14-Day Ethiopian Birdwatching and Photograph Tour

Arrival in Addis Ababa

Day 1Arrival in Addis Ababa Arrival in Addis Ababa Welcome to Ethiopia! Upon arrival in Addis Ababa, you will be met at Bole International Airport and transferred to your hotel. If time allows, you will enjoy a relaxed birding and photography walk in the gardens of the Ghion Hotel or the Entoto Hills, which host a surprising variety of highland birds. Key Birds: Abyssinian Slaty Flycatcher, Tacazze Sunbird, Baglafecht Weaver Photography Tips: Great opportunities to practice with common highland species in urban gardens with vibrant light. Your overnight stay will be Capital Hotel. Main Destination: Addis Ababa (City) Accommodation: Capital Hotel & Spa Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City) +6 Photos +5 Photos Meals & Drinks: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Addis Ababa – Debre Libanos – Jemma Valley

Day 2Addis Ababa – Debre Libanos – Jemma Valley Addis Ababa – Debre Libanos – Jemma Valley You'll begin your northern birding adventure by heading north to Debre Libanos, perched on the dramatic cliffs of the Ethiopian escarpment. You'll explore the lush valleys and the famous Jemma Gorge, home to endemic and range-restricted species. Key Birds: White-winged Cliff Chat, Rüppell’s Black Chat, Lammergeier, Ethiopian Boubou, Harwood’s Francolin Photography Tips: Golden light over the gorge is perfect for raptors and cliff dwellers. Expect dramatic vistas. Your overnight stay will be Capital Hotel. Main Destination: Debre Libanos Monastery (Highlight) Accommodation: Capital Hotel & Spa Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City) Meals & Drinks: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Addis Ababa to Bahir Dar

Day 3Addis Ababa to Bahir Dar Addis Ababa to Bahir Dar After a morning birding session in the Jemma Valley, you'll return to Addis and fly to Bahir Dar on the shores of Lake Tana, the source of the Blue Nile. You'll have an evening walk along the lake yields excellent aquatic bird photography. Key Birds: African Fish Eagle, White-backed Night Heron, Hammerkop, Black Heron. Photography Tips: Capture silhouette shots of pelicans at sunset and the famed ‘umbrella-feeding’ behavior of Black Herons. Your overnight stay will be at the Jacaranda Hotel, Bahir Dar. Main Destination: Lake Tana Accommodation: Jacaranda Hotel Bahir Dar Mid-range hotel located in Bahir Dar (City) +3 Photos Meals & Drinks: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Lake Tana and Blue Nile Falls

Day 4Lake Tana and Blue Nile Falls Lake Tana and Blue Nile Falls Today, you'll explore the Lake Tana wetlands and take a short boat ride to photograph birds, hippos, and the picturesque monasteries. Later, you'll head to the Blue Nile Falls, a prime location for landscape and wildlife photography. Key Birds: Malachite Kingfisher, Yellow-billed Duck, African Jacana, Senegal Coucal. Photography tips: Boat-level shots with reflections and misty waterfall backdrops make for stunning frames. Your overnight stay will be at the Jacaranda Hotel. Main Destination: Lake Tana Accommodation: Jacaranda Hotel Bahir Dar Mid-range hotel located in Bahir Dar (City) Meals & Drinks: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Bahir Dar – Gondar – Simien Mountains National Park

Day 5Bahir Dar – Gondar – Simien Mountains National Park Bahir Dar – Gondar – Simien Mountains National Park You'll drive north to the UNESCO city of Gondar and continue toward the spectacular Simien Mountains. En route, you'll pass through highland farmland and open meadows teeming with birdlife. You'll arrive at the lodge nestled amidst jagged peaks. Key Birds: Thick-billed Raven, Abyssinian Longclaw, Erckel’s Francolin, Black-headed Siskin Mammals: Gelada Baboon, Walia Ibex (endemic and rare). Photography Tips: Afro-alpine light and landscapes are surreal. Photograph Geladas at sunrise on the escarpments for iconic shots. Your overnight stay will be camping. Main Destination: Simien Mountains National Park Best Time To Visit September to December (Beautiful scenery) High Season October to April (Lodges are busy) Best Weather October to April Wildlife in Simien Mountains NP Gelada Monkey Abundant Walia Ibex Occasional Ethiopian Wolf Rare Klipspringer Rare Bushbuck Rare Show more Golden Jackal Rare Hyena Rare Accommodation: Budget camping Inside Simien Mountains NP Meals & Drinks: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Simien Mountains National Park

