Quick Summary
8-Day Wild Wonders of Ethiopia Wildlife Photography Tour is a 8 Days tour in Ethiopia via the Wonders of Ethiopia Wildlife route, starting from USD 1419. Below you'll find the latest itinerary, inclusions & exclusions, and how to book.
8 Days
Wonders of Ethiopia Wildlife
USD 1419
Kitano Tours & Safaris
ABOUT 8-Day Wild Wonders of Ethiopia Wildlife Photography Tour
Join us for an unforgettable 8-day wildlife photography adventure through Ethiopia’s diverse ecosystems. From the dramatic highlands of the Bale Mountains to the rich savannas of the Great Rift Valley, you'll capture rare species like the Ethiopian wolf, gelada baboons, and endemic birds. Guided by expert photographers and local trackers, this journey offers unmatched opportunities to photograph nature in its purest form.
- Duration: 8 Days
- Route: Wonders of Ethiopia Wildlife
- Starts at: USD 1419
Highlights for 8-Day Wild Wonders of Ethiopia Wildlife Photography Tour
Day 1:Explore Addis Ababa City Tour
Day 2:Drive to Awash National Park
Day 3:Awash National Park Full-Day Exploration
Day 4:Drive to Bale Mountains National Park (via Asela or Nazret)
Day 5:Drive Lake Gebre-Guracha
Day 6:Explore Harena Forest
Day 7:Explores Sanetti Plateau
Day 8:Fly Goba to Addis Ababa
Itinerary Overview
| Day | Title |
|---|---|
| Day 01 | Explore Addis Ababa City Tour |
| Day 02 | Drive to Awash National Park |
| Day 03 | Awash National Park Full-Day Exploration |
| Day 04 | Drive to Bale Mountains National Park (via Asela or Nazret) |
| Day 05 | Drive Lake Gebre-Guracha |
| Day 06 | Explore Harena Forest |
| Day 07 | Explores Sanetti Plateau |
| Day 08 | Fly Goba to Addis Ababa |
Day 01: Explore Addis Ababa City Tour
>> Morning
You'll start your journey at the National Museum of Ethiopia, home to the world-famous Lucy fossil, one of the oldest human ancestors. Then, you'll visit the Holy Trinity Cathedral, a masterpiece of Ethiopian architecture and one of the country’s most revered religious sites.
Midday
Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of Merkato, Africa’s largest open-air market, where you can shop for spices, coffee, and handmade crafts while witnessing the bustling daily life of locals. Recharge with a flavorful traditional Ethiopian lunch at a renowned local restaurant.
Afternoon
You'll head to the Entoto Hills for breathtaking views of the city and visit the historic Entoto Maryam Church, along with Emperor Menelik II’s former palace. If time allows, you'll explore the Ethnological Museum, showcasing Ethiopia’s diverse cultural heritage. You'll wrap up your day with a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony, a delightful way to experience the country’s cherished coffee culture.
- Time: 8-10hrs
- Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinks not included
- Accommodation: Da'amat Hotel Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City)
Day 02: Drive to Awash National Park
>> Activities:
You'll stop at the Rift Valley viewpoints. You'll visit Lake Beseka (birdlife, landscapes)
You'll enjoy an afternoon game drive in Awash National Park
Wildlife to photograph: Beisa oryx, Soemmerring’s gazelle, olive baboons
Over 400 bird species (e.g., Abyssinian ground hornbill). Hot springs, volcanic landscapes
Overnight stay: Lodge inside or near Awash National Park.
- Time: 8-10hrs
- Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinks not included
- Accommodation: Awash Falls Lodge Mid-range lodge located just outside Awash NP
Day 03: Awash National Park Full-Day Exploration
>> Activities:
Sunrise wildlife photography, you'll visit Awash River Falls and Filwoha Hot Springs
An optional cultural visit to Afar village. Photography highlights: Waterfalls, canyons, and crater lakes
Early morning light on plains and wildlife.
Overnight stay: Same lodge or campsite.
- Time: 8-10hrs
- Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinks not included
- Accommodation: Awash Falls Lodge Mid-range lodge located just outside Awash NP
Day 04: Drive to Bale Mountains National Park (via Asela or Nazret)
>> You'll drive to Bale Goba town for a coffee. You'll continue driving to Dinsho National Park for a short hike. The Mountain Nyala, Menelik's Bushbuck, and other endemic species are available. You will have a chance to see them. After the visit, you'll drive to Goba town for the night. Dinner will be served at the hotel. Overnight stay: 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
Day 05: Drive Lake Gebre-Guracha
>> Activity hike Lake Geber-Guracha. After breakfast, you'll drive to the starting point for the hike to Lake Geber-Guracha, which will take approximately 4 hours. During the hike, there’s a high chance of spotting the endemic Ethiopian wolf. You'll enjoy a picnic lunch with breathtaking views of the 3,900m-high lake, and visit local villages along the way. You'll continue driving to the Sanetti Plateau, with elevations ranging from 3,700m to 4,100m, making it the highest road in Africa. You'll hike around the second-highest peak in Ethiopia, Tullu Demtu (4,377m), before driving on to Harena Forest. On this day, you’ll see the second-highest mountain in Ethiopia, Tullu Demtu, along with endemic wildlife like the Ethiopian wolf and various bird species. Expect about 3 hours of driving today. Dinner at the lodge. Overnight stay will be at Bale Mountain Lodge.
- Time: 8-10hrs
- Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinks not included
Day 06: Explore Harena Forest
>> You'll explore Harena Forest. After breakfast, you'll embark on a beautiful 3-hour hike through Harena Forest. You'll explore Harena Forest. After breakfast, you'll embark on a beautiful 3-hour hike through Harena Forest.
Activities:
You'll explore the lush, cloud-shrouded Harenna Forest.
You'll visit Rira village and forest coffee plantations.
Wildlife:
Bale monkey, bush pigs, colobus monkey, Chance of seeing leopards (rare).
Photography: Misty forest scenes, waterfalls, and local culture.
Overnight stay: Bale Mountain Lodge.
- Time: 8-10hrs
- Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinks not included
Day 07: Explores Sanetti Plateau
>> Activities:
Full-day excursion to the Sanetti Plateau (~4,000m elevation).
Wildlife focus: Ethiopian wolf —the most endangered canid on Earth.
Giant mole rats, high-altitude bird species.
Photography: Dramatic moorland landscapes, Afro-alpine plants.
Morning frost and golden light on wide open spaces.
Overnight stay: Bale Mountain Lodge.
- Time: 8-10hrs
- Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinks not included
Day 08: Fly Goba to Addis Ababa
>> After breakfast, you'll enjoy a short hike. Afterwards, you'll drive to Bale Goba Airport (approximately a 3-hour drive). You'll depart for Addis Ababa at 3:30 pm, arriving at 4:25 pm. This marks the end of your adventure.
- Time: 8-10hrs
- Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinks not included
- Accommodation: No accommodation (End of tour)
Inclusions
- Park fees(For non-residents)
- All activities(Unless labeled as optional)
- All accommodation(Unless listed as upgrade)
- A professional driver/guide
- All transportation(Unless labeled as optional)
- All Taxes/VAT
- Roundtrip airport transfer
- Meals(As specified in the day-by-day section)
Exclusions
- International flights(From/to home)
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
- Tips(Tipping guideline US$10.00 pp per day)
- Personal items(Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
- Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
- Some meals(As specified in the day-by-day section)
- Drinks