Ethiopia is one of Africa’s premier birding destinations, with more than 860 bird species, including over 20 endemic species. This 8-day bird watching tour explores diverse ecosystems—from Rift Valley lakes to highland forests and alpine habitats—offering outstanding birding experiences led by expert local guides.
Itinerary
Arrive at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport and meet your guide from Ethio Afro Tours.
If time permits, enjoy introductory birding at Gullele Botanical Garden or Entoto Hills, home to several Ethiopian highland species.
Overnight: Addis Ababa
Drive north to Debre Libanos Monastery and the Jemma River Valley, one of Ethiopia's top birding sites.
Look for Ethiopian endemics such as Abyssinian Woodpecker, White-billed Starling, Thick-billed Raven, and a wide range of raptors.
Overnight: Debre Libanos area or Addis Ababa
Travel south to the Great Rift Valley. Birding at Lake Ziway offers sightings of pelicans, herons, kingfishers, and African Fish Eagle.
Continue to Lake Langano for lakeside and woodland species.
Overnight: Lake Langano
Morning birding around Lake Langano, then visit Abijatta-Shalla Lakes National Park, famous for flamingos, avocets, stilts, and migratory waterbirds.
Overnight: Lake Langano
Drive to Bale Mountains National Park, one of Ethiopia's most important birding regions.
Afternoon birding around Dinsho, home to endemics such as Blue-winged Goose, Spot-breasted Lapwing, and Abyssinian Catbird.
Overnight: Bale Mountains area
Explore the Sanetti Plateau, Africa's highest all-weather road, searching for high-altitude species like Wattled Ibis and Rouget's Rail.
Descend into the Harenna Forest, rich in forest birds including turacos, sunbirds, and owls.
Overnight: Bale Mountains area
Drive to Lake Awassa, an excellent birding location for waterbirds and woodland species.
Birding along the lakeshore and nearby forest patches.
Overnight: Awassa
Morning birding at Lake Awassa.
Return to Addis Ababa with birding stops en route. Transfer to the airport for departure.
