$2,310 pp (USD)
2 travelers on Start dateArrival
Arrival
Day 1
Addis Ababa to Lake Langano-Valley Wetlands & Waterbird Spectacle
Addis Ababa to Lake Langano-Valley Wetlands & Waterbird Spectacle
Depart from Addis Ababa and descend into the scenic Great Rift Valley, a haven for birdwatchers. Along the way, stop at Koka Dam and the Awash River floodplains to spot African Pygmy Goose, Black-billed Woodhoopoe, Abyssinian Ground Hornbill, Collared Pratincole, and Little Weaver.
Continue to Lake Ziway, where vast flocks of Yellow-billed Storks, Lesser and African Jacanas, White Pelicans, Fish Eagles, and Crowned and Common Cranes create an unforgettable spectacle.
By afternoon, arrive at Lake Langano, a serene freshwater lake bordered by acacia woodland. Enjoy an evening bird walk along the shore, looking for Black-winged Lovebird, Silvery-cheeked Hornbill, and Abyssinian Slaty Flycatcher.
Main Activities: Scenic drive through the Rift Valley, wetland birdwatching at Koka Dam and Lake Ziway, evening lakeside walk at Langano.
Overnight: Lodge on the shores of Lake Langano.
- Main Destination:
- Lake Langano
- Accommodation:
-
Sabana Beach Resort
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 2
Lake Langano to Abijatta Shalla National Park Flamingos Raptors and Rift Valley Wonders
Lake Langano to Abijatta Shalla National Park Flamingos Raptors and Rift Valley Wonders
Spend the day exploring Abijatta–Shalla National Park, one of Ethiopia’s most productive birding areas. Start at Lake Abijatta, an alkaline lake where thousands of Greater and Lesser Flamingos gather, creating a spectacular pink shimmer across the water. Keep an eye out for Yellow Wagtails, Chestnut-bellied Sandgrouse, and African Marsh Harriers.
Next, visit Lake Shalla, Ethiopia’s deepest lake at 260 meters, with dramatic cliffs hosting African Fish Eagles, Great Cormorants, Herons, and Ibis. Between the lakes, acacia woodlands provide habitat for Rollers, Wheatears, and Abyssinian Ground Hornbills.
The diversity of wetlands, cliffs, and woodlands supports over 300 bird species, making this a highlight for any birdwatcher.
Main Activities: Full-day birding at Lake Abijatta and Lake Shalla, raptor spotting, walking through woodland corridors.
Overnight: Lodge near Lake Langano.
- Main Destination:
- Abijatta-Shalla National Park
- Accommodation:
- Sabana Beach Resort
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 3
Lake Langano to Bale Mountains Highland Birds and Wildlife
Lake Langano to Bale Mountains Highland Birds and Wildlife
Drive southeast from Lake Langano, ascending into the Bale Mountains National Park, Africa’s #4 birding destination. Along the way, enjoy the scenic transition from Rift Valley lowlands to highland juniper forests.
In the afternoon, take a leisurely hike near Dinsho Headquarters, searching for endemic birds such as Blue-winged Goose, Wattled Ibis, Spot-breasted Lapwing, Abyssinian Longclaw, Rouget’s Rail, and Black-headed Siskin. Mammal highlights in the area include Menelik’s Bushbuck and the rare Mountain Nyala grazing near forest edges.
Main Activities: Scenic drive into the highlands, afternoon hike for highland birding, spotting endemic mammals.
Overnight: Goba Hotel.
- Main Destination:
- Bale Mountains National Park
- Accommodation:
- Goba Wabe Shebelle Hotel
Wildlife in Bale Mountains NP
Bushbuck Occasional
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 4
Gaysay Grasslands and Juniper Forests Birding Adventure
Gaysay Grasslands and Juniper Forests Birding Adventure
Explore the northern Bale Mountains today, a mosaic of grasslands, ancient juniper-hagenia forests, and Afro-alpine moorlands. Morning birding in the Gaysay Grasslands offers chances to see endemic Rouget’s Rail, Spot-breasted Lapwing, and grazing Bohor Reedbuck.
