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19 Days bird watching tour to Ethiopia

About 860 species of birds live in the highlands, Lowlands, river banks, wet lands, dams, lakes, forests, shrubs and grasslands of Ethiopia. The number, diversity and color of birds found in the country have power to interest even the non birders. With regards to number of species Ethiopia stands next to South Africa, but the country possess a higher number of endemics and semi-endemics which it shares with Eritrea.

Day 1:

Arrive in Addis Ababa; meet your guide holding Addis Tours sticker and transfer to hotel. After breakfast you will be fetched by our tourist guide to be taken on the full day Addis Tour, Which includes the National Museum and Trinity Church and at last Visit the Entoto Mountains, with its view over the capital. Mt Entoto will give the opportunity for diverse bird life. Here we expect the Abyssinian wood pecker, Abyssinian catbird, Wattled Ibis (endemic), Moorland Francolin, white-collared Pigeon, Black-winged Lovebird, White-cheeked Turaco, mountain Nightjar, banded Barbet, White-winged Cliff Chat, Abyssinian Ground Thrush, Brown parisoma, White-backed Black Tit, Abyssinian Black-headed Oriole and White-billed Starling.
Overnight Addis Ababa

Day 2:

A scenic drive through the lush fertile valleys of Goha Tsion, as we pass through the Sululta Plain we can see Black-winged plovers, Wattled Ibis, Blue-winged geese, Common Cranes and Wheat ears.
On arrival at Debre Libanos, we will first stop at the Jemma River gorge. Here at the gorge (and in the forest around the church) we can expect to see the Banded Barbet, the Black-headed Forest Oriole, the White-billed Starling, the Red-billed Starling, the White-winged Cliff Chat, the White-backed Black Tit, the White-cheeked Turaco and Hemprich’s Hornbill. We will also see one of Ethiopia’s endemic mammals, the Gelada or bleeding heart baboon. (In the gorge we will see a variety
of vultures – Lamergeyer’s, Ruppell’s and Lappet faced vultures.)
Overnight Debrelibanos

Day 3:

After a comforting cup of hot coffee at Ethio-German Restaurant we leave on the exploration for the songs of morning birds. We then enjoy the rest of the day by visiting the monastery of Debre libanos. It is a religious center and monastery which was established in the 13th century by Saint (Abune) Tekle-Haimanot. It is famous for its miraculous spring. The new church that stands beneath a cliff on the edge of the gorge has beautiful stained glass windows and mosaic figures on the façade. Nearby is a bridge with much similar to that of the Portuguese in Tis Abay. Experience the breathtaking sweeping view of the Blue Nile Gorge. Return back to Addis Ababa in the mid afternoon.
Overnight Addis Ababa

Day 4:

After breakfast, start driving to Ankober, the 18-19th C capital. From the town of Anokober, there are marvelous views over the escarpment, and for ornithologists there is the chance of seeing the very rare Ankober Serin, and other species such as Smith’s Francolin, Yellow Throated Serin, White billed Starling, Black-winged Love Bird, Lammergeyer, Mountain Buzzard, Peregrine, Red-breasted Sparrow Hawk, Alpine Swift, Crag Martin and Blue Rock Thrush. Wildlife recorded in the area includes: Leopard (rarely seen), Colobus and Vervet Monkeys, Gelada Baboon, Menelik’s Bushbuck, Klipsringer and Rock Hyrax, which despite its small size is a distant relative of the elephant.
Overnight Ankober Lodge.

Day 5:

After a comforting cup of hot coffee at sunrise we leave on our morning bird watching trip returning for breakfast around 09h00 at lodge. After breakfast e departs for Addis. On the way we will visit the old town of Debre Berhan, some 130 km from Addis Ababa on the Asmara Road. The great Emperor Zera Yaqob (1434 – 1468) made his imperial capital here, after seeing a “heavenly light” visitors also see the church of Selassie which Emperor Menelik restored in 1906.
Overnight Addis Ababa

Day 6:

After you get a nice sleep, Early in the morning drive to Awash. Heading south down the Rift Valley we turn east at Mojo for Awash and the Afar Region. We pass Lake Beseka and enter the Awash National Park. On arrival we could take a leisurely walk passing through the patch of natural forest at the northern end of Elalaytu hill. On our way, we may encounter the following bird species: Black Scrub Robin, Somali Golden Breasted Robin, Nile Valley Sunbird, Lineated Pytilia, Yellow Throated Serin, Sombre Chat and Arabian Bustard.
Overnight Awash Park, Lodge

Day 7:

The next day we could do an early morning game drive – visit the birds, which are found around the lodge, returning to the main road and proceeding to Langano, Bishangari.
Overnight Bishangari Lodge

Day 08:

Bishangari, which means ‘Sweet water’ in Oromo Dialect, is situated adjacent to an ancient forest that remains intact due to inaccessibility and it is blessed with five ecological zones. Here, we expect Cliff chat, Nightingale, Warblers, Flycatcher, Laughing Dove, Wood Owl, Abyssinian Nightjar, Glossy Ibis and Silver Bill can be seen not far from the Lodge. Overnight Bishangari Lodge

Day 09:

After an early breakfast we drive to Shalla and Abijata National Park. Shalla 270 mts in depth, the deepest in Ethiopian rift, is an important breeding site for birds on its four of the nine islands. We then drive through the Ostrich Farms on the west of the main road. Proceed to Abijata lake, where thousands of both lesser and greater Flamingo’s congregate along the shores. African Pochard, Avocet, Gull-billed Tern and Pintail, little Stint, Ruff and a variety of ducks are among other species to be seen. Drive to Wondo Genet (There is naturally heated open air pool) set among forested hills. In the gardens of the hotel and juniper Forests behind the hotel, we will see the silvery-cheeked Hornbill, White -cheeked Turaco, Yellow-fronted Parrot, Black-headed Forest Oriole, golden-backed Woodpecker, Red wing Starling, Grosbeak Weaver, Mountain Wagtail and Black-roughing Swallow. We can also see Columbus monkey, Anubis baboon and Bushbuck.
Overnight Wondo Genet Lodge

Day 10:

leave Wodogenet after breakfast; enjoy spectacular views on our way to Hawassa, which is a half hour drive from Wondo Genet. Along the shores of the lake and in the adjoining forest we can expect Saddle bill and Marabou Storks ,Malakite king Fisher, Spur-winged plover, pygmy goose, Brown snake eagle, grey Kestral, Green-backed Honey guide, Blue-headed Coucal, Spotted Creeper, African Firefinch, Bruce’s Green pigeon, Red-breasted Wryneck, Bare-faced Go away bird and the endemic Yellow-fronted Parrot, Black-winged Lovebird and Black-headed Forest oriole.
Overnight Hawassa

Day 11:

Leave to Yabello where one finds the forest reserve with over 200 species like; Abyssinian Bush crow, White- tailed Smallwo, Abyssinian Grosbeak Canary, Black- capped social weaver, short- tailed lark, Pringle’s puff- back, Northern Grey Tit, Somli Sparrow and many others.
Overnight Yabello

