17-Day Ethiopian Wildlife Adventure and Photography Tour

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

Arrival in Addis Ababa – City Tour

Upon arrival at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (2,350 meters above sea level), our team will warmly welcome you and transfer you to your hotel for check-in and breakfast. After breakfast, begin your city tour with visits to the National Museum, home of the famous fossil "Lucy," followed by the bustling Mercato Market, one of Africa's largest open-air markets. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before continuing to Entoto Park, where you can admire panoramic views of Addis Ababa and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. At 5:30 PM, return to your hotel for an overnight stay at Capital Hotel & Spa.

Main Destination:

Addis Ababa (City)

Accommodation:

Capital Hotel & Spa

• 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)

Fly to Dire Dawa – Harar Wildlife Experience

After breakfast, fly from Gondar to Dire Dawa via Addis Ababa before continuing to the historic Harar region at approximately 1,500 meters above sea level. Upon arrival, explore the colorful local market and experience the vibrant culture of eastern Ethiopia while browsing traditional handicrafts and local products. Later, enjoy the unique falcon feeding experience and learn about the important role these birds play in local traditions. In the evening, witness the famous hyena feeding ceremony before overnighting at Wonderland Hotel.

Main Destination:

Harar (Town)

Accommodation:

Wonderland Hotel

• Mid-range hotel located in Harar (Town)

Meals & Drinks:

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

Harar City Tour – Return to Addis Ababa

After breakfast, discover the UNESCO World Heritage city of Harar by visiting its fascinating museums and learning about its unique history and culture. Walk through the ancient city walls and narrow alleyways while exploring traditional Harari houses and vibrant neighborhoods. Visit the historic railway station and learn about the former railway connection between Ethiopia and Djibouti. Later, transfer to the airport for your flight back to Addis Ababa and overnight at Capital Hotel & Spa.

Main Destination:

Addis Ababa (City)

Accommodation:

Capital Hotel & Spa

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

Meals & Drinks:

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

Drive Addis Ababa to Awash National Park

After breakfast, check out of your hotel and drive approximately 320 kilometers to Awash National Park. Upon arrival, check into your lodge and enjoy lunch before beginning an exciting afternoon start visiting the park. Continue with a short 20-minute walk in search of Beisa Oryx, Soemmerring's Gazelle, Lesser and Greater Kudu, Salt's Dik-dik, and Defassa Waterbuck before visiting the beautiful Awash Waterfall. Overnight stay at 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

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Meals & Drinks:

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

Alledeghi Wildlife Reserve Excursion

After breakfast, drive to the nearby Alledeghi Wildlife Reserve for a full-day wildlife exploration across Ethiopia's beautiful savannah landscapes. Search for Hamadryas Baboons, Olive Baboons, zebras, desert warthogs, hyenas, Nile crocodiles, and many other fascinating wildlife species. Return to the lodge for lunch and a relaxing break before continuing your wildlife viewing in the late afternoon with a short guided walk. Overnight stay at Doho Lodge.

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 to Ziway

Following breakfast, drive approximately 235 kilometers through the scenic Great Rift Valley to Lake Ziway. Upon arrival, explore the lakeshore where hippos, monkeys, and numerous bird species including pelicans, kingfishers, cormorants, and African Fish Eagles can be observed. Spend the afternoon relaxing by the peaceful lakeside while enjoying excellent birdwatching opportunities. Overnight stay at 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)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Abijatta-Shalla National Park

After breakfast, drive 48 kilometers to Abijatta-Shalla National Park, famous for its spectacular landscapes and exceptional birdlife. Explore the park in search of warthogs, gazelles, ostriches, and other wildlife before enjoying a 13-kilometer trek to the salt lakes and natural hot springs, where large flocks of flamingos gather. Return to the lodge for lunch before heading back out around 4:00 PM to enjoy the beautiful sunset over the lakes. Overnight stay at ija Langano resort.

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:

Ija Langano Resort

• Mid-range resort located less than 1hr drive from Abijatta-Shalla NP

Meals & Drinks:

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

Drive to Bale Mountains National Park

After breakfast, drive approximately 300 kilometers to Bale Mountains National Park and arrive at Dinsho headquarters, situated at 3,500 meters above sea level. Check into your hotel before enjoying lunch and an afternoon wildlife excursion through Dinsho Park. Search for Mountain Nyala, Menelik's Bushbuck, Bale Monkey, Common Warthog, Bohor Reedbuck, Olive Baboon, giant root rat, starck hare and several endemic bird species including the Abyssinian Long-eared Owl. Return to the hotel at 6:00 PM for an overnight stay at Nurobe 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

Show more

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:

Nurobe Hotel

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

Meals & Drinks:

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

Sanetti Plateau Exploration

Enjoy an early breakfast before driving 65 kilometers to the spectacular Sanetti Plateau at an altitude of approximately 4,000 meters. Search for the endangered Ethiopian Wolf while observing highland bird species including Golden Eagle, Augur Buzzard, Pallid Harrier, Wattled Crane, and Rouget's Rail. Spend the day exploring one of Africa's highest alpine ecosystems while enjoying magnificent panoramic scenery. Return to Nurobe Hotel for dinner and overnight.

