14-Day Birdwatching and Photography Adventure Tour

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

Drive Addis Ababa to Bale

Drive Addis Ababa Addis Ababa to Bale, followed by a 350 km drive to Bale Town, which sits at an altitude of approximately 2,100 meters above sea level. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and enjoy lunch before departing for an afternoon excursion to Dinsho, the headquarters of Bale Mountains National Park. During your visit, look for Bale monkeys, olive baboons, giant mole rats, warthogs, mountain nyalas, and a variety of endemic Ethiopian birds, including the Mandonin, Abyssinian catbird, Rouget's rail, Wattled ibis, Black-winged lovebird, and Abyssinian woodpecker. At 6:300 PM, drive back to the lodge for dinner and an overnight stay 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

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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

Activities:

• Nature hike/walk

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)

Drive Bale to Sanetti Plateau Exploration

After an early breakfast, drive approximately 120 km to the spectacular Sanetti Plateau and Tulu Dimtu, the highest point in the park at 4,335 meters above sea level. Enjoy a picnic lunch during the excursion while exploring the Afro-alpine landscape, one of the best places to spot the endangered Ethiopian wolf and several unique highland bird species. Birdwatching include the Blue-winged goose, Spot-breasted lapwing, Moorland francolin, Ethiopian siskin, Red-billed chough, Augur buzzard, and Lammergeier (Bearded vulture). At 5:30 PM, return to the lodge for dinner and an overnight stay Nurobe Hotel.

Main Destination:

Bale Mountains National Park

Activities:

• Nature hike/walk

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)

Drive Bale to Harenna Forest Adventure

After an early breakfast, drive approximately 90 km to the lush Harenna Forest, one of Ethiopia's largest and most pristine montane forests. Enjoy a two-hour guided trek through the forest while searching for its rich wildlife and birdlife, including the African emerald cuckoo, Narina trogon, Silvery-cheeked hornbill, White-cheeked turaco, Yellow-fronted parrot, Abyssinian oriole, and African crowned eagle. You have chance to see African Golden Wolf, The dense forest also offers opportunities to experience its unique vegetation and tranquil atmosphere while learning about its ecological importance. At 4:30 PM, drive back to the hotel to relax and prepare for the following day's long journey. Overnight stay Nurobe Hotel.

Main Destination:

Bale Mountains National Park

Activities:

• Nature hike/walk

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)

Bale Mountains – Negele Borena

Early in the morning, we will pack our breakfast, check out of the hotel, and depart at 6:30 AM for Negele Borena, approximately 250 km away at an elevation of 1,475 meters above sea level. We will drive south through the beautiful Harenna Forest, stopping along the way to search for spectacular birds such as turacos and the Golden-breasted Starling. Upon reaching the Negele plains, we will look for range-restricted species, including the Sidamo Lark and Somali Short-toed Lark, with a possibility of spotting Heuglin’s Bustard. In the evening, we will check in at the Turaco Hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.

Main Destination:

Negele Borana (Town)

Activities:

• Nature hike/walk

Accommodation:

Turaco Hotel

• Budget hotel located in Negele Borana (Town)

Meals & Drinks:

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

Negele Borena – Yabelo Wildlife Sanctuary

Early in the morning, at 6:30 AM, we will pack our breakfast and drive to Yabelo, covering approximately 266 km to an elevation of 1,857 meters above sea level. Upon arrival, we will spend the day birdwatching in Yabelo Wildlife Sanctuary, searching for the endemic Stresemann’s Bushcrow and the White-tailed Swallow. Other notable species include the Somali Ostrich, Secretary Bird, Martial Eagle, and Lilac-breasted Roller, along with various larks and weavers, while mammals such as Grant’s Gazelle, Aardvark, and Lesser-spotted Genet may also be encountered. After a rewarding day of birdwatching and wildlife observation, we will retire to Yabelo Motel for dinner and an overnight stay.