Day 12:

you sip your early morning coffee as you leave on your early exploring of Birds followed by breakfast at 09h00 at hotel. The rest of the day will be exploring the Yabello sanctuary searching for birdlife and other animals.
Overnight in a hotel

Day 13:

Drive to the town of Mega birding on the way; Golden Breasted Starling Helmeted & Vulturine Guinea Fowl Superb Starling Lilac Breasted Starling and others.
Overnight hotel

Day 14:

On the way to Negele we explore the forest around the town of Arero. In this forest, about 168 species have been recorded including 2 endemics that are among most sought-after birds in Africa: Prince Ruspoli’s Turaco Salvadori’s Seedeater.
Overnight Negele

Days 15 & 16:

These two days are dedicated to explore the diversified environment around Negele, expecting to see: Prince Ruspoli’s Turaco, Salvadori’s Seedeater, Sidamo long-clawed Lark, Somali short-toed Lark Red-napped Bush Shriek, White crowned Starling, Tiny Cisticola, Heuglin’s Bustard, Hunter’s Sunbird, Golden Pipit, Pygmy Batis, Rufus Sparrow, Coqui Francolin.
Overnight Negele

Day 17:

Continue to Goba and the Sanetti Plateau, driving on the highest road and moorland in Africa. On the way we look at; Golden backed woodpecker, White backed Tit.
Overnight Goba

Day 18:

Full day birding in Bale National Park and return to Goba with a chance to see; Lemmergeyer and Abyssinian Catbird.
Overnight Goba

Day 19:

Drive back Addis Ababa, Continue to Lake Ziway with some stops to visit the Oromo villages. Lake Ziway is not only for its scenic qualities, but also for the large congregations of water-associated birds that are attracted to the redlined fringes by a thriving tilapia population.
In the evening, you will have a Dinner invitation by Addis Tour. Here you will enjoy and experience several tribal dance plus taste Ethiopian traditional food.  Departure.

19 Days bird watching tour (code 2)

Bird watchig in Ethiopia is one of the best birding in East Africa. Our Ethiopia bird watching itinerary takes you to the main Ethiopia birding sites and provides to see Ethiopian endemic birds. Ethiopia to be a home of 850 species of birds (over which 32 are endemics).
This Ethiopia bird watching itinerary takes you to most of the bird watching sites in the country. It will enable you in search of all of Ethiopia’s endemic birds and east African endemic birds. It takes you to Debre Libanos, north of Addis Ababa, Awash National park, the rift valley lakes, Wondo Genet, Bale and the road south through the Harenna forest to Negele, the area near the border with Somalia near Bogal Manyo, west from there to Yabello, the Jemma River valley the escarpment north west of Addis Ababa, around Debre Berhan and Ankober. This would take a minimum of 3 weeks, but shorter tour of about 10-15 days which would guarantee seeing most of the endemics and several hundred other species could be set up covering Awash National park, the rift-valley lakes and Bale Mountains.

Day 1: Arrive at Addis Ababa.

On arrival in Addis Ababa our representatives will meet you at Bole International Airport and transfers to Ambassador Hotel. An overview of the program and itineraries will be given. We spend some time birding around Ghion Hotel. The Hotel has very extensive grounds for birding. Among the species spotted here are the White-backed Black Tit and the brown Tit Warbler. After lunch in the hotel, we leave for Geferssa Reservoir, some 20 kms west of Addis Ababa, where one can see the Blue-winged Goose, black-headed Siskin, Abyssinian Long Claw and Wattled Ibis. Return to Addis Ababa early evening.Overnight Ghion Hotel.

Day 2: Excursion trip to Debre Libanos from Addis Ababa.

Leave early and drive north through the Sululta plain to Debre Libanos and the Jemma River Gorge, about 110 km. from the capital. For keen birders the journey can take up to 6 hours, as we pass through the Solulta Plain where we will see Black winged plovers, Wattled ibis, Blue winged geese, common cranes and wheatears. On arrival at Debre Libanos, we will first stop at the Jemma River gorge. The Jemma River is one of the tributaries of the Nile, and there is a drop of nearly 1000 meters to the valley below. Here at the gorge, and in the forest around the church we can expect to see the Banded Barbet, the Black headed forest oriole, the White billed starling, the Red Billed starling, the White winged cliff chat, the White backed black tit, white cheeked Turaco and Hemp Rich’s hornbill. We will also see one of Ethiopia’s endemic mammals, the Gelada or bleeding heart baboon. (In the gorge we will see a variety of vultures – Lammergeyer’s Rupell’s and Lappet faced vultures.) We will leave Debre Libanos around 5.00 pm, returning to Addis Ababa early evening. Overnight Ghion Hotel.

Day 3: Awash National Park.

Early in the morning you will be birding around the garden of Ghion hotel. After breakfast drive from Addis to Awash National Park through the awe-inspiring crater lakes of Debrezeit for birding. En route further we stop at Nazareth for lunch. Our next stop will be at Lake Beseka. Then we continue to Awash National Park. Overnight Awash Sebatkilo in the Genet hotel.

Day 4: Awash National Park.

Birding in Awash National Park, located in the rift valley. It is enriched with many species of birds and mammals; African orange-bellied parrots, bustards, weavers, European Hoope somber rock-chat, yellow-throated serine, Red-fronted barbet, pygmy baits, Lesser striped swallow, House martin and Anubis Baboon, Colobus Monkey, Black-backed Jackal, Bat-eared Fox, Egyptian Mongoose, Warthog, Beisa Oryx, Soemmering’s Gazelle, Lesser Kudu, Salt’s Dik-dik, etc. Overnight Genet Hotel

Day 5: Langano .

Early morning leave Awash for Langano via Mojo. En route, birding at Lake Ziway and Koka dam. Among some bird species you will see; African pygmy goose, Black-billed wood hoopoe, Abyssinian ground hornbill, Northern black tit, little weaver, etc. The same day birding at Abiyata—Shalla National Park. Particularly, Lake Abiyata is the best place to bird many species, over 300, walking along the muddy and partly sandy lakeshore. For instance, yellow wagtails, Ibis, Cormorant, Pelicans, hammer cop, waders, ducks, egrets, herons, flamingos, storks, swallows, chestnut-bellied sand grouse, Abyssinian ground-hornbill, rollers, wheatears, African Marsh Harrier, etc. Overnight Bekele Molla Hotel.

Day 6: Bale Mountains National Park .

After breakfast, continue driving to Bale mountains National Park and it is here you will visit many of the endemics like Blue-winged goose, Spot-breasted lapwing, Abyssinian long claw, Wattled ibis, Black-headed siskin, Rouget’s rail, Banded barbet and of course other species, too. Overnight Wabishebele hotel.

Day 7: A day excursion to Sof Omar.

