5-Day Rift Valley Lakes Birding Circuit

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

Arrival in Addis Ababa

Welcome to Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, set high in the hills at over 2,300 meters. Your guide will meet you and help you settle in at your hotel. Today is a relaxed day to rest after your flight. Keen birders can start early with a short walk near the hotel gardens or a nearby park, where several highland species can already be seen, a good warm-up for the days ahead. Your guide will go over the checklist of target birds for the rest of the trip.

Main Destination:

Addis Ababa (City)

Accommodation:

Hotel Lobelia

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

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Meals & Drinks:

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

Lake Ziway & Abijatta-Shalla National Park

Drive south into the Great Rift Valley to Lake Ziway, a shallow lake known for large numbers of pelicans, storks, and herons. Continue to Abijatta-Shalla National Park, home to two very different lakes side by side, one full of minerals and pink with flamingos, the other deep and blue. Walk along the shore with your specialist guide, spotting species such as the greater flamingo, spot-billed pelican, and many kinds of wading birds. Overnight near the park.

Main Destination:

Abijatta-Shalla National Park

Best Time To Go October to February (Flocks of flamingo)

High Season October to January (The park is never busy)

Best Weather

Accommodation:

Bishangari Lodge

• Mid-range lodge located at Lake Langano

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Meals & Drinks:

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

Lake Langano & Wondo Genet Forest Birding

Continue to Lake Langano and the highland forest of Wondo Genet, a change from open water to trees and streams. This mix of habitats supports many different birds, including several found only in Ethiopia, such as the black-winged lovebird and Abyssinian catbird. Take a gentle guided walk through the forest, listening for calls and watching quietly at good viewpoints. Overnight near Wondo Genet.

Main Destination:

Wondo Genet (Town)

Accommodation:

Wabi Shebele Hotel Wondo Genet

• Budget hotel located in Wondo Genet (Town)

Meals & Drinks:

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

Lake Awassa & Return to Addis for Farewell Dinner

Visit Lake Awassa in the morning, known for its easy birding right along the lake shore, with fish eagles, kingfishers, and hippos often visible from the path. In the afternoon, drive back to Addis Ababa. Tonight, enjoy a farewell dinner hosted by Origin Abyssinia at a local restaurant in the capital, a relaxed way to end your trip and go through your final bird checklist with your guide.

Main Destination:

Addis Ababa (City)

Accommodation:

Hotel Lobelia

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

Meals & Drinks:

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

Free Time in Addis Ababa & Departure

Enjoy a free morning in Addis Ababa after your Rift Valley birding circuit. Depending on your flight time, you may have time for one more short birding walk near your hotel, some last-minute shopping, or a traditional coffee ceremony. Your guide will take you to Bole International Airport in good time for your departure flight, bringing your birding journey through Ethiopia's Rift Valley lakes to a close.

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.