshu, 1 day- 3 days from the
Humera/Sheraro to Adi-Goshu are the main attractions. Since the potential for tourism and
natural development is recognized, local community has come forward to protect and develop
this ideal site for Community based Tourism development. The Adi-Goshu community shows
proactive initiation to see the area protected as one means of tourism products.

The target markets for this product are mainly Europe and others like North America, Australia/
New Zealand, some Asia countries and domestic tourists and TRS public universities
(educational purpose).

Action 1.2.1.2: Develop Destination Branding of KSNP

“A brand is a name, term, sign, symbol, or design, or combination of them intended to identify
the goods or services of one seller or group of sellers and to differentiate them from those
competitors”.

In terms of destination branding like KSNP;

16
“Destination branding is about combining all things associated with a „place‟ (i.e., its products
and services from various industries – wildlife; tourism; culture; arts; investment; technology;
education, event, etc.) that collaborate under one brand. Its aim is to capture the essence of the
destination, in a unified manner, and can be consumed simultaneously at a symbolic and
experiential level.

What makes a good destination brand? And, KSNP brand will be :

Attractive, Consistent with positioning , Conveys excitement and quality, Expresses the
destination‟s reality, Memorable, Simple, Transportable to the web as a domain name,
Transportable to a range of promotional and packaging formats, Unique and Well
accepted by all partners.

A destination brand is the first mental picture that comes to mind when a person hears the name
of a tourist destination. Currently there is no brand that is used in any promotional activities for
KSNP. If the presence of brand signifies the importance of key wildlife species, natural
vegetation, hydrological system, outstanding scenic values, culture and other exceptional
resources values of the park. The tag line may be including:

Impressive lowland with elephants, antelopes, birds and the Tekeze River,
Elephants walking up on the gold land, and
Elephants in the land of Axumite civilization

Brand identity should be developed and reviewed at least every three years to assess if it is
having an impact in the market place and is gaining or has gained an acceptable level of brand
recognition. It is therefore recommended that a formal review of the brand be undertaken in three
year. However, KSNP official tourism branding shall be developed as soon as possible with
comprehensive participation of all relevant stakeholders including the local community.

Action 1.2.1.3: Develop promotion of Attractions to target market

The KSNP has a limited budget which is used to promote its attractions to target markets. Listed
below are a number of activities which can be undertaken to raise the profile and attract
additional visitors.

17
Action 1.2.1.3.1: Carry out Marketing Research

Research is an extremely important but often ignored part of any destination marketing strategy.
Only by gaining an insight on the views and habits of existing visitors and potential visitor can
informed decisions be made. Ideally research and the gathering of information should be
undertaken over a prolonged period in order to build an understanding of trends and identify any
new influences as they arise. A base research tool should be developed which should include
using information gathered by other stakeholders. The information be collated on a quarterly
basis and reported to EWCA. Also, it is important to identify potential quantity and quality of
Visitor accommodations in the national park and vicinity.

Action 1.2.1.3.2: Develop Printed Tourism Marketing Material

The KSNP currently produces printed tourism marketing material including brochures and maps.
While online marketing is increasingly the most effective way to reach target markets there is
still a need to produce printed maps and brochures to satisfy traditional demand through the park
office and EWCA. There is also a need to prepare traveler guide book and will disseminate to
major stakeholders including tour operators, lodges/resorts, hotels, en-route destinations, tourism
offices, information centers, airports (Humera, Mekelle, shire, Axum), tourism associations,
guides and relevant places to booster tourist arrivals in KSNP.

Action 1.2.1.3.3: Carry out Tourism Trade-show (Promotional activities)

It is recommended that the KSNP closely with EWCA and Tigray region and supports a number
of initiatives in its calendar including representation at selected tourism-trade show. It is also
important that local tourism businesses are encouraged to enter joint marketing activities and
thereby raise the overall coverage of the destination. Local promotional activities should also be
undertaken aimed at raising awareness in both the natural market and manmade markets.
Awareness in surrounding communities with regard to the benefits of visiting KSNP and
vicinities will already be reasonably high therefore promotional activities should concentrate on
specific events which give an extra reason for visiting. Local radio and newspapers would be the
best form of promotion for this purpose.

Action 1.2.1.3.4: Carry out Famils (travel)

18
Famils is a free or low cost trip for travel agents or consultants provided by a travel wholesaler or
airline, as a means of promoting their service. These are an excellent way of exposing the
product to specific groups who can send visitors to the destination. They do however take a
considerable amount of time to organize and rely on the good will of businesses to participate
and give up their own time. A minimum of two famils (FAM) with a strong focus on Addis
Ababa and Mekelle media should be organized in any one year. The impact of this can be
maximized by working closely with Tourism Ethiopia (TE). They should selected specialist
publications in areas that include bird watching, game viewing, and trekking, fishing, mountain
climbing, bush walking and sailing/boating. This activity must be coordinated with media/PR
activity.

Action 1.2.1.3.5: Carry out Cooperative Campaigns

By far the most effective means of maximizing the impact of the budget is by undertaking
cooperative campaigns with industry. While putting these together is time consuming it not only
buys more space but also raises the profile of the destination. The aim should be to get industry
to match the KSNP‟s contribution dollar for dollar. For example this could include targeted
publications aimed at specific markets such as the camel transport market to spot the wildlife,
scenery or manmade attractions in KSNP and environs.

Action 1.2.1.3.6: Convey Media relations / PR

An important part of maintaining the high profile of the KSNP is the continuous use of media
releases targeted at particular sectors and geographic areas. As well as reacting to events as they
happen an annual media plan should be developed identifying regular topical happenings that
can be targeted. Consideration should be given to the appointment of Media/PR representation
for the development of the plan and its implementation.

Action 1.2.1.3.7: Targeting the North market Circuit (the historic route)

The north market for this plan clearly identified an extremely low level of consumer/market
awareness for the destination. If the destination and the local industry decided to make an
immediate impact on this low level of awareness it is recommended that a promotional campaign
be planned to include billboard advertising alongside other possible initiatives such as radio

19
advertising. The north market is the most important market for the KSNP to access and raise the
Tigray‟s tourism profile. Specific activities to target the KSNP market could include:
• Radio advertising/promotion for specific accommodation packages
• Billboard campaign in northern touristic route suburbs to raise awareness; especially in
Tigray Regional State
• Contract Tigray media agency to maximize KSNP media coverage.
• Contact with regional and national tour operator associations
• Advertise on Tourism Ethiopia‟s and EWCA‟s websites and newsletters

Action 1.2.1.3.8: Develop and use Website, Social Media and Technology

The use of technology is increasingly important in destination marketing and while there is not a
dedicated tourism website or structured approach to social media. Social media is an area where
consumer trends change rapidly and where there is a need for constant monitoring of these trends
to identify the latest popular methods of gaining information or communicating.

Due to these constantly changing trends it is extremely difficult to accurately predict what
technology will be in use or popular in a year or two years. An annual or even six monthly
review of the technology actions will be required if the KSNP is to maintain effective use of
technology in its destination marketing.

Overall through the effective use of technology EWCA should aim to maximize KSNP‟s
presence and exposure to its key target markets. It is also important when considering the use of
social media that all tourism related businesses in KSNP and the region are encouraged to
participate and promote their own businesses in the same way. These social Medias include trip
advisor, face book and others due to large users. There are many other social media tools that can
be used in destination marketing including Twitter, Instagram, Pintrest, Podcasts and Blogs
however they all require human resources to keep them up to date.
Given the limitations of a KSNP size recommended that at this point any of these social media
tools are developed however the situation should be constantly monitored as the popularity of
different social media tools can change rapidly.
Action 1.2.1.3.9: Work with the Target groups

20
Driving increased numbers of tourists to KSNP will require a heavily concerted effort on the part
of numerous stakeholders. It will likely fall to TE and EWCA to lead these stakeholders and
tour operators need to be engaged in the process. This development plan has been developed
with the following stakeholder target groups in mind:
- Tourists (specifically tourists who will visit the Park);

- Tour Operators („in-country‟);

- Tour Operators („international‟ who are located elsewhere, e.g. the USA or Europe, but
who offer tours to Ethiopia);
- Freelance Guides;

- The management and senior staff of Hotels, Lodges and Guesthouses;

- National Park management and staff;

- Local communities surrounding the national Park.

Action 1.2.1.3.10: Experience Tourism Events/Festivals/

Events play a vital role in tourism with their ability to attract visitors, extend the traditional
visitor season, increase length of stay and visitor spend and generate media exposure for the host
destination. By working together with event organizers, venues, tourism organizations, suppliers
and the community the KSNP can contribute to its TDP through events.