After an early breakfast start driving to Sof Omar, about 120 km from Goba. Along the route you will have some stops for birding. For instance, White-ramped babbler, Nightingale, Dodson’s bulbul, Somali golden-breasted bunting, sunbird, warbler, Northern gray tit, Brown-tailed chats, Pygmy batis, etc but our final target will be for Salvadori’s serine. Overnight Wabishebele hotel.

Day 8: Goba, excursion to Senete.

Leave Goba early in the morning towards Sanete Plateau. While crossing a lush green forest, you will enjoy the Semien Wolves, endemic mammals. Then you will take another hike to the right hand side of the road to reach the highest peak, 4377 meters above sea level. It is here where you will highly experience the chilly wind. Then you will walk slightly down and down across a moorland landscape dotted with white and yellow cushions of flowers, colorful lichen-covered rocks and sparse Giant Lobelias. You will visit many water birds in the small lakes. Overnight Wabishebele hotel.

Day 9: Wondo Genet.

After an early morning birding drive to Wondo Genet . Wondo Genet is a green and lush area, inhabited with lots of Grivet Monkeys, Colobus Monkeys and many species of birds. On the other hand, Wondo Genet is an excellent place for fresh tropical fruits and hot spring for which you find an Olympic size swimming pool. Overnight Wabishebele hotel.

Day 10: Awassa

After an early breakfast drive to Awassa. En route and in Awassa, you will see lots of species for instance, Silvery-cheeked hornbill, Abyssinian ground hornbill, Rouget’s Rail, lots of Marabou storks, Black & white egrets, African pygmy goose, Spur-winged goose, thousands of swallows, Ibis, African fish eagle, Woodland kingfisher, Malachite kingfisher, and many more species. Overnight Wabishebele hotel.

Day 11: Yabello

Head south to Yabello, birding en route. In the late afternoon, we head into woodland west of Yabello, in search of the endemic Stresemann’s Bush Crow. Overnight Yabello Motel.

Day 12: Yabello

Full day birding (picnic lunch) in Yabello Wildlife Sanctuary, where we expect to see the white tailed swallow, Abyssinian Bush Crow and if luckily, Prince Raspoli’s Turaco. Overnight Yabello Motel.

Day 13: Negele

Morning birding around Mega, then we drive east to Negele, birding en route.

Overnight Nile hotel.

Day 14: Negele

The habitat around Negele is similar to mega, and you will spend the day exploring different localities for birding.

Overnight Nile hotel.

Day 15: Langano

After an early breakfast full day drive to Lake Langano, which is the best place for birding many species. Overnight Bekele Molla hotel.

Day 16: Langano

These three neighboring lakes in the central Ethiopian Rift Valley could not be more different from each other. The medium depth reddish-brown Lake Langano, shallow, blackish Abijatta, and the extremely deep, blue shalla, once a volcanic crater and now home to several bubbling sulphuric hot springs, are all superb birding localities. We will spend today exploring the lake shores and surrounding woodlands of all three lakes.

Overnight Bekele Molla hotel.

Day 17: Debre Birhan

After a final morning birding around the cliffs surrounding our hotel, you will drive to Addis Ababa, thus completing our southern loop. Continue driving beyond Addis Ababa to Debre Berhan . Overnight Local hotel at Debre Birhan.

Day 18: from Debre Birhan to Alem Ketema to and to Jemma Valley and back to Debre Birhan

An early departure from Debre Berhan to Alem Ketema is essential in order to be at our chosen site when the endemic Harwood’s Francolin is at its most vocal, thus providing our best opportunity for seeing this elusive species. We will have a picnic breakfast at the river and bird the Jemma valley. Then after drive back to Debre Birhan. Overnight local hotel at Debre Birhan.

Day 19: Ankober—Addis Ababa for night departure

Very early morning drive to the edge of the Great Rift Valley at Ankober. Afternoon, drive to Addis Ababa and use a day use room for shower and little rest. Evening fare well dinner party then transfer to airport for departure.

End of the tour.

16 Days Ethiopia Bird-watching Holiday Tour.

Safari Highlights

Ethiopia said to be an ornithologist’s paradise. 850 species of birds (16 of them are endemic) inhabit Ethiopia. Having an extensive highland surrounded by arid lands, has enabled the evolution of many birds in the region into unique forms and species. Nechisar. Ethiopia is full of spectacular wild encounters the bright bombardment of her beautiful bird life. The salty land of the rift valley suck the precious rain in to the Earth and the sun bakes its surface without respite. It’s hard to imagine any living thing surviving in this savage wilderness. But look closely, and you will see some remarkable life not only surviving-but thriving. In recent years, Ethiopia has rightly become one of Africa`s leading birding destinations for bird watching holidays tour. Its avifauna represents an interesting mixture of east and west African, Palearctic and some strikingly unusual endemic components. In addition to more than 800 species of birds, of which a staggering 29 are endemic to Ethiopia and its neighbour Eritrea, Ethiopia has a number of peculiar mammals, and a scenic diversity and cultural uniqueness that are hard to equal. The highlands, which dominate the country, are bisected by the Rift Valley, and fall away to arid desert and bushlands in the north, south and east, and to moister Guinea woodland in the west. Much of the highlands are under subsistence agriculture, but there still exist considerable tracts of Afro-alpine shrubland and pockets of Afromontane forest. For birders, the most popular access to really high altitude is the Bale Mountains National Park in the southern part of the eastern south- eastern highlands. Here the highest all-weather road in Africa crosses the Sanetti plateau (4377m), allowing easy access to alpine moorlands, grasslands and lakes. Highland endemics such as Spot-breasted Lapwing Vanellus melanocephalus and Rouget`s Rail Rougetius rougetii occur alongside spectacular giant lobelias and Ethiopian wolves. The highlands also offer a number of species not found elsewhere in sub- Saharan Africa, such as Ruddy Shelduck Tadorna ferruginea, Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos and Red-billed Chough Pyrrhocorax pyrrrhocorax. Other more widespread highland endemics include Blue- winged Goose Cyanochen cyanoptera, Ethiopian Siskin Serinus nigriceps, Wattled Ibis Bostrychia carunculata, and Abyssinian Longclaw Macronyx flavicollis.
Ethiopian forest endemics, accessible at such forest patches as those at Wondo Genet (central highlands) and Debre Libanos (northern highlands) include Yellow-fronted Parrot Poicephalus flavifrons, Black-winged Lovebird Agapornis taranta, Abyssinian Slaty-Flycatcher Melaenornis chocolatinus, Abyssinian Black-headed Oriole Oriolus monachaand
Banded Barbet Lybius undatus and, in Juniper-Hagenia forest at higher altitude, such as at Dinsho or near Robe in the Bale mountains, White- backed Black Tit Parus leuconotus, Abyssinian Catbird Parophasma galinieri, White-cheeked Turaco Tauaci leucotis and Abyssinian Woodpecker Dendropicos abyssinicus. Other forest species particularly worthy of mention are Ayres’s Hawk Eagle Hieraaetus ayresii, Abyssinian Ground-Thrush Zoothera piaggiae and African Hill Babbler Pseudoalcippe abyssinica.  There are also a number of other highland localities that deserve individual mention. North of Addis Ababa, the Jemmu River valley holds a population of highly localized and endemic Harwood’s Francolin Francolinus harwoodi, best searched for along the river itself. The rocky valley rim hosts a number of species that could be searched for in any rocky highland area, such as White-billed Starling Onychognathus albirostris, Ruppell’s Black Chat Myrmecocichla melaena, Nyanza Swift Apus niansae and White-winged Cliff Chat Thamnolaea semirufa. One of Ethiopia’s three highly localized endemic serins, Ankober Serin Carduelis ankoberensis, is also a highland species, occurring along the spectacular Ankober escarpment north of Awash.  The Rift Valley, punctuated by several large lakes, offers few endemics but very diverse and enjoyable woodland birding. Some of the several excellent birding sites here are Lake Langano, Awash National Park and Nechisar National Park, offering amongst many others such great birds as African Swallow-tailed Kite Chelictinia riocourii, Abyssinian Ground  Hornbill Bucorvus abyssinicus, Arabian Bustard Ardeotis arabs, Somali Fiscal Lanius somalicus, and Gillett’s Lark Mirafra gilletti, Red-winged Bush Larks M. hypermetra and Singing Bush Larks M. cantillans. In the south of the country, high diversity and endemicity combine to offer absolutely superb birding.The best months to visit are October-
December, and over 500 species can be recorded on a thorough three- week trip. Ethipia is a paradise for bird watching holidays tour.

