8-Day Wild Wonders of Ethiopia Wildlife Photography Tour

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

Explore Addis Ababa city tour

Morning
Start your journey at the National Museum of Ethiopia, home to the world-famous Lucy fossil, one of the oldest human ancestors. Then, visit the Holy Trinity Cathedral, a masterpiece of Ethiopian architecture and one of the country’s most revered religious sites.

Midday
Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of Merkato, Africa’s largest open-air market, where you can shop for spices, coffee, and handmade crafts while witnessing the bustling daily life of locals. Recharge with a flavorful traditional Ethiopian lunch at a renowned local restaurant.

Afternoon
Head to the Entoto Hills for breathtaking views of the city and visit the historic Entoto Maryam Church, along with Emperor Menelik II’s former palace. If time allows, explore the Ethnological Museum, showcasing Ethiopia’s diverse cultural heritage. Wrap up your day with a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony, a delightful way to experience the country’s cherished coffee culture.

Main Destination:

Addis Ababa (City)

Accommodation:

Da'amat Hotel

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

Meals & Drinks:

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

Drive to Awash National Park

Activities:

Stop at the Rift Valley viewpoints

Visit Lake Beseka (birdlife, landscapes)

Afternoon game drive in Awash National Park

Wildlife to photograph:

Beisa oryx, Soemmerring’s gazelle, olive baboons

Over 400 bird species (e.g., Abyssinian ground hornbill)

Hot springs, volcanic landscapes

Overnight: Lodge inside or near Awash National Park.

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:

Awash Falls Lodge

• Mid-range lodge located just outside Awash NP

Meals & Drinks:

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

Awash National Park – Full-Day Exploration

Activities:

Sunrise wildlife photography

Visit Awash River Falls and Filwoha Hot Springs

Optional cultural visit to Afar village

Photography highlights:

Waterfalls, canyons, and crater lakes

Early morning light on plains and wildlife

Overnight: Same lodge or campsite.

Main Destination:

Awash National Park

Accommodation:

Awash Falls Lodge

• Mid-range lodge located just outside Awash NP

Meals & Drinks:

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

Drive to Bale Mountains National Park (via Asela or Nazret)

Drive to Bale Goba town for a coffee. Continue driving to Dinsho National Park for a short hike. The Mountain Nyala, Menelik's Bushbuck, and other endemic species are available and you will have chance to see them. After the visit, drive to Goba town for the night. Dinner will be served at the hotel. Overnight: 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:

Goba Wabe Shebelle Hotel

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

Meals & Drinks:

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

Drive Lake Gebre-Guracha

Activity Hike to Lake Geber-Guracha After breakfast, drive to the starting point for the hike to Lake Geber-Guracha, which will take approximately 4 hours. During the hike, there’s a high chance of spotting the endemic Ethiopian wolf. Enjoy a picnic lunch with breathtaking views of the 3,900m-high lake, and visit local villages along the way. Continue driving to the Sanetti Plateau, with elevations ranging from 3,700m to 4,100m, making it the highest road in Africa. Hike around the second highest peak in Ethiopia, Tullu Demtu (4,377m), before driving on to Harena Forest. On this day, you’ll see the second highest mountain in Ethiopia, Tullu Demtu, along with endemic wildlife like the Ethiopian wolf and various bird species. Expect about 3 hours of driving today. Dinner at the lodge. Overnight: Lodge Day.

Main Destination:

Bale Mountains National Park

Accommodation:

Bale Mountain Lodge

• Luxury lodge located inside Bale Mountains NP

+2 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

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

Explore Harena Forest

Explore Harena Forest After breakfast, embark on a beautiful 3-hour hike through Harena Forest. Explore Harena Forest After breakfast, embark on a beautiful 3-hour hike through Harena Forest.
Activities:

Explore the lush, cloud-shrouded Harenna Forest

Visit Rira village and forest coffee plantations

Wildlife:

Bale monkey, bush pigs, colobus monkey

Chance of seeing leopards (rare)

Photography:

Misty forest scenes, waterfalls, local culture

Overnight: Lodge or tented camp in Harenna.

Main Destination:

Bale Mountains National Park

Accommodation:

Bale Mountain Lodge

• Luxury lodge located inside Bale Mountains NP

Meals & Drinks:

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

Explores Sanetti Plateau

Activities:

Full-day excursion to the Sanetti Plateau (~4,000m elevation)

Wildlife focus:

Ethiopian wolf – most endangered canid on Earth

Giant mole rats, high-altitude bird species

Photography:

Dramatic moorland landscapes, Afro-alpine plants

Morning frost and golden light on wide open spaces

Overnight: Lodge in Goba.

Main Destination:

Bale Mountains National Park

Accommodation:

Bale Mountain Lodge

• Luxury lodge located inside Bale Mountains NP

Meals & Drinks:

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

Fly Goba to Addis Ababa

Back to Addis Ababa After breakfast, enjoy a short hike, Afterwards, drive to Bale Goba airport (approximately a 3-hour drive). Departure to Addis Ababa at 15:30, arriving at 16:25. This marks the end of your adventure.

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.