Major drivers of the recommendations which follow are the economic benefits generated by
events and the environmental and socio-cultural benefits that are accrued. Events can be based
around three broad themes:

Sport (nature-based), Culture & Lifestyle

Events can also be defined broadly as “ specific rituals, presentations, performances or
celebrations that are consciously planned and created to mark special occasions and/or to achieve
particular conservation, social, cultural or economic goals” or very simplistically as “ happenings
with a specific purpose, objective and a predetermined timescale”. Events can be further defined/
described in a number of ways including:
i. Size – the number of attendees and or participants

21
 ii. Type or activity - such as sporting, mountain-race, lifestyle, music, community, camel
riding, village tour, etc.
iii. Market appeal – attracting local, regional, interstate or international attendees and/or
participants.
iv. Frequency – such as weekly, monthly, annually or biannually.
v. Location – indoors or outdoors
vi. The nature of benefits derived such as media exposure, conservation and economic
impact, and community development.
There are numbers of events/festivals which are going on at Tigray Regional State in which the
national park is located. The known events/festivals include Axum Hidar Tsion Mariam, Adwa
victory, Meskel festival, Ashenda, Debre-Damo and others- all are annually celebrated festivals.
So that, KSNP can be packaged and travel site during these celebrities for both domestic and
international visitors. It is also good opportunity to distract local conferences to the destination
to encourage and promote domestic tourism. Thus, these tourism events are aligned with the
niche markets of KSNP.
The recommendations here are designed to optimize the opportunity for what will be defined as
“Tourism Events/ Festivals” and the following definition is applied;
“A tourism event/festival which attracts attendees and/or participants from outside of the region
and which has triple bottom line benefits to the NP and the region including conservation-
economic, media exposure in tourism markets and community development.” EWCA in
collaboration with the TRS will need to adopt a number of strategies and actions to support
KSNP tourism events including:
1. To work with event organizers;
2. To support individuals and local organizations to grow and manage wildlife and
community events;
3. To have efficient internal processes to assist event organizers and stakeholders;
4. To measure the impact of events socially, economically and environmentally; and
To ensure there is appropriate infrastructure planning for the hosting of a variety of events.

22
6.2. Objective two –Tourism infrastructures and facilities improved and
developed through concessions

The strategic objective deals with tourism infrastructures and facilities improvement and
development. Since most of tourism infrastructures are dealt by private sectors, the objective
emphasis on the engagements of the privet sectors and other concessions. It has two actions
which prioritize and source of funding for tourism related services and physical infrastructure
development.

Action 2.1: Identify and Mapping Tourism Concessions of KSNP

Park tourism involves the provision of a wide variety of services to visitors. Above the resource
protection, infrastructure development and security; park tourism involve in provision of accommodation
(campsite, cabins and lodges), equipment and food services, consumer products (merchandise sales of
special products, crafting industries), information, transportation, media, site promotion and
advertisement, entertainment and provision of so on services. Hence, it is difficult to succeed all this
complicated services by public sector alone. The long-term success of protected area tourism requires co-
operation between both the public and private sectors. Indeed, the basic means of co-operation comes
through the tie of tourism concessions.

Concessions are agreements made between the protected area agency and the operators. These
will be undertaken in the private sector, though concessions can also be let to NGOs and to other
not-for profit enterprises, as well as to community bodies. The concessionaire provides specified
tourism services in the protected area under an agreement.

Action 2.1.1: Engage the private sector in tourism facilities development

The future of tourism in the KSNP and vicinities must involve private businesses, as they are the
people that are going to provide the services and products that tourists demand. While KSNP
with local government can take a leadership role it must work in conjunction with the private
sector and that means that the private sector needs to have a means of expressing its views and
concerns and resources as one voice. This ideally would be some sort of organization that can
genuinely say that it represents the sector around the destination. However, unfortunately this

23
does not currently exist. Unfortunately at the moment there does not appear to be the desire for
an official group representing the sector around the national park.

Engagement with selected national and regional private sector of tourism industry is essential for
effective and successful development of tourism in protected area. A positive response from
leading regional tour operators and their continued engagement will be crucial in order to ensure
the qualities and ambition of KSNP accurately represented in the marketplace.

Introduction of wildlife-based or cultural tourism operations can help the national park to fulfill
its main objectives through increasing visitor number and consequently maximizing its revenue
that will contribute to the local and national economy.

The private sector concessions are much more than a „convenient‟ way of operating a site: they
often produce greater development impact compared to sites and tourism operations managed by
the State (EWCA).
Recommended Private sector involvements in facilities development and management are:
Roofed Accommodation (campsite (with toilets, shower and drinking water) , cabins and
private lodge) development and management with precaution of having specially trained
staff and proper business procedures;

Action 2.1.1: Engage the local community associations in tourism facilities development
and management

In the case of local communities, this would enable them to derive direct benefit from the
economic opportunities created by the existence of the protected area. It may however be
necessary for the protected area agency to support the community by helping to build capacity,
e.g. by providing training in business skills, in the local community, or to encourage the
community to go into partnership with a private sector operator.

Recommended local community sector involvements in facilities and infrastructure

development

Accommodations:- community lodges and public campsites development and

management;

24
 In community park road construction;
Trekking and Hiking routes construction;
Public shelter , public toilet construction;
Picnic site development;
Equipment, consumer products (merchandise sales of special products, crafting
industries), souvenir shop development and management and so on.

Action 2.2: Maintain and Develop Basic Tourism Infrastructures and Facilities

The park has very few tourism infrastructure may be named as only the dirty road networks
which link every attractions of the park. Otherwise, it is considered as nil in the perspective of
tourism infrastructure and facilities. Hence, this action is taken as the basemen of the park.
Hence it will look over every aspect of the infrastructure and facilities starting from the main
gate development. The Tourism infrastructures of KSNP will be developed and improved based
on the principle of sustainable base approach.

Action 2.2.1: Develop Physical Tourism-Infrastructures and facilities

Put conservation first, and accept that some areas are not suitable for tourism even
though they are!

Following the situational analysis and the real facts of the park the following tourism
infrastructure and facilities are selected and proposed to be built. The locations of most of
the facilities are identified by the technical group in participation of the park staff and
relevant stakeholders. They are also in line with the GMP of the park.

Hence, the Government of Ethiopia in collaboration with the private sector and partners
need to drive forward most of the physical infrastructure projects.

Basic infrastructure and facilities proposed to be developed and improved for KSNP
includes:-

1 Welcome center and entrance gates:- at Hillegin, Adi-Goshu and Adi-Aser. Visitor
centers represent major investments in protected areas, and provide a broad range of

25
 information, interpretation, safety and recreation services. Since they are focal points for
traffic, they should: be appropriately located, normally near the park entrance .
2 Campsite development: 11 eco-campsites:- Public Campsites ( for budget travellers) :-
Hillegin Campsite, Enda-Mekie Campsite, Kor-azaf Campsite, Tsirga-Girmay Campe
site, Bababo Campsite, May-geba Campsite, Shishina Campsite , Kondro Campsite ,
Enda-gabr Campsite and Ketema Kamp sites. These eco-camp sites are needed to be
constructed with having proper toilets, showers and with access to drinking water.
3 Eco-road connectivity and mapping the major touristic spots in the national park. This
will almost certainly need to be led by EWCA.
4 Rehabilitation of existing roads, about 200 km road needs to be standardized and
maintained.
5 Moderate museum construction around Park headquarters
6 Picnic Sites (rest stop) development: at Manta-Dubue, Aribay-Ketin, Worawuro, Ela-
Selemon, Serbadug , Kondro and Enda-Serawat
7 Trekking and Hiking routes construction about 50km from the Tekeze River to Mt.
Enda-Serawat covers 10.5 km, from Adi-Aser kebele to Keyih-Gobo 11km, from Miglab-
Feres village to Emba-Durkutan 11.6 km and from Adi-Goshu to Emba-Durkutan covers
15 km and are best site for Hiking trails and Trackers.

7. Eco-lodge construction: There are no eco-lodge sites which are not proposed by the
tourism development and management program during its lifespan. Therefore, we proposed
the development of seven eco-lodge which are named after the name of their specific
location are Hillegin, Hilet-Koka, Laelay–Siye, Machew, Shkina, Endabo and Walka-Sur
eco-lodges sites ( are high-end eco-lodges).