Safari Itinerary

Day 1: Day 1: Arrive in Addis Ababa. Overnight Addis Ababa.
Day 2:

We set off early on the road north, through the Sululta plain to Debre Libanos and the Jemma River Gorge, about 110 km from the capital. Sululta plain is a wide shallow valley, ringed by mountains, with many rivers draining into it and forming extensive wetlands for much of the year. En route through the plain we can expect to see Black-winged
and Spot-breasted Plover, Wattled Ibis, Blue-winged Goose, Rouget’s Rail, Abyssinian Longclaw, Abyssinian Catbird, Common Crane and Wheat Ear. It is currently the only known location in Ethiopia for the exceptionally rare White-winged Flufftail. We will make a small detour from the main road to take in the very attractive 200 m Aleltu Falls,
where we can expect to see White-billed Starling, Ruppel’s Chat, Bearded Vulture, Verreaux’s Eagle, Lanner and Peregrine Falcon. Debre Libanos has been an important monastic centre for Ethiopian Orthodox Christianity since it was established in the 13th century by Saint Teklehaimanot, a renowned mystic. During the brief Italian occupation (1935-41), the site marked the spot of a major atrocity – more than 300 monks were slaughtered here in an attempt to undermine resistance by the Ethiopian Orthodox Church.
On arrival at Debre Libanos, we will first stop at the Jemma River gorge. The Jemma river is one of the tributaries of the Nile, and there is a drop of nearly 1000 metres to the valley below. Here at the gorge, and in the forest around the church we can expect to see the Banded Barbet, Black- headed Forest Oriole, White-billed starling, Red-billed starling, White-
winged Cliff Chat, White-backed Black Tit, White-cheeked Turaco, Montane White-eye, Abyssinian Longclaw, Abyssinian Catbird and Hemprich’s Hornbill. We will also see one of Ethiopia’s endemic mammals, the Gelada or bleeding heart baboon. (In the gorge we will see a variety of vultures – Lamergeyer’s, Ruppell’s and Lappet faced vultures.) We will leave Debre Libanos late afternoon, returning to Addis Ababa early evening.

Day 3:

After breakfast we head west on the Ambo Road for Menagesha State Forest, about 50 km from Addis Ababa. The Emperor Zera Yacob (1434-1468), noticing the degradation of the forest around Mount Wechecha, initiated what was perhaps the first reforestation and conservation measure in the region by having Juniper trees planted. We
will take a picnic lunch, making our way up through the forest towards the top of Mount Wechecha. We can expect to see the Abyssinian Catbird, Banded Barbet, Golden-backed Woodpecker, Black-headed Forest Oriole, Wattled Ibis, Yellow-fronted Parrot, Black-winged Lovebird, Abyssinian Ground Thrush, Crowned Eagle and Narina’s Trogan. Among
the wildlife species recorded here are: Menelik’s Bushbuck, Leopard, Colobus Monkey, Serval, Grey Duiker, Hyaena, Warthog, Porcupine and Civet Cat. We will return to Addis Ababa by the Jimma Road, to the south of the forest. Overnight Addis Ababa.

 

Day 4:

Today we head south down the Ethiopian Rift Valley, turning east at Mojo towards Awash and our destination, to Bilen, some 270 km from Addis Ababa. We will be birding along the way, and will stop in Nazret.

Day 5:

Full day birding in the different habitats of the area, the plains, cliffs, wetlands and riverine forest by the Awash. We can return to the camp for lunch. Camel trekking can be arranged to some of these sites – one gets a great view from on top of a camel, and can also get closer to birds and wildlife provide Bilen.

Day 6:

Today we retrace our steps towards Mojo, birding along the way, and stopping to see the hippo in the pools near Nazret. At Mojo we take the road south for the Lakes Region, Overnight Langano.

Day 7:

We drive to Shalla and Abiyata National Park, and then on to Lake Awassa – see Day 4 of VE 001B for this day’s activities. Overnight Awassa Wabe Shebelle.

Day 8:

Full day birding along the shores of Lake Awassa. In composition this fresh water Lake is different from the alkaline lakes of Abiyata and Shalla. The Black forest near the lake is an additional and interesting birding site. Overnight Awassa.

Day 9:

We take an early morning visit to the fish market for some excellent photo close ups of birds used to human company, and after breakfast we drive to Wondo Genet, about 37 km to the east. Overngiht Wondo Genet.

Day 10:

Full day with picnic lunch in the forests around Wondo Genet. Overnight Wondo Genet.

Day 11:

We leave Wondo Genet for the Bale Mountains National Park, stopping at the Park HQ at Dinshu en route. Overnight Goba.

Day 12:

Full day birding in the stunning Afro-Alpine setting of the Sanetti plateau. for more information Overnight Goba.

Day 13:

Full day birding in Harena forest Overnight Goba.

Day 14:

We return to the Lakes Region via Dinshu and arrive late afternoon at Lake Langano, where we can spend some time birding along the shores. Overnight Langano

Day 15:

Early morning birding by the cliffs next to the lake, then after breakfast we set off back to Addis Ababa, with a lunch stop in Debre Zeit. We can take in at least one of the Crater Lakes (there are seven in the area), probably Green Lake (Maccoa Duck, Cape Teal, Red-billed Duck, possibly White-winged Cliff Chat and Red-breasted Wry Neck),
before leaving for Addis Ababa, arriving back in time for souvenir shopping. Overnight Addis Ababa.