Day 6Simien Mountains National Park Simien Mountains National Park Full day birding and photography in the high altitudes of the Simiens. You'll walk along scenic trails at elevations over 3,000 meters, with vistas of deep valleys and mountain spires. Key Birds: Bearded Vulture (Lammergeier), Moorland Chat, Spot-breasted Lapwing, White-collared Pigeon Photography Tips: Rugged landscapes and cloud inversions make for extraordinary bird and habitat compositions. Overnight stay will be camping. Main Destination: Simien Mountains National Park Accommodation: Budget camping Inside Simien Mountains NP Meals & Drinks: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Simien Mountains – Gondar – back to Addis Ababa

Day 7Simien Mountains – Gondar – back to Addis Ababa Simien Mountains – Gondar – back to Addis Ababa You'll enjoy morning birding in the mountains before driving fly Gondar to Addis Ababa. Your overnight stay will be in Addis, and prepare for the southern portion of the tour. Optional photography stop: You'll explore Gondar’s historic castles for cultural photography. Your overnight stay will be at the Capital Hotel. Main Destination: Addis Ababa (City) Accommodation: Capital Hotel & Spa Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City) Meals & Drinks: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Addis – Lake Ziway (Rift Valley Begins)

Day 8Addis – Lake Ziway (Rift Valley Begins) Addis – Lake Ziway (Rift Valley Begins) You'll drive south into the Great Rift Valley, stopping at Lake Ziway, an important freshwater lake and birding hotspot. A boat ride offers close-up encounters with lake birds. Key Birds: African Fish Eagle, Great White Pelican, Gull-billed Tern, Malachite Kingfisher Photography Tips: Birds are very habituated, perfect for capturing flight, feeding, and behavior shots at close range. Haile resort. Main Destination: Lake Ziway Best Time To Go October to January (Little rainfall) High Season October to January (It is busier) Best Weather Accommodation: Haile Resort Ziway Mid-range hotel located at Lake Ziway +3 Photos Meals & Drinks: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Lake Ziway – Abijatta-Shalla – Lake Langano

Day 9Lake Ziway – Abijatta-Shalla – Lake Langano Lake Ziway – Abijatta-Shalla – Lake Langano You'll continue to explore the Rift Valley lake system, visiting Abijatta-Shalla National Park, known for its alkaline lakes and flamingo flocks. Your overnight stay will be near Lake Langano. Key Birds: Lesser and Greater Flamingo, Avocet, Kittlitz’s Plover, Maccoa Duck Photography Tips: Low-angle flamingo photography during sunrise is unforgettable. You'll capture dramatic reflections in the still alkaline water. Your overnight stay will be at Hara Langano Eco Lodge. Main Destination: Abijatta-Shalla National Park Best Time To Go October to February (Flocks of flamingo) High Season October to January (The park is never busy) Best Weather Accommodation: Hara Langano Eco Lodge Mid-range lodge located less than 1hr drive from Abijatta-Shalla NP +6 Photos +5 Photos Meals & Drinks: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Langano – Wondo Genet

Day 10Langano – Wondo Genet Langano – Wondo Genet A short drive brings you to the forested hills of Wondo Genet, a remnant of Ethiopia’s once-extensive montane forest. You'll have an excellent chance to photograph forest endemics and enjoy the hot springs. Key Birds: Yellow-fronted Parrot, Silvery-cheeked Hornbill, Narina Trogon, Ethiopian Oriole Photography Tips: Forest photography requires high ISO and fast lenses. Use dappled sunlight to your advantage. Your overnight stay will be at Wabi Shebele Hotel, Wondo Genet. Main Destination: Wondo Genet (Town) Accommodation: Wabi Shebele Hotel Wondo Genet Budget hotel located in Wondo Genet (Town) Meals & Drinks: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Wondo Genet – Bale Mountains National Park

