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Ethiopia Tour Itineraries n

Ethiopia Tour
Itineraries

From Nairobi’s hidden gems to rhino sanctuaries and Masai Mara’s golden plains, discover Kenya’s best-kept secrets—styled in luxury and spirit.

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12-Day Ethiopia Birdwatching Adventure

Discover Ethiopia’s spectacular birdlife, from the Rift Valley lakes to the Bale Mountains, the highlands of Lalibela and Borana land.  This 12-Day Ethiopia Birdwatching Tour Itinerary, designed for birding enthusiasts looking to explore Ethiopia’s incredible avian diversity, including endemic species, rich habitats, and stunning landscapes.

Day 1

Arrival in Addis Ababa – Urban Birding & Introduction

  • Arrive at Bole International Airport, VIP welcome, and transfer to Sheraton Addis Hotel.
  • Briefing session with your birdwatching guide.
  • Visit Ghion Hotel Gardens, one of the best spots for urban birding.
  • Key species: Black-winged Lovebird, Tacazze Sunbird, Abyssinian Slaty Flycatcher.
  • Overnight at Sheraton Addis.

12-Day Ethiopia Birdwatching Adventure

Discover Ethiopia’s spectacular birdlife, from the Rift Valley lakes to the Bale Mountains, the highlands of Lalibela and Borana land.  This 12-Day Ethiopia Birdwatching Tour Itinerary, designed for birding enthusiasts looking to explore Ethiopia’s incredible avian diversity, including endemic species, rich habitats, and stunning landscapes.

day 1

Arrival in Addis Ababa – Urban Birding & Introduction

  • Arrive at Bole International Airport, VIP welcome, and transfer to Sheraton Addis Hotel.
  • Briefing session with your birdwatching guide.
  • Visit Ghion Hotel Gardens, one of the best spots for urban birding.
  • Key species: Black-winged Lovebird, Tacazze Sunbird, Abyssinian Slaty Flycatcher.
  • Overnight at Sheraton Addis.

Day 2

Debre Libanos & Jemma Valley

  • Early morning drive to Debre Libanos Monastery and the surrounding escarpments.
  • Birding at Portuguese Bridge, a prime raptor viewing area.
  • Key species: Lammergeier, Rüppell’s Griffon Vulture, White-winged Cliff Chat, Erckel’s Francolin.
  • Afternoon descent into Jemma Valley, a known hotspot for Ethiopian endemics.
  • Key species: Harwood’s Francolin, White-billed Starling, Abyssinian Wheatear.
  • Overnight at Ethio-German Lodge, Debre Libanos.

day 2

Debre Libanos & Jemma Valley

  • Early morning drive to Debre Libanos Monastery and the surrounding escarpments.
  • Birding at Portuguese Bridge, a prime raptor viewing area.
  • Key species: Lammergeier, Rüppell’s Griffon Vulture, White-winged Cliff Chat, Erckel’s Francolin.
  • Afternoon descent into Jemma Valley, a known hotspot for Ethiopian endemics.
  • Key species: Harwood’s Francolin, White-billed Starling, Abyssinian Wheatear.
  • Overnight at Ethio-German Lodge, Debre Libanos.

Day 3

Drive to Awash National Park

  • Scenic drive through the Rift Valley to Awash National Park.
  • Birding stop at Lake Beseka, home to waterbirds.
  • Key species: African Pygmy Goose, Three-banded Plover, Black Heron.
  • Evening safari in Awash National Park.
  • Key species: Kori Bustard, Northern Carmine Bee-eater, Secretary Bird.
  • Overnight at Awash Falls Lodge.

day 3

Drive to Awash National Park

  • Scenic drive through the Rift Valley to Awash National Park.
  • Birding stop at Lake Beseka, home to waterbirds.
  • Key species: African Pygmy Goose, Three-banded Plover, Black Heron.
  • Evening safari in Awash National Park.
  • Key species: Kori Bustard, Northern Carmine Bee-eater, Secretary Bird.
  • Overnight at Awash Falls Lodge.