In the juniper forests, search for elusive roosting owls such as Cape Eagle-Owl, Abyssinian Owl, and Montane Nightjar, with a possibility of African Wood Owl sightings. Other notable species include Thick-billed Raven, Abyssinian Catbird, Abyssinian Ground Thrush, White-collared Pigeon, and Montane White-eye.
Main Activities: Morning grassland birding, forest walks for nightbirds and highland species, wildlife spotting.
Overnight: Goba Hotel.
- Main Destination:
- Bale Mountains National Park
- Accommodation:
- Goba Wabe Shebelle Hotel
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 5
Sanetti Plateau and Harenna Forest Wolves and Highland Birds
Sanetti Plateau and Harenna Forest Wolves and Highland Birds
Experience a full day exploring two contrasting landscapes of Bale Mountains National Park.
Start at the Sanetti Plateau (up to 4,100m), Africa’s largest high-altitude plateau and home to the world’s largest population of the Ethiopian Wolf. Bird highlights include Blue-winged Goose, Chestnut-naped Francolin, Spot-breasted Lapwing, Moorland Francolin, and Wattled Crane. Raptors such as Steppe Eagle, Augur Buzzard, and Cape Eagle-Owl soar overhead, creating dramatic skies.
In the afternoon, descend into Harenna Forest, Ethiopia’s last remaining cloud forest. Look for Bale Monkey feeding in bamboo, Black-maned Lions (rare), and forest birds like Tacazze Sunbird, Abyssinian Crimsonwing, Sharpe’s Starling, and African Hill Babbler.
Main Activities: Full-day highland and cloud forest birding, wildlife observation, scenic drives across dramatic landscapes.
Overnight: Goba Hotel.
- Main Destination:
- Bale Mountains National Park
- Accommodation:
- Goba Wabe Shebelle Hotel
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 6
Bale Mountains to Yabello Arid Savannah Birds and Wildlife
Bale Mountains to Yabello Arid Savannah Birds and Wildlife
Descend from the cool highlands into the arid landscapes of southern Ethiopia. The Borena lowlands and thornbush savannahs are home to highly localized bird species and unique wildlife.
Along the route, make stops to spot Three-streaked Tchagra, Foxy Lark, Red-naped Bushshrike, and Ruppell’s Weaver. Late afternoon birding near Yabello may reveal Von der Decken’s Hornbill, D’Arnaud’s Barbet, and Abyssinian Grosbeak Canary, adding to your growing checklist.
Main Activities: Scenic drive from highlands to drylands, roadside birding stops, evening savannah bird walk.
Overnight: Yabello Hotel.
- Main Destination:
- Yabello Wildlife Sanctuary (Wildlife Sanctuary)
- Accommodation:
- Yabello Motel
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 7
Arero Forest and Mega Rare Turacos and Savannah Birds
Arero Forest and Mega Rare Turacos and Savannah Birds
Start early in Arero Forest, a global hotspot for Ethiopia’s rarest endemic bird, Prince Ruspoli’s Turaco. Other species include Golden-breasted Starling, Sidamo Lark, Somali Short-toed Lark, White-tailed Swallow, and Stresemann’s Bushcrow.
In the afternoon, drive to Mega, exploring lava plains and isolated hills for endangered species such as Black-fronted Spurfowl, Heuglin’s Bustard, Somali Bee-eater, Pringle’s Puffback, Bare-eyed Thrush, and Quail-plover. Mammals like Grevy’s Zebra and Gerenuk may also be spotted.
Main Activities: Early morning forest birding, afternoon savannah and hill birding, wildlife observation along scenic routes.
Overnight: Hotel in Mega or return to Yabello.
- Main Destination:
- Yabello Wildlife Sanctuary (Wildlife Sanctuary)
- Accommodation:
- Yabello Motel
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 8
Yabello Wildlife Sanctuary Savannah Birds and Mammals
Yabello Wildlife Sanctuary Savannah Birds and Mammals
Spend the full day exploring Yabello Wildlife Sanctuary, an arid acacia savannah dotted with termite mounds and lava plains. This area is home to a wealth of arid-country specialists.
