Tour Packages | Tour Guide in Ethiopia | Ethiopia Tour | Ethiopia Travel and Tours Packages | Tour to Ethiopia | Ethiopia Holiday Packages | Ethiopia Budget tour holidays | Tours in Ethiopia Holidays

Ethiopia’s Historic North and Omo Valley: 14 Days / 13 Nights

Posted by: Posted on: April 20, 2016

Ethiopia is one of those rare Africa destinations with two distinct diversified regions of historical and geographical uniqueness. Travel to the northern part of the country with its 17 centuries of Christian history. Visit three UNESCO World Heritage sites and learn about interesting historical parallels with Jerusalem and Queen of Sheba, the famous leader of the Axumite Empire. Proceed to southern Ethiopia and be amazed on how the culture and lifestyle is so different from their fellow Ethiopians to the north. Visit four distinct tribal villages and feel as though you have stepped back in time.

Itinerary

Day 01 Arrival – Addis Ababa

For morning arrivals, optional visit to the Ethnographic Museum, a great introduction to Ethiopian culture and history. If time allows, visit the Mercato, one of Africa’s largest outdoor markets, and Trinity Cathedral, resting place of Emperor Haile Selassie.
Overnight Hotel – Addis Ababa

Day 02 Addis Ababa – Bahar Dar

Fly to Bahar Dar on Ethiopian Airlines. Visit the marketplace in Bahar Dar. Take a boat tour on Lake Tana, the source of the Blue Nile, and tour ancient island monasteries.
Overnight Hotel – Bahar Dar

Day 03 Bahar Dar – Gondar

Drive through the countryside to Gondar. Tour the Royal Enclosure, a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring five castles built by a succession of Ethiopian Kings beginning in the early 17th century. Having survived several wars, including air raids during World War 2, the castles are a testament to the resilience of this once mighty African Empire. Visit the church of Debre Birhan Selassie, famous for its religious art and especially its iconic ceiling depicting angels.
Overnight Hotel – Gondar

Day 04 Gondar – Lalibela

Fly to Lalibela on Ethiopian Airlines 700 kilometers north of Addis Ababa. Tour the magnificent rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This group of eleven monolithic and semi-monolithic structures were carved directly into the stone of the mountainside at least 800 years ago. This complex boasts the largest monolithic church in the world, a maze of passageways and tunnels, intricately carved reliefs, and fabulous examples of icon paintings.
Overnight Hotel – Lalibela

Day 05 Lalibela

For the morning you have two choices: Take a morning hike with mules to Mount Asheton, with its 13th century rock-hewn monastery and great views of the town; – OR – Drive to Yemrehanna Kristos, a beautiful church situated in a shallow cave that predates the churches of Lalibela. The drive to Yemrehanna will also give you the opportunity to view the rural countryside and villages of the Ethiopian highlands. Following either option above continue with tour of Lalibela’s churches in the afternoon.
Overnight Hotel – Lalibela

Day 06 Lalibela – Axum

Fly to Axum on Ethiopian Airlines. Tour the ancient stelae fields, standing for 2000 years. Visit the new and impressive Archeological Museum. Visit other tombs and archeological sites as time permits.
Overnight Hotel – Axum

Day 07 Axum – Addis Ababa – Lake Langano

Fly to Addis Ababa and then drive to the Rift Valley Lake Langano. Relax at the Sabana Lodge. Lake Langano is safe for swimming.
Overnight Lodge – Lake Langano

Day 08 Lake Langano – Arba Minch

Drive to Arba Minch via Melka Kunture, a stone-age archeological site; Adadi Mariam, a 12th century rock-hewn church; and Tiya, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its mysterious stelae, thought to be grave markers, dating from the 12th century. Also visit a Dorze Village in the Guge Mountains. The Dorze are known for their tall, beehive-shaped bamboo houses. If the base becomes infested with termites, the entire house can be lifted and moved to another location.
Overnight Hotel – Arba Minch