Day 4

Awash National Park – Full-Day Birding

  • Morning birding at Awash River and Ilala Sala Plains.
  • Key species: Somali Ostrich, Buff-crested Bustard, Yellow-breasted Barbet.
  • Afternoon birding at Fantale Crater and Acacia woodland.
  • Key species: Rosy-patched Bushshrike, Chestnut-headed Sparrow-Lark.
  • Overnight at Awash Falls Lodge.

day 4

Awash National Park – Full-Day Birding

  • Morning birding at Awash River and Ilala Sala Plains.
  • Key species: Somali Ostrich, Buff-crested Bustard, Yellow-breasted Barbet.
  • Afternoon birding at Fantale Crater and Acacia woodland.
  • Key species: Rosy-patched Bushshrike, Chestnut-headed Sparrow-Lark.
  • Overnight at Awash Falls Lodge.

Day 5

Drive to Lake Ziway – Rift Valley Lakes Birding

  • Morning drive to Lake Ziway, a paradise for waterbirds.
  • Key species: African Fish Eagle, Great White Pelican, Malachite Kingfisher.
  • Boat ride for close-up bird photography.
  • Overnight at Haile Resort, Ziway.

day 5

Drive to Lake Ziway – Rift Valley Lakes Birding

  • Morning drive to Lake Ziway, a paradise for waterbirds.
  • Key species: African Fish Eagle, Great White Pelican, Malachite Kingfisher.
  • Boat ride for close-up bird photography.
  • Overnight at Haile Resort, Ziway.

Day 6

Lake Langano&Abijatta-Shalla National Park

  • Early morning drive to Lake Langano, known for its diverse bird species.
  • Key species: Von der Decken’s Hornbill, Bare-faced Go-away-bird, Red-throated Wryneck.
  • Afternoon birding at Abijatta-Shalla National Park.
  • Key species: Lesser Flamingo, Kittlitz’s Plover, Black Crowned Crane.
  • Overnight at Hara Langano Lodge.

day 6

Lake Langano&Abijatta-Shalla National Park

  • Early morning drive to Lake Langano, known for its diverse bird species.
  • Key species: Von der Decken’s Hornbill, Bare-faced Go-away-bird, Red-throated Wryneck.
  • Afternoon birding at Abijatta-Shalla National Park.
  • Key species: Lesser Flamingo, Kittlitz’s Plover, Black Crowned Crane.
  • Overnight at Hara Langano Lodge.

Day 7

Bale Mountains National Park – Highland Endemics

  • Drive to Bale Mountains National Park, Ethiopia’s best highland birding destination.
  • Birding en route at Dinsho Lodge.
  • Key species: Abyssinian Catbird, Rouget’s Rail, Spot-breasted Lapwing.
  • Overnight at Bale Mountain Lodge.

day 7

Bale Mountains National Park – Highland Endemics

  • Drive to Bale Mountains National Park, Ethiopia’s best highland birding destination.
  • Birding en route at Dinsho Lodge.
  • Key species: Abyssinian Catbird, Rouget’s Rail, Spot-breasted Lapwing.
  • Overnight at Bale Mountain Lodge.
Accommodation: Mugie Governors’ Camp, Laikipia

Meal Plan: Full Board (FB)

Day 8

Bale Mountains – Sanetti Plateau &Harenna Forest

  • Early morning birding on Sanetti Plateau (home to Ethiopian Wolves).
  • Key species: Blue-winged Goose, Wattled Crane, Chestnut-naped Francolin.
  • Afternoon birding at Harenna Forest.
  • Key species: Abyssinian Ground Thrush, Narina Trogon, Mountain Buzzard.
  • Overnight at Bale Mountain Lodge.

day 8

Bale Mountains – Sanetti Plateau &Harenna Forest

  • Early morning birding on Sanetti Plateau (home to Ethiopian Wolves).
  • Key species: Blue-winged Goose, Wattled Crane, Chestnut-naped Francolin.
  • Afternoon birding at Harenna Forest.
  • Key species: Abyssinian Ground Thrush, Narina Trogon, Mountain Buzzard.
  • Overnight at Bale Mountain Lodge.

Day 9

Drive to Yabello – Ethiopia’s Dryland Birding

  • Drive south to Yabello Wildlife Sanctuary, a key site for Ethiopia’s most sought-after birds.
  • Key species: Stresemann’s Bushcrow, White-tailed Swallow, Somali Courser.
  • Overnight at Yabello Motel.

day 9

Drive to Yabello – Ethiopia’s Dryland Birding

  • Drive south to Yabello Wildlife Sanctuary, a key site for Ethiopia’s most sought-after birds.
  • Key species: Stresemann’s Bushcrow, White-tailed Swallow, Somali Courser.
  • Overnight at Yabello Motel.
Accommodation: Mugie Governors’ Camp, Laikipia

Meal Plan: Full Board (FB)

Day 10

Yabello& Surroundings

  • Full-day birding around Yabello and Mega area.
  • Key species: Scaly Chatterer, Somali Crombec, Foxy Lark.
  • Overnight at Yabello Motel.

day 10

Yabello& Surroundings

  • Full-day birding around Yabello and Mega area.
  • Key species: Scaly Chatterer, Somali Crombec, Foxy Lark.
  • Overnight at Yabello Motel.

