10 Days Birding Watching Tour
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Description
Ethiopia is a fantastic destination for birding, with over 860 bird species, including 31 endemic and many near-endemic species. A birding tour in Ethiopia can take you to various locations like the Great Rift Valley Lakes, Bale Mountains, Awash National Park, and Yabello Wildlife Sanctuary. You might encounter rare species like the Abyssinian Ground Hornbill, Spot-breasted Lapwing, Blue-winged Goose, White-tailed Swallow, Stresemann's Bushcrow, and Wattled Crane.
Ethiopian birds can be categorized as endemic, near-endemic, resident, intra-african migrant, palearctic (Europe, Russia, North Africa, North Asia and Himalaya) migrant and vagrants. Ethiopia is not only serving as wintering grounds but also many remains through year round and Eurasian winter migrants are present that may hard to see on their breeding grounds, vastly supplemented by migrants guided by the Great Rift Valley through the Red Sea, making loop up to South Africa.
Highlights
- Large bird list, including many of Ethiopia's endemics
- Endemic mammals: Ethiopian Wolf, Mountain Nyala & Gelada
- Superlative and dramatic landscapes
- Geladas in the Debre Libanos Gorge
- Endemic birds and mammals in the Bale Mountains
- Visit the Rift Valley Lakes & Wondo Guenet Forest
Tour Plan
Upon arrival at Bole International Airport, meet your guide and begin exploring Ethiopia’s vibrant capital. Visit key highlights such as the National Museum, Holy Trinity Cathedral, and Mount Entoto for panoramic views of the city. Overnight in Addis Ababa.
Drive north of Addis to the historic Debre Libanos Monastery and enjoy spectacular birding opportunities in the Jemma Valley, home to endemic species and breathtaking landscapes. Return to Addis for overnight.
Journey east with stops at the scenic crater lakes of Bishoftu and the Rift Valley town of Metahara before continuing to Awash National Park. Overnight inside or near the park.
Spend a full day birdwatching in Awash National Park, one of Ethiopia’s most important protected areas. Spot diverse birdlife, encounter local wildlife such as oryx and baboons, and visit the park’s hot springs. Overnight in Awash.
Drive south towards the Rift Valley Lakes region with stops at the Awash River wetlands, Koka Dam, and Lake Ziway, all prime birding areas. Overnight in Ziway.
In the morning, explore Abijatta Shalla National Park, famous for flamingos and diverse bird species. In the afternoon, enjoy birdwatching and relaxation around Lake Langano. Overnight at Langano.
Travel to the Bale Mountains National Park. Explore the Gaysay Grasslands and Dinsho area, renowned for endemic wildlife and rich birdlife. Overnight in Goba or Dinsho.
Take an excursion to the Sanetti Plateau, home to the rare Ethiopian wolf, and descend into the lush Harenna Forest to observe unique bird species and wildlife. Overnight in Goba or Harenna Forest lodge.
Morning spend some time around Dinsho befoe you drive back to Shashemene for lunch.
Afternoon drive to Wondogenet where you will have a birding hike in the forest.
Early morning drive to Hawassa to attend the daily fish market on the shores of Lake Hawassa where you will also see some interesting birdlife. Afternoon drive back to Addis through the 12th C Stelea field at Tiya. Evening departure back home.