Day 16:

There will be a morning excursion to Gefersa reservoir, some 20 km west of the city, where we can expect to see Rouget’s Rail, Abyssinian Longclaw, Blue-winged Goose and Black-headed Siskin.

15 Days Bird Watching Safari ( code1 )

Up on arrival, met by Wisdom representatives, transfer to Hotel.

Overnight at Hotel.

Day 2 Addis-Debre Libanos-Addis.

Excursion to Debre Libanos monastery, through the Sululta plain to Debre Libanos and the Jemma River Gorge, about 110 km from the capital. Sululta plain is a wide shallow valley, ringed by mountains, with many rivers draining into it and forming extensive wetlands for much of the year. En route through the plain we can expect to see Black-winged and Spot-breasted Plover, Wattled Ibis, Blue-winged Goose, Rouget’s Rail, Abyssinian Long claw, Abyssinian Catbird, Common Crane and Wheat Ear. It is currently the only known location in Ethiopia for the exceptionally rare White-winged Flufftail. We will make a small detour from the main road to take in the very attractive 200 m Aleltu Falls, where we can expect to see White-billed Starling, Ruppel’s Chat, Bearded Vulture, Verreaux’s Eagle, Lanner and Peregrine Falcon. Overnight in hotel

Day 3 Addis-Menagesha Forest-Addis.

Drive in the morning to the Ambo Road for Menagesha State Forest, about 50 km from Addis Ababa. The Emperor Zera Yacob (1434-1468), noticing the degradation of the forest around Mount Wechecha, initiated what was perhaps the first reforestation and conservation measure in the region by having Juniper trees planted. We will take a picnic lunch, making our way up through the forest towards the top of Mount Wechecha. We can expect to see the Abyssinian Catbird, Banded Barbet, Golden-backed Woodpecker, Black-headed Forest Oriole, Wattled Ibis, Yellow-fronted Parrot, Black-winged Lovebird, Abyssinian Ground Thrush, Crowned Eagle and Narina’s Trogan. Among the wildlife species recorded here are: Menelik’s Bushbuck, Leopard, Colobus Monkey, Serval, Grey Duiker, Hyaena, Warthog, Porcupine and Civet Cat. We will return to Addis by the Jima Road, to the south of the forest. Overnight in hotel

Day 4 Addis-Awash.

Drive to the Ethiopian Rift Valley, turning east at Mojo towards Awash. We will be birding along the way, and will stop for lunch in Nazareth. For the rest of this day’s activities and for the species we can expect to see, Over 460 species of bird have been recorded in this area including: the Abyssinian Roller, Abyssinian Ground Horn Bill, the endemic White-tailed Swallow, Buff Crested Bustard, Dark Chanting Goshawk, Pygmy Falcon, Honey Guide, Woodland Kingfisher, Kori and Arabian Bustard, Black-shouldered Kite, White and Crowned Rosy Patch Shrike, Carmine Bee Eater, Orange-billed Parrot, Lilac Breasted Roller, Lappet faced and Ruppell’s vulture. We will also see a variety of different animals, including Greater and Lesser Kudu, Wart Hog, Dik Dik, Gerenuk, Menelik’s Bushbuck, Soemmering gazelle, Hamadryas baboons, and crocodiles. Overnight in hotel

Day 5 Awash

The day is dedicated birding in the different habitats of the area, the plains, cliffs, wetlands and riverine forest by the Awash. We can return to the camp for lunch. Camel trekking can be arranged to some of these sites – one gets a great view from on top of a camel, and can also get closer to birds and wildlife. Overnight in hotel

Day 6 Awash-Langano

Today we retrace our steps towards Mojo, birding along the way, and stopping to see the hippo in the pools near Nazret. Then drive to Zeway lakeshore where huge numbers of water birds are congregated. African Pygmy Geese, Yellow-billed and Marabou Storks, Collared Pratincoles, Lesser and Greater Jacanas, African Jacanas, White Pelicans, Fish Eagles, Crowned and Common Cranes are some of the species to be seen here in impressive numbers. Then we will drive to lake Langano Overnight in hotel.

Day 7 Langano

Lake Langano is one of Ethiopian salty and suitable for relaxing and also where someone can swim. The day is dedicated to visit the Shalla and Abiyata National Park, where we can see different birds including flamingos. Overnight in Hotel

Day 8 Langano-Wondogenet

Drive Lake Langano to Wondo Genet hot set among forested hills. Here we will see the Silvery-cheeked Hornbill, White-cheeked Turaco, and Yellow-fronted Parrot. In the evening we will explore the juniper forests behind the hotel, where we can see the Black-headed Forest Oriole, the Golden-backed Woodpecker, Redwing Starling, Grosbeak Weaver, Mountain Wagtail and Black-roughing Swallow. We will also see Colobus monkey, Anubis baboon and bushbuck. Overnight in hotel

Day 9 Wondogenet

The day is dedicated to walk in the forests around Wondo Genet, for more birds and if someone wants to stay relaxing in the hot spring swimming pool this is a really ideal place for a day relaxing. Overnight in hotel

Day 10 Wondogenet-Awassa

Drive from Wondogenet to Awassa birding along the shores of Lake Awassa. In composition this fresh water Lake is different from the alkaline lakes of Abiyata and Shalla. The Black forest near the lake is an additional and interesting birding site. Overnight in hotel

Day 11 Awassa- Dinsho

Early morning visit the fish Market in the lakeshore of Awassa, than drive to the Bale Mountain National Parks. Overnight in hotel

Day 12 Disho

The day is dedicated birding in the stunning Afro-Alpine setting of the Sanetti plateau, with its striking Afro-Alpine flora, such as the Giant Lobelia and Red Hot Poker. It is the best place in Ethiopia to see the Simien Wolf, the rare caned in the world, while the huge rodent population, including the endemic Giant Mole Rat, supports a variety of raptors. The rare Wattled Crane is often seen, while there are a good number of the Spot-breasted Plover. Tullu Dimtu at 4377 m is the second highest mountain in Ethiopia and we can drive all the way to the top. Overnight in Hotel

Day 13 Disho-Goba

The day is dedicated birding in Harena forest where at the southern boundary of the park the altitude is 1700 m. The Forest supports a woodland avi-fauna including the African Cuckoo Hawk, Yellow-fronted Parrot and Brown-backed Honey guide. Wildlife includes Klipspringer, Serval, Bushpig, Giant Forest Hog, Grey Duiker, Colobus Monkey, Lion and Leopard; although visitors are less likely to see the latter two and afternoon drive to Goba. Overnight in hotel

Day 14 Goba-Addis

Drive Goba to Addis Ababa via the rift valley lakes. Overnight in hotel

Day 15 Departure

After breakfast, you will have a site seeing and leisure time for shopping. In the evening, you will have a folkloric dinner in one of the best traditional restaurant in Addis. Transfer to airport for departure to your home where the tour ends.

15 days Bird watching Tour ( code 2)

Day 1

Arrive Addis Ababa, transfer to the hotel.

