6 Days Bird Watching Tour

Drive to Hawassa en route you will visit abijiata national park and shashemnie the Rasta village.

Stay over in hawassa

Drive from hawassa to Bale Mountains National Park via Dinsho, the headquarters of the park where you’ll meet your guide. Your guide will talk you through the itinerary for your hike over the next few days.

You’ll drive through the park towards the Harenna Forest. The Harenna Forest is one of the few remaining natural forests in Ethiopia. The forest sits below a 1200-metre escarpment, and is home to a huge number of species. You’ll have plenty of time to trek through this Mecca of Ethiopian biodiversity and soak up the stunning views.

The Harenna Forest itself is astonishing. Moss clings to the gnarly tree trunks, creating an almost alien landscape. The forest is home to many species of plants, amphibians, birds and mammals, some of which are endemic to the area, with some only found in this particular forest. Amazingly, scientists continue to discover new species of animals here, over the last few years they have discovered 22 new moths and butterflies, and a viper.

You’ll stay at the Bale Mountain Lodge, a stunning eco lodge staffed by enthusiastic experts who are always happy to give you more information about the surrounding area, and will go above and beyond to ensure you have a comfortable stay. The Bale Mountains Lodge is one of the best lodges in the whole country. Relax and enjoy the warm ambience of this remarkable lodge, and remember to look out for Bale Monkeys and Harenna Chameleons in the trees.

Overnight: Bale Mountain Lodge

Today is a full day exploring of Bale Mountains National Park.

Awake to the sounds of the Harenna Forest and the smell of freshly brewed ‘wild’ coffee, which is harvested just south of the lodge. In the morning you’ll explore the forest some more, spotting much of the wildlife. Remember your binoculars, and a camera!

In the afternoon, you’ll head to the lunar landscape of the Sanetti Plateau, where you’ll try and spot the Ethiopian Wolf, Africa’s rarest carnivore. Although only a few hundred Ethiopian wolves exist in the world today, over half the global population reside in the Bale Mountains. You might also spot the giant mole-rat, another endemic species and the primary food source for the wolves.

Overnight: Bale Mountain Lodge

Drive Bale Mountains to Lake Langano. Spend the afternoon relaxing around the lodge and lake.

Overnight: Hara Langano Lodge

Full day exploring Lake Langano and surrounding area including Abijatta-Shalla National Park. Today you’ll head to Abijatta-Shalla National Park, approximately a 40-minute drive and home to Lakes Abijatta and Shalla. These lakes host an impressive number of flamingos, and also a number of hot springs. The steam rising from the pools casts an ethereal haze over the surrounding area. After this, a 4×4 will take you around the park in search for warthogs, antelopes and ostriches.

In the afternoon, go for a dip in Lake Langano. Retreat to the lakeside lodge and enjoy dinner surrounded by the expansive views and the tranquil atmosphere of this remote region.

Overnight: Hara Langano Lodge

Spend the morning at leisure, then head to Lake Ziway.  Situated between four lakes in the Ethiopian Rift Valley, this town is the perfect base from which to explore the lakes over the next few days.

You’ll see the diversity of animals and birdlife that Ethiopia is famous for. A boat trip on Lake Ziway takes you to Great White Pelicans, Marabous, Hammerkop, Sacred Ibis, Yellow Billed Storks, and flamingos. Of course, hippos are a famous resident of the lake, and you’ll be able to see them bathing in the sun from the safety of your boat

Of Lake Ziway’s five islands, Tulu Godo has a particularly rich history. After a 90-minute boat ride and a short walk through one of the three settlements on the island, you’ll arrive at the hilltop monastery Maryam Tsion. Supposedly set up by Christian refugees, it is said to have housed the Ark of the Covenant during the reign of Queen Yodit. Your guide will explain in more detail the fascinating stories surrounding this historic place.

After exploring the lake, continue the drive back to Addis to connect with your evening international flight home, or to spend the night before returning home the following day.