Day 09 Arba Minch – Jinka

Take a boat trip on Lake Chamo and view some of the largest crocodiles in the world sunning on the banks of the lake. Hippopotami and birdlife are also abundant. Drive to Jinka visiting various peoples such as the Gamo and Derashe. Stop at Key Afar’s weekly market (if on a Thursday) and wander among the various tribes such as the Benna and Ari that have gathered to barter their goods.
Overnight Lodge – Jinka

Day 10 Mago National Park Excursion

Early morning drive to the Mago National Park to visit the Mursi people. The Mursi women are known for the clay plates they insert into their lower lips. Time permitting, visit the Omo Valley Museum in Jinka.
Overnight Lodge – Jinka

Day 11 Jinka – Turmi

Drive to Turmi to visit the Hamer people who are well known for the scarring of their bodies, using clay to shape their hairstyles, and the unique practice of “bull-jumping” which every young man must accomplish prior to marriage. En route to Turmi, visit the Benna and Ari people.
Overnight Lodge – Turmi

Day 12 Murele Excursion

Drive to Murele and visit the Karo people, known for their elaborate body-painting. Also visit a village of the Dassanech people. Return to Turmi for the evening.
Overnight Lodge – Turmi

Day 13 Turmi – Konso

Drive to Konso, recently designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. A highland people, the Konso are known for the ancient and intricate terraces that encircle their well-planned villages. Overnight Lodge – Konso

Day 14 Konso – Arba Minch – Addis Ababa

Drive from Konso to Arba Minch for flight to Addis Ababa. Enjoy a farewell dinner at a traditional Ethiopian restaurant featuring dancers and musicians representing some of the country’s many ethnic groups. Transfer to airport for late night departure upon request.

18-Days Combination Tour of Historical Routes of North and Tribes of Omo Valley South

Posted by: Posted on: April 20, 2016

Day 1: Arrival at Addis Ababa Bole International Air port

Meet and Tours representative at exit of luggage claim and transfer you to the hotel. Overnight stay in the Jupitor hotel.

Day 2: City tour in Addis Ababa

Addis Ababa is the third highest capital of the world on an altitude of 2300-2500 m. with a pleasant climate and a background of green with eucalyptus trees covered mountains. The city is founded in 1886 by Emperor Menelik II and Queen Taitu.
Visit Entoto Mountains, with very nice view over the capital, the National/Ethnographic museum, St George church and the Merkato, biggest open air market in Africa. Overnight stay in the Jupitor hotel.

Day 3: Fly to Bahir dar and transfer hotel for check-in

Make a boat trip on Lake Tana to visit the medieval period island monasteries such as; Kibran Gabriel (only for men), Entos and on the Zegien peninsula visit Ura Kidan Mehiret, Azuwa Mariam, Mahal Giorgis.

In the afternoon drive to Tis Isat (smoking of Fire); Since a dam has been built upstream, the waterfall is reduced a little. Also the walk to the waterfall is nice and you can enjoy nature and watch birds. Overnight stay in the Homeland Hotel, Bahir Dar.

Day 4: City tour in Gondar

After having breakfast drive to Gondar, 180km asphalt road via a scenic route and marvelous landscape and Visit the Royal Enclosure that is surrounded by high stone walls containing the 17th century palaces of King Fassiladas, King Iyasu and Queen Mentewab and different other buildings. Visit also Fasiladas’ Bath, (that is filled with water for the important Timkat (epiphany) ceremony once a year)

Having a lunch in afternoon visit the rectangular Debre Brehan Selassie (Trinity at the Mount of Light) has a ceilings decorated with beautiful winged Angels. Depending on the time you can visit also Kweskwam Complex which is a royal compound built by the Empress Mentewab. Inside the palace look out the figures of crosses and Ethiopian characters and animals, such as St Samuel riding his lion. Overnight stay in the Florida Hotel

Day 5: Flight to Axum

Axum is a town with monuments that testify of the rich and glorious past of the mighty Kingdom of Axum (1-700 A.D.). And the town also recorded in UNESCO lists as a World Heritage Site. Upon arrival check in hotel then start to make a visit to the famous Axumi’s stelae, St. Mary of Zion church (which supposed to house the Ark of Covenant) and archeological museum, the ruins palace of Queen Sheba so called Dungur & palace.

