Addis Ababa: 10-Day Ethiopian Endemic Birdwatching Tour

Embark on a 10-day birdwatching tour from Addis Ababa. Explore the Great Rift Valley, Lake Langano, and Abiyata–Shalla National Park. Visit Bale Mountains National Park and Yabello Wildlife Sanctuary.
Day 1: Addis Ababa → Lake Langano
Drive south through the Great Rift Valley with birding stops at Koka Dam, Awash River, and Lake Ziway. Target birds include African Pygmy Goose, Abyssinian Ground Hornbill, Little Weaver, Collared Pratincole, and Jacanas.
Overnight: Lodge at Lake Langano

Day 2: Lake Langano → Abiyata–Shalla NP
Explore Abiyata–Shalla National Park, home to 300+ bird species. Look for Yellow Wagtail, Flamingos, Chestnut-bellied Sandgrouse, Rollers, and African Marsh Harrier.
Overnight: Lodge at Lake Langano

Day 3: Langano → Bale Mountains (Dinsho)
Drive to Bale Mountains National Park. Afternoon hike near Dinsho HQ.
Mammals: Mountain Nyala, Menelik’s Bushbuck
Birds: Spot-breasted Lapwing, Rouget’s Rail, Wattled Ibis
Overnight: Hotel in Goba

Day 4: Gaysay Grasslands & Juniper Forest
Birding in grasslands and forest. Key species: Cape Eagle-Owl, Abyssinian Owl, Yellow-crowned Canary, White-backed Tit, Abyssinian Catbird, Ground Thrush.
Overnight: Wabe Shebele Hotel, Goba

Day 5: Sanetti Plateau & Harenna Forest
Full-day trip.
Wildlife: Ethiopian Wolf, Bale Monkey
Birds: Moorland Francolin, Cinnamon Bracken Warbler, Abyssinian Slaty Flycatcher, Mountain Buzzard
Overnight: Hotel in Goba

Day 6: Bale → Yabello (Borena)
Drive south through dry savannah. En route birding: Red-naped Bushshrike, Foxy Lark, Three-streaked Tchagra.
Overnight: Hotel in Yabello

Day 7: Arero Forest → Mega
Search for endemic Prince Ruspoli’s Turaco. Other highlights: Stresemann’s Bushcrow, Somali Short-toed Lark, Heuglin’s Bustard.
Overnight: Hotel in Mega

Day 8: Yabello Wildlife Sanctuary
Full day in the sanctuary and savannah. Key species: Somali Ostrich, Secretary Bird, Vulturine Guineafowl, Kori Bustard, Somali Bee-eater.
Mammals: Burchell’s Zebra, Aardvark, Grant’s Gazelle
Overnight: Hotel in Yabello

Day 9: Yabello → Hawassa
Drive north with en route birding. Spot Silvery-cheeked Hornbill, Fish Eagle, Marabou Stork, Kingfishers.
Overnight: Hotel in Hawassa

Day 10: Hawassa → Lake Ziway → Addis Ababa
Morning birding at Lake Hawassa. Return to Addis with stops at Lake Ziway. Repeat sightings and tour wrap-up.
Overnight: Saro Maria Hotel or airport transfer

To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.

This excursion you can cancel with no cost up to 24 hours before the start of the trip. If you cancel it after 24 hours or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity. Being late on pick-up or departure will be considered as not showing up.