Located 200km south of Addis Abeba in Arsi Negelle Wereda, Oromia Regional State; it is comprised of two lakes (Abiata and Shalla). The park was established in 1970 for its many species of aquatic birds, particularly great white pelicans and greater and lesser flamingos. With two lakes hosting 400 bird species (half the total number of bird species in Ethiopia), the park includes 4820ha of aquatic habitat.

It has an average altitude of 1700m above sea level. The highest point in the park is Mount Fike, 2075m above sea level, which is located between the two lakes. The average annual temperature is about 20 degrees C. Relative humidity ranges between 480 and 680. The rainy seasons are from March to April and June to September. Abiata, only 14m deep, is where the birds come to feed, while their nesting paradise is Shalla, which is the deepest of all of the Ethiopian Rift Valley Lakes at 266m.

You can visit the museum (which gives an idea of the birdlife in the park), the ostrich farm, and the hot springs on the shores of Lake Shalla. Great white pelicans, greater and lesser flamingos, and African fish eagles are the key species among the rich birdlife supported. Other animal species include greater kudu, warthog, anubis baboon, grivet, guereza, oribi, klipspringer, and jackal.

Nearby Lake Langano has varied overnight options. Many of these places offer all-inclusive packages. Sabana Beach Resort, Bishangari Lodge, Africa Vacation Club, Wenney Eco-Lodge, and Langano Lodge are some of the best options. Camping is also permitted near the hot springs in the park