Tama Community Wildlife Conservation Area

Tama Community Conservation Area

The Tama Community Conservation Area is one of the most vital protection zones within the Omo Valley. Strategically located, it serves as a critical bridge or “corridor” between Omo National Park and Mago National Park.

  1. Location and Size
  • Location: Situated in the South Ethiopia Region, positioned between Omo and Mago National Parks.
  • Size: Covers an area of approximately 1,656 square kilometers.
  • Role as a Corridor: The primary ecological importance of this area is providing a safe passage for wildlife migrating between the two larger national parks.
  1. Community-Based Conservation

The designation “Community Conservation” is significant for several reasons:

  • Ownership: The conservation effort is directly led by the participation of local communities, particularly the Mursi and Ari ethnic groups.
  • Benefits: It is designed so that tourism revenue directly funds community development projects such as schools, health centers, and clean water access.
  • Conflict Reduction: By viewing wildlife as a source of income and a shared resource, the community is encouraged to protect animals and reduce human-wildlife conflict.
  1. Wildlife Diversity

The following animals are commonly sighted in the Tama area:

  • Large Mammals: Elephants, buffalo, lions, and leopards.
  • Antelopes: Lesser Kudu and various Hartebeest species.
  • Birdlife: Similar to Omo Park, Tama’s lowlands are an ideal habitat for both herbivores and birds of prey.
  1. Major Challenges

Despite its potential, the area faces several threats:

  • Illegal Hunting: Poaching for food or trade continues to deplete wildlife numbers.
  • Settlement Expansion: Increasing population and the search for farmland are narrowing the vital wildlife corridors.
  • Livestock Competition: Since the local community consists of pastoralists, competition between domestic cattle and wildlife for grazing land can lead to the transmission of diseases.
  1. Visitor Essentials & Preparations
  • Transportation: A sturdy 4×4 vehicle is mandatory as the roads are dusty and rugged.
  • Accommodation: The area is extremely remote; bringing your own tent and camping gear is essential.
  • Supplies: Carry sufficient dry rations and bottled water from Jinka.
  • Guides: It is mandatory to have a guide who knows the local language and culture, as well as armed scouts for safety.
  1. Useful Tips
  • Malaria Prevention: As a hot, low-lying area, do not forget mosquito repellents and anti-malarial medication.
  • Photography: In Mursi and Bodi villages, you will likely be asked to pay for photos; discuss this with your guide beforehand.
  • Best Season: The dry season from October to May is preferred, as June to September can be quite rainy.

Itinerary

Day 1: Addis Ababa to Jinka

  • Morning: Fly from Addis Ababa to Jinka.
  • Afternoon: Visit the South Omo Museum to understand the cultures of the Mursi and Bodi people.
  • Overnight: Jinka.

Day 2: Jinka to Tama (via Mursi Villages)

  • Morning: Drive toward Tama, visiting Mursi ethnic villages along the way.
  • Afternoon: Arrive at the Tama entry point, meet community guides, and set up camp.
  • Overnight: Camping in the Tama Conservation Area.

Day 3: Wildlife and Community Experience

  • Morning: Game drive to spot elephants and buffalo at watering holes.
  • Mid-day: Spend time with the Bodi people to learn about their pastoralist lifestyle and relationship with nature.
  • Afternoon: Nature walks along the banks of the Tama River.
  • Overnight: Camping.

Day 4: Final Viewing and Return

  • Morning: Final wildlife viewing and photography.
  • Afternoon: Drive back to Jinka and fly back to Addis Ababa.