Bird Watching Tours – 9 Days

Tour Overview:

Embark on a breathtaking 9-day birdwatching journey through Ethiopia’s most iconic landscapes—from highland forests to rift valley lakes and savanna plains. This expertly crafted tour blends avian biodiversity, cultural encounters, and scenic natural beauty. Discover endemic species like the Blue-winged Goose and Spot-breasted Lapwing while exploring historic monasteries, geothermal hot springs, and national parks teeming with wildlife.

Tour Highlights:

  • Visit to Ethiopia’s top birding hotspots: Menagesha Forest, Sululta Plain, Debre Zeit, Awash NP, and Lake Ziway

  • Spot endemic and rare bird species like the Blue-winged Goose, Secretary Bird, and Abyssinian Catbird

  • Explore diverse ecosystems: highland forest, acacia savanna, crater lakes, and wetlands

  • Cultural encounters at Debre Libanos Monastery and farewell folkloric dinner in Addis

  • Comfortable stays at eco-lodges and resorts near lakes and national parks

Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrival in Addis Ababa

  • Meet and greet at Bole International Airport.

  • Transfer to Harmony Hotel.

  • Afternoon city tour: National Museum (see “Lucy”), Ethnological Museum, Holy Trinity Cathedral, and panoramic view from Mount Entoto.
    Overnight: Harmony Hotel (L, D)

Day 2: Addis – Menagesha Forest – Addis

  • Morning drive to Menagesha Suba Forest Reserve.

  • Birdwatching in the highland forest—chance to spot Blue-winged Goose and other endemics.

  • Return to Addis in the late afternoon.

  • Overnight: Hotel in Addis

Day 3: Addis – Debre Libanos – Addis

  • Morning drive north through Sululta Plain (notable for endemic bird species).

  • Visit Debre Libanos Monastery, the adjacent canyon for birds and Gelada Baboons.

  • Return to Addis by evening.

  • Overnight: Hotel in Addis

Day 4: Addis – Debre Zeit

  • Drive to Debre Zeit (Bishoftu), famous for crater lakes and rich birdlife.

  • Birding at Lake Bishoftu, Lake Hora, and Lake Chelekleka (known for aquatic birds).

  • Overnight: Resort/Hotel in Debre Zeit

Day 5: Debre Zeit – Awash National Park

  • Travel southeast with stops at wetlands and acacia woodland for bird observation.

  • Afternoon birding in Awash National Park—over 400 species recorded.

  • Overnight: Lodge or Hotel near Awash NP

Day 6: Awash National Park

  • Full day of birdwatching in the park.

  • Spot the Secretary Bird, Abyssinian Roller, and possibly African Fish Eagle.

  • Optional visit to Filwoha Hot Springs and waterfalls.

  • Overnight: Lodge or Hotel in Awash

Day 7: Awash – Hawassa

  • Long scenic drive through the Rift Valley with birding stops en route.

  • Arrive at Lake Hawassa by evening.

  • Overnight: Resort/Hotel in Hawassa

Day 7: Awash – Hawassa

  • Long scenic drive through the Rift Valley with birding stops en route.

  • Arrive at Lake Hawassa by evening.

  • Overnight: Resort/Hotel in Hawassa

Day 7: Awash – Hawassa

  • Long scenic drive through the Rift Valley with birding stops en route.

  • Arrive at Lake Hawassa by evening.

  • Overnight: Resort/Hotel in Hawassa

Day 7: Awash – Hawassa

  • Long scenic drive through the Rift Valley with birding stops en route.

  • Arrive at Lake Hawassa by evening.

  • Overnight: Resort/Hotel in Hawassa

Day 8: Hawassa – Wondo Genet – Hawassa

  • Morning excursion to Wondo Genet Forest.

  • Spot forest species: Abyssinian Catbird, Black-headed Forest Oriole, etc.

  • Enjoy natural hot springs and coffee plantations.

  • Return to Hawassa.

  • Overnight: Resort/Hotel in Hawassa

Day 9: Hawassa – Lake Ziway – Addis Ababa – Departure

  • Early departure for Addis with birding at Lake Ziway—famous for pelicans and water birds.

  • Continue to Addis.

  • Farewell dinner at a traditional Ethiopian restaurant with folkloric music and dance.

  • Evening transfer to the airport for international departure.

Includes:
  • Airport transfers and road transport by private car
  • Full board, including mineral water.
  • Full camping equipment including tents, mattresses and sleeping bags for camping and trekking.
  • Recommended to bring your own sleeping bag.
  • Fees for entrances, local guides, compulsory scouts/ security personnel for activities mentioned in the itinerary.
  • All government taxes for the services included in the tour price
Excludes:
  • Additional food and drinks
  • Personal expenses
  • Souvenirs

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