Ethiopia · Bird Watching

5-Day Bird Watching Tour in Simien Mountains and Lake Tana

5 Days Round trip from Addis Ababa Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Discover diverse birds such as Chestnut-naped Francolin and Lanner Falcon in Simien Mountains National Park
02 Explore the Gondar area for birdlife and endemic mammals like the Gelada monkey and Ethiopian Wolf
03 Stop at Fogera to observe Black-crowned Cranes, Little Stint, and Three-banded Plover
04 Spend a day on Lake Tana spotting various water birds in their natural habitat

Fly to Gondar and continue to Simien Mountains National Park for a 5-day birding experience in one of Ethiopia's most remarkable landscapes. Look out for species such as Chestnut-naped Francolin, Lanner Falcon, Lammergeier, White-collared pigeon, and Abyssinian Longclaw, while also searching for endemic mammals including the Gelada monkey, Ethiopian Wolf, and Walia Ibex. Continue through Gondar and Fogera to Bahar Dar, where more birdwatching opportunities await. The journey ends with a day of birding on Lake Tana, known for its diverse water birds.

Bird species that can be seen in the Simien Mountains include Chestnut-naped Francolin, Lanner Falcon, Lammergeier (Bearded Vulture), White-collared pigeon, and Abyssinian Longclaw.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 5 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Not applicable

Cities Addis Ababa, Gondar, Bahir Dar, Simien Mountains National Park

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Fly to Gondar and Bird in Simien Mountains National Park

Fly from Addis Ababa to Gondar on Ethiopian Airlines.
Upon arrival, continue by car to Simien Mountains National Park for an afternoon of birding. Bird species that can be seen in the Simien Mountains include Chestnut-naped Francolin, Lanner Falcon, Lammergeier (Bearded Vulture), White-collared pigeon, and Abyssinian Longclaw.

Overnight at a lodge.

Day 02

Morning Birding in Simien Mountains and Drive to Gondar

Enjoy early morning birding in Simien Mountains National Park.
Drive to Gondar with lunch en route.
Continue birding in the Gondar area and look for unique wildlife, including the Gelada monkey, Ethiopian Wolf, and Walia Ibex.

Overnight at a hotel.

Day 03

Travel from Gondar to Bahar Dar via Fogera

Depart from Gondar in the morning for Bahar Dar, stopping halfway at the lakeside town of Fogera for birding. Look for species such as Black-crowned Cranes, Little Stint, and Three-banded Plover.
Arrive in Bahar Dar for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 04

Birdwatching on Lake Tana

Depart for Lake Tana in the morning.
Enjoy a full day of birding on Lake Tana, where you can spot various water birds.
Return to Bahar Dar before evening.

Day 05