Day 2

excursion to Debre Libanos monastery, through the Sululta plain to Debre Libanos and the Jima River Gorge, about 110 km from the capital. Sululta plain is a wide shallow valley, ringed by mountains, with many rivers draining into it and forming extensive wetlands for much of the year. En route through the plain we can expect to see Black-winged and Spot-breasted Plover, Wattled Ibis, Blue-winged Goose, Rouget’s Rail, Abyssinian Long claw, Abyssinian Catbird, Common Crane and Wheat Ear. It is currently the only known location in Ethiopia for the exceptionally rare White-winged Flufftail. We will make a small detour from the main road to take in the very attractive 200 m Aleltu Falls, where we can expect to see White-billed Starling, Ruppel’s Chat, Bearded Vulture, Verreaux’s Eagle, Lanner and Peregrine Falcon. Overnight in hotel.

Day 3

Drive in the morning to the Ambo Road for Menagesha State Forest, about 50 km from Addis Ababa. The Emperor Zera Yacob (1434-1468), noticing the degradation of the forest around Mount Wechecha, initiated what was perhaps the first reforestation and conservation measure in the region by having Juniper trees planted. We will take a picnic lunch, making our way up through the forest towards the top of Mount Wechecha. We can expect to see the Abyssinian Catbird, Banded Barbet, Golden-backed Woodpecker, Black-headed Forest Oriole, Wattled Ibis, Yellow-fronted Parrot, Black-winged Lovebird, Abyssinian Ground Thrush, Crowned Eagle and Narina’s Trogan. Among the wildlife species recorded here are: Menelik’s Bushbuck, Leopard, Colobus Monkey, Serval, Grey Duiker, Hyaena, Warthog, Porcupine and Civet Cat. We will return to Addis by the Jima Road, to the south of the forest. Overnight hotel.

Day 4

Drive to the Ethiopian Rift Valley, turning east at Mojo towards Awash. We will be birding along the way, and will stop for lunch in Nazareth. For the rest of this day’s activities and for the species we can expect to see, Over 460 species of bird have been recorded in this area including: the Abyssinian Roller, Abyssinian Ground Horn Bill, the endemic White-tailed Swallow, Buff Crested Bustard, Dark Chanting Goshawk, Pygmy Falcon, Honey Guide, Woodland Kingfisher, Kori and Arabian Bustard, Black-shouldered Kite, White and Crowned Rosy Patch Shrike, Carmine Bee Eater, Orange-billed Parrot, Lilac Breasted Roller, Lappet faced and Ruppell’s vulture. We will also see a variety of different animals, including Greater and Lesser Kudu, Wart Hog, Dik Dik, Gerenuk, Menelik’s Bushbuck, Soemmering gazelle, Hamadryas baboons, and crocodiles. Overnight in hotel.

Day 5

The day is dedicated birding in the different habitats of the area, the plains, cliffs, wetlands and riverine forest by the Awash. We can return to the camp for lunch. Camel trekking can be arranged to some of these sites – one gets a great view from on top of a camel, and can also get closer to birds and wildlife. Overnight in hotel.

Day 6

Today we retrace our steps towards Mojo, birding along the way, and stopping to see the hippo in the pools near Nazret. Than drive to Zeway lakeshore where huge numbers of water birds are congregated. African Pygmy Geese, Yellow-billed and Marabou Storks, Collared Pratincoles, Lesser and Greater Jacanas, African Jacanas, White Pelicans, Fish Eagles, Crowned and Common Cranes are some of the species to be seen here in impressive numbers. Then we will drive to lake Langano Overnight in hotel.

Day 7

Lake Langano is one of Ethiopian salty and suitable for relaxing and also where someone can swim. The day is dedicated to visit the Shalla and Abiyata National Park, where we can see different birds including flamingos. Overnight in Hotel.

Day 8

Drive Lake Langano to Wondo Genet hot set among forested hills. Here we will see the Silvery-cheeked Hornbill, White-cheeked Turaco, and Yellow-fronted Parrot. In the evening we will explore the juniper forests behind the hotel, where we can see the Black-headed Forest Oriole, the Golden-backed Woodpecker, Redwing Starling, Grosbeak Weaver, Mountain Wagtail and Black-roughing Swallow. We will also see Colobus monkey, Anubis baboon and bushbuck. Overnight in hotel.

Day 9

The day is dedicated to walk in the forests around Wondo Genet, for more birds and if some one wants to stay relaxing in the hot spring swimming pool this is a really ideal place for a day relaxing. Overnight in hotel.

Day 10

Drive Wondo Genet to Awassa birding along the shores of Lake Awassa. In composition this fresh water Lake is different from the alkaline lakes of Abiyata and Shalla. The Black forest near the lake is an additional and interesting birding site. Overnight in hotel.

Day 11

Early morning visit the fish Market in the lakeshore of Awassa, than drive to the Bale Mountain National Parks. Overnight in hotel.

Day 12

The day is dedicated birding in the stunning Afro-Alpine setting of the Sanetti plateau, with its striking Afro-Alpine flora, such as the Giant Lobelia and Red Hot Poker. It is the best place in Ethiopia to see the Simien Wolf, the rare caned in the world, while the huge rodent population, including the endemic Giant Mole Rat, supports a variety of raptors. The rare Wattled Crane is often seen, while there are a good number of the Spot-breasted Plover. Tullu Dimtu at 4377 m is the second highest mountain in Ethiopia and we can drive all the way to the top. Overnight in Hotel.

Day 13

The day is dedicated birding in Harena forest where at the southern boundary of the park the altitude is 1700 m. The Forest supports a woodland avi-fauna including the African Cuckoo Hawk, Yellow-fronted Parrot and Brown-backed Honey guide. Wildlife includes Klipspringer, Serval, Bushpig, Giant Forest Hog, Grey Duiker, Colobus Monkey, Lion and Leopard; although visitors are less likely to see the latter two and afternoon drive to Goba. Overnight in hotel.

Day 14

Drive Goba to Addis Ababa via the rift valley lakes. Overnight in hotel.

Day 15

Departure

14 Days Bird Watching Tour to Central Ethiopia

Day 01.

Arrival

Day 02.

An early morning start we drive to the Mt. Entoto/Sululta Plain with short grassland habitat searching for unique birds such as White-backed Black Tit, Blue-winged Goose, Wattled Ibis, Ethiopian Siskin, Ethiopian Cisticola, White-collared Pigeon, Abyssinian Longclaw, Erlangerfs Lark, Tawny Eagle, Cattle Egret and Yellow-billed Duck. Jamma Valley escarpment (upper Nile valley) is adjacent to Debre Libanos natural forest and thickets home to the endemic Banded Barbet, White-cheeked Turaco, Abyssinian Woodpecker, Ethiopian Black-headed Oriole, Lammergeyer, Egyptian Vulture, Vareauxfs Eagle, Lanner Falcon and Griffon Vultures. The nearby gorge attracts the endemic White-billed Starling, Ruppell’s Black Chat, White-winged Cliff-chat and mocking Cliff-chat. Scrub lures Erckel’s Francolin, Stout Cisticola and Tekeze Sunbird
Overnight at the Ethio-German Lodge nearby the so called Portuguese Bridge.