Nevertheless, we suggest the development of two eco-lodges especially at Hillegin during the
time frame of implementation actions described in 11.5. The developments will be based on
minimum impacts on wildlife and no effects on wildlife breeding grounds, dry seasons of
feeding and watering points, and major corridors. The areas are suitable for eco-lodge
development as moderate access via four wheel drive, luminous view points, large mammals
view (elephants and kudu), bird watching, bush driving, extraordinary view of Tekeze River
with mattress vegetation, the horizons of the adjacent Eritrean‟s landscape, and the vista of

26
 Humera Town, admiring the Kunama villages, and other potentials are close to the proposed
sites. All these are great opportunities for KSNP wildlife conservation, tourism development,
attracting other private investors, increasing local benefits and awareness as well as booming
regional commitment on wildlife-tourism conservation of the area in particular and the region
in general.
Whereas, we proposed two/three campsites with basic facilities around Tekeze River and which
is locally known as Menta-Dibue, and around Hillegin military camp or to the periphery of
former military ditches of the park boundary during the next 18 months. The Menta-Dibue
camping ground has high potential for various ecotourism activities like wilderness camping,
wildlife viewing, bird watching, boat trip, zip line, glimpse over crocodile (Appendix 3).

However, due to the nature of tourism products of the park, there are many
possibilities of developing like movable camping, temporary camping and other
promising tourism infrastructures and services will be planned, developed and
managed.

Finally, sites selected for eco-lodge development and camping ground are based on the guideline
that governs tourism infrastructures which are developed in wildlife conservation areas of
Ethiopia, and the GMP (2019-2029) of the park. And, have optimal (minimum negative and
maximum positive) impacts in the national park.

Action 2.2.2: Develop appropriate Signage of Tourism Activities and Facilities

Signage has high impact on inspiring visitors to divert into KSNP or to spend more time when
they are there.
Directional signage – In addition to the Main Roads from and to Humera town Green signage
which directs to KSNP there needs to be socio-environmental friendly tourist signage indicating
scenic route, wildlife route or alternative tourist route and this should include appropriate
symbols which are internationally recognized.

Way finding signage: Once in KSNP there is very little signage to guide vehicular traffic or
viewpoints, toilet, visitor center, path routes, etc. Example in and around KSNP destinations
center signages are extremely important it directing visitor to places of interest.

27
Interpretive signage – there is a need to develop interpretive signage located on main entrance
gate of the park with vibrant condition. If poorly managed, the conditions of these signs have a
negative impact on visitors and leave them with an impression of neglect and a community that
is not interested.

It is recommended that an audit of wildlife tourism signage, both directional and promotional, be
undertaken to include roadside (Brand Highway) advertising signage. The results of the audit are
used to develop a tourism signage strategically for implementation. The audit should include
both directional signage and tourism signage. It is also recommended that the development of a
signage style guide in harness with brand development which can be used to ensure a consistent
approach to signage in future.

28
Examples of Proposed tourism Activities and Facilities

1
Figure 3: Development Map of Proposed Tourism Activities and facilities of Kafta-Sheraro National Park

2
 SOME ACTIVITIES AND TOURISM FACILITIES OF KAFTA-SHERARO NATIONAL PARK ( from West to East direction of the above Development map

SIGNAGE Descriptions( Name of the Activities /facilities) inside KSNP

Resort/Lodges Ecologes:- Hillegin Eco-lodge , Hilet-koka Eco-lodge, Laelay -Siye Eco-lodge, Maichew Eco-lodge, Shikina Eco-lodge , Endabo
Ecolodge and Walka-sur
Public Campsites ( for budget travellers) :- Hillegin Campsite, Endamekie Campsite, Korzaf Campsite, Tsirga-Girmay Campe site,
Bababo Campsite, Maygeba Campsite, Shishina Campsite , Kondro Campsite , Endagababr Campesite and Ketema Kamp sites.

Campsites , Toilet and Drinking water

Campsites Private Campsites (for the economic travellers): Tsirga-grmay PC, Aribay-ketin PC, Tahtay-seye PC, Romina PC and Walka-sur
(Wildreness Areas) private Campsite.

Picnic Sites Picnic Sites (rest stop): Manta-Dubue, Aribay Ketin, Worawuro, Elaselemon, Srbadug , Kondro and Endaserawat

View points & Both View points and areas of Hiking Trails :- Hillegen Military site, Werawuro, Hill May Geba, Eila selemon , Shikina , Hill
Metsats, Tsirga girmay, Tahitay siye, Birsasa view pont, Miltsay site, site Adigoshu ,Miglab feres , Endabo…..

from the Tekeze River to Mt. Endaserawat covers 10.5 km, from Adi-Aser kebele to Keyih-Gobo 11km, from Miglab-Feres village
Hiking Trails areas
to Emba-Durkutan 11.6 km and from Adi-Goshu to Emba-Durkutan covers 15 km and are s best site for Hiking trails and Trekkers

Ferry /Boating Boating can be practiced throughout the park and following the Tekeze River about 30 minutes‟ drive in a place named Hamdayit at
the Sudan-Ethiopia border there is Ferryboat service for recreation.

Fishing soprt Fishing sport: - sport fishing via Humera-Hilegin, Kershelit, Adi-Aser, May-Kuhli, Wuhdet-deguagum and other places following
the Tekeze River coarse and Deguagum river. Especially, at the inlet and outlet of the Tekeze river to the park and sustainable sport
fishing thought the River can be possible to only tourists.

swimming Swimming, via Humera-Hilegin, Kershelit, Adi-Aser, May-Kuhli, Wuhdet-deguagum and other places following the Tekeze River
coarse and Deguagum river.

Crocodile viewing Almost along the Tekeze Rive shore there are Crocodiles. Watches out Crocodiles are dangerous!

3
Main Gate There are 3 park gates named Hilegin, Adigoshu and Adi-Aser

4
7.2. Objective 3. Tourism Staffs’ and Concessionaires’ Capacity of KSNP Built
and Attracted

This objective deals with the human development of the tourism staffs of KSNP and the associated
private sectors and communities who are engaged with the tourism development and management
process of the area.
.
Tourism management in protected area needs a multidisciplinary approach. As it needs more to be
equipped with the quality and standard service delivery systems, it also more needs in maintaining
the ecological integrity and the associated risk management systems of the area, in order to
experience sustainable tourism.

The staffs have to be developed and upgrade themselves with this dynamism. The purpose of Human
Resource Development is to improve the capacity of the human resource through learning and
performance at the individual, process and organizational levels. By applying a well-ordered and
professional human resource approach to work in the park field, the skills, knowledge and attitudes
of park personnel will be enriched and the overall quality of work performed will improve.
Hence, it has two actions that deal with the capacity building of the park staff and private sector
including the community who are engaged in the business.

Action 3.1: Improve the staffs’ Tourism Capacity of KSNP

Kafta Sheraro national park has outstanding natural tourism assets, however the human skills and capacity
required to unlock these assets are not wholly present. So, capacity building should be prioritized and
facilitated by EWCA, working very closely with the private sector to ensure the training is relevant. The
primary role of KSNP management will be to develop manuals, guidelines, monitoring and
enforcement of tourism activities.

Action 3.1.1: Design Regular Training Program of Tourism staffs and Carry out the Training

Training should be strategically planned in order to provide a meaningful learning experience for
new or current employees and volunteers. Training should result in the development of the

1
knowledge, skills and attitudes of park personnel. Training is not only necessary at the beginning of
an employment contract, but must accompany the job throughout.
As tourism in park is multidisciplinary the employee need to get the trainings on the subject of park
tourism products knowledge management, visitor and community relations,_ financial planning and
business skills, environmental education and conflict resolution, ecological research and monitoring,
and patrolling and law enforcement throughout his/her careers.
Action 3.1.2: Enhance the Career Development of a Tourism Staff of KSNP
Career development is a part of human resource development that is focused on individual
employees and helps prepare an employee for future positions in the organisation. It benefits the
employee in improving the job satisfaction, motivation and a desire to contribute and perform well,
with direction and purpose.
 Involve the employee with regular certification programmes, educational higher level
programs, distance learning, apprenticeships and the use of training courses for continuing
professional development.

Action 3.2: Strengthen the Private Sectors’ and Communities’ Tourism capacity of
KSNP

The park will mainly focus to the major tourism activities that can be outsource for private sectors or
community groups. Once KSNP tourism staff capacity is being developed, the tourism services will
be provided by the private sector or community groups in the form of concessions, under agreement
with KSNP management, though KSNP still have some management role in coordinating and
monitoring service providers.

 Strengthen the capacity of tour operators, investors and the user communities in standardised
service production, delivery, customer handling, risk management, community crafting
material techniques, souvenir shop production, cultural attractions presentation and
management, procedures, park rules, code of conduct and ethics …etc.