Outside Axum you can visit also the tombs of Kings Kaleb & Gebre Meskel dating to 6th century. They are a great example of the sheer sophistication of Axumite architecture and building techniques. Overnight stay in Sabean Hotel.

Day 6: Flight to Lalibela

Lalibela and its rock-hewn church are thought, to date the 12th and 13th century during King Lalibela reign. The churches are remarkable since they are entirely freed from the rock, refined and concentrated in small land.
Start to visit the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela which are clustered in to three different places separated by River Jordan. Today visit the first and the third groups of churches. Overnight stay in Mountain View Hotel.

Day 7: Continue sightseeing around and in Lalibela

Make excursion to visit Asheton Mariam by mule or drive to 45km gravel road North of Lalibela to visit Yemrehan Christos church. In afternoon continue to visit the second groups of churches. Overnight stay in Mountain View Hotel.

Day 8: Flight to Addis Ababa

After an early morning breakfast flight back to Addis Ababa. Today you can continue your Addis Ababa visit that left from Day 2. Overnight stay in Jupitor International Hotel.

Day 9: Drive to Awassa via the Great Rift Valley

Today en route you will make a stop on Awash River and Lake Ziway to visit aquatic birds. Lake Ziway, the shallowest lake in the rift valley chain of lakes which depth 7m. Its extensive aquatic vegetation attracts a variety of water birds. Commonly seen and easily identified are; Saddle-billed stork, greater jacana, African fish eagle, darter, herons, darters and Wood hoope. In Awassa you can also walk around the ditch to for nice sunset and aquatic birds. Overnight stay in Oasis International Hotel.

Day 10: Drive to Arba Minch via Wolayta

Today before starting drive to Arba Minch you will visit the scenic morning Fish market in Awassa where the fisher man sell his fresh Tilapia, Catfish, and Barbus whereas Pelicans and Storks are competing to take the left over. You can also spot Black and White Colbous monkey around the Amor Gedele. En route make a stop and visit Wolayta villages. Overnight stay in Paradise Lodge, Arba Minch

Day 11: Make a boat trip to L. Chamo and in afternoon drive to Dorze

Make a boat trip on Lake Chamo where the longest and fattest crocodiles of Africa take a sunbath on the shores. Hippo’s hide themselves under the water and you will also see a good range of birds including; weavers, sunbirds, waxbills and colonies of pelicans.

Having a lunch drive to Dorze, the road slowly ascends to the top, where it gives you a panoramic view to the Lake Abaya and Lake Chamo then visit the Dorze village. The Dorze are famous for constructing distinguished beehive shaped huts, terrace cultivation and the best weaving work of Ethiopia. Overnight stay in Paradise Lodge, Arba Minch.

Day 12: Drive to Jinka via Key afar

Passing the terraced mountains of Konso with magnificent views into Weyto valley you drive to Jinka, if you the day is Thursday you will have the opportunities to visit the Key afar market, which gather; the Hammer, Benna, Ari and Tsmay tribes. Depending on your arrival you can visit also the Ethnographic museum of Jinka. Overnight stay in Jinka Resort.

Day 13: Excursion to visit the Mursi village via Mago National Park

To visit the Mursi you cross a part of the Mago NP on a track through the bush where many Dikdiks (small antelopes) and gazelle can be seen on the savanna plains.
The Mursi are well known for the big clay plates the women bear in their lower lip and ear. The origin of this tradition is not known but the Mursi themselves consider it as something that makes them distinguish from the surrounding tribes and to make the women unattractive for slave-market. But nowadays it is considered as a sign of beauty and wealth. Overnight stay in Jinka Resort.

