$3,410 pp (USD)
2 travelers on Start dateArrival
Arrival
Day 1
Addis Ababa – Abijata-Shalla NP – Hawasa
Addis Ababa – Abijata-Shalla NP – Hawasa
After breakfast, drive south into the Great Rift Valley to Abijata-Shalla National Park, one of Ethiopia’s key bird habitats. The soda lakes attract flamingos, pelicans, cormorants, and numerous shorebirds. Acacia woodland around the lakes supports hornbills, bustards, and raptors. You will enjoy scenic viewpoints over Lake Shalla’s deep volcanic crater. Continue to Lake Hawasa for late-afternoon birding along the lakeshore, where African Fish Eagles, herons, and kingfishers are commonly seen. Overnight in Hawasa.
- Main Destination:
- Awasa (City)
- Accommodation:
- Haile Resort Hawassa
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 2
Hawasa – Bale Mountains National Park
Hawasa – Bale Mountains National Park
Early morning birding along Lake Hawasa before departure. The lakeside is rich with waterbirds, weavers, storks, and woodland species. Drive through the Sidama region and fertile highlands toward Bale. Changing landscapes offer chances to see farmland and highland birds along the way. Arrive in Bale Robe in the late afternoon. This town serves as the gateway to Bale Mountains National Park, home to rare Ethiopian endemics and unique afro-alpine ecosystems. Overnight in Bale Robe.
- Main Destination:
- Bale Mountains National Park
- Accommodation:
- Bale Mountain Lodge
Wildlife in Bale Mountains NP
Bushbuck Occasional
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 3
Bale Mountains National Park
Bale Mountains National Park
Full-day exploration of Bale Mountains. Drive to the Sanetti Plateau, one of Africa’s highest all-weather roads, where you may spot the Ethiopian Wolf and high-altitude birds such as Blue-winged Goose, Spot-breasted Lapwing, and Rouget’s Rail. Continue to the Harenna Forest, a lush montane forest with different birdlife including turacos and forest specialists. Mammals such as Mountain Nyala and Menelik’s Bushbuck may also be seen. The dramatic scenery and biodiversity make this a highlight for birders. Overnight in Bale Robe.
- Main Destination:
- Bale Mountains National Park
- Accommodation:
- Bale Mountain Lodge
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 4
Bale Mountains – Addis Ababa
Bale Mountains – Addis Ababa
Morning birding around the Bale highlands for species missed earlier. Afterward, begin the scenic drive back to Addis Ababa through rural villages and mountain landscapes. Stop at viewpoints and wetlands along the way for additional birdwatching opportunities. Arrival in Addis Ababa is expected in the late afternoon. Time permitting, visit a local market or enjoy a traditional Ethiopian dinner with cultural music. Overnight in Addis Ababa.
- Main Destination:
- Addis Ababa (City)
- Accommodation:
- Triple-E Hotel and Spa
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 5
Addis Ababa – Gondar – Simien Mountains
Addis Ababa – Gondar – Simien Mountains
Transfer to the airport for a morning flight to Gondar. Upon arrival, drive through scenic highland landscapes to Simien Mountains National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for dramatic escarpments, deep valleys, and endemic wildlife. After entering the park, enjoy an afternoon walk near the campsite where Gelada Baboons graze in large groups and raptors such as lammergeiers soar overhead. The area is also good for highland bird species including thick-billed ravens and wattled ibis.
Overnight: Simien Mountains campsite.
This is a semi-participation tour — camp staff handle the main setup, but clients are expected to assist with light camp chores such as organizing personal gear, helping with simple tent routines, and general campsite organization, adding to the authentic mountain experience.
- Main Destination:
- Simien Mountains National Park
- Accommodation:
- Budget camping
Wildlife in Simien Mountains NP
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 6
Simien Mountains National Park
Simien Mountains National Park
Spend a full day exploring the spectacular Simien highlands on foot. Trek across afro-alpine moorlands and along cliff edges with breathtaking views over vast escarpments. Wildlife viewing is excellent, with chances to see Walia Ibex on steep cliffs and large troops of Gelada Baboons. Birders can look for endemic species such as Spot-breasted Lapwing, Ankober Serin, Rouget’s Rail, and Wattled Ibis. The combination of scenery, wildlife, and unique habitats makes this a major highlight of the tour.
Overnight: Campsite in the Simien Mountains.
This is a semi-participation tour — while the crew prepares meals and manages the camp, guests assist with light tasks like organizing personal camping items and supporting basic camp routines as part of the trekking experience.
- Main Destination:
- Simien Mountains National Park
- Accommodation:
- Budget camping
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 7
Simien Mountains – Gondar
Simien Mountains – Gondar
Morning wildlife viewing and birding around the park before driving back to Gondar. En route, enjoy views of rural highland life and terraced farms. Gondar, once the royal capital of Ethiopia, offers historical charm and cooler climate. Depending on arrival time, there may be an optional visit to the Royal Enclosure castles or a short city walk. Overnight in Gondar.
- Main Destination:
- Gondar (City)
- Accommodation:
-
Goha Hotel
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 8
Gondar – Bahir Dar – Blue Nile Falls
Gondar – Bahir Dar – Blue Nile Falls
Drive to Bahir Dar, a pleasant lakeside town on the shores of Lake Tana. In the afternoon, visit the famous Blue Nile Falls, known locally as “Tis Issat” meaning “smoking water.” The surrounding forest and riverine habitat provide birding opportunities with kingfishers, bee-eaters, and riverine species. The falls are most impressive after the rainy season. Overnight in Bahir Dar.
- Main Destination:
- Bahir Dar (City)
- Accommodation:
- Jacaranda Hotel Bahir Dar
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 9
Lake Tana & Awramba Village - Bahir Dar
Lake Tana & Awramba Village - Bahir Dar
Morning boat trip on Lake Tana, source of the Blue Nile, visiting historic island monasteries and watching waterbirds such as pelicans, cormorants, and herons. Afterward, drive to Awramba Village, a unique community known for its social equality and handicrafts. This visit offers cultural insight alongside nature experiences. Continue to Bahir Dar in the late afternoon. Overnight in Bahir Dar.
- Main Destination:
- Bahir Dar (City)
- Accommodation:
- Jacaranda Hotel Bahir Dar
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 10
Bahir Dar – Addis Ababa - Departure
Bahir Dar – Addis Ababa - Departure
Transfer to the airport for a flight back to Addis Ababa. Depending on departure time, there may be last-minute shopping or a short city tour. End of the birding and wildlife adventure in Ethiopia.
- Main Destination:
- Addis Ababa (City)
- Accommodation:
- No accommodation (End of tour)
- Meals & Drinks:
