12-Day Ethiopia Wildlife & Photography Expedition

• You'll be collected from the airport.
• Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.

Arrive in Addis Ababa

Upon arrival at Bole International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed and transferred to your hotel. After a short rest, enjoy a guided city tour of Addis Ababa. Your birding guide will introduce you to some of Ethiopia’s endemic species, with chances to spot at least three unique birds, including the Black-winged Lovebird, Wattled Ibis, and Rouget’s Rail, along with many others.

Overnight: Crescent International Hotel, Addis Ababa.

Main Destination:

Addis Ababa (City)

Accommodation:

Crescent International Hotel

• Mid-range hotel

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinks not included

Addis Ababa – Gondar – Simien Mountains National Park

Take an early morning domestic flight to Gondar. Upon arrival, drive approximately 2–3 hours to the Simien Mountains National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its dramatic escarpments and endemic wildlife. Begin exploring the park’s sweeping highland landscapes and deep valleys.
Overnight: Simien Lodge in the park.

Main Destination:

Simien Mountains National Park

Best Time To Visit September to December (Beautiful scenery)

High Season October to April (Lodges are busy)

Best Weather October to April

Wildlife in Simien Mountains NP

Gelada Monkey Abundant

Walia Ibex Occasional

Ethiopian Wolf Rare

Klipspringer Rare

Bushbuck Rare

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Golden Jackal Rare

Hyena Rare

Accommodation:

Simien Lodge

• Mid-range lodge located inside Simien Mountains NP

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Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinks not included

3 & 4 – Simien Mountains Exploration

Spend two days exploring the dramatic landscapes of the Simien Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Guided walks along cliffs and Afro-alpine plateaus offer excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing and photography. Early mornings and late afternoons provide the best light for capturing sweeping views and rugged peaks.

Wildlife highlights include large groups of Gelada monkeys, the rare Walia ibex on steep cliffs, and occasional sightings of the Ethiopian wolf. Birdlife is also exceptional, with chances to see the Lammergeyer (Bearded Vulture) and other endemic highland species.

Your guide will adjust activities based on conditions and your interests, ensuring a flexible and rewarding experience. Scenic stops allow time to enjoy the landscape and take photographs.

Overnight: Simien Lodge.

Main Destination:

Simien Mountains National Park

Accommodation:

Simien Lodge

• Mid-range lodge located inside Simien Mountains NP

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinks not included

Simien Mountains to Addis Ababa

Early in the morning, enjoy a spectacular sunrise photography session in the Simien Mountains, focusing on Gelada baboons in beautiful backlight conditions—an unforgettable highlight for photographers. After the session, return to the lodge for breakfast before driving back to Gondar for your scheduled flight to Addis Ababa.

Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel and have the evening at leisure.

Overnight: Crescent International Hotel in Addis Ababa.

Main Destination:

Addis Ababa (City)

Accommodation:

Crescent International Hotel

• Mid-range hotel

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinks not included

Addis Ababa – Bale Mountains National Park

After breakfast, depart Addis Ababa and drive southeast to Bale Mountains National Park (approximately 7–8 hours). The scenic journey passes through the Great Rift Valley, with opportunities to stop at picturesque lakes where a variety of waterbirds can be observed.

Continuing through the Oromia highlands, you will pass traditional villages, farmland, and open landscapes rich in birdlife. Along the way, enjoy several birdwatching stops to spot species such as the Abyssinian Roller, White-collared Pigeon, and other Ethiopian endemics.

Arrive in the Bale Mountains area in the late afternoon and check into your hotel, set amidst beautiful natural surroundings.

Overnight: Wabe Shebele Hotel.

Main Destination:

Bale Mountains National Park

Best Time To Visit November to February (Little rain)

High Season October to January (Park is never busy)

Best Weather November to February

Wildlife in Bale Mountains NP

Ethiopian Wolf Common

Mountain Nyala Common

Warthog Common

Menelik's
Bushbuck Occasional

Guereza Monkey Occasional

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Olive Baboon Occasional

Bohor Reedbuck Occasional

Starck's Hare Occasional

Giant Mole-rat Occasional

Bale Monkey Rare

Giant Forest Hog Rare

Golden Jackal Rare

Gelada Monkey None

Walia Ibex None

Accommodation:

Wabe Shebelle Hotel Goba

• Budget hotel located less than 1hr drive from Bale Mountains NP

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinks not included

Explore Bale Mountains Wildlife & Birding

Spend three immersive days exploring Bale Mountains National Park, one of Africa’s top biodiversity hotspots. Visit the Sanetti Plateau and the Harenna Forest, each offering unique habitats and rich wildlife experiences. On the high-altitude Sanetti Plateau, look for the Ethiopian wolf, often seen hunting in open grasslands, along with Mountain nyala, Menelik’s bushbuck, and endemic birds such as Blue-winged Goose and Spot-breasted Lapwing.

In contrast, the lush Harenna Forest features dense vegetation and cooler conditions, home to the endemic Bale monkey and diverse forest birdlife. Each day is planned to maximize wildlife viewing and photography, with flexible timing based on light and animal activity. The varied ecosystems, from alpine moorlands to dense forests, provide exceptional opportunities for nature lovers and photographers.

Overnight: Wabe Shebelle Hotel.

Main Destination:

Bale Mountains National Park

Accommodation:

Wabe Shebelle Hotel Goba

• Budget hotel located less than 1hr drive from Bale Mountains NP

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinks not included

Bale Mountains – Hawassa

After breakfast, drive approximately five hours to Hawassa, a scenic lakeside town in the Great Rift Valley. The journey offers scenic views of rolling hills, farmland, and local villages along the way.

In the afternoon, enjoy a relaxing boat excursion on Lake Hawassa, one of Ethiopia’s most beautiful Rift Valley lakes. This is an excellent opportunity for photography, with chances to observe hippopotamuses, African fish eagles, great white pelicans, and a variety of waterbirds in their natural habitat. The calm waters and soft afternoon light create ideal conditions for memorable shots.

Overnight: Lewi Resort Hotel, Hawassa.

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)
• Drinks not included

Hawassa – Ziway via Abijatta-Shalla National Park

Begin your day with a visit to the Hawassa Fish Market, a lively spot where you can observe pelicans and marabou storks feeding on the morning catch. From there, drive north toward Ziway, making stops at the scenic Rift Valley lakes:
Lake Shalla – Home to flamingos, cormorants, and herons.
Lake Abijatta – Famous for large flocks of lesser and greater flamingos, Egyptian geese, and various migratory waders.
Lake Langano – Known for African fish eagles, storks, and other waterbirds.
These lakes are havens for birdwatchers, offering spectacular views of migratory and resident species against the backdrop of the Rift Valley.
You can continue your journey to Ziway, where you will spend the night.
Overnight: Haile Resort, Ziway.

Main Destination:

Lake Ziway

Best Time To Go October to January (Little rainfall)

High Season October to January (It is busier)

Best Weather

Accommodation:

Haile Resort Ziway

• Mid-range hotel located at Lake Ziway

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Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinks not included

Lake Ziway Birding & Departure

Enjoy an early morning birding excursion around Lake Ziway, ideal for observing kingfishers, herons, storks, and other wetland species.

After lunch, return to Addis Ababa. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at a traditional Ethiopian restaurant featuring cultural music and dance.

Transfer to Bole International Airport for your international departure.

Main Destination:

Addis Ababa (City)

Accommodation:

No accommodation (End of tour)

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinks not included

• Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost.
• You'll be dropped off at the airport.