Day 14: Drive to Turmi via Key afar-Dimeka

Drive to Turmi a small town of Hammer people. Visit the Hammer village. They are well-known for their Bull-Jumping ceremony and Evangadi dance. The Bull-Jumping occur when young boys reach the age of marriage he have to jump three times over the backs of a long row of bulls without falling. If this succeeds they have passed to adulthood from childhood. Overnight stay in Buska Lodge.

Day 15: Excursion to Omorate (Dassench/Gleb) village

Today you drive through the wilderness of the Omo valley to the Dassanech (or Galeb) who are living on the other side of the Omo River. To reach their village you cross the river in a canoe which is made of a hollow tree. Overnight stay in Buska Lodge.

Day 16: Excursion to Murille to visit the Karo villages

Drive to Murille to visit the Karo village Kolcho. The Karo people are thought to be one of the most endangered groups of the omo valley people. Overnight stay in Buska Lodge.

Day 17: Drive to Arba Minch

The society of the Konso boasts a rich culture and a highly specialized and successful agricultural economy by their indigenous way of terracing the steep slopes for cultivation of sorghum and different grains. Overnight stay in Paradise Lodge.

Day 18: Drive back to Addis Ababa via Tiya and Melka-Kuntare

On your way back to Addis Ababa via an alternative route through Ziway-Butajira, the green and fertile are of the Gurage people you can visit UNESCO registered the 600 – 800 years old Tiya stelae field and the interesting Melka-Kunture archeological site where thousands of Stone Age tools are found. There is also a small but interesting museum. Late in the afternoon have a farewell dinner then check-in for flight back home.

10 days North , Historic and Omo valley tour

Posted by: Posted on: April 20, 2016

Type of Tour: Ethnic (Minority) Group and historic route

Duration: 10Days and 9Nights

Method of Transport: Surface (4WD) and flight
Description: this tour includes the cultural and historical route of Arbaminch –turmi-karo-jinka-and Lalibela
Tour program

Day 1: Addis Ababa: arrival at Addis Ababa Bole international airport and you will be met by the representatives of Wisdom Ethiopia tours then you will be transferred to your hotel. Over night at your hotel.

Day 2: Addis Ababa –Arbaminch: drive to Arbaminch through Butajira road and visit some of the cultural houses of the Dorze village and one of the world heritage sites the Tiya Stele. Continue driving and you will admire the natural beauty of the area. Overnight paradise lodge in Arbaminch

Day 3: Arbaminch- Turmi:- Early in the morning drive to Turmi via Key Afer(if the day is Thursday or Saturday there is a very color full market on Dimeka and the client will have the chance to visit the market )Clients will appreciate the cultural activity of Hammer tribe .Over night Buska Lodge

Day 4: Turmi-Omorate-Turmi:
After breakfast drive to Omorate to see the Geleb people and their fascinating houses after crossing the Omo River by traditional boat return trip to Turmi and visit the Turmi market.
Overnight Buska Lodge

Day5: Turmi –jinka-mursi-jinka:
After breakfast leave to Jinka and drive to Mago National park. Visit the Mursi Village and appreciate the culture of Mursi people whose females put lip plates on their lower lip and in the late evening drive back to Jinka. Over night at Jinka Resort

Day6:jinka –Arbaminch:
Early in the morning drive to Turmi via Key Afer(if the day is Thursday or Saturday there is a very color full market on Dimeka and the client will have the chance to visit the market )Clients will appreciate the cultural activity of Hammer tribe .

Day7: Arbaminch-Addis Ababa:
Drive to Addis Ababa with photo stops on the way. You will visit the creator lakes of Debre Zeit .At the evening you will be the honorable guest of noble conference and Tours at one of the best traditional restaurants for dinner with folkloric dance Hotel.