Day 11

Drive to Hawassa – Lakeside Birding

  • Scenic drive to Hawassa, birding en route.
  • Key species: African Jacana, Woodland Kingfisher, Marabou Stork.
  • Sunset birdwatching at Lake Hawassa.
  • Overnight at Haile Resort, Hawassa.

day 11

Drive to Hawassa – Lakeside Birding

  • Scenic drive to Hawassa, birding en route.
  • Key species: African Jacana, Woodland Kingfisher, Marabou Stork.
  • Sunset birdwatching at Lake Hawassa.
  • Overnight at Haile Resort, Hawassa.
Accommodation: Mugie Governors’ Camp, Laikipia

Meal Plan: Full Board (FB)

Day 12

Return to Addis Ababa & Departure

  • Morning birding along Lake Hawassa’s shoreline.
  • Key species: Malachite Kingfisher, African Pygmy Goose, Blue-headed Coucal.
  • Drive back to Addis Ababa for last-minute shopping and cultural experiences.
  • Farewell dinner at Yod Abyssinia with traditional music and dance.
  • Transfer to the airport for departure.

day 12

Return to Addis Ababa & Departure

  • Morning birding along Lake Hawassa’s shoreline.
  • Key species: Malachite Kingfisher, African Pygmy Goose, Blue-headed Coucal.
  • Drive back to Addis Ababa for last-minute shopping and cultural experiences.
  • Farewell dinner at Yod Abyssinia with traditional music and dance.
  • Transfer to the airport for departure.

Tour Highlights

Over 500 bird species, including Ethiopia’s endemic birds.

Diverse habitats: highlands, lakes, woodlands, and dry savannahs.

Stay in comfortable lodges and luxury resorts.

Expert birding guide for identification and photography.

Opportunities to see mammals like Ethiopian Wolves and Gelada Baboons.

Tour Highlights

Over 500 bird species, including Ethiopia’s endemic birds.

Diverse habitats: highlands, lakes, woodlands, and dry savannahs.

Stay in comfortable lodges and luxury resorts.

Expert birding guide for identification and photography.

Opportunities to see mammals like Ethiopian Wolves and Gelada Baboons.

Included

  • All accommodations in comfort and boutique lodges as listed (or similar)
  • All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) during the tour
  • Private 4WD vehicle and driver throughout the trip
  • All park entry fees and birding site permits
  • Professional English-speaking birding guide
  • Bottled water and refreshments daily
  • Domestic flights as per itinerary (if applicable)
  • Boat ride at Lake Ziway
  • Entrance fees for cultural experiences (e.g., Yod Abyssinia farewell dinner)
  • Airport transfers (arrival & departure)
  • Government taxes and service charges
  • Day 1: Jupiter Hotel, Bole (Addis Ababa)

Not Included

  • International flights to/from Ethiopia
  • Visa fees and personal travel insurance
  • Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks
  • Tips for guides, drivers, and hotel staff
  • Personal expenses (laundry, souvenirs, phone/internet use)
  • Optional activities not listed in the itinerary

Included

  • All accommodations in comfort and boutique lodges as listed (or similar)
  • All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) during the tour
  • Private 4WD vehicle and driver throughout the trip
  • All park entry fees and birding site permits
  • Professional English-speaking birding guide
  • Bottled water and refreshments daily
  • Domestic flights as per itinerary (if applicable)
  • Boat ride at Lake Ziway
  • Entrance fees for cultural experiences (e.g., Yod Abyssinia farewell dinner)
  • Airport transfers (arrival & departure)
  • Government taxes and service charges
  • Sheraton Addis (Days 1 & 7)

Not Included

  • International flights to/from Ethiopia
  • Visa fees and personal travel insurance
  • Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks
  • Tips for guides, drivers, and hotel staff
  • Personal expenses (laundry, souvenirs, phone/internet use)
  • Optional activities not listed in the itinerary
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