Addis Ababa: 8-Day Bale Mountains Birdwatching Tour

Discover Ethiopia's diverse birdlife on an 8-day tour. Explore the Bale Mountains, Sanetti Plateau, and Harenna Forest, spotting endemic and rare species along the way.
8 Days Birdwatching Trip to the Bale Mountains
Day 1: Arrival in Addis Ababa – City Birding
Arrive in Addis Ababa and meet your birding guide. Depending on your arrival time, enjoy birding around the Entoto foothills or Addis Ababa University grounds to spot Abyssinian Slaty Flycatcher, Tacazze Sunbird, and White-collared Pigeon. Evening welcome dinner and trip briefing.
Day 2: Addis Ababa – Lake Ziway – Lake Langano
Drive south along the Great Rift Valley, stopping at Lake Ziway to see African Fish Eagles, Pelicans, Storks, and Jacanas. Continue to Lake Langano, known for Little Bee-eaters, Grey Hornbills, and Bare-faced Go-away-birds. Dinner and overnight at a lakeside lodge.
Day 3: Lake Langano – Dinsho (Bale Mountains NP)
After breakfast, drive to Bale Mountains National Park, birding en route through acacia and mountain forests. At Dinsho, take a guided walk to spot endemic species like the Abyssinian Catbird, Bale Parisoma, and Chestnut-naped Francolin, along with Mountain Nyala and Menelik’s Bushbuck. Overnight at Dinsho or nearby lodge.
Day 4: Gaysay Grasslands – Goba
Morning birding at Gaysay Grasslands for Blue-winged Goose, Rouget’s Rail, Wattled Crane, and Spot-breasted Lapwing. Afternoon drive toward Goba, spotting highland birds like Thekla Lark, Abyssinian Longclaw, and Ethiopian Siskin. Overnight in Goba.
Day 5: Sanetti Plateau (Afro-alpine Zone)
Ascend to the Afro-alpine Sanetti Plateau, home to unique species including Ruddy Shelduck, Red-billed Chough, and Spot-breasted Lapwing. You may also see the rare Ethiopian Wolf. Continue birding around Tulu Dimtu before returning to Goba.
Day 6: Goba – Harenna Forest
Descend into the lush Harenna Forest, a rich habitat of bamboo and cloud forest. Look for Abyssinian Crimsonwing, Yellow-fronted Parrot, Banded Barbet, and Crowned Eagle. Visit local coffee farms and enjoy the cool forest atmosphere. Overnight at a forest eco-lodge.
Day 7: Full Day in Harenna Forest
Spend a full day birding in Harenna’s diverse habitat, home to more than 160 species. Watch for White-cheeked Turaco, Silvery-cheeked Hornbill, Sharpe’s Starling, and forest mammals like colobus monkeys. Picnic lunch and overnight at the same lodge.
Day 8: Harenna – Shashamene – Addis Ababa
After breakfast, drive back to Addis Ababa, birding around Shashamene and Lake Ziway to spot missed species. Arrive in the capital by late afternoon for a farewell dinner before transfer to your hotel or the airport.

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.