Day8: Addis Ababa –Lalibela: Transfer to the Air Port and fly to the legendary town of Lalibela. After check in to the hotel, visit the 11 rock-hewn churches in Lalibela town, dating back to the 12th century and which is considered to be the 8th wonders of the world.
Overnight stay will be in Roha hotel.

Day9: Lalibela and its Surrounding:
Have half day visit some of the rock hewn churches around Lalibela town, Yemrehanna Kristos; Arbatu Ensessa built in AD 518 prior to the churches in the town. In addition to the architecture of the churches, here you will admire the panoramic view of the town with the surrounding beautiful sceneries. Return to Lalibela for lunch. After lunch visit the remaining churches of the 11 monolithic rock-hewn churches in Lalibela town. Overnight stay will be in Roha Hotel

Day10: Lalibela- Addis Ababa:
fly back to Addis Ababa and you will have city tour of Addis Ababa to the national museum, trinity cathedral, ethnographic museum, the panoramic view to the capital city Addis Ababa Entoto and the largest open air market in Africa Mercato. In the evening a fare well dinner will be prepared in one of the traditional restaurant with cultural folkloric dance. Finally transfer to your airport for your final departure.

9 Days historic route and Omo valley tour.

Posted by: Posted on: April 20, 2016

DAY 01 ARRIVAL ADDIS ABABA
Upon arrival in Addis Ababa, our representatives will meet you at Bole International Airport and transfer you to the Harmony Hotel. Enjoy the morning of leisure and enjoy lunch at the hotel. This afternoon visit historical sites including the National Archaeological Museum, to view the 3.6 million year old remains of “Lucy”, whose skeleton was discovered in 1974. Continue to the Ethnological Museum at Addis Ababa University; a great insight into the many different peoples of Ethiopia and their respective cultures. After visiting Holy Trinity Cathedral, we will end the day with a drive to the top of Mount Entoto, which rises to an altitude of 10,500 feet and offers a panoramic view of the metropolis

Day 02 to Gondar (UNESCO SITE.
Fly to Gondar once the old imperial capital founded in 1635 by Emperor Fasillides who built a palace and seven churches. Referred to as the “Camelot of Africa”, visit the royal enclosure containing six castles, a complex network of connecting tunnels and raised walkways. Proceed to the fascinating Debre Birhan Selassie Church with its walls and ceiling decorated with scenes of Biblical lore and medieval history

Day 03 TO LALIBELA (UNESCO SITE)
This morning fly to the most unique Christian sites of Ethiopia.
Lalibela’s churches are collectively referred to as ‘The Eighth Wonder of the World’. Legend has it that Emperor Lalibela had been instructed, in a vision from God, to build the new Jerusalem after returning from Jerusalem which was sacked by the Muslims. Visit the 11 majestic, rock churches that are still used as places of worship by Lalibelans. Since its relatively remote location, Lalibela has yet gained the worldwide exposure and has been compared as the “Petra of Africa

Day 04 TO AXUM
This is the heart of ancient Ethiopia, the capital of the Kingdom of Axum which was the most powerful state between the Eastern Roman Empire and Persia. The archaeological and historical attractions in Axum include monolithic steles or obelisks, the tombs of King Kaleb and King GebreMeskal, the legendary Bath of the Queen of Sheba, and the ruins of her ancient palace. Also visit the new and the old Cathedral of St Mary of Tsion (Zion) and the sanctuary that houses the original Arc of the Covenant. The older of the two cathedrals, built in the 16th century, is believed to be built on the ruins of an earlier 4th century church, and is the holiest site in Ethiopia.

