This 6-day birding journey is focused on the diverse and scenic highland regions surrounding Ankober, one of Ethiopia’s most rewarding yet less-traveled birding destinations. The tour begins in Addis Ababa, where cultural highlights and introductory birding set the stage. From there, you travel north to explore the dramatic escarpments, river gorges, and forested hills of Debre Libanos, the Jemma Valley, and Ankober—each offering excellent opportunities to spot both endemic and migratory bird species.
Key highlights include the historical Debre Libanos Monastery, the breathtaking Jemma River Gorge, and the elevated landscapes of Ankober, where Ethiopia’s Ankober Serin, Harwood’s Francolin, and Erlanger’s Lark can be found. You’ll also visit lesser-known birding sites like Muketuri, Debre Birhan, and Doho, which offer a unique mix of habitats—from montane forests to arid savannas and thermal spring wetlands—supporting a wide range of species including bee-eaters, vultures, hornbills, and sunbirds.
The tour also includes a visit to Halledeghe Wildlife Reserve and Awash National Park, where dry-country birds and iconic species such as the Arabian Bustard, Kori Bustard, and Secretarybird can be observed alongside Ethiopia’s rarest wildlife. With a combination of highland specialties, endemic species, and striking landscapes, this itinerary is ideal for both serious birders and nature lovers seeking a unique Ethiopian experience close to the capital.
Target key Ethiopian endemic and near-endemic bird species including:
Ankober Serin (Critically endangered and range-restricted)
Ethiopian Siskin
White-collared Pigeon
Abyssinian Catbird
Black-headed Siskin
Yellow-crowned Canary
Sightings in alpine meadows, escarpment edges, juniper woodlands, and agricultural fields.
Birding along the Ankober escarpment, which offers:
Stunning views over the Great Rift Valley
Dramatic cliffs and deep gorges where raptors soar
Opportunity to see Lammergeier, Tawny Eagle, Augur Buzzard, and Verreaux’s Eagle
Explore a mosaic of habitats including:
Montane grasslands and moorlands
Open farmland
Scrublands and Afro-montane forest patches
Unique ecosystems attract sunbirds, chats, francolins, and waxbills
Visit Ankober village, the former capital of Shewa.
Learn about Amhara highland traditions, farming practices, and architecture.
Optional visit to Ankober Palace ruins, associated with Emperor Menelik II.
Escape the city with quiet trails, minimal tourism, and excellent birding conditions.
Stay in rustic eco-lodges or local guesthouses with warm hospitality and panoramic views.
Great opportunities for avian and landscape photography.
Capture the early morning light over the escarpment, vivid plumage of highland birds, and rural scenes of everyday Ethiopian life.
Arrive in Addis Ababa. In Addis, you will visit highlights of the city, including the National Museum, which houses rich artifacts dating back to the Axumite period and the landmark remains of “Lucy,” a 3.2-million-year-old hominid fossil. You will also visit the Trinity Cathedral, and Entoto Museum and Old Palace, which offer a great panoramic view of the city and opportunities for meaningful birding.
Overnight: Addis Ababa
Visit the historical 13th-century Debre Libanos Monastery, located in a forested hill and offering impressive views of rugged montane scenery and excellent birding.
Resident species include the Ethiopian endemic Harwood’s Francolin, White-billed Starling, and Rüppell’s Cliff Chat, as well as other species such as Lanner Falcon, White-throated Seedeater, Abyssinian Woodpecker, Foxy Cisticola, Black-faced Firefinch, and the majestic Lammergeier (Bearded Vulture).
Overnight: Fiche
Drive to the small town of Muketuri and continue to Debre Birhan (approx. 4 hours). While descending into the Jemma River Valley, look out for species like Harwood’s Francolin, Red-collared Widowbird, Black-winged Lovebird, and Singing Cisticola.
Stop in Debre Birhan for lunch, then continue 42 km to the historical town of Ankober, which offers breathtaking views and excellent birding opportunities for species such as the endemic Ankober Serin, Erlanger’s Lark, Black-winged Lapwing, Black-headed Siskin, and many more.
Overnight: Ankober
A 4-hour drive takes you to the beautiful Doho Lodge. Enjoy a short hike around the lodge for species such as White-throated Bee-eater, Northern Carmine Bee-eater, Olive Bee-eater, Black-throated Barbet, African Orange-bellied Parrot, White-headed Buffalo-Weaver, Superb Starling, Rüppell’s Weaver, Red-fronted Warbler, Grey-headed Batis, Nile Valley Sunbird, Shining Sunbird, and Slender-tailed Nightjar.
Another attraction near Doho is the Halledeghe Wildlife Reserve, home to Ethiopia’s largest isolated population of Grevy’s Zebra, along with herds of Beisa Oryx, Soemmerring’s Gazelle, and Gerenuk. Notable birds here include Arabian Bustard, Kori Bustard, Secretarybird, and Somali Ostrich, from the 244 species recorded in the area, which can be spotted during the evening game drive.
Overnight: Doho
After morning birding in Halledeghe Wildlife Reserve, drive 40 km to Awash, where you’ll spot dry-country birds such as Buff-crested Bustard, Lichtenstein’s Sandgrouse, Carmine Bee-eater, Abyssinian Roller, Larks, Hornbills, and Waxbills.
Visit the magnificent Awash Falls to photograph Nile Crocodiles and Baboons in their natural habitat.
Overnight: Awash
After morning birding in Halledeghe Wildlife Reserve, drive 40 km to Awash, where you’ll spot dry-country birds such as Buff-crested Bustard, Lichtenstein’s Sandgrouse, Carmine Bee-eater, Abyssinian Roller, Larks, Hornbills, and Waxbills.
Visit the magnificent Awash Falls to photograph Nile Crocodiles and Baboons in their natural habitat.
Overnight: Awash
After a morning game drive in the park to spot more birds and mammals, begin your return journey to Addis Ababa. Stop at Lake Beseka en route for wetland birds.
Continue to Addis and arrive in good time to enjoy a traditional dinner