$3,465 pp (USD)
2 travelers on Start dateArrival
Arrival
Day 1
Arrival in Addis Ababa
Arrival in Addis Ababa
Arrive at Bole International Airport and meet your expert birding guide. Depending on arrival time, enjoy an introductory excursion to Entoto Hills, overlooking the capital. Here, montane forest and scrub habitats reveal Ethiopia’s first birding treasures, with chances to spot endemics such as the White-cheeked Turaco flashing brilliant green and red wings, the elusive Abyssinian Catbird, and flocks of Black-winged Lovebirds. Enjoy a welcome dinner and tour briefing before overnighting in Addis Ababa.
- Main Destination:
- Addis Ababa (City)
- Accommodation:
- Bonanza Addis Hotel
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 2
Sululta Plain & Debre Libanos
Sululta Plain & Debre Libanos
Head north to the Sululta Plain, an Afro-alpine grassland that provides habitat for the endemic Blue-winged Goose, Wattled Ibis, and Abyssinian Longclaw. Raptors patrol the skies, including Augur Buzzards and Steppe Eagles. Continue to Debre Libanos Gorge, an immense canyon carved by the Jemma River. Here, Lammergeiers soar alongside Rüppell’s Griffon Vultures, while endemic Gelada baboons graze on the cliff edges. Spend the evening at a lodge near the historic monastery of Debre Libanos.
- Main Destination:
- Debre Libanos Monastery (Highlight)
- Accommodation:
- Ethio German Park Hotel
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 3
Jemma Valley
Jemma Valley
Descend into the dramatic Jemma Valley, one of Ethiopia’s premier endemic birding sites. This rugged landscape of escarpments and cultivated terraces is home to Harwood’s Francolin, a species found only in this region. Other highlights include the White-billed Starling, Hemprich’s Hornbill, and Red-billed Pytilia, alongside dozens of sunbirds and weavers. The valley also offers insight into rural Ethiopian life, with farmers and herders inhabiting the traditional stone villages scattered across the slopes. Overnight in Debre Libanos.
- Main Destination:
- Debre Libanos Monastery (Highlight)
- Accommodation:
- Ethio German Park Hotel
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 4
Rift Valley Lakes
Rift Valley Lakes
Drive south into the Great Rift Valley, a string of freshwater and soda lakes rich in birdlife. Begin at Lake Ziway, where African Fish Eagles call from fig trees and African Pygmy Geese paddle among floating vegetation. At Lake Langano, Lesser Jacanas dart across lily pads, while Abijatta-Shalla National Park is famous for flamingos, pelicans, and Collared Pratincoles. The sheer diversity of waterbirds makes this day a delight. Overnight in a lakeside lodge at Langano.
- Main Destination:
- Lake Langano
- Accommodation:
- Hara Langano Eco Lodge
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 5
Bale Mountains National Park
Bale Mountains National Park
Climb into the high-altitude wilderness of the Bale Mountains, stopping first at Dinsho HQ where endemic Mountain Nyala, Menelik’s Bushbuck, and Abyssinian Woodpecker can be seen. Continue onto the Sanetti Plateau at over 4,000m, an Afro-alpine landscape of giant lobelias and moorlands. Target species include the Spot-breasted Lapwing, Rouget’s Rail, and the cryptic Abyssinian Owl. The stark beauty of this plateau is unmatched, and you may even glimpse the rare Ethiopian wolf. Overnight in Goba or Bale Lodge.
- Main Destination:
- Bale Mountains National Park
- Accommodation:
- Goba Wabe Shebelle Hotel
Wildlife in Bale Mountains NP
Bushbuck Occasional
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 6
Bale Mountains & Harenna Forest
Bale Mountains & Harenna Forest
Spend a second full day exploring Bale’s varied ecosystems. On the Sanetti Plateau, look for the endemic Blue-winged Goose and flocks of Wattled Cranes, while scanning for Ethiopian wolves hunting giant mole-rats. Descend through cloud forest into the lush Harenna Forest, home to Abyssinian Ground Thrush, Abyssinian Woodpecker, and a range of montane species. The diversity of habitats and birds, from alpine moorland to dense forest, makes Bale one of Africa’s top birding destinations. Overnight in the Bale region.