2
Objective four –Community based eco-tourism investment developed and livelihood benefited
through stakeholders cooperation

Tourism will create sustainable income generation that benefits the local community in particular,
the country in general. Consequently, the source of probable incomes that are formulated through the
active involvement of the community ought to be diversified at larger scale in order to assure the
principle of sustainable, fair and equity benefits sharing mechanisms within the local community. It
is obvious that tourism development should create employment opportunities for communities at
tourist destinations and ensure community benefits through a wider distribution of income, and
enhance the integration of community participation and livelihood concerns, community
contributions, and benefit sharing-mechanisms into planning and management as well as in decision
making processes.

Action 4.1: Prepare guideline for Community based Eco-tourism development of KSNP

There is currently no formal tourism association operating within west Tigray, around the national
park. However, with combination of historical, cultural, and events/ festivals, KSNP will receive
huge visitors both international and domestic. Eco-tourism is one of the promising components of
tourism in the area. Hence, it is new concept to the area, developing Eco-tourism guideline is very
crucial in order to guide the business that integrate the natural, cultural and heritage aspects of the
park and its surroundings.

Hence, the park staff in collaboration with EWCA and regional stake holders the community based
ecotourism guide line will be prepared.

Action 4.2: Develop Community Based Eco-Tourism (CBETD) Investment

It is now widely accepted that local stewardship of resources plays an important role in the
sustainable use of natural resources. The participation of local communities in the management of
biodiversity not only promotes conservation but can also help to achieve economic development
goals. Community-based eco-tourism is one such participatory activity which is gaining in
popularity throughout the world and is being increasingly used as a central component in many
Integrated Conservation and Development (ICAD) project

3
Community-based eco-tourism entails organizing villagers to provide tourism related services to
visitors in KSNP and environs. By putting management firmly in the hands of the community, it
ensures that the majority of the benefits accrue to villagers rather than to large travel companies, tour
operators or hotel chains.

The intended tourism program could bring tangible and meaningful economic benefit to local
community, both through employment and income generated to local residents, and through
improving to community‟s infrastructure, facilities and services. Because the intended tourism is
often a new activity in their area, however, local communities need guidance on their participation in
the KSNP tourism development and management plan.

Moreover, recognize places of heritage value in the Tourism Development Plan and implementation,
including cultural and built heritage in KSNP. Recognize the values of ambush (cave) of Tigray
People Liberation Front meeting hall and the military camps and ditches during the Ethio-Eritrea war
in and around KSNP. There are also places of heritage value including ancient churches, Burial sites
of Kunama people. Tourism product development in KSNP shall recognize all categorizes of tourism
and consider the existence of manmade attractions as a heritage values.

It provides the following major benefits to local communities, KSNP/EWCA, TRS and the country
as a whole.
- It provides villagers with additional income and other forms of employment as an alternative
to natural resource utilization.
- It generates income for local development initiatives and other community based activities.
- It provides villagers with a strong and visible economic stake in conserving natural resources
in KSNP.
- It promotes KSNP and TRS as a whole as a tourist destination, encouraging tourists to stay
longer, spend more, and better appreciate the rich culture and natural attractions of the area.
- It enhances environmental awareness in local people and the TRS as a whole.
- It generates sustainable funding for other aspects of CBECTD management.

Action 4.3: Strengthen the Cooperation and Coordination of Stakeholders of KSNP

4
Cooperation and coordination of relevant stakeholders in the protected areas‟ tourism business are
fundamental component. The local government/KSNP does not operate in isolation and in certain
circumstances there is a benefit in working with stakeholders and other local governments, state and
federal government departments. This cooperative approach is to be encouraged where possible.

EWCA, KSNP and TRS all have a role to play in tourism development and marketing. EWCA and
Tigray regional state can act as funding organizations through awarding of grants and both are also
involved in marketing to various target markets.

However, at a local level that significant influence on the tourism sector can be felt. EWC/Region
control many areas that can influence a local tourism industry including planning and building
controls, signage approvals, economic development, community development, events, provision of
amenities and roads and access. In fact there are few parts of local government that are not somehow
influential on tourism. For that reason it is important that all employees are made aware of this plan
and how it can impact on most local government areas.

Areas of cooperation and coordination:-

 Conservation (product development );

 Tour operator and tour companies management;
 Investment;
 Marketing and promotion;
 Private sector, NGOs and communities engagement ;
 Community awareness and livelihood benefit; …

5
 8. Three years Action plan of Strategic management objectives and operational actions of KSNP

What sub actions are Who is Who is required to What resources are required What are the time frames What is
required accountable cooperate nd st nd st nd st measureme
for Numbe Item Cost 2 1 2 1 2 1 nt of
implementati r of (ETB) 2020 2021 2021 2022 2022 2023 achieveme
days
on nt
Objective 1: Tourism products and marketing strategy of KSNP developed and diversified.

Action 1.1: Identify, describe and mapping of Tourism products of KSNP and environs
1.1.1 Tourism team Ecological research 15 Per diem (5 39,750 Document
Identifying, describing and monitoring team, people x 15 on tourism
and mapping tourism wildlife rangers, GIS days x ETB 530 products of
products of KSNP specialist, utilization KSNP
directorate,
Travel 2, 400
EMEPA
(600km/5/km*E
TB 20)
1.1.2 Tourism Utilization directorate, 20 Office and - Prepared
Prepare a comprehensive team, ET, Region tourism travel (overall and
itinerary and tourism utilization offices, tour operators , cost) reported
products time table directorate local tourism offices Developed
(with in the park/or/ and itineraries
vicinity, with regional
products, and the historic
route

1.1.3 Tourism team ET, tour operators - Office Number of

Integrate tourism (region & national), itineraries
products of KSNP with Utilization directorate, developed
regional and national ecological and
tourism Circuits research team,
community team,
region culture and
tourism offices, local
tourism offices

1
What sub actions are Who is Who is required to What resources are required What are the time frames What is
required accountable cooperate nd st nd st nd st measureme
for Numbe Item Cost 2 1 2 1 2 1 nt of
implementati r of (ETB) 2020 2021 2021 2022 2022 2023 achieveme
days
on nt
1.1.4 Conduct a Tourism team Outsource - 50,000 50,000
feasibility study for a
skywalk over the Tekeze
River (islands)

total Action 92, 150

Action 1.2: Develop and implement tourism marketing strategy
1.2.1conduct Tourism team Tourism organizations 10 Per diem (3 15,900 Tourism
research on tourism (GO & NGO), people x10 days marketing
marketing strategy Utilization directorate, x ETB 530 strategy of
ET, regional and local KSNP
tourism offices, Travel 4,800 document
EMEPA (1200/5/km*ET will be
B 20) produced
1.2.2 Tourism team Utilization directorate, Total cost 600,000
Design and TRS tourism offices,
production of tour operators, EMEPA
informational
materials (brochures,
leaflet, map, poster,
photos...)
1.2.3 Tourism team Utilization Directorate, Total cost 800,000
Billboards placed on TRS tourism offices,
vantage places EMEPA
1.2.4 Tourism team, Region culture and - Overall cost 1,000,0 No of FAM
Organize FAM trips Utilization tourism office, 00 organized
to KSNP ( two directorate Utilization directorate,
FAMs ) region and Regional and national
national based FAMs tour operators
associations ET,
EMEPA
1.2.5 Tourism team Regional and local - Overall cost 400,000 Branding of
Develop KSNP tourism offices, KSNP will
tourism branding Utilization directorate, be
IT and PR directorate, developed
ET

2
What sub actions are Who is Who is required to What resources are required What are the time frames What is
required accountable cooperate nd st nd st nd st measureme
for Numbe Item Cost 2 1 2 1 2 1 nt of
implementati r of (ETB) 2020 2021 2021 2022 2022 2023 achieveme
days
on nt
1.2.6 Tourism team KSNP office, TRS Overall cost 500,000 100,00 200,0 200,0
Continue to support Tourism offices, 0 00 00
and fund wildlife EWCA, ET, MoCT,
events and prepare Tour Operators
tourism events
management strategy
Tourism team KSNP office, TRS - -
1.2.7 Tourism offices,
Implement KSNP EWCA, ET, MoCT,
tourism marketing Tour Operators
plan
1.2.7 Implement Overall cost 2,400,0 400,00 1,000 1,00
Tourism 00 0 000 0000
Development and
Promotion Strategy
(Tourism Marketing
strategy)
Total action cost 5,720,7
00
Objective 2: Tourism infrastructures and facilities improved and developed through the private sector engagement.