Bird highlights include Somali Ostrich, Vulturine Guineafowl, Secretary Bird, Martial Eagle, Kori Bustard, Abyssinian Grosbeak Canary, Purple Grenadier, and Magpie Starling. Endemics such as White-tailed Swallow and Stresemann’s Bushcrow are also present.
Mammals may include Burchell’s Zebra, Grant’s and Thomson’s Gazelles, Aardvark, and Lesser-spotted Genet. A picnic lunch in the bush adds to the safari experience before returning to Yabello.
Main Activities: Full-day birding in savannah habitats, endemic species search, mammal spotting, bush picnic.
Overnight: Hotel in Yabello.
- Main Destination:
- Yabello Wildlife Sanctuary (Wildlife Sanctuary)
- Accommodation:
- Yabello Motel
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 9
Yabello to Hawassa Rift Valley Wetlands and Lakes
Yabello to Hawassa Rift Valley Wetlands and Lakes
Travel northwards from Yabello toward Lake Hawassa, stopping along the Rift Valley wetlands to spot diverse bird species. Look for Silvery-cheeked Hornbill, Woodland Kingfisher, Malachite Kingfisher, Spur-winged Goose, Marabou Stork, and Abyssinian Ground Hornbill.
Arrive at Lake Hawassa, a freshwater lake supporting fishing communities and abundant birdlife. Take an evening walk along the shore to observe African Fish Eagle, Black-headed Heron, and other waterbirds in a beautiful sunset setting.
Main Activities: Scenic drive with wetland birding stops, lakeside birdwatching, evening stroll along Lake Hawassa.
Overnight: Hotel in Hawassa.
- Main Destination:
- Awasa (City)
- Accommodation:
- Haile Resort Hawassa
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 10
Drive from Hawassa to Addis Ababa Rift Valley Birds and Lakes
Drive from Hawassa to Addis Ababa Rift Valley Birds and Lakes
Start the morning with birdwatching at Hawassa Fish Market, observing Marabou Storks and Pelicans interacting with local fishermen. Continue north, revisiting Lake Ziway for final sightings of African Jacana, Lesser Jacana, White Pelicans, Fish Eagles, and Crowned and Common Cranes.
Enjoy the scenic drive through the Rift Valley, reflecting on the rich variety of birds and landscapes encountered throughout the tour. Arrive in Addis Ababa by late afternoon.
Main Activities: Morning birding at Hawassa, lakeside birding at Lake Ziway, scenic drive through the Rift Valley.
Overnight: Hotel in Addis Ababa.
- Main Destination:
- Awasa (City)
- Accommodation:
-
The Grand Palace Suites-Hotel
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 11
Gibe Gorge Rare Birds and Scenic Exploration
Gibe Gorge Rare Birds and Scenic Exploration
Take a day trip to the Gibe Gorge area, about an hour west of Addis Ababa, renowned for its localized bird species. Search for Red-billed Pytilia and Abyssinian Waxbill, along with any other rare or missed species from earlier in the tour.
The area’s dramatic landscapes and riverine habitats provide a unique backdrop for photography and wildlife observation. In the late afternoon, return to Addis Ababa and relax at your hotel.
Main Activities: Birdwatching for rare and localized species, scenic photography, riverside exploration.
Overnight: Saro Maria Hotel, Addis Ababa.
- Main Destination:
- Gibe Valley National Park
- Accommodation:
- Saro Maria Hotel
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 12
Addis Ababa City Tour Museums and Farewell
Addis Ababa City Tour Museums and Farewell
Enjoy a morning city tour of Addis Ababa, visiting the National Museum (home to the Lucy fossil skeleton), the Ethnological Museum, and the scenic Entoto Hills.
In the evening, experience a traditional farewell dinner with music and dance showcasing Ethiopia’s rich cultural heritage. Conclude your journey with a transfer to the airport for your international departure.
Main Activities: City sightseeing, cultural museum visits, farewell dinner with music and dance.
Overnight: Not included (departure day).
- Main Destination:
- Addis Ababa (City)
- Accommodation:
- No accommodation (End of tour)
- Meals & Drinks:
