6-Day Ethiopia Birdwatching Safari with Awash and Bale Mountains

6 Days Round trip from Addis Ababa Hard pace

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The journey

Trip highlights

01 Explore the rich birdlife and wildlife of Awash National Park and the Ali Dege Plains
02 Search for endemic and rare species in Bale Mountains National Park and the Sanetti Plateau
03 Observe iconic birds including the Wattled Ibis, Somali Ostrich, Golden Eagle, and Greater Flamingo
04 Visit afro-alpine habitats that support the endangered Ethiopian Wolf and Mountain Nyala
05 Discover the scenic Rift Valley Lakes and their abundant populations of waterbirds and migratory species
06 Experience one of Africa's most diverse birdwatching destinations with spectacular landscapes and unique wildlife encounters

Embark on a 6-day birdwatching adventure through some of Ethiopia's most spectacular landscapes and biodiversity hotspots. Explore Awash National Park, the Ali Dege Plains, Bale Mountains National Park, and the Rift Valley Lakes while searching for endemic species, migratory birds, and rare wildlife. Observe iconic birds including the Wattled Ibis, Somali Ostrich, Golden Eagle, Greater Flamingo, and many colorful sunbirds and raptors. Discover the unique afro-alpine landscapes of the Sanetti Plateau, home to the endangered Ethiopian Wolf, and enjoy encounters with Mountain Nyala, Grevy's Zebra, and Beisa Oryx. Combining exceptional birding opportunities with stunning scenery and remarkable wildlife, this tour offers an immersive experience for nature enthusiasts and avid birdwatchers.

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 6 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Hard

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

Cities Addis Ababa, Goba, Bale Mountains National Park, Awash National Park, Abijatta-Shalla National Park

Languages Dutch, English, French, Portuguese

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Addis Ababa to Awash National Park Birding

Depart from Addis Ababa and drive to Awash National Park.
Explore the open savanna and acacia woodlands of the park.
Search for species such as Abdim's Stork, Kori Bustard, Yellow-necked Francolin, Red-bellied Parrot, Abyssinian Roller, Blue-naped Mousebird, Bare-faced Go-away-bird, and Abyssinian Ground Hornbill.
Enjoy lunch at Doho Lodge.
Continue birdwatching around the Awash River and palm groves.
Spend the night at Doho Lodge in Awash National Park.

Day 02

Full-Day Birdwatching in Awash National Park

Begin with early morning birdwatching in one of Ethiopia's premier birding destinations.
Look for African Swallow-tailed Kite, Somali Ostrich, Arabian Bustard, Bruce's Green Pigeon, Eastern Violet-backed Sunbird, Shining Sunbird, Somali Fiscal, and Northern Masked Weaver.
Search for seasonal migratory birds, including Common Whitethroat and White-throated Robin.
Observe mammals such as Beisa Oryx, Soemmerring's Gazelle, Golden Jackal, and Spotted Hyena.
Spend the night at Doho Lodge.

Day 03

Awash Birding and Ali Dege Plains

Enjoy morning birdwatching around the lodge.
Drive to the Ali Dege Plains, one of the finest wildlife areas near Awash.
Search for dry-country bird species across the vast plains.
Observe wildlife including Grevy's Zebra, Gerenuk, Beisa Oryx, Grant's Gazelle, and Somali Ostrich.
Return to Doho Lodge for lunch.
Relax in the natural hot springs.
Spend the night at Doho Lodge.

Day 04

Awash to Bale Mountains National Park

Drive south to Bale Mountains National Park.
Arrive at Dinsho, the gateway to the Bale Mountains.
Search for endemic species including Wattled Ibis, Abyssinian Owl, Moorland Francolin, Abyssinian Catbird, Red-billed Chough, and White-backed Black Tit.
Look for mammals such as Mountain Nyala, Menelik's Bushbuck, and Bohor Reedbuck.
Spend the night at Wabi Shebelle Hotel in Goba.

Day 05

Bale Mountains and the Sanetti Plateau

Explore the Sanetti Plateau, one of Africa's highest birding regions.
Search for species including Wattled Crane, Golden Eagle, Moorland Francolin, Rouget's Rail, and Spot-breasted Lapwing.
Visit the habitat of the Ethiopian Wolf.
Enjoy birdwatching across the afro-alpine moorlands and giant lobelia landscapes.
Spend the night at Wabi Shebelle Hotel in Goba.

Day 06

Bale Mountains to Addis Ababa via Rift Valley Lakes

Travel through Abijata-Shalla Lakes National Park in the Great Rift Valley.
Observe waterbirds including Greater Flamingos, Great White Pelicans, African Spoonbill, Marabou Stork, and various waders and shorebirds.
Continue the journey back to Addis Ababa.
Conclude the tour.

The route