Day 03.

Today we drive to Jamma Valley to locate the rare Harwood’s Francolin and Abyssinian Black-wheatear. The road climbs steeply through highland fields and traditional villages. The cliffs and boulder-strewn slopes of the Jamma Valley may have flocks of White-billed Starlings, the extremely rare Salvadorfs Serin, Singing Cisticola, Isabel line Shrike and Abyssinian Black Wheatear. In the afternoon, we drive to Debre Birhan town while enjoying another sector of plain grassland birds including Erlanger’s Lark, Pectoral-patch Cisticola and Ortolan Bunting.
Overnight at Eva Hotel Ankober Lodge.

Day 04.

An early start exploring the road to Tarmaber scenic view outlook. Our main interest is to find the rarest endemic Ankober Serin feeding in the highland grass field. In the lower fields, we can expect Yellow-crowned Canary, Brown-rumped and Streaky Seed-eater. Overhead we may locate Saker Falcon, Lammergeyer, Augur Buzzard and Alpine Swifts.
After late breakfast we drive towards Bishoftu east of Addis towards fascinating Crater Lakes such as Lake Chalalaka, an important shallow lake for migratory waders and significant numbers of Cranes, Marabou storks and Cormorants. Hora a fresh water lake holding Little Grebe, Pelican, Malachite Kingfisher, Little Bee-eater, Black-billed Barbet, African Paradise Flycatcher, Masked weaver and Starlings. The area named after the crater lake Bishoftu, meaning gtasteless Waterh support large numbers of Weavers, Seed-eaters, Thrushes, Doves, Sunbirds and Finches in the adjoining sedges and thickets. Late afternoon proceed to
Overnight at Dreamland Hotel with an excellent view of Bishoftu.

Day 05.

Today we drive to Bale Mountains found on the other side of the Great Rift Valley looking for Rougetfs Rail, Thick-billed Raven, Abyssinian Catbird, Abyssinian Slaty-flycatcher, Chestnut-napped Francolin, Moorland Francolin, Abyssinian Ground Thrush to name a few. The remnant of Ruddy Shell-ducks and Wattled Cranes are also found here.
The northern dry forest around Dinsho is known for exceptional wild animals including Mountain Nyala, Menelikfs Bushbuck, Bohor Reedbuck, Warthog and Bush Duiker.
Overnight Goba Hotel at the edge of the Sanate Plateau.

Day 06.

Beyond Goba we enter typical timberline habitats of Juniper and Hygenia Abyssinica driving up Africa’s highest all weather roads to 4100 meters above sea level where we enter the 10,000 square kilometers Sanate plateau with its chain of tiny terrains. In this strange and fascinating afro-alpine climate we will find the rare Ethiopian Wolf, Starckfs Hare and Giant Mole-rat.
Then the road drops suddenly on the Harenna leeside with its wet forest and fantastic view points, through a series of dizzying hairpin bends, as it zigzags down to the lowland town of Dolo-mena. In the afternoon we drive back to Goba looking for birds and animals we missed earlier on.
Overnight Goba Hotel.

Day 07.

Today we drive to the Sof Omar Caves on the eastern edge of Bale Mountains maybe the worldfs most spectacular and extensive underground system carved by the Web River into the limestone that line it. Time has carved out ornate and immense pillars, domes and chambers, and the river flows through the caves year-round. During onefs passage through the caves, we have to cross the river seven times in the 1.5km underground caves. It is an interesting shrine and pilgrimage place for Muslims. The roof of the caves is home to thousands of Bats and the floor is covered with droppings accumulating over many years. Web River gorge and cliffs with its bushes support the endemic Salvadorifs Seedeater, Bristle-crowned Starling, Swifts and Swallows and many more.
Overnight Goba Hotel.

Day 08.

Today we continue through Sanate Plateau, undisturbed natural forest of Harenna, Genale River basin towards the Borena diverse ecosystem looking for African White-winged Dove, Juba Weaver, Ruspolifs Turaco, Sidamo Lark, Stresemannfs Bush-crow, White-tailed Swallow, Golden Breasted Starling, Vulturine Guineafowl, Red-napped Shrike, Rosy-patched Bush-shrike and Striped Swallows to name a few.
Overnight the Green Hotel at Negele town.

Day 09.

Dawn excursion to Hara-kalo and Wadera dry river valleys to search for a remarkable bird called Prince Ruspolifs Turaco. On the way expect different birds of prey including Pygmy Falcon, Ovambo Sparrow hawk, Eastern Chanting Goshawk, White-headed Vulture and the like.
In the afternoon we visit the large grassland of the Liben Plain looking for the birds of dry-open country such as Sidamo Lark, Tiny Cisticola, Rufous Short-Toed Lark, Kori Bustard, Sooty Falcon and Crowned Lapwing and many more. After lunch we continue exploring for birds like Golden-breasted Starling, Shelleyfs Starling, Magpie Starling, Chatterers and many more arid land birds.
Overnight at Green Hotel.

Day 10.

Today we proceed birding en route to the town of Yabello an important junction town in the middle of the red sandstone landscape with many large termite mounds. This mosaic arid land is home to several spectacular birds notably the charismatic Stresemann’s Bush-crow, White-tailed Swallow, Vulturine Guineafowl, Yellow-naked Spur fowl, White-crowned Starling and many more.
Overnight Yabello Motel.

Day 11.

Today we explore the road to Mega and Dubluk were mixed thicket attracts Pygmy Falcon, Slate-colored Boubou, Bare-eyed Thrush, Purple Grenadier, Black-capped Social and Grey-capped Social Weaver. Birds of prey are numerous including Gabar Goshawk, Amur Falcon, Lappet-faced Vulture on wings and many more.
In the afternoon we will bird Yabello Forest Sanctuary for Northern Black Flycatcher, White-cheeked Turaco, Tawny Wagtail, Bare-faced Go-Away-Bird and many Seed-eaters.
OvernightYabelloMotel.

Day 12.

Today we drive back to the Yirgalem area through typical southern highland forest. Arriving at the Aregash Lodge compound we search the grounds for Great Sparrow hawk, African Hawk-eagle, Tambourine Dove, Silvery-cheeked Hornbill, Mountain Thrush, Battis, Shrikes and more.
Overnight Aregash Eco-lodge.

Day 13.

After early morning birding and breakfast we drive to eBishangarif meaning gBlessed waterh located on the eastern bank of Lake Langano adjacent to the Chilalo chain of mountains on the southern edge of the Great Rift Valley. Here we find the remnant of typical tropical rain forest and en route we search for Nubian Woodpecker, Speckled Mousebird, Blue-breasted Bee-eater, African Mourning Dove and many more colorful forest birds.
Overnight Bishangari Eco-Lodge.

Day 14.