Action 2.1: Identify and mapping tourism concessions of KSNP

2.1.1 Tourism team ecological research and 20 63,600 - Tourism

Assessment, monitoring team, Per diem concession
Selecting, and wildlife rangers, park (6 people s of KSNP
mapping tourism community officers, x 20 days will be
concession potentials park adjacent x ETB produced
(eco-lodge, camping authorities, Utilization 530) - Guideline
grounds, zip line at directorate, EMEPA will
Tekeze River, produced

3
What sub actions are Who is Who is required to What resources are required What are the time frames What is
required accountable cooperate nd st nd st nd st measureme
for Numbe Item Cost 2 1 2 1 2 1 nt of
implementati r of (ETB) 2020 2021 2021 2022 2022 2023 achieveme
days
on nt
trekking, mountain Travel 4,000
climbing, etc) (1000km/5
/km x
ETB 20)

Action 2.2: Maintain and develop tourism infrastructures and facilities

2.2.1 Tourism team Ecological monitoring 10 Per diem (3 15,900 Document

Need assessment on team, chief scout, people x 10 on
tourism accessibility Wildlife development days x ETB 530 Accessibilit
routes of KSNP (surface, and protection y in the
foot, Aerial, and water ) directorate park
2.2.2 Tourism team Office cost - Reports on
Informing and information
communicating all disseminati
information to relevant on
stakeholders
2.2.3 EWCA Overall cost 1,000,0
Rehabilitation of the 00
existing road

2.2.4 Tourism team Ecological monitoring Overall cost 700,000 One visitors
Build visitors team, community interpretatio
interpretation centre partnership team, n centre
(old-aged visitors, finance team, Wildlife will be built
handicaps, students, development and
large groups) protection directorate,
utilization directorate,
EMEPA

4
What sub actions are Who is Who is required to What resources are required What are the time frames What is
required accountable cooperate nd st nd st nd st measureme
for Numbe Item Cost 2 1 2 1 2 1 nt of
implementati r of (ETB) 2020 2021 2021 2022 2022 2023 achieveme
days
on nt
2.2.5 Tourism team Ecological monitoring Overall cost 800,000 Two
develop and prepare two team, finance, rangers, campsites
campsites with basic utilization directorate, will be
facilities wildlife development developed
and protection
directorate, EMEPA
2..2.6 Tourism team KSNP finance, Gef, Overall cost 100,000 One
construct a viewing Utilization Directorate platform
platform near Hilegin view point
will be
constructed
2.2.7 Continue to fund, KSNP finance, Gef, Overall cost 5,000,0 1000,0 2,000, 2,000,0
develop and manage Development 00 00 000 00
KSNP priority tourism Directorate
infrastructures

2.2.8 Develop and KSNP finance, Gef, Overall cost 400,000 400,00
implement a signage and Development 0
information strategy Directorate
within Tigray region
(Mekelle, Axum, Shire,
and Humera)
Total action cost 8,083,5
00

Objective 3: Tourism Staffs’ and Concessionaires’ Capacity of KSNP Built and Attracted

Action 3.1: Improve and increase tourism capacity of KSNP

5
What sub actions are Who is Who is required to What resources are required What are the time frames What is
required accountable cooperate nd st nd st nd st measureme
for Numbe Item Cost 2 1 2 1 2 1 nt of
implementati r of (ETB) 2020 2021 2021 2022 2022 2023 achieveme
days
on nt
3.1.1 Tourism team Utilization Directorate, 10 Office cost - - - - - -
Identify human EWCA HQ HRM
resource requirement

3.1.2 Tourism team Utilization Directorate, 5 Office cost - - - - -

Recruit and select EWCA HQ HRM
competent tourism
staff

3.1.3 Tourism team Utilization Directorate, 5 Refreshment ( 5 18, No of

Guide and customer EMEPA days x 15 people 750 reported
care training of x 250) training
KSNP

3.1.4 Chief Warden Utilization Directorate, 5 Per diem ( 5 18,55 Training

Strengthen the EMEPA days x 7 people 0 report
capacity of KSNP x 530)
tourism staff on
tourism attractions Travel (750km 3,000
audit, concession /5 x 20 ETB
potentials, tourism
marketing strategies Trainer 2600 per 13,00
day x 5 days 0

3.1.5 Tourism team Utilization directorate, 17 Per diem (17 91, Report on
Experience sharing EMEPA days x 12 800 experience
of KSNP tourism people x 450) sharing
staff in selected
national parks of Travel ( 14,00
Ethiopia (Simien 3500/5km x 0
Mountains & Nech ETB 20)
Sar national parks)

6
What sub actions are Who is Who is required to What resources are required What are the time frames What is
required accountable cooperate nd st nd st nd st measureme
for Numbe Item Cost 2 1 2 1 2 1 nt of
implementati r of (ETB) 2020 2021 2021 2022 2022 2023 achieveme
days
on nt
Refreshment (17 5100
x 300)

3.1.6 Tourism team EMEPA, utilization 12 Per diem ( 12 38, Experience

Experience sharing directorate day x 5 people x 400 sharing
of KSNP tourism 20 dollar) = Reports
staff in selected 1200 dollar
national parks of Travel ( air 100,0
Kenya/ Tanzania ticket from 00
Humera to
Addis to
Tanzania &
vice- verse
Catering and 160,0
accommodation 00
( 5 people x 100
dollar 10 days)
5000 dollar
Recreation 24,00
expenses (5 0
people x 30
dollar x 5 days
= 750 dollar
3.1.7 Tourism team Community team, 3 Refreshment No on
Basic English woreda culture and Travel training
training for tourism office report
community
entrepreneurs
Action 3.2: Strengthen the Concessionaires’ Tourism capacity of KSNP

3.2.1 Tourism team Community team, - - - No of

Sensitize scouts, woreda culture sensitize
communities on and tourism office programs
tourism on local
communitie

7
What sub actions are Who is Who is required to What resources are required What are the time frames What is
required accountable cooperate nd st nd st nd st measureme
for Numbe Item Cost 2 1 2 1 2 1 nt of
implementati r of (ETB) 2020 2021 2021 2022 2022 2023 achieveme
days
on nt
s of KSNP

3.2.2 Tourism team Finance team, Woreda 2 Refreshment ( 7500 Training

training for hoteliers Culture and Tourism 30 people x 2 report
and restaurant on office, zone culture and days x 250 ETB)
customer care and tourism bureau
catering

Trainer 5,000

objective 4: Community based Eco-tourism Investment Developed and livelihood benefited through stakeholders cooperation

Action 4.1 Prepare guideline for Community based Eco-tourism development of KSNP

4.1.1 Tourism team Utilization directorate, - Office costs Report on

Review on TRS tourism bureau review
Precautionary Zones and Woreda documents
procedures ( tourism bureau, TRS
familiarize with e tour operators, local
CBETD in PAs, community,
tourism policy, community based
regulation, suitability ecotourism projects
of the area and
possible future
impacts)

8
What sub actions are Who is Who is required to What resources are required What are the time frames What is
required accountable cooperate nd st nd st nd st measureme
for Numbe Item Cost 2 1 2 1 2 1 nt of
implementati r of (ETB) 2020 2021 2021 2022 2022 2023 achieveme
days
on nt
4.1.2 Tourism team Community team, Overall cost 50,000 Report,
Villager orientation utilization directorate, minutes of
and feedback Zonal and Woreda understandi
(organize a village tourism offices ng
study tour, describe
target villagers, )
4.1.3 Tourism team Overall cost 20,000 Report,
Stakeholder minutes of
orientation (various understandi
stakeholders) face to ng
face, phone or email
4.2.1 Tourism team Community team, 10 Per diem ( 7 31, 350 Document
Assessing Woreda and Zone people x 10 on
ecotourism potential tourism bureaus, days x 450 ecotourism
products ( cultural, utilization directorate, ETB products
historical and TRS tour operators , Travel ( 600 2,400 around the
natural) around the EMEPA km/5km x 20 villagers
villagers ETB)

4.1.5 Tourism team Planning unit, Office cost Report and

Develop Planning ( community team, TRS planned
sites and itinerary) Culture and Tourism documents
office, Zone and
Woredas tourism
bureaus, utilization
directorate
4.1.6 Tourism team TRS Culture and Office cost Endorsed
Finalized the Tourism office, Zones project
approval process ( and Woredas Tourism
approval from offices
appropriate
authority)
Action 4.2: Develop Community Based Eco-Tourism (CBETD) Investment

9
What sub actions are Who is Who is required to What resources are required What are the time frames What is
required accountable cooperate nd st nd st nd st measureme
for Numbe Item Cost 2 1 2 1 2 1 nt of
implementati r of (ETB) 2020 2021 2021 2022 2022 2023 achieveme
days
on nt
4.2.1 provide tourism Tourism TRS tourism offices 10 Office cost - Proceeding
awareness for selected team (zones and woredas), ( can be and
and most relevant community case team, done increasing
communities who reside scouts, parallels of tourism
in and around potential with goal awareness
areas 4.1)

4.2.1 Seed
Develop community money
based eco-tourism
investment (artefacts,
souvenir shops, cultural
dances and lifestyle
packages, in facility
management..)
Action 4.3: Strengthen the Cooperation and Coordination of Stakeholders of KSNP

4.3.1 Tourism team Zones and woredas Office cost Regular

Working closely tourism offices, visit to the
with local community case team communitie
communities to s increase
develop tourism CBET
opportunities of the organization
community around s
KSNP
Grand Total action 14,467,850
cost

10
9. MONITORING AND EVALUATION

The monitoring and evaluation requires that have been identified and described in the above
implementation actions have been designed to provide the data needed to measure the extent to
which implementation of the Tourism development action plan contributes to the achievement of the
Tourism development and management objectives of KSNP. They have taken cognizance of the
many serious challenges that face Park tourism management, particularly that of limited capacity and
resources, and are therefore considered to be efficient and yet sufficiently robust to support
meaningful evaluation reporting. Likewise, not all the tourism development plan implementations
have monitoring actions as there are many inter-linking impacts. All that is in the tourism
development plan has been designed to ensure that the KSNP bring sustainable tourism benefits
through its integrity with effective conservation, sustainable natural resource utilization, community
and relevant stakeholder engagement.

