Bird Watching Tours in Central Ethiopia – 14 Days
Tour Overview
This 14-day birdwatching adventure takes you across Ethiopia’s most diverse ecological zones—from the high-altitude grasslands of Sululta and Entoto, through the dramatic cliffs of Jamma Valley, and into the misty Bale Mountains and unique Sanetti Plateau, all the way to the arid bushlands of Negele and Yabello, and the lush forests of Yirgalem and Lake Langano. With over 860 species recorded in Ethiopia, including more than 30 endemics, this itinerary offers unparalleled opportunities to observe an extraordinary variety of birds and wildlife in their natural habitats.
Tour Highlights
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Spot endemic and rare species such as Blue-winged Goose, Ethiopian Wolf, Abyssinian Catbird, and Prince Ruspoli’s Turaco
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Discover the afro-alpine habitat of the Sanetti Plateau, home to the Ethiopian Wolf and Moorland Francolin
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Explore the limestone wonder of Sof Omar Caves, a unique geological and religious site
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Visit the endemic-rich highlands of Ankober and the dramatic cliffs of Jamma Valley
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Birding in the vast Bale Mountains National Park and the beautiful Harenna Forest
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Search for the endangered Sidamo Lark and Stresemann’s Bush-crow in southern arid zones
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Relax and bird in the tropical forests near Lake Langano and Yirgalem
Day 1: Arrival in Addis Ababa
Arrive in Ethiopia’s capital. Meet your guide and transfer to your hotel. Time permitting, enjoy some introductory birding in nearby parks or hotel gardens.
Overnight: Addis Ababa
Day 2: Sululta Plain & Debre Libanos
Early departure for the Sululta Plain and Mt. Entoto for highland grassland birds like Abyssinian Longclaw, Ethiopian Cisticola, and Blue-winged Goose. Continue to Debre Libanos forest and Jamma Valley escarpment. Look for Lammergeyer, White-billed Starling, and Rüppell’s Black Chat.
Overnight: Ethio-German Lodge, near Portuguese Bridge
Day 3: Jamma Valley & Drive to Ankober
Bird the cliffs of Jamma Valley for specialties like Harwood’s Francolin, Salvadori’s Serin, and Abyssinian Black Wheatear. Afternoon drive across plains with sightings of Erlanger’s Lark, Ortolan Bunting, and more.
Overnight: Eva Hotel / Ankober Lodge
Day 4: Ankober Serin & Bishoftu Crater Lakes
Early birding near Tarmaber for the elusive Ankober Serin, then descend towards Bishoftu via Debre Zeit. Visit Lake Chalalaka and Hora for waterbirds, cranes, and species like African Paradise Flycatcher and Malachite Kingfisher.
Overnight: Dreamland Hotel, Bishoftu
Day 5: To Bale Mountains via Dinsho
Drive south into the Bale Mountains, stopping in Dinsho forest for Mountain Nyala, Abyssinian Catbird, and Rouget’s Rail. Late afternoon birding around Goba.
Overnight: Goba Hotel
Day 6: Sanetti Plateau & Harenna Forest
Ascend to the high-altitude Sanetti Plateau (up to 4,100 m) for Ethiopian Wolf, Moorland Francolin, and raptors. Descend into the lush Harenna Forest for forest specialists. Return to Goba in the evening.
Overnight: Goba Hotel
Day 7: Sof Omar Caves
Drive east to the spectacular Sof Omar Caves, a natural and cultural landmark. Look for Salvadori’s Seedeater, Bristle-crowned Starling, and thousands of bats.
Overnight: Goba Hotel
Day 8: Drive to Negele via Genale River
Drive south through Harenna Forest and the Genale River basin. Target species include Juba Weaver, African White-winged Dove, and the rare Ruspoli’s Turaco.
Overnight: Green Hotel, Negele
Day 9: Liben Plain & Hara-Kalo
Dawn birding at Hara-Kalo to search again for Prince Ruspoli’s Turaco and raptors. Afternoon at Liben Plain for Sidamo Lark, Kori Bustard, and dry-country birds.
Overnight: Green Hotel, Negele
Day 10: To Yabello – Arid Zone Birding
Drive to Yabello through red sandstone landscapes dotted with termite mounds. Target Stresemann’s Bush-crow, White-tailed Swallow, and Vulturine Guineafowl.
Overnight: Yabello Motel
Day 11: Mega, Dubluk & Yabello Sanctuary
Bird dry scrub and thickets near Mega and Dubluk for Pygmy Falcon, Slate-colored Boubou, and Lappet-faced Vulture. Afternoon birding in Yabello Sanctuary for Turaco, Seed-eaters, and more.
Overnight: Yabello Motel
Day 12: Drive to Yirgalem (Aregash Lodge)
Drive to Yirgalem, stopping en route for woodland and forest birds. At the lodge, expect Great Sparrowhawk, Tambourine Dove, and Silvery-cheeked Hornbill.
Overnight: Aregash Lodge
Day 13: Drive to Lake Langano (Bishangari Lodge)
Morning birding around Yirgalem, then drive to Bishangari Eco-Lodge near Lake Langano. En route look for Blue-breasted Bee-eater and Nubian Woodpecker.
Overnight: Bishangari Lodge
Day 14: Langano Birding & Return to Addis
Explore the lake and surrounding forest for Yellow-fronted Parrot, African Fish-Eagle, Orange-bellied Parrot, and various waterbirds. After late breakfast, return to Addis Ababa. Enjoy a farewell dinner before transfer to the airport.
Overnight: Day-use room available or transfer directly to airport
Includes:
- Airport transfers and road transport by private car
- Full board, including mineral water.
- Full camping equipment including tents, mattresses and sleeping bags for camping and trekking.
- Recommended to bring your own sleeping bag.
- Fees for entrances, local guides, compulsory scouts/ security personnel for activities mentioned in the itinerary.
- All government taxes for the services included in the tour price
Excludes:
- Additional food and drinks
- Personal expenses
- Souvenirs