Early morning we explore the tropical rain forest and adjacent bank of Lake Langano for birds including Yellow-Fronted Parrot, Orange-bellied Parrot, African Paradise Flycatcher, Bare-faced Go-Away Bird, African Fish-eagle, Cuckoo Shrikes and water birds including Greater Egrets, Squacco Herons, Greater and Long-tailed Cormorants, Gulls, Geese, Ducks, Shanks, Kingfishers and Weavers.
Leaving after a late breakfast we arrive in Addis late afternoon and we will have a farewell dinner before departing for the airport.

13 Days Bird Watching Tour

Day 1: Arrival Addis Ababa

Up on arrival at Bole international air port and met by Ghion Travel and Tours representatives and transfer to hotel. After check in to hotel, you will have a city tour of Addis. It includes; National Museum, the home of the famous complete hominid fossil remain of Lucy dates 3.2 million years back, Trinity Cathedral, a beautiful church with a baroque style of European architecture unique to both Ethiopia and Africa. In the afternoon, drive to Mount Entoto, panoramic view point at the highest peak in Addis with an altitude of 3200 meter above sea level, for bird watching in the forest and the surrounding plains. Overnight stay will be in your Hotel.

Day 2: Addis- Gefersa- Ambo

After breakfast, drive to Gefersa and watch the abundant water birds. After visiting, continue drive to Ambo. On the way you will have ample opportunity to see different species of birds. Overnight stay will be in your Hotel.

Day 3: Ambo-Wonchi Creator Lake- Addis

In the morning, drive to Wonchi Creator Lake to visit the avifauna environment and the beautiful lake itself. Then drive back to Addis Ababa. Overnight in your hotel

Day 4: Addis- Ankober- Addis

After breakfast, drive to north east of Addis Ababa to Ankober, where you would experience magnificent scenic beauty and some endangered bird species like Ankober Serine. After visiting, drive back to Addis. Overnight in your hotel

Day 5: Addis- DebreZeit- Langano

Morning, drive to DebreZeit to the Rift Valley lakes and observe the abundant water birds, some of them are migratory from Europe. Overnight in your hotel/lodge

Day 6: Langano

On this day, you will have a full day visit of water birds at Lakes Langano, Shalla and Abyjata. Overnight in your hotel/lodge

Day 7: Langano- WondoGenet- Hawassa

After breakfast, drive to Wondo Genet area to observe forest bird species. Lovely weather, hot spring and landscape and view of coffee plantation will be additional experience for clients. Overnight stay will be in your hotel/resort

Day 8: Hawassa

On this day, you will have birding of the abundant indigenous and migrant aquatic birds surrounding of Lake Hawassa. Boat trip is a part of your stay in Hawassa. Overnight stay will be in your hotel/resort.

Day 9: Hawassa-Yabello

After breakfast, drive to Yabello where you would experience watching the bird species of the juniper forest. You would also see the endangered endemic species Prince Ruspoli’s Turaco. Overnight in your hotel

Day 10: Yabello-Konso

In the morning, drive to Konso. This trip would give additional opportunity to watch juniper forest and plain birds. Overnight in your hotel/lodge

Day 11: Konso-Arbaminch

After breakfast, drive to Arbaminch. In the afternoon, watch on the shore of Lake Chamo and Abaya. Overnight in your hotel/lodge

Day 12: Arbaminch

Morning, drive to Nechsar National Park. This trip in the park with a picnic lunch would give you the chance to visit many different species of birds may be including the Nechsar Nightjar, an endemic species are identified. Then drive back to Arbaninch. Overnight in your hotel/lodge

Day 13: Arbaminch- Addis- Departure

In the morning drive back to Addis Ababa with many stops for bird watching. On the way, visit Lake Ziway, the Ethiopian Bird Spectacle, the great Pelicans are the main stars of this astonishing natural live show, which takes place at one of the freshwater Rift Valley lakes of Ethiopia. After visiting, keep drive to Addis. In the evening, farewell traditional dinner in one of the best restaurant in Addis followed by folkloric dance of different Ethiopian nations. Then transfer to airport to fly back to home, where the tour ends.

9 Days Bird Watching Tours

Day 1: Arrival Addis Ababa

Up on arrival at Bole international air port and met by representatives and transfer to hotel. After check in to hotel, you will have a city tour of Addis. It includes; National Museum, the home of the famous complete hominid fossil remain of Lucy dates 3.2 million years back, Mount Entoto, panoramic view point at the highest peak in Addis with an altitude of 3200 meter above sea level, Trinity Cathedral, a beautiful church with a baroque style of European architecture unique to both Ethiopia and Africa, Ethnographic Museum and Merkato (the largest open air market in Africa). Overnight in your hotel

Day 2: Addis-Menagesha Forest- Addis

Morning, drive to the west of Addis Ababa to reach Menagesha-Suba Forest. Before and after lunch you will have bird watching. In addition to many other birds you would see the endemic Blue-winged Goose. After visiting, drive back to Addis. Overnight in your hotel

Day 3: Addis-Debre-Libanos- Addis

In the morning drive out of Addis in the northern direction. You would get great opportunity to see birds in the Sululta Plain. Continue driving to Debre Libanos, a 12th century monastery located in a valley. In addition to birds you will visit historical monastery of Debre Libanos, the attractive landscape and the endemic Gelada Baboon. After visiting, drive back to Addis. Overnight in your hotel

Day 4: Addis- Debre-Zeit

After breakfast, drive to Debre-Zeit 50 km east of Addis Ababa. The creator lakes around and the savanna environment are known for the abundant aquatic and savanna birds. Overnight in your hotel/resort

Day 5: Debre-Zeit- Awash

In the morning, drive to Awash National Park with many stops for birding in many different swampy areas. After lunch birding in Awash National park. Overnight in your hotel

Day 6: Awash

Early in the morning start bird watching in the park; this is known to have more than 400 species of birds. Secretary bird is among the many species you would see. Overnight in your hotel/lodge

Day 7: Awash-Hawassa

In the morning, drive to Hawassa a beautiful town on the shore of Lake Hawassa with stops on the way for birding. Late afternoon stroll on Lake Hawassa’s shore would give you the chance to observe many different species of birds in close distance. Marabou Storks, kingfishers, Ducks and Geese are among others. Overnight in your hotel

Day 8: Hawassa- WendoGenet- Hawassa

After breakfast, drive to WondoGenet area to observe forest bird species. Lovely weather, hot spring and landscape and view of coffee plantation will be additional experience for clients. After visiting, drive back to Hawassa and overnight in your hotel/resort

Day 9: Hawassa- Addis- Departure

In the morning drive back to Addis Ababa with many stops for bird watching. On the way, visit Lake Ziway, the Ethiopian Bird Spectacle, the great Pelicans are the main stars of this astonishing natural live show, which takes place at one of the freshwater Rift Valley lakes of Ethiopia. After visiting, keep drive to Addis. In the evening, farewell traditional dinner in one of the best restaurant in Addis followed by folkloric dance of different Ethiopian nations. Then transfer to airport to fly back to home, where the tour ends.