12-Day Photography and Ethiopian Birdwatching Tour

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

Addis Ababa – Gondar

Fly from Addis Ababa to Gondar, the former imperial capital of Ethiopia. Upon arrival, visit the impressive Royal Enclosure (Fasil Ghebbi), home to the historic castles of Ethiopian emperors. Continue to the famous Debre Berhan Selassie Church, renowned for its beautiful ceiling decorated with angelic faces. Overnight in Gondar while enjoying the rich history and culture of the city. Overnight stay Haile resort.

Main Destination:

Gondar (City)

Accommodation:

Haile Resort Gondar

• Mid-range hotel located in Gondar (City)

+4 Photos

+3 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

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

Gondar – Sankaber (Simien Mountains National Park)

After breakfast, drive to Sankaber, the gateway to the spectacular Simien Mountains National Park. Enjoy breathtaking views of dramatic escarpments, deep valleys, and rugged mountain landscapes along the way. In the afternoon, encounter large troops of Gelada Baboons grazing peacefully on the highland plateaus. Spend the evening surrounded by the stunning scenery of the Simien Mountains. Overnight stay Camping.

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

Show more

Golden Jackal Rare

Hyena Rare

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• Inside Simien Mountains NP

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Sankaber – Gich Camp

Drive deeper into the Simien Mountains toward Gich Camp while enjoying magnificent mountain scenery. Search for the endemic Walia Ibex, one of Ethiopia’s most iconic and rare wildlife species. Visit the spectacular Jinbar River and admire the dramatic canyon landscapes that surround it. The day offers excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing, photography, and nature walks. Overnight stay Camping.

Main Destination:

Simien Mountains National Park

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• Inside Simien Mountains NP

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Gich – Gondar – Addis Ababa

Depart the Simien Mountains and drive back to Gondar through scenic highland landscapes. Upon arrival, transfer to the airport for your flight back to Addis Ababa. Enjoy aerial views of Ethiopia’s diverse terrain during the flight. Arrive in Addis Ababa and relax at your hotel for the evening. Overnight stay Capital hotel and spa.

Main Destination:

Addis Ababa (City)

Accommodation:

Capital Hotel & Spa

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

+6 Photos

+5 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

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

Addis Ababa – Mekelle – Hawzen

Take a morning flight from Addis Ababa to Mekelle and then drive to Hawzen in the Tigray region. Explore the remarkable Abune Yemata Guh, one of Ethiopia’s most famous rock-hewn churches perched high on a cliff face. The church offers stunning panoramic views and extraordinary ancient religious artwork. Return to Hawzen for an overnight stay. Overnight stay vision Hotel.

Main Destination:

Hawzen (Town)

Accommodation:

Vision Hotel

• Budget hotel located in Hawzen (Town)

Meals & Drinks:

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

Hawzen – Danakil Depression

Drive to the Danakil Depression, one of the hottest and most unique places on Earth. Explore the colorful salt formations, mineral deposits, and surreal landscapes that make this region world-famous. Visit the salt lakes and enjoy the opportunity to swim and float in the highly saline waters. Witness a truly otherworldly environment unlike anywhere else in Ethiopia. Overnight stay Camping.

Main Destination:

Danakil Depression (Highlight)

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

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

Danakil Depression – Erta Ale

Travel across the dramatic Afar Desert to Erta Ale Volcano. Hike to the summit and witness one of the world’s most active volcanic lava lakes. Observe the glowing lava and volcanic activity from a safe viewing point. Enjoy a memorable night in this extraordinary volcanic landscape. Overnight stay Camping.

Main Destination:

Erta Ale Volcano (Danakil Depression)

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Erta Ale – Semera

Drive toward Semera through the vast desert landscapes of the Afar Region. Visit Hamedella Village and learn about the traditional lifestyle of the Afar people. Meet local camel caravans and enjoy the opportunity for a camel ride across the desert plains. Continue to Semera for an overnight stay. Overnight stay Ruftana hotel.

Main Destination:

Semera (Town)

Accommodation:

Ruftana Hotel

• Mid-range hotel located in Semera (Town)

+2 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Drive Semera – Ziway

Drive south to Lake Ziway, one of Ethiopia’s most important birdwatching destinations. Explore the lakeshore and surrounding wetlands while observing a variety of bird species. Common birds include African Fish Eagle, Great White Pelican, Marabou Stork, Sacred Ibis, Yellow-billed Stork, Pied Kingfisher, Malachite Kingfisher, and Spur-winged Goose. Enjoy the peaceful lake environment and excellent bird photography opportunities. Overnight stay Haile resort.

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

+3 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

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

Ziway – Awash National Park

Drive to Awash National Park, known for its rich wildlife and diverse ecosystems. Search for wildlife including Beisa Oryx, Soemmerring's Gazelle, Olive Baboon, Hamadryas Baboon, Warthog, and Greater Kudu. The park is also home to numerous bird species such as Abyssinian Roller, White-bellied Go-away-bird, Secretary Bird, Kori Bustard, African Fish Eagle, and Verreaux's Eagle. Enjoy an afternoon game drive and views of the spectacular Awash Falls. Overnight stay Doho 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:

Doho Lodge & Hot Springs

• Mid-range lodge located just outside Awash NP

+10 Photos

+9 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

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

Awash National Park – Aledeghi Wildlife Reserve

Visit the Aledeghi Wildlife Reserve, an important conservation area located within the Great Rift Valley. The reserve provides excellent opportunities to observe wildlife and a rich diversity of birdlife. Bird species commonly seen include Ostrich, Arabian Bustard, Northern Carmine Bee-eater, Somali Fiscal, Abyssinian Roller, Chestnut-bellied Sandgrouse, Lappet-faced Vulture, and White-headed Vulture. Spend the day exploring the open grasslands and acacia woodlands of the reserve. Overnight stay Camping.

Main Destination:

Awash National Park

Accommodation:

Doho Lodge & Hot Springs

• Mid-range lodge located just outside Awash NP

Meals & Drinks:

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

Drive Awash – Addis Ababa

After breakfast, drive back to Addis Ababa through the scenic Rift Valley landscapes. Upon arrival, enjoy some free time for last-minute shopping or sightseeing. In the evening, attend a traditional farewell dinner featuring Ethiopian cuisine, music, and cultural performances. Afterwards, transfer to Addis Ababa Bole International Airport for your international departure flight.

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