The monitoring activity also represents a part of the TDP which is constantly evaluating the actions
inside and environs of KSNP. The tourism‟s monitoring is made through specific means that are
established on a scientific basis. It can be done by the staff of KSNP, after an appropriate training or
by relevant stakeholders in joint program. The process requires considerable resources, time and
efforts, collecting, processing and interpreting the data, how they will be used and the obtained
results.

The requirements of each monitoring actions listed above implementation action (11.5) this is to be
used by park management to oversee implementation of the Monitoring and Evaluation requirements
of the tourism development plan. This affords additional information as to the monitoring processes
and procedures that are to be followed, as well as the personnel and resource commitments and
timeframes. It must be understood that while every attempt has been made to ensure that this is as
comprehensive as possible, it will be lacking and additional thought will have to be applied in the
final stages of planning for implementation of these monitoring actions. However, in the interests of
consistency and continuity these descriptions are the basis for the monitoring actions and should
remain unchanged for the life span of this Tourism Development Plan.

1
In general, the interventions in wildlife protected area are either related to diversification in the area
aimed in order to increase the number of visitors or, rather to restrict the demand by reducing the
negative impact on the environment and society. Accordingly, the prevailing situation of tourism in
KSNP requires diversification of travel habits and increase the interest for the destination in nature, a
strategy for management of the area is increasingly necessary, in order to achieve the main objective
– to preserve and protect the natural resources. Therefore, there must be a monitoring program and
management plan that would reveal the activity of tourism in KSNP, supported by certain
management techniques and appropriate marketing in the long-term to tackle visitor impacts.

12.1. Park tourism product planning

Park tourism products include wildlife, vegetation, scenery, water based tourism (beaches, water fall,
and boat), trekking and Mt. climbing, cultural and historical/heritage attractions that are available for
visitors. However, these tourism products are impacted by mainly conservation status and tourism
infrastructures of the park. So that tourism products of the park can be evaluated through, field
observation (using check lists), feedbacks from visitors and private tourism operators (at exist, spot,
internet). The data captured from this include types of tourism attractions; appeal to attract visitors,
their accessibility, location, and time of observation (morning, late the afternoon, evening, seasonal
migration, at corridors, dry season, wet season, and during festivals/event/ceremonies occasions are
held). The data are collected by park tourism officer based on attraction time table quarterly basis.

The KSNP tourism product planning is highly impacted by tourism marketing and promotion
strategy. Tourism marketing means selling products or services of KSNP attractions for visitors and
Promotion mean advertisement of KSNP products for visitor. Tourism marketing and promotion
may be evaluated through analysis of the various tourism marketing and promotion methods and
feedback (source of visitor information), frequency of promotion, distribution of printed materials
like brochures, guidebooks, maps, which include

 Media (TV, radio, )

 No of FAMs held
 Trade shows, events/festivals
 Internet, Website, social media
 Brochure

2
  Booklet
 Documentary videos
 Map
The tourism marketing and promotion monitoring data is collected by tourism officer bi-annually.

12.2. Physical Tourism Infrastructures

Tourism infrastructures are those infrastructures available for visitors may be evaluated through field
observation (using checklist), and feedbacks from visitor (at spot, at exit, internet). The data
captured from this includes size, no., types and quality of the following tourism infrastructures using
checklists.

Use GPS location of tourism infrastructures in the park

- Camping grounds (toilet, table, kitchen, water and environment friendly…)

- Sign posts (local appropriate material, representative of the area, creativity…)

- Visiting roads (maintained roads, accessibility, walk way…)

- Interpretation center ( availability, quality and quantity of display)

- Viewpoints (friendly, place of interest...)

- Kinds of concessions
The data is collected by tourism officers quarterly.

12.3. Tourism staff capacity building

Tourism staff capacity building includes the different trainings and experience sharing directly to the
ability of the park and environs to implement this tourism development plan. However, as with
implementation action 11.1 and 11.2, it is believed that the outcomes of this implementation action
will manifest in the successful tourism product planning of the KSNP and the persistence of its
tourism infrastructures and services that sustain conservation importance.

12.4. Community based ecotourism development investments

CBETD means some tourism products and /or services infrastructures are operated and managed by
the local community in and around KSNP. And, it includes Community and destination economic
benefits (tourism employment, tourism wages, number of indigenously tourism owned businesses,

3
revenue generated by tourism, GDP and % of tourism‟s contribution- national or community level),
Tourism and poverty reduction (total number of worker in the community, % of workers directly
employed by tourism, % of full time, number of local related MSEs operating, ratio of pay of top- to
lowest-paid tourism workers, annual contribution by tourism to community projects, increase in
individual and/or household incomes), tourist satisfaction, and Maintaining economic benefits
from tourism (tourist arrivals by month-seasonality also captured, occupancy rates by month,
remittances abroad of profits, or salaries of expat staff, number of local employees in tourism by job
type and level, % of full-time year round jobs (unemployment in off-season, % of employees
certified (qualified), % of labor imported from outside region, Multiplier ratio for tourism currency
(how much of each currency spent stays in the destination, how many times it is re-spent. These
indicators are measured either qualitatively or quantitatively. Thus, the monitoring and evaluation
data are collected by tourism officer quarterly.

Table 6: Summary of planning for monitoring and evaluation tourism development plan objectives of KSNP

Who is What resources are required What are the time frames
Who are
Monitoring the Numbe 4th 1st 3rd 1st 2nd 1st
the team Cost Output
action team r of Item 202 202 202 202 202 202
members (ETB)
leader days 0 1 1 2 2 3
Annual audit Touris GIS 8 Per 16,800 Quarterly
of tourism m case EXPERT, diem Report on
products of team KSNP and the condition
KSNP Ecologist travel and types of
cost KSNP
Tourism
products
Analyze Touris - 6 Offic Marketing
tourism m case e cost analysis
marketing team report
strategy and
promotion
bi-annually

Supervise Touris Ecologist, 8 20,400 Quarterly

and follow m case scout tourism
up tourism team infrastructur
infrastructur es condition
es and assessment
facilities of report

4
 Who is What resources are required What are the time frames
Who are th
Monitoring the Numbe 4 1st 3rd 1st 2nd 1st
the team Cost Output
action team r of Item 202 202 202 202 202 202
members (ETB)
leader days 0 1 1 2 2 3
KSNP bi-
annually
Survey on Touris Scouts 5 Offic Tourist
tourist m case e cost satisfaction
satisfaction team survey report
bi-annually

Survey on Touris Communit 10 29,400 Report on no

CBET m case y case of
projects bi- team team, zone employment
annually and opportunities
woreda and income
tourism generating
offices activities

Totals 37 66,600

10. FINANCIAL ASPECT OF TOURISM IN KSNP

The budget requirement to implement the action plans of this TDP is a total of ETB 14,534,450.00
(Four million, five hundred and thirty four thousand, four hundred and fifty Ethiopian birr).

Every year, millions of tourists around the world visit protected areas (PAs) or travel to destinations
for nature-based recreation. While PAs often supply the most important part of such recreational
experiences, they typically capture very little of the total economic benefits derived from
ecotourism. Therefore, a number of relatively simple, market-based mechanisms – known
collectively as tourism user fees (TUFs) – can capture significant revenues from tourism-based
activities, which can then be directed toward supporting PAs and other conservation efforts like
KSNP. The potential fees partially reflect the cost for supplying recreational services, the demand
for natural resources, and the value that visitors place on their experience at the site. The direct link
between conservation and income from user fees makes conservation a strong economic motivation.