Day 11Wondo Genet – Bale Mountains National Park Wondo Genet – Bale Mountains National Park Today, you'll climb to the Afro-alpine realms of Bale Mountains National Park. En route, you'll stop at Dinsho for endemic mammals and montane birds. Key Birds: Rouget’s Rail, Abyssinian Catbird, Wattled Ibis, Abyssinian Long-eared Owl (at night) Mammals: Mountain Nyala, Menelik’s Bushbuck Photography Tips: Trackable and relatively tame wildlife make for great mammal portraits. Use soft, early light in the meadows. Goba Wabe Shebelle Hotel. Main Destination: Bale Mountains National Park Best Time To Visit November to February (Little rain) High Season October to January (Park is never busy) Best Weather November to February Wildlife in Bale Mountains NP Ethiopian Wolf Common Mountain Nyala Common Warthog Common Menelik'sBushbuck Occasional Guereza Monkey Occasional Show more Olive Baboon Occasional Bohor Reedbuck Occasional Starck's Hare Occasional Giant Mole-rat Occasional Bale Monkey Rare Giant Forest Hog Rare Golden Jackal Rare Gelada Monkey None Walia Ibex None Accommodation: Wabe Shebelle Hotel Goba Budget hotel located less than 1hr drive from Bale Mountains NP Meals & Drinks: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Sanetti Plateau and Ethiopian Wolf Safari

Day 12Sanetti Plateau and Ethiopian Wolf Safari Sanetti Plateau and Ethiopian Wolf Safari A full day exploring the windswept Sanetti Plateau at over 4,000 meters, home to the critically endangered Ethiopian Wolf and many alpine birds. Key Birds: Blue-winged Goose, Spot-breasted Plover, Chestnut-naped Francolin Mammals: Ethiopian Wolf (most reliable location in Africa), Giant Mole Rat Photography Tips: This is your best chance to photograph the Ethiopian Wolf hunting in open landscapes ideal for long-lens wildlife action. Goba Wabe Shebelle Hotel. Main Destination: Bale Mountains National Park Accommodation: Wabe Shebelle Hotel Goba Budget hotel located less than 1hr drive from Bale Mountains NP Meals & Drinks: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Harenna Forest Exploration

Day 13Harenna Forest Exploration Harenna Forest Exploration You'll descend into the magical Harenna Forest, the southernmost tropical cloud forest in Ethiopia. This area is excellent for photographing forest birds and unique mammals. Key Birds: White-cheeked Turaco, Abyssinian Crimsonwing, African Hill Babbler. Mammals: Bale Monkey (endemic), Colobus Monkey. Photography Tips: Mist and backlighting create ethereal forest compositions. Turacos are especially photogenic among moss-covered branches. Goba Wabe Shebelle Hotel. Main Destination: Bale Mountains National Park Accommodation: Wabe Shebelle Hotel Goba Budget hotel located less than 1hr drive from Bale Mountains NP Meals & Drinks: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Fly Bale Addis Ababa

Day 14Fly Bale Addis Ababa Fly Bale Addis Ababa You'll transfer to Robe Airport for your domestic flight to Addis Ababa (usually 1 hour) End of tour. Finally we will host farewell dinner at Ethiopian Traditional restaurant. Main Destination: Addis Ababa (City) Accommodation: No accommodation (End of tour) Meals & Drinks: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included) End of tour (See Getting There for more details)End of tour (See Getting There for more details) Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost. You'll be dropped off at the airport. Interested in This Tour? Request a Quote We advise requesting quotes from 3 operators (Learn why) Requests are sent directly to the tour operator If preferred, you can contact the tour operator directly Next: Overview Next: Day by Day Next: Rates Next: Inclusions Next: Getting There Next: Offered By Best price guarantee Your request will be sent directly to the operator If preferred, you can contact the operator directly Next: Request a Quote Request a Quote Disclaimer This tour is offered by Ethio Top Land Tours, not SafariBookings. This operator reserves the right to change rates advertised on SafariBookings. Rates include a fixed budget for flights during this tour. If flights cost more, your quote will reflect this. This group tour requires a minimum of 2 people to run. The exact order, contents and rates of this tour are subject to availability. If an accommodation is