Main Destination:

Bale Mountains National Park

Accommodation:

Nurobe Hotel

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

Meals & Drinks:

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

Harenna Forest Adventure

After breakfast, drive approximately 80 kilometers to the lush Harenna Forest, one of Ethiopia's largest remaining cloud forests. Enjoy a guided walk through the dense forest while searching for colorful birds, monkeys, endemic plants, and other unique wildlife. Continue by visiting remote local villages to experience the traditional culture and daily life of the communities living in the forest. Overnight Nurobe Hotel.

Main Destination:

Bale Mountains National Park

Accommodation:

Nurobe Hotel

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

Meals & Drinks:

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

Gaysay & Rira Highlands Trek

Following breakfast, travel toward the scenic Gaysay and Rira Highlands, famous for their beautiful mountain landscapes and peaceful atmosphere. Enjoy a guided trek through rolling hills, valleys, forests, and traditional villages while observing wildlife and endemic plant species. Spend the afternoon exploring the spectacular scenery and learning about the local communities that inhabit the highlands. Return to Nurobe Hotel for dinner and overnight.

Main Destination:

Yabello Wildlife Sanctuary (Wildlife Sanctuary)

Accommodation:

Nurobe Hotel

• Budget hotel located in Robe (Town)

Meals & Drinks:

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

Drive from Bale to Chebera Churchura National Park

After an early breakfast, begin the scenic seven-hour drive from Bale to Chebera Churchura National Park, passing through beautiful highland landscapes with elevations of up to 2,500 meters above sea level. Upon arrival, check in to your lodge and enjoy lunch before setting out for your first afternoon wildlife visiting. Explore the park in search of remarkable wildlife, including lions, leopards, and the elusive serval cat while enjoying the park's diverse habitats. At 6:00 PM, return to the hotel for dinner and an overnight stay. Overnight stay Chebera Safari lodge.

Main Destination:

Chebera-Churchura National Park

Best Time To Go October to March (Little rainfall)

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

Best Weather

Accommodation:

Chebera Safari Lodge

• Budget tented camp located inside Chebera-Churchura NP

Meals & Drinks:

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

Wildlife Safari in Chebera Churchura National Park

Start the day with an early breakfast before driving into the park for a full-day wildlife tour. Keep an eye out for Chebera Churchura's famous African elephants, which roam the dense forests in large family groups, along with hippos, Greater Kudu, Lesser Kudu, Defassa Waterbuck, Bushpig, Giant Forest Hog, and Warthog. Enjoy the spectacular scenery and excellent opportunities for wildlife photography as you explore different sections of the park with your guide. At 6:00 PM, return to the hotel to relax, have dinner, and spend the night. Overnight Chebera Safari Lodge.

Main Destination:

Chebera-Churchura National Park

Accommodation:

Chebera Safari Lodge

• Budget tented camp located inside Chebera-Churchura NP

Meals & Drinks:

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

Birdwatching Adventure in Chebera Churchura National Park

After an early breakfast, drive into the park for a rewarding birdwatching excursion through its forests, wetlands, and open woodlands. Discover some of Ethiopia's unique and colorful birdlife, including the Wattled Ibis, Thick-billed Raven, Banded Barbet, Black-headed Forest Oriole, White-winged Cliff Chat, and Black-winged Lovebird. Your guide will help you identify both endemic and resident bird species while explaining their habitats and behaviors. At 6:00 PM, drive back to the hotel, bringing your memorable wildlife and birdwatching experience in Chebera Churchura National Park to a close. Overnight stay Chebera Safari Lodge.

Main Destination:

Chebera-Churchura National Park

Accommodation:

Chebera Safari Lodge

• Budget tented camp located inside Chebera-Churchura NP

Meals & Drinks:

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

Drive from Chebera Churchura National Park to Hawassa

After an early breakfast, check out of the hotel and begin the 370 km drive from Chebera Churchura National Park to Hawassa, descending to an altitude of approximately 1,750 meters above sea level. Arrive in Hawassa in the afternoon, check in at Central Hotel, and enjoy a relaxing lunch. Later, visit the famous Hawassa Fish Market, where you can watch local fishermen and observe the lively daily fish trade, followed by a visit to Amora Gedel, a beautiful lakeside park known for its scenic views and resident monkeys. Return to Central Hotel for dinner and an Overnight stay Haile resort.

Main Destination:

Awasa (City)

Accommodation:

Haile 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)

Visit Hawassa

Begin the day with an early breakfast before heading out for a morning wildlife and birdwatching excursion around Hawassa, visit the forest near Lake Hawassa to photograph the striking Black-and-white Guereza Colobus Monkeys, playful Grivet Monkeys, and numerous bird species. Enjoy the peaceful surroundings while capturing memorable wildlife photographs in excellent natural light. Overnight stay Haile resort.

Main Destination:

Awasa (City)

Accommodation:

Haile Resort Hawassa

• Mid-range resort located in Awasa (City)

Meals & Drinks:

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

Hawassa – Addis Ababa – Departure

After breakfast, drive approximately 286 kilometers back to Addis Ababa and check into your hotel for a short rest, lunch, and freshen up. In the afternoon, enjoy a final city tour including visits to Holy Trinity Cathedral and Unity Park. Later, experience a traditional Ethiopian farewell dinner with cultural music and dance before transferring to Addis Ababa 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)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

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