Main Destination:

Yabello Wildlife Sanctuary (Wildlife Sanctuary)

Activities:

• Nature hike/walk

Accommodation:

Yabello Motel

• Budget hotel located near Yabello WS (Wildlife Sanctuary)

Meals & Drinks:

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

Drive from Yabelo to Hawassa

Early in the morning, enjoy breakfast at your hotel, check out, and drive to Hawassa, approximately 246 km away, located at an elevation of about 1,708 meters above sea level. Upon arrival, check in at Haile Resort and take about one hour to relax before starting your sightseeing. You will visit the Colombus monkey area and the lively Hawassa Fish Market, then return to the hotel for lunch before continuing your afternoon excursion to explore the birdlife around Lake Hawassa, where you may see African fish eagle, Great white egret, Marabou stork, African sacred ibis, Hadada ibis, Pied kingfisher, Grey-headed gull, and Black-winged stilt, followed by a visit to see the hippos. At around 5:30 PM, drive back to the hotel for relaxation and overnight at Haile Resort Hawassa.

Main Destination:

Awasa (City)

Activities:

• Nature hike/walk

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)

Drive Hawassa to Langano and Abijata Shalla park

Early in the morning, enjoy breakfast at your hotel, check out, and drive to Abijata Shalla park and on the way visit Langano, approximately 66 km away, located at an elevation of about 1,540 meters above sea level. Up on arrival check in hotel and after that focuses on birding at Lake Langano and Abijata–Shala Lakes National Park. birdwatching starts at 10:00 AM, observing waterbirds and Rift Valley species. Lunch and rest are taken at mid-noon. Afternoon birdwatching continues from 1:00 PM until 6:30 PM, Key birds: Greater Flamingo, Lesser Flamingo, African Spoonbill, blue-billed teal, Marabou Stork. Overnight Haile 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

Activities:

• Nature hike/walk

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)

Abijata-Shalla National Park – Lake Ziway

After breakfast, we will check out of the hotel and drive approximately 47 km to Lake Ziway, located at an elevation of about 1,636 meters above sea level. Upon arrival, we will explore the lake and its surroundings, which are excellent birdwatching destinations, supporting more than 75 bird species and offering opportunities to observe hippos in their natural habitat. We will pack a picnic lunch and continue birdwatching, looking for species such as African Fish Eagle, Great White Pelican, Marabou Stork, African Jacana, Grey-headed Gull, Pied Kingfisher, and various herons, egrets, and cormorants. In the late afternoon, we will conclude our birdwatching activities and drive to Haile Resort for dinner and an overnight stay.

Main Destination:

Lake Ziway

Best Time To Go October to January (Little rainfall)

High Season October to January (It is busier)

Best Weather

Activities:

• Nature hike/walk

Accommodation:

Haile Resort Ziway

• Mid-range hotel located at Lake Ziway

Meals & Drinks:

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

Drive Ziway – Awash National Park

After breakfast, we will drive approximately 225 km (4 hours) to Awash National Park, located at an elevation of around 750 meters, stopping along the way to observe traditional camel caravans. Upon arrival, we will check in at Genet Hotel before exploring the park’s rich birdlife, including Somali Ostrich, Secretary Bird, Abyssinian Roller, Vulturine Guineafowl, Kori Bustard, and various eagles, vultures, and hornbills. During a game drive and a short 20-minute walk, we will search for wildlife such as Beisa Oryx, Soemmerring’s Gazelle, Greater and Lesser Kudu, Salt’s Dik-dik, and Defassa Waterbuck. We will conclude the day with a visit to the spectacular Awash Waterfall before heading to Genet Hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.

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

Activities:

• Nature hike/walk

Accommodation:

Genet Hotel Awash

• Mid-range hotel located less than 1hr drive from Awash NP

Meals & Drinks:

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

Alledeghi Wildlife Reserve Excursion

After breakfast, at 6:30 AM, we will pack our lunch and drive to Alledeghi Wildlife Reserve for a full day of birdwatching and wildlife exploration. We will search for fascinating bird species, including Somali Ostrich, Secretary Bird, Kori Bustard, Arabian Bustard, Helmeted Guineafowl, Buff-crested Bustard, Vulturine Guineafowl, and various larks, sandgrouse, and raptors. In the afternoon, we will explore the reserve in search of wildlife such as Hamadryas Baboons, Olive Baboons, warthogs, hyenas, and other mammals, with opportunities to observe additional wildlife along the way. At around 6:00 PM, we will drive back to the hotel for dinner and an overnight stay at Genet Hotel.

