African Wild Ass
Amongst the most elusive equids on the planet, very few people have ever been lucky enough to lay eyes on an African Wild Ass. Occurring at very low densities in some of the harshest desert terrain on the continent, these animals can be devilishly difficult to track down. With real persistence, though, a few key locations still offer the chance of a rare sighting - check out our top three destinations below.
1. Buri Peninsula, Eritrea
Other species seen here:
- Caracal
- Striped Hyena
- Pale Fox
- Rueppell's Fox
- Aardwolf
How to visit:
Location:
Join our small-group 'Amazing Asses' tour in January 2022 - see more information below.
2. Lake Afrera, Ethiopia
Ethiopia was once a real stronghold for African Wild Ass, with the Yangudi-Rassa National Park boasting the best protected population in Africa. Sadly, this population has now largely been extirpated, and just a few individuals remain in the far north-east of the Afar Region around Lake Afrera. This inhospitable environment is rarely visited and is largely inaccessible, making surveys challenging. In all, is is though that fewer than 70 wild ass remain in Ethiopia today.
Other species seen here:
- Caracal
- Striped Hyena
- Hamadryas Baboon
- Abyssinian Hare
- Leopard
How to visit:
Location:
We currently only offer private departures to north-eastern Ethiopia - you can enquire by contacting contact@pictus-safaris.com. You can also see all of our other destinations below.
3. Nugaal Valley, Somalia
Somalia doesn't scream 'safari destination', but there is some special wildlife tucked away in isolated corners of this troubled country. The Nugaal Valley was once home to hundreds of wild ass, but now fewer than ten remain. Recent surveys indicate that this species might be absent entirely, making Eritrea the last great hope for this deeply threatened species.
Other species seen here:
- Speke's Gazelle
- Somali Hedgehog
- Somali Dwarf Mongoose
- Somali Slender Mongoose
- Gerenuk
How to visit:
Location:
We currently don't offer trips to the Nugaal Valley due to security concerns - you can contact us on contact@pictus-safaris.com to be updated should this change. In the meantime, you can see our other destinations below.
Based on your interest in spotting an African wild ass, you may also be interested in our top destinations for several other ultra-rare mammals:
Contact us today to book any of our incredible safaris:
Email: contact@pictus-safaris.com
Phone: +44 (0) 2034888362
Mail: 117 Canfield Gardens, London, NW6 3DY, United Kingdom
The Buri Peninsula is hardly ever visited, even by those intrepid travellers who make it to the Red Sea coast of Eritrea. That is no surprise, really, as this vast area seems completely empty at first glance. However, a prolonged stay on the remote Messir Plateau is one's best chance of seeing an African Wild Ass, as they patrol this wilderness in search of food and water. The total population here is less than 50, so any sighting is a rare privilege.