15-Days Ethiopian Birdwatching and Photograph Tour Latest itinerary

>> Welcome to Ethiopia! Upon arrival in Addis Ababa, you will be met at Bole International Airport and transferred to your hotel. If time allows, we 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. Overnight stay Capital Hotel.

• Time: 8-10Hrs
• Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinks not included

•  Accommodation: Capital Hotel & Spa Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City)

>> We begin our northern birding adventure by heading north to Debre Libanos, perched on the dramatic cliffs of the Ethiopian escarpment. We'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.
Overnight stay Capital Hotel.

• Time: 8-10Hrs
• Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinks not included

•  Accommodation: Capital Hotel & Spa Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City)

>> After a morning birding session in the Jemma Valley, we return to Addis and go to Bahir Dar on the shores of Lake Tana, the source of the Blue Nile. 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.
Overnight stay Jakaranda Hotel. Jacaranda Hotel Bahir Dar.

• Time: 8-10Hrs
• Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinks not included

•  Accommodation: Jacaranda Hotel Bahir Dar Mid-range hotel located in Bahir Dar (City)

>> Today we explore the Lake Tana wetlands and take a short boat ride to photograph birds, hippos, and the picturesque monasteries. Later, we 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. Overnight stay Jacaranda Hotel.

• Time: 8-10Hrs
• Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinks not included

•  Accommodation: Jacaranda Hotel Bahir Dar Mid-range hotel located in Bahir Dar (City)

>> We drive north to the UNESCO city of Gondar and continue toward the spectacular Simien Mountains. En route, we pass through highland farmland and open meadows teeming with birdlife. 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. Overnight stay Camping.

• Time: 8-10Hrs
• Meals: All meals included Drinks not included

•  Accommodation: Budget camping Inside Simien Mountains NP

>> Full day birding and photography in the high altitudes of the Simiens. We'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 Camping.

• Time: 8-10Hrs
• Meals: All meals included Drinks not included

•  Accommodation: Budget camping Inside Simien Mountains NP

>> Morning birding in the mountains before driving back to Gondar to Addis. Overnight in Addis and prepare for the southern portion of the tour.
Optional Photography Stop: Explore Gondar's historic castles for cultural photography.
Overnight stay Capital hotel.

• Time: 8-10Hrs
• Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinks not included

•  Accommodation: Capital Hotel & Spa Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City)

>> We 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.

• Time: 8-10Hrs
• Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinks not included

•  Accommodation: Haile Resort Ziway Mid-range hotel located at Lake Ziway

>> Continue to explore the Rift Valley lake system, visiting Abijatta-Shalla National Park, known for its alkaline lakes and flamingo flocks. Overnight 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. Capture dramatic reflections in the still alkaline water. Overnight stay Hara Langano Eco Lodge.

• Time: 8-10Hrs
• Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinks not included

•  Accommodation: Hara Langano Eco Lodge Mid-range lodge located less than 1hr drive from Abijatta-Shalla NP

>> A short drive brings us to the forested hills of Wondo Genet, a remnant of Ethiopia's once-extensive montane forest. 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. Overnight stay Wabi Shebele Hotel Wondo Genet.

• Time: 8-10Hrs
• Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinks not included

•  Accommodation: Wabi Shebele Hotel Wondo Genet Budget hotel located in Wondo Genet (Town)

>> Today we climb to the Afro-alpine realms of Bale Mountains National Park. En route, 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.

• Time: 8-10Hrs
• Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinks not included

•  Accommodation: Goba Wabe Shebelle Hotel Budget hotel located less than 1hr drive from Bale Mountains NP

>> 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 Molerat
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.

• Time: 8-10Hrs
• Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinks not included

•  Accommodation: Goba Wabe Shebelle Hotel Budget hotel located less than 1hr drive from Bale Mountains NP

>> We 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.

• Time: 8-10Hrs
• Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinks not included

•  Accommodation: Goba Wabe Shebelle Hotel Budget hotel located less than 1hr drive from Bale Mountains NP

>> We drive to Lake Awassa for our final night. In the afternoon, we visit the famous fish market where pelicans and storks scavenge for scraps.
Key Birds: Marabou Stork, African Pygmy Goose, Giant Kingfisher, Hadada Ibis
Photography Tips: Great chance to shoot bold and close urban-wildlife interaction scenes. Capture behavior shots and reflections in the shallows. Overnight stay Haile resort.

• Time: 8-10Hrs
• Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinks not included

•  Accommodation: Haile Resort Hawassa Mid-range resort located in Awasa (City)

>> Enjoy a final early morning birding session at Tikur Wuha or the lake shore. After breakfast, we return to Addis Ababa. Depending on your departure time, enjoy local shopping or a visit to the National Museum (home of "Lucy") before leave Addis Ababa.

• Time: 8-10Hrs
• Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinks not included

•  Accommodation: No accommodation (End of tour)