8-Day Awash & Rift Valley Birding Adventure

• You'll be collected from the airport.
• Accommodation before the tour starts cannot be arranged by this operator.

Arrival in Addis Ababa

Arrive at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport and transfer to your hotel. Depending on arrival time, explore the city highlights such as the National Museum, Holy Trinity Cathedral, or the bustling Merkato market. Prepare for your birding adventure ahead and enjoy a welcome dinner. Overnight in Addis Ababa.

Main Destination:

Addis Ababa (City)

Accommodation:

Caravan Hotel

• Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City)

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Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Drive to Debre Zeyit & Birdwatching

After breakfast, drive to Debre Zeyit (Bishoftu), a scenic town near the Rift Valley lakes. Spend the day birdwatching around Lake Bishoftu, Lake Hora, and nearby wetlands, spotting species such as African jacana, black-winged stilt, kingfishers, herons, and various waterbirds. Enjoy photography opportunities amidst the lakes’ vibrant landscapes. In the evening, relax at your lodge or hotel and overnight Kuriftu Resort & Spa Bishoftu.

Main Destination:

Bishoftu (City)

Accommodation:

Kuriftu Resort & Spa Bishoftu

• Mid-range lodge located in Bishoftu (City)

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Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Drive to Awash National Park

After breakfast, drive east toward Awash National Park, passing through the scenic landscapes of the Great Rift Valley. Arrive in the afternoon and embark on a game drive, spotting diverse birdlife such as the Abyssinian roller, black-billed barbet, raptors, and various waterbirds. Explore the dramatic Awash River Gorge and the picturesque waterfalls, capturing both wildlife and stunning scenery. Return to your lodge for relaxation and overnight at Awash Lodge.

Main Destination:

Awash National Park

Best Time To Visit October to February (Little rain and less hot)

High Season September to April (The park is never busy)

Best Weather October to February

Wildlife in Awash NP

Olive Baboon Abundant

Beisa Oryx Common

Soemmerring's
Gazelle Common

Hamadryas
Baboon Common

Salt's Dik-dik Common

Show more

Lesser Kudu Occasional

Desert Warthog Occasional

Defassa Waterbuck Occasional

Nile Crocodile Occasional

Spotted Hyena Occasional

Guereza Monkey Rare

Ethiopian Wolf None

Gelada Monkey None

Walia Ibex None

Accommodation:

Awash Falls Lodge

• Mid-range lodge located just outside Awash NP

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Birding in Awash National Park

Spend the day exploring Awash National Park with an expert guide, focusing on its rich and diverse birdlife. Spot species such as the green-winged pytilia, golden-breasted starling, Abyssinian roller, and a variety of waterfowl along the riverbanks and wetlands. Enjoy game viewing alongside birdwatching, observing oryx, kudu, and gazelles against the backdrop of volcanic landscapes and rugged escarpments. Return to your lodge in the evening for dinner and overnight Awash Falls Lodge.

Main Destination:

Awash National Park

Accommodation:

Awash Falls Lodge

• Mid-range lodge located just outside Awash NP

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Birdwatching at Lake Ziway & Rift Valley Lakes

After breakfast, drive south along the scenic Rift Valley, stopping at lakes Ziway, Langano, and Abiata for birdwatching. Observe flamingos, pelicans, African fish eagles, and other waterbirds in their natural habitats. Explore surrounding wetlands and nearby lakeside villages, learning about local ecosystems and traditional ways of life. Capture stunning landscapes and vibrant wildlife before returning to your lodge near Lake Langano for overnight.

Main Destination:

Lake Langano

Accommodation:

Bishangari Lodge

• Mid-range lodge located at Lake Langano

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Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Lake Shala & Lake Awasa Birding

After breakfast, visit Lake Shala and Lake Awasa, two of the Rift Valley’s most picturesque and bird-rich lakes. Explore the shores in search of herons, pelicans, raptors, and colorful waterbirds. Take a relaxing boat ride on Lake Awasa to spot hippos and birds such as the African spoonbill and kingfishers. Enjoy excellent photography opportunities and scenic walks along the lakesides, soaking in the tranquil atmosphere. Overnight near Lake Awasa.

Main Destination:

Awasa (City)

Accommodation:

Lewi Resort Hawassa

• Mid-range resort located in Awasa (City)

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Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Rift Valley Highlands & Birdwatching

After breakfast, drive north through the scenic Rift Valley highlands, stopping at prime birding sites along the way. Spot endemic and regional species such as sunbirds, larks, cisticolas, and weavers while enjoying sweeping views of the valley below. Visit local villages to experience traditional highland life and learn about the cultural ties between communities and the surrounding environment. Continue your journey to Addis Ababa for dinner and overnight stay.

Main Destination:

Addis Ababa (City)

Accommodation:

Caravan Hotel

• Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City)

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Departure from Addis Ababa

Enjoy a relaxed morning in Addis Ababa, depending on your flight schedule. You may visit local craft markets for souvenirs, explore coffee shops, or tour cultural landmarks such as the Ethnological Museum or Mount Entoto for panoramic city views. Reflect on your birding experiences across Awash and the Rift Valley before transferring to Bole International Airport for your departure, concluding your 8-day birding and nature adventure in Ethiopia.

Main Destination:

Addis Ababa (City)

Accommodation:

No accommodation (End of tour)

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

• Additional accommodation cannot be arranged by this operator.
• You'll be dropped off at the airport.