CityBuddy
Jigjiga Yar National Park
Best time to visit
Late afternoon around 4:00-5:00 PM, when the birds start returning to their roost and the temperatures are more pleasant. The dry months from November to March offer the best conditions for birdwatching.
Budget tips
Entry costs approximately 5 USD for adults and 2 USD for children. Payment is in cash in Somali shillings or US dollars; discounts are not common.
Recommended for
Bird lovers, Families with children, Photographers, Runners and athletes
Plan your visit
1.5-2 hours
About
Quick facts: It stretches over an area of 45 hectares and is home to more than 200 species of birds, including the rare saker falcon. In the middle of the park lies an artificial lake, which was created in the 1980s and serves as the main birdwatching spot.
Highlights: In the evening, you can experience the incredible flight of millions of birds returning to roost for the night on a small island in the middle of the lake. The sun sets behind the acacias and the air fills with chirping and the rustle of wings, creating an almost magical atmosphere.
Insider tips
- Bring binoculars with you; birdwatching from the observation tower by the lake is best in the late afternoon.
- The best photos are taken at sunset from the bridge over the lake, when the sky turns orange.
- Avoid weekends, when the park is full of local families and children shouting on the lawns.
- Do not forget to bring water and light snacks; there are no refreshment stands in the area.
Practical info
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