Day 05 TO ARBA MINCH
Fly to Addis Ababa and connect with your afternoon flight towards southern Ethiopia and to the town of Arba Minch. On arrival,board your exclusive 4×4 exclusive 4-passenger vehicle for a short drive will to the village of the Dorze tribe. Walk amongst the Dorze people and appreciate their beehive-shaped homes. This tribe is respect as expert weavers. Also, they are expert farmers and witness their ingenious terracing technique, allowing them to farm efficiently along the mountainside and yet prevent soil erosion

Day 06 TO JINKA
Visit the colorful village of the Konso tribe. A pagan society, the Konso erect eerie wooden totems, replete with phallic symbols over the graves of the dead. They also have numerous cults based around the breeding and veneration of serpents. The cornerstone of Konso culture, however, is a highly specialized and successful agricultural economy that, through terracing buttressed with stone, enable these people to extract a productive living from the none-too-fertile hills and valleys that surround them. This will be an excellent day to mingle among the people, take photographs with them and learn firsthand about a culture virtually untouched by the outside world. Later in the afternoon arrive in Jinka, located at the foot of Mago National Park.

Day 7 TO TOURMI
This morning drive to a Mursi tribal village. The tribe is renowned for the now-uncommon custom of their women, upon reaching maturity, having their lower lips slit and circular clay discs inserted. Return back to Jinka and proceed to Dimeka for lunch and this afternoon because this day is Saturday, we drive to Dimeka a market place where different tribes meet together to exchange their items. The tribes are Hammer, Benna and Tsemai.
The market is very colorful in that: the dressing style, hair style, different ornaments on their different body parts of the different tribes.
Late afternoon we visit one of the villages of the Hammer people. They are well known for their remarkable hairstyles made of ochre, water, and binding resin. Resulting in copper-colored locks. This is a sign of wealth for this tribe. The Hamers are also considered the masters of body decoration. Continue to the town of Turmi

DAY 08 TO ARBA MINCH
On the return drive to Arba Minch visit the Arbore tribe who are known for herding cattle and depend on plant cultivation for their basic food. They provide cereal grains for neighboring tribes through trading partnerships. They are considered pastorals and have their own unique physical appearance with the women covering their heads with black cloth and known to wear very colorful necklaces and earrings. Body painting using natural colors is made from soil and stone. Traditional dancing is practiced by the tribe and wealth is measured by the number of cattle a tribesman owns.

Day 09 ARBA MINCH TO ADDIS AND FLY BACK TO HOME
After This morning enjoy a refreshing wildife cruise on Lake Chamo. While cruising view crocodiles. Hippos and a variety of colorful bird life. After lunch fly back to Addis. On arrival in the capital city enjoy early evening dinner at an Ethiopian restaurant offering a folkloric show and the popular coffee ceremony. After sampling the various national dishes, proceed to the airport for your late night flight back home.

(Different from other)North and South 14 days and 13 nights

Posted by: Posted on: April 20, 2016

Ethiopia’s Historic North and Omo Valley: 14 Days / 13 Nights.
Ethiopia is one of those rare Africa destinations with two distinct diversified regions of historical and geographical uniqueness. Travel to the northern part of the country with its 17 centuries of Christian history. Visit three UNESCO World Heritage sites and learn about interesting historical parallels with Jerusalem and Queen of Sheba, the famous leader of the Axumite Empire. Proceed to southern Ethiopia and be amazed on how the culture and lifestyle is so different from their fellow Ethiopians to the north. Visit four distinct tribal villages and feel as though you have stepped back in time.

Day 01 Arrival – Addis Ababa.
Arrive at Bole International Airport. Our representative will meet you and take you to your hotel. For morning arrivals, optional visit to the Ethnographic Museum, a great introduction to Ethiopian culture and history. If time allows, visit the Mercato, one of Africa’s largest outdoor markets, and Trinity Cathedral, resting place of Emperor Haile Selassie.
Overnight Hotel – Addis Ababa

Day 02 Addis Ababa – Bahar Dar
Fly to Bahar Dar on Ethiopian Airlines. Visit the marketplace in Bahar Dar. Take a boat tour on Lake Tana, the source of the Blue Nile, and tour ancient island monasteries.
Overnight Hotel – Bahar Dar