Main Destination:

Awash National Park

Activities:

• Nature hike/walk

Accommodation:

Genet Hotel Awash

• Mid-range hotel located less than 1hr drive from Awash NP

Meals & Drinks:

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

Drive to Addis Ababa via Bishoftu (Debre Zeit)

Early in the morning, we will have breakfast, check out of the hotel, and drive approximately 250 km toward Addis Ababa, stopping along the way at the beautiful lakes of Bishoftu (Debre Zeit) for birdwatching. Around the lakes, we will look for bird species such as Great White Pelican, African Fish Eagle, Black-headed Gull, Reed Cormorant, African Jacana, and various herons, egrets, and kingfishers. We will also enjoy a one-hour hike in the nearby mountains to admire the panoramic views and natural scenery. At around 5:00 PM, we will continue to Addis Ababa, check in at Jano Hotel, and relax for the evening.

Main Destination:

Bishoftu (City)

Activities:

• Nature hike/walk

Accommodation:

Jano Hotel

• 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)

Debre Libanos, Gelada Baboons and Blue Nile Gorge

After an early breakfast, at 7:30 AM you will drive to Debre Libanos Monastery, approximately 120 kilometers from Addis Ababa and situated at an altitude of around 2,400 meters above sea level. Upon arrival, you will have enough time to observe the famous Gelada Baboons, with the opportunity to see more than 15 groups as they come out from their caves and gather around the cliffs and large trees. And you will visit birds likes as Rouget’s Rail, Spot-breasted Lapwing.
You will continue to the Blue Nile Gorge and its spectacular waterfall, which is especially impressive during the rainy season, while enjoying the dramatic landscapes and scenery. After lunch, at 4:30 PM you will drive back to Addis Ababa and transfer to Jano hotel for an overnight stay.

Main Destination:

Debre Libanos Monastery (Highlight)

Activities:

• Nature hike/walk

Accommodation:

Jano Hotel

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

Meals & Drinks:

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

Entoto Foothills, Gullele Botanical Gardens, and Sululta Plains

Early in the morning, after breakfast, we will drive to the Entoto Foothills to enjoy panoramic mountain views, take photographs, and search for bird species in the surrounding forest. We will then visit Gullele Botanical Gardens, where we will explore the diverse native flora and look for birds such as the Abyssinian Catbird, Black-winged Lovebird, Tacazze Sunbird, and various endemics. In the afternoon, we will continue to the Sululta Plains, an excellent area for observing open-country birds, including Wattled Ibis, Blue-winged Goose, Rouget’s Rail, and various larks and raptors. After a rewarding day of birdwatching and nature exploration, we will return to Addis Ababa for dinner and an overnight stay at Jano Hotel.

Main Destination:

Addis Ababa (City)

Activities:

• Nature hike/walk

Accommodation:

Jano Hotel

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

Meals & Drinks:

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

Menagesha Suba Forest Birdwatching and Departure

After an early-morning breakfast at your hotel, drive to Menagesha Suba Forest, approximately 25 km away, situated at an altitude of around 2,200 meters. Upon arrival, explore the beautiful forest on foot, enjoying its indigenous trees, fresh mountain air, and peaceful natural surroundings. During the forest walk, enjoy birdwatching and look for notable species such as the Abyssinian Catbird, Abyssinian Woodpecker, Black-headed Siskin, Yellow-fronted Parrot, White-cheeked Turaco, Black-winged Lovebird, Banded Barbet, and Abyssinian Slaty Flycatcher. After completing your forest visit, drive back to your hotel to collect your luggage, and depending on your schedule, transfer to Addis Ababa Bole International Airport for your onward journey.

Main Destination:

Addis Ababa (City)

Activities:

• Nature hike/walk

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.