10-day bird-watching adventure

Get ready for an exhilarating 10-day bird-watching adventure through Ethiopia’s exceptional landscapes! This exciting journey will take you to renowned sites like Debre Libanos, Awash National Park, the Bale Mountains, and more. You’ll discover a diverse array of bird alongside stunning scenery and rich wildlife. Let’s spread our wings and make this an unforgettable experience!

Itinerary Overview: Bird-Watching Adventure
Tour Code: Birding 05
Duration: 9 Nights / 10 Days
Transportation: Land (4WD)
Tour Starts: Addis Ababa
Tour Ends: Addis Ababa

Day 1: Arrival and Explore Debre Libanos
Arriving in Addis Ababa at 7:00 AM, we’ll set off on an excursion to Debre Libanos. Here, we’ll explore the breathtaking cliffs of the Jemma River Valley and visit the Ethio-German Lodge. Later, we’ll head back to the Ghion Hotel, where we can enjoy the vast garden filled with various bird species. Overnight at the Ghion Hotel, soaking in the sounds of nature!

Day 2: Journey to Awash National Park (225 km)
After breakfast, we’ll drive to Awash National Park, making a stop ateka Lake along the way to catch glimpses of the local birdlife. Once we arrive in Awash, we’ll settle in for the night at Awash Falls Lodge, right next to the stunning waterfall.

Day 3: Awash National Park and Ali (Alay) Dege Wildlife Reserve
Let’s dive deep into birding at Awash National Park! We’ll also venture to the Ali Dege Wildlife Reserve, located about 60 km from the park known for its desert bird species such as the Somali ostrich and the Arabian bustard. This rich experience may even lead us to view some incredible, including lions, cheetahs, and the endangered Somali wild ass. We’ll enjoy the evening at Animalia Lodge in Alay Dege.

Day 4: Exploring Alay Dege Protected Plains
Today, we’ll spend more time birdwatching in the Alay Dege wildlife reserve and then head towards the eastern part of Awash National Park, where we can explore the hot springs and Lake Doho. Look out for waterbucks and hippos while we continue our birdwatching adventures! We’ll conclude day back at Awash Falls Lodge, preparing for our next leg of the journey.

Days 5-8: Bale Mountains National Park
Next, we’ll embark on a stunning multi-day exploration of Bale Mountains National Park! Get ready to discover areas like Dinsho Forest, Gaysay Mountain Nyala Plains, Harenna Forest, and the iconic Sof Omar Cave. This region is rich in unique bird species and incredible landscapes. We’ll be staying at the Bale Shebelle Hotel, keeping our eyes peeled for all the marvelous birdlife this park has to offer.

Day 9: Senkele Wildlife Sanctuary and Awassa
As we wrap up our adventures in the Bale Mountains, we’ll drive to Awassa, stopping by the Senkele Wildlife Sanctuary along the way. Here, we’ll uncover a variety of bird species and take in the surroundings. Overnight at Haile Resort, renowned for its breathtaking lake views and fantastic birdwatching opportunities.

Day 10: Abijatta-Shalla National Park, Ziway Lake, Lake Koka – Departure
On our final day, we’ll cruise back to Addis Ababa, visiting Abijatta-Shalla National Park and stopping at Ziway Lake and Lake Koka. This last leg of the journey is filled with plenty of stunning sights and birdwatching opportunities. We’ll reach Addis Ababa in time for your departure at 1:00 AM on December 11, 2017. This journey will surely leave you with lifelong memories and a heart full of wonder for Ethiopia’s incredible avifauna!