Day 03 Bahar Dar – Gondar
Drive through the countryside to Gondar. Tour the Royal Enclosure, a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring five castles built by a succession of Ethiopian Kings beginning in the early 17th century. Having survived several wars, including air raids during World War 2, the castles are a testament to the resilience of this once mighty African Empire. Visit the church of Debre Birhan Selassie, famous for its religious art and especially its iconic ceiling depicting angels.
Overnight Hotel – Gondar

Day 04 Gondar – Lalibela
Fly to Lalibela on Ethiopian Airlines 700 kilometers north of Addis Ababa. Tour the magnificent rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This group of eleven monolithic and semi-monolithic structures were carved directly into the stone of the mountainside at least 800 years ago. This complex boasts the largest monolithic church in the world, a maze of passageways and tunnels, intricately carved reliefs, and fabulous examples of icon paintings.
Overnight Hotel – Lalibela

Day 05 Lalibela – Axum
Fly to Axum on Ethiopian Airlines. Tour the ancient stelae fields, standing for 2000 years. Visit the new and impressive Archeological Museum. Visit other tombs and archeological sites as time permits.
Overnight Hotel – Axum

Day 06 Axum – Addis Ababa – Lake Langano
Fly to Addis Ababa and then drive to the Rift Valley Lake Langano. Relax at the Sabana Lodge. Lake Langano is safe for swimming.
Overnight Lodge – Lake Langano

Day 07 Lake Langano – Arba Minch
Drive to Arba Minch, one of the main towns in Southern Ethiopia. On the way, visit a Dorze Village in the Guge Mountains. The Dorze are known for their tall, beehive-shaped bamboo houses. If the base becomes infested with termites, the entire house can be lifted and moved to another location.
Overnight Hotel – Arba Minch

Day 08 Arba Minch – Jinka
Take a boat trip on Lake Chamo and view some of the largest crocodiles in the world sunning on the banks of the lake. Hippopotami and birdlife are also abundant. Drive to Jinka visiting various peoples such as the Gamo and Derashe. Stop at Key Afar’s weekly market (if on a Thursday) and wander among the various tribes such as the Benna and Ari that have gathered to barter their goods.
Overnight Lodge – Jinka

Day 09 Mago National Park Excursion
Early morning drive to the Mago National Park to visit the Mursi people. The Mursi women are known for the clay plates they insert into their lower lips. Time permitting, visit the Omo Valley Museum in Jinka.
Overnight Lodge – Jinka

Day 10 Jinka – Turmi
Drive to Turmi to visit the Hamer people who are well known for the scarring of their bodies, using clay to shape their hairstyles, and the unique practice of “bull-jumping” which every young man must accomplish prior to marriage. En route to Turmi, visit the Benna and Ari people.
Overnight Lodge – Turmi

Day 11 Murele Excursion
Drive to Murele and visit the Karo people, known for their elaborate body-painting. Also visit a village of the Dassanech people. Return to Turmi for the evening.
Overnight Lodge – Turmi

Day 12 Turmi – Konso
Drive to Konso, recently designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. A highland people, the Konso are known for the ancient and intricate terraces that encircle their well-planned villages.
Overnight Lodge – Konso

Day 13 Konso – Hawassa
Drive to the lakeside town of Hawassa. Relax and recover from your journey at one of Hawassa’s fine resorts.
Overnight Resort – Hawassa

Day 14 Hawassa – Addis Ababa.
Visit the Hawassa fish market in the morning. Drive to Addis Ababa making stops at the Rift Valley Lakes. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at a traditional Ethiopian restaurant featuring dancers and musicians representing some of the country’s many ethnic groups. Transfer to airport for late night departure upon request.

19 Days bird watching tour to Ethiopia

Posted by: Posted on: April 20, 2016

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)

Posted by: Posted on: April 19, 2016

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.

1426713 335729666599165 8701594151964461761 N

Posted by: Posted on: April 19, 2016 Birding

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 )

Posted by: Posted on: April 19, 2016

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)

Posted by: Posted on: April 19, 2016

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