$1,650 pp (USD)
2 travelers on Start dateArrival
Arrival
Day 1
Arrival in Addis Ababa – City Birding at Entoto Hills
Arrival in Addis Ababa – City Birding at Entoto Hills
Morning:
Arrive in Addis Ababa, meet your birding guide, and transfer to your hotel for a short rest.
Afternoon:
Begin your birding adventure at Entoto Hills, located on the northern edge of the city. This highland forest is ideal for spotting highland endemics like:
Abyssinian Slaty Flycatcher
Tacazze Sunbird
White-cheeked Turaco
Brown-rumped Seedeater
Evening:
Return to your hotel for a briefing about the coming days, followed by dinner and overnight in Addis Ababa.
- Main Destination:
- Addis Ababa (City)
- Accommodation:
- Blue Birds International Hotel
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 2
Addis Ababa – Debre Libanos & Jemma Valley
Addis Ababa – Debre Libanos & Jemma Valley
Early Morning:
Drive to Debre Libanos Monastery, with stops en route for birdwatching. This area and the nearby Jemma Valley are known for:
Rüppell’s Black Chat
White-billed Starling
Lammergeier (Bearded Vulture)
Abyssinian Wheatear
Afternoon:
Bird along the escarpment and near the Portuguese Bridge, watching for cliff-nesting species and raptors.
Evening:
Overnight at a local eco-lodge near Debre Libanos or return to Addis Ababa depending on your preferences.
- Main Destination:
- Debre Libanos Monastery (Highlight)
- Accommodation:
- Best Western Plus Pearl Addis
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 3
Addis Ababa – Lake Ziway (Rift Valley Lakes)
Addis Ababa – Lake Ziway (Rift Valley Lakes)
Morning:
Drive south to Lake Ziway, a key Rift Valley lake rich in both aquatic and terrestrial birdlife.
Birding Highlights:
African Fish Eagle
White Pelican
African Jacana
Malachite Kingfisher
Black Heron
Spur-winged Lapwing
Afternoon:
Enjoy a boat trip on Lake Ziway for close-up views of waterbirds and hippos.
Evening:
Overnight at a lakeside eco-lodge or hotel.
- Main Destination:
- Lake Ziway
- Accommodation:
- Haile Resort Ziway
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 4
Lake Ziway – Lake Langano – Abijatta-Shalla National Park
Lake Ziway – Lake Langano – Abijatta-Shalla National Park
Morning:
Continue south to Lake Langano and the adjacent Abijatta-Shalla National Park, one of Ethiopia’s top birding hotspots.
Birding Highlights:
Greater and Lesser Flamingos
Kori Bustard
Northern Carmine Bee-eater
Crowned Lapwing
Egyptian Vulture
Afternoon:
Explore the acacia woodlands for dryland species and scan the lakeshore for waders.
Evening:
Overnight at a lodge near Lake Langano.
- Main Destination:
- Lake Langano
- Accommodation:
- Hara Langano Eco Lodge
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 5
Lake Langano – Wondo Genet Forest
Lake Langano – Wondo Genet Forest
Morning:
Drive to Wondo Genet, a lush forested area and former royal retreat, ideal for forest birding.
Birding Highlights:
Yellow-fronted Parrot (endemic)
Silvery-cheeked Hornbill
African Paradise Flycatcher
Bruce’s Green Pigeon
Abyssinian Oriole
Afternoon:
Explore forest trails and natural hot springs area while birdwatching.
- Main Destination:
- Lake Langano
- Accommodation:
- Wabi Shebele Hotel Wondo Genet
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 6
Wondo Genet – Awassa (Hawassa)
Wondo Genet – Awassa (Hawassa)
Morning:
Depart for Awassa, a beautiful lakeside town and an excellent birding destination.
Birding around Lake Awassa:
African Pygmy Goose
Marabou Stork
Hammerkop
Grey-headed Kingfisher
Pied Kingfisher
Afternoon:
Visit the fish market where waterbirds gather in large numbers and walk along the lakeshore.
Day 7
Awassa – Return to Addis Ababa – Departure
Awassa – Return to Addis Ababa – Departure
Morning:
Optional early morning birding around the lake. Then drive back to Addis Ababa, stopping en route for birding near Koka Dam and Lake Gelila.
Birding Highlights En Route:
Black-winged Lovebird (endemic)
White-backed Duck
Goliath Heron
Evening:
Enjoy a farewell traditional dinner with cultural music and dances in Addis. Afterwards, transfer to the airport for departure.
- Main Destination:
- Addis Ababa (City)
- Accommodation:
- No accommodation (End of tour)
- Meals & Drinks:
