Ethiopia is one of Africa’s finest bird-watching destinations, with over 860 bird species and more than 20 endemic and near-endemic birds. This 14-day Ethiopia bird watching tour is expertly designed for serious birders, ornithologists, and bird photographers, covering the country’s most important habitats—from highland escarpments and Rift Valley lakes to afro-alpine plateaus and lush forests.
Led by a professional birding guide, the tour combines excellent bird diversity, scenic landscapes, and comfortable overnight stays near prime birding locations.
Itinerary
Arrival at Bole International Airport
- Transfer to hotel and tour briefing
- Optional afternoon birding at Entoto Hills
Bird Highlights: Wattled Ibis, Abyssinian Slaty Flycatcher, White-cheeked Turaco
Overnight: Hotel in Addis Ababa
- Drive north to Debre Libanos Monastery
- Birding in the Jemma River Gorge, famous for raptors
Bird Highlights: Lammergeier, Rüppell's Vulture, White-billed Starling (endemic)
Overnight: Lodge or hotel near Debre Libanos
Full-day birding along the Ankober Escarpment
Bird Highlights: Ankober Serin (endemic), Ethiopian Siskin, Abyssinian Catbird
Overnight: Guesthouse or eco-lodge in Ankober
- Scenic drive to Awash National Park
- Afternoon birding along the Awash River
Bird Highlights: Somali Ostrich, Arabian Bustard, Yellow-throated Serin
Overnight: Safari lodge inside or near Awash National Park
Full-day birding in savanna, riverine forest, and volcanic landscapes
Bird Highlights: Secretarybird, Abyssinian Roller, Chestnut-bellied Sandgrouse
Overnight: Safari lodge in Awash National Park
- Drive to the Ethiopian Rift Valley
- Afternoon birding at Lake Ziway
Bird Highlights: African Fish Eagle, Malachite Kingfisher, African Jacana
Overnight: Lakeside eco-lodge at Lake Langano
- Morning birding at Lakes Abijatta and Shalla
- Excellent waterbird concentrations
Bird Highlights: Lesser & Greater Flamingos, Kori Bustard, Pied Avocet
Overnight: Lodge near Lake Langano
- Scenic drive south to Bale Mountains
- Evening birding around Dinsho headquarters
Bird Highlights: Rouget's Rail (endemic), Abyssinian Ground Thrush
Overnight: Mountain lodge in Dinsho (Bale Mountains)
Birding in grasslands and juniper forest
Bird Highlights: Blue-winged Goose (endemic), Spot-breasted Lapwing
Overnight: Mountain lodge in Dinsho
High-altitude birding on the Sanetti Plateau (4,000 m+)
Bird Highlights: Moorland Francolin (endemic), Alpine Chat, Wattled Ibis
Overnight: Mountain lodge in Dinsho
- Descend to lush forest ecosystems
- Afternoon forest birding
Bird Highlights: Narina Trogon, Abyssinian Woodpecker, Silvery-cheeked Hornbill
Overnight: Forest lodge in Wondo Genet
- Morning birding in forest areas
- Afternoon birding at Lake Hawassa
Bird Highlights: African Pygmy Goose, Black Heron, Pied Kingfisher
Overnight: Lakefront hotel or lodge in Hawassa
- Drive back to Addis Ababa with birding stops en route
- Farewell dinner and tour wrap-up
Bird Highlights: Roadside and wetland species
Overnight: Hotel in Addis Ababa
Transfer to Bole International Airport for international departure
Overnight: Not included (end of tour)