5
Most TUFs are site-level mechanisms (i.e., specific fees for specific activities are enacted at PA
sites). These site based finance mechanisms are broadly referred to as visitor use fees. A few other
types of fees are national level mechanisms. This TDP focuses primarily on site level fees in and
around KSNP.

- Entrance fees: This is a fee charged to visitors in order to enter a PA or other ecotourism
site. There are a number of ways entrance fees can be collected – e.g., at the entrance to
the site or previously at another administrative center. They can be charged directly to the
visitor or, alternatively, tour operator companies may purchase tickets in advance so that
visitors on organized tours have the fee included in the total cost of their tour package.
Differential fees are common. In particular, in developing countries, domestic citizens are
typically charged considerably less than foreign visitors. Based on this currently uniform
entrance fees are available throughout PAs that are managed under EWCA. Accordingly,
Council of Ministers Regulations No. 163/2008 wildlife parks and sanctuaries entrance
fees include types of visitors (domestic foreign residents and foreign tourists), vehicle
seat number, camping fees, and landing fees. Feedbacks from tour operators indicate that
a higher admission charge for KSNP would be acceptable. There was also a willingness
to introduce a community levy on entrance charges. Implementation of such a set of
charges will require approval at the Federal government/ EWCA level. Ideally charges
should be compulsory if this is problematic with EWCA policies, a voluntary
conservation and community fees could be introduced. Therefore, EWCA shall improve
the prevailing situation of park entrance fees with regional and international conservation
and wildlife tourism market context and reviewing its policies with clear and transparent
explanations.

- Concession fees: these fees are typically collected from companies (concessionaires) that
are granted concessions for providing a service to visitors with in KSNP and environs
concession contracts between the concessionaire and EWCA/KSNP/ include specific
provisions specifying the price of the fee, collection mechanism, and other logistic,
financial and legal details. The potential services provide through concession contract
include lodging and camping, food and beverage services, various activities (zip lining,
ballooning….etc), camel transport, recreational equipment rentals, guided tours and boat
transportation, and gift/ souvenir shops. These concessions are based on the rules and

6
 regulations of bidding process of EWCA. One particular difficult aspects of concession is
arriving at a balance between the amount that the concessionaire will earn by exploiting
the resources, and the amount that will be returned to the KSNP administration (example,
3% of concessionaire from Simien park, Limalimo, Awash Falls and Bale Mountains
Lodges). Concession fee income can be structured in different ways. The major options
include: fees based on the number of people a concession serves during a given year, fees
percentage of the gross or net income of the concessionaire, and an annual fixed fee or
the combination of all.

- Licenses or permits: private firms operating inside or outside KSNP (e.g. tour operators,
guides…), filming, individual participating in specific recreation activities (e.g. fishing,
camping, and racing ….etc) can be charged for license or permit.

- Other tourism related fees and taxes: this may be difficult to apply but potential source
of finance like KSNP. A wide range of other related tourism fees and taxes includes taxes
on consumer items sold, airport departure tax (a growing tax in many countries for
environmental conservation), hotel room taxes, recreational equipment, etc.
Figure 4: potential Schematic flow of tourism user fee flow in KSNP

7
Besides the above summarized figure, there are various fund raising opportunities for KSNP. The
most existing funds provide to the park are from government mainly administrative agency from
Ethiopian Wildlife Conservation authority and it is most prevalent revenue sources. Research fees
and filming fees are also opportunities for fund raising for KSNP in which these fees are currently
included by EWCA‟s regulation as 1000 USD and 9000 USD (ground filming) & 15,000 (areal
filming) respectively.

There are several tourism fundraising opportunities of KSNP other than TUFs. Potential tourism
income sources for KSNP include:

8
 - Government funding program

- Organizing special events in specific location and timeframe-e.g. mountain race

- Donations, NGO support, and foreign aids to assist KSNP

- Rental of equipments or buildings

- Product or image selling

- Tourist contributions

- Volunteers to assist KSNP tourism

SOURCE

Addisu, A. (2017). Assessment of eco-tourism potentials of protected areas: the case of KAFTA SHERARO
national park, NE Ethiopia. Journal of culture and tourism, vol. 1, No. 1, page 106- 125

African Wildlife Foundation (2019). Simien Mountains National Park Tourism Develeopment
Plan Park Tourism, EWCA, Addis Ababa, 59pp

Endawek, W., Gebremeskel G. &Zenebe A. (2014).Wildlife ConservationAssessment Study on

Kafta Shiraro National Park. EWCA, Addis Ababa, 52pp.
Ethiopian Wildlife Conservation Authority (2018). Kafta Sheraro national park General
Management Plan ( 2019-2029)

Eagles, Paul F.J., McCool, Stephen F. and Haynes, Christopher D.A. (2002). Sustainable Tourism in
Protected Areas: Guidelines for Planning and Management. IUCN Gland, Switzerland and
Cambridge, UK. xv + 183pp.

Kinfe, W., Kassa, T., Hailemariam, G. and Yemane, W. (2016). Remote Sensing and GIS Based
Evaluation of Land Cover Conversion and its Driven in Mayweyni Watershed, Northern
Lowlands of Ethiopia, Land Degradation and Management (in press)

Mekbeb, E., Kumara, W. &Minassie, G. (2002).Management Plan of KaftaSheraro Wildlife

Reserve.Ethiopian Wildlife Conservation Organization, Addis Ababa,Ethiopia, 59pp.

Pohlstrand H.( 2019 ). Ethiopia‟s Wildlife Treasure.

9
Strengthening the Protected Area Network in Southern Tanzania – (SPANEST) (2014): Improving
the Effectiveness of National Parks in Addressing Threats to Biodiversity, 5 yrs plan.

Thomas, Lee and Middleton, Julie, (2003). Guidelines for Management Planning of Protected Areas.
IUCN Gland, Switzerland and Cambridge,UK. ix + 79pp.

T. van der Sluis, C.J. van der Jagt, L. Kanton (2007). Tourism development & management
planKyabobo National Park and surrounding area, Ghana.Ho/Nkwanta, SNV-Ghana.
Tourism Plan Kyabobo Area, Ghana, 80pp.

Yirmed, D. (2008). Conservation and management of the relic elephant population inKafta-
Sheraro National Park, north Ethiopia. SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT Submitted to
TheU.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Washington, DC.6pp. (Agreement No. 98210-8-
G757adjoining Gash-Barka Wildlife Reserve inside Eritrea.

APPENDIXES

Appendix-1: Tourism development and Management program- Situational analysis

from the GMP (2019-2019)
Attraction Location and Access potential uses
description
Landscape and Spectacular scenic Easy (up Trekking, Mt
Mineral deposits view points at Mt. to 1-2hr) climbing,
Hilegil, Mt. by car Photographing
TsirgaGirmay, Mt. , Camping,
Emba-Durkuta, wildlife
Keyih Gobo, viewing, bird
Kalema, watching,
ZibanWediembi, picnicking,
Tahitay and
LaelaySiye, and

10
 several mountains in
Aditsetser
The magnificent Easy (up Hiking,
view of the Elephant to 1hr) camping,
corridor area between photographing
Ethiopia and Eritrea , Elephant
across Tekeze River viewing, bird
has a panorama view watching,
·
The ample smaller Easy (up Landscape
hills and undulating to 1hr) viewing,
terrain of the areas photographing
have panoramic view
of different horizons
TebekoIndazibie (the Difficult Trekking,
Hyena cave): Have (>=2 hrs) Photographing
unique and attractive , Camping,
features, including wildlife
large-sized natural viewing, bird
stones with beautiful watching
curvatures and
structure, with some
of the stones being
wrapped around the
magnificent and
gigantic Baobab tree.

Gold and marble Moderat Sightseeing

e
Forests/vegetatio Acacia commiphora Easy (up Photographing
n wood land, to 1hr)

11
 Combretumterminali
a woodland, Riparian
forest, savanna
grasslands
Beaches and Beautiful beaches Easy (up Camping, river
waterfalls along all its course, to 1hr) rafting, bird
especially near watching,
Tekeze village, picnicking,
Humera Town and fishing and
Sudan side; Tekeze swimming.
waterfall on Sheraro
side
More than 160 km Easy Boating and
length of navigable (upto bird watching
area at the border of 1hr)
Ethiopia, Eritrea and
Sudan
Unique and Unique populations easy to Wildlife
endangered of several difficult viewing and
mammal endangered photographing
mammals, including:
African Elephant,
Red fronted gazelle,
Roan antelope,
Waterbuck, Northern
Kudu, Leopard, Strip
Hyena, etc
Unique and Over 200 species of easy to Bird watching
endangered bird birds difficult and
species photographing
Several globally easy- Bird watching

12
threatened species moderate and
(e.g. at least six spp. photographing
of vultures)
Several biome- easy- Bird watching
restricted species moderate and
photographing
The only known easy- Bird watching
population for some moderate and
species like photographing
Demosseil crane
Several wetland easy- Bird watching
birds, including moderate and
Egyptian plover, photographing
Thick-knees, etc

13
 Description of cultural and historical/heritage tourism attraction identified from KSNP.
Category Name and description Location and timing Potential
activities/uses

Cultural Ritual, religious and Everywhere in Learning

festival ceremonies the surrounding culture
celebrations of Kunama villages and any
and other community time
Handicrafts Kunama village Watching how
and from what
materials they
are made;
buying as a
gifts to home
friends
Traditional Tigraway Everywhere in Traditional
and Kunama Music and the surrounding Dancing,
dances villages and any cultural
time learning
Traditional cuisine (e.g. Everywhere in Eating and
Feta) and beverages the surrounding drinking
(Tela) villages and any
time
Farming style using Kunama village viewing,
camel (one photographing
riding/leading and the
other plowing)
Traditional gold Central part of viewing,
mining the park (any photographing
time)
Traditional resign Almost Photographing

14
 tapping everywhere

Historic/ Several ancient In all villages Appreciation

Heritage Churches (plus at Mt. and
Attractio Embadurkuta) photographing
ns Burial sites of Kunama In the centre of Appreciation
people: An ancient the Park at and
ancestors‟ tomb /grave Menta- Dibue, photographing
site of all kunama Tekileemba,
tribes found where they and
use them as a place to Ayifora/Doni
present memorial localities
services and pray for
their ancestors every ye

Meeting natural Halls Learning Learning

of TPLF during the military history
early gorilla fitting wisdoms and
time found at tactics
Aditsetser
Appendix 2: Land accessiblity and location of KSNP from Addis Ababa, capital of Ethiopia

15
Appendix- 3. Locations of some tourism Campsites/ Eco-Lodges, viewpoints and trekking
Location of proposed for public camping sites Remark

16
No Name of locality Bearings
Easting Northing
1 Hillegen, E251451 N1582221
2 Endamekie E255021 N1583459
3 Wuhidet-Dagadum site E286326 N1569704
4 Korze’af- Adebay E275996 N1581222
5 FreSelam- May geba site E 281816 N1567405
6 Shishina(, E 307695 N1593207
7 Ketema ( Near Tekeze River), E349297 N1559951
8 Walkasur, E349766 N1558726
9 Romina, 313310 N1591561
10 AdiAser- Endagabir E341788 N1575037
11 AdiTsetser-Kondro E324398 N1590558
Location of proposed private Camp Site
1 Tsirgagirmay Hill E283353 N1576298
2 Tahitaysiye E286531 N1567103
3 Surba-dug . E312269 N1583694
4 Aribay-ketin E 291346 N1574608
Location of proposed Eco-lodges
1 Shikina E 308388 N1570185
2 Hillegen (Hiletkoka) E 252170 N1577258
3 HillegenCamb E252236 N1582137
4 Freselamla’elaysiye E286335 N156634
5 May Temen- Endabo E338667 N1561022
6 May Kuhli-Walikasur E350238 N 1554179
7 Mayweyini-Maychew N305105 N 1566861
8 Endaserawat N 339859 N1585385
Location of proposed Viewpoints
1 Shikina Hill E308325 N 1570073
2 Methast Hill E 287653 N 1570337
3 May Geba E 281811 N 1567385
4 Tekeze View E 284825 N1574626
5 Tsirgagirmay E 283081 N 1576414
6 Hillegen Military site E 252287 N 1581548
7 Werawuro E 272593 N 1575601
8 Eilaselemon E 274604 N 1568994
9 Birsasa view pontMiltsay site E 310522 N 1574311
10 Tahitaysiye site E 286530 N 1567092
11 AdigoshuMillitary Camp( lodge) E 313460 N 1577110
12 Miglabferes E 326968 N 1564004
13 Endabo E 338664 N 1561033)
14 Endaarkay/Mumatbula/ E 341487 N 1559019
15 Katema E 348061 N 1561251
16 Kambo Adwa E 352229 N 1562573

17
17 KansheloEndaserawat E 341142 N 1579919
18 Gobo falul E 335160 N 1581098
Location of park Entrance Gates
1 Hilegin (Humera district side) E255844 N1578055
2 Kunama-HabeshaAdigoshu E315959 N 1571813
3 Adi-Aser( Sheraro side) E344405 N1565929
Proposed Mountain Hiking and Trekking
1 Mount Emba-Durkutan E320726 N 1558708

2 Mount Keyih-Gobo E340145 N1572689

Appendix-4: Elephant distribution in KSNP and surrounding countries (GMP 2019-2029)

18
Appendix-6: Attributes for determining tourism attractiveness of KSNP
Attribute Description
International importance Was the national park or national park areas specified
under international designations (Ramsar Site, United
Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural
Organization World Heritage Sites and United Nations
Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
Biosphere Reserve), yes/no?
Biodiversity of plants and animals Number of species of plants and animals recognized in
the national park
Rare plants and animals Number of species of plants and animals recognized in
the national park that listed in the Ethiopia Red Data??
Historical, cultural and spiritual structures Was the national park or national park areas nationally-
recognized notable historical, cultural and spiritual sites
or structures, yes/no?
Lodges, hotels & hostels Number of beds in accommodation service

Trails signposted paths and nature trails in kilometers

Information services Number of available information services offered (6 in

Tourism cooperation
Education & research cooperation
Diversity of outdoor activities
External access
total) (guided walks, museum, tourism service office,
environmental education center, center for rescue,
creature conservation and development, interpretive/
informative boards)
Number of enterprises contracting/linking the national
park for tourism activities offered
Number of domestic and international
organizations/institutes that cooperate with the national
park in research and educational fields
Number of available recreational activities offered (13 in
total) (walking on natural trails, bird watching, spotting
wildlife, plant observation, exploring/ visiting caves,
climbing/trekking, swimming, camping, campfire,
cycling, sailing/boating/kayaking, zipline/canopy tour,
fishing)
Distance from the national park to the nearest city of

19
 more than 100,000 inhabitants in kilometers: Short (up
to 50), Medium (between 50 and 100), and Large (over
100)
Internal assess Do enterprises contracting/linking to the national park
offer internal shuttle services, yes/no?
Local community Is there a chance to enjoy traditional
music/games/cultural activities which will be performed
by minorities/local communities when visiting the
national park, yes/no

Appendix-7: GENERAL COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS OF PARTICIPANTS

1. Compared to other national parks and tourism sites in the lowlands of Northern Ethiopia,
KSNP is definitely competitive. It has a potential to offers a comprehensive package of
activities (e.g. game viewing, hiking, cultural immersion) that can make it an attractive
tourist destination. It has remoteness to it that nature lovers will appreciate, and the
landscape is pretty.
2. The idea of including KSNP in tour packages that include historic touristic route and the
North Ethiopia shall be started soon.
3. A total wild experiences, years in the park totally rejuvenated me, wildlife tracking, the hikes,
cultural experiences, the scenic beauty, the whole tented camp experiences were truly
amazing. (GebremeskelGizaw, former park warden of KSNP)
4. The camping shall develop the whole park experience into adventure camp setting…..it can
also include the river camp in this experience of course….that way costs are low, it do not have to
do much infrastructure building and can focus on a strong marketing campaign, and move along
with the market….always a sustainable approach, rather than having rotting infrastructure not
used…
5. Basic camp sites shall start soon. There is ample of opportunities for tents and the water isn't that
far away if strategically designed along the periphery of Tekeze River. KSNP has high potential for
shade tent and very nice - it would be nice to offer by game viewers and special interest. The
road in is a bit rough for most vehicles, so perhaps something can be done about that in as soon
as possible.

20
6. KSNP is recognized as having high potential for success as a tourism site in terms of its
wilderness, remoteness, scenery, birds, wildlife, history and culture.
7. KSNP has high potential for various tourism activities. These tourism attractions are not
explored yet due to lack of infrastructures and poor marketing strategy by EWCA
8. The local communities who dwelled adjacent to the park are very friendly and considering that
the role of local community in conservation and tourism development. Therefore, planning
of the park tourism activities will align with the prevailing situation of park related
communities.
9. KSNP with outstanding tourism attractions needs governance capacity to utilize the natural and
manmade resources in collaboration with relevant stake holders
10. The park would make a great destination. If game comes in significant numbers, the place
would be a must see.
11. The KSNP tourism shall be developed in support with wildlife tourism components, local
community participation, conducive government policies and prospects of tourism
impacts in the area.

21