- Main Destination:
- Bale Mountains National Park
- Accommodation:
- Bale Mountain Lodge
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 7
Sof Omar Valley
Sof Omar Valley
Journey east to Sof Omar, a dry valley system where limestone cliffs and scrubby habitats host some of Ethiopia’s rarest species. Target birds include Salvadori’s Seedeater, Brown-tailed Rock Chat, and Somali Crow. The striking landscape is also known for its underground cave system, one of the largest in Africa. After a rewarding day of birding and exploring this unique ecosystem, return to your lodge in the Bale region for overnight.
- Main Destination:
- Sof Omar Caves (Highlight)
- Accommodation:
- Bale Mountain Lodge
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 8
Drive to Awash National Park
Drive to Awash National Park
Depart the Bale highlands and drive north toward Awash National Park, Ethiopia’s premier lowland savanna reserve. The long journey offers opportunities for roadside birding and photography. Arrive by late afternoon for an evening safari inside the park. Buff-crested Bustards may display in the grasslands, Yellow-breasted Barbets call from acacia trees, and Somali Ostriches stride across the plains. Overnight at Awash Falls Lodge, where the sound of the Awash River crashing below provides a dramatic backdrop.
- Main Destination:
- Awash National Park
- Accommodation:
- Awash Falls Lodge
Wildlife in Awash NP
Gazelle Common
Baboon Common
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 9
Awash National Park
Awash National Park
Spend a full day exploring Awash’s acacia woodlands, open plains, and lava fields. Birding highlights include the stately Kori Bustard, Abyssinian Roller flashing its electric-blue wings, and flocks of Northern Carmine Bee-eaters. Red-winged Larks and numerous hornbills are also found here. Game drives may also reveal Beisa oryx, Soemmerring’s gazelle, and hamadryas baboons. The combination of wildlife, landscapes, and prolific birdlife makes Awash a safari and birding paradise. Overnight in the park.
- Main Destination:
- Awash National Park
- Accommodation:
- Awash Falls Lodge
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 10
Ali Dege Plains & Doho Lodge
Ali Dege Plains & Doho Lodge
Head to the Ali Dege plains, an open grassland area where birders seek White-bellied Bustards, Somali Coursers, and flocks of Chestnut-bellied Sandgrouse. Raptors abound, including Lanner Falcons and Tawny Eagles. In the afternoon, travel to Doho Hot Springs, a wetland oasis that attracts waterbirds such as herons, storks, and jacanas. Relax at Doho Lodge while continuing birdwatching around the lodge grounds. Overnight at Doho Lodge.
- Main Destination:
- Awash National Park
- Accommodation:
- Doho Lodge & Hot Springs
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 11
Lake Beseka & Return to Addis Ababa
Lake Beseka & Return to Addis Ababa
Enjoy morning birding at Lake Beseka, a volcanic lake at the base of the Awash escarpment. Species here include the Black Heron with its distinctive canopy-feeding behavior, Striated Herons, Little Grebes, and numerous ducks and waders. Afterward, begin the drive back to Addis Ababa, stopping for birding and photography along the way. Arrive in the capital in the late afternoon. Overnight in Addis Ababa.
- Main Destination:
- Addis Ababa (City)
- Accommodation:
- Bonanza Addis Hotel
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 12
Addis Birding & Departure
Addis Birding & Departure
Spend your final morning birding in Addis Ababa at Gullele Botanical Garden or back at Entoto Hills, targeting any missed endemics. Possible sightings include White-backed Black Tit, Abyssinian Slaty Flycatcher, and Brown-rumped Seedeater. After a farewell lunch and time for last-minute birding, transfer to Bole International Airport for your onward flight, bringing an end to your unforgettable birding adventure in Ethiopia.
- Main Destination:
- Addis Ababa (City)
- Accommodation:
- No accommodation (End of tour)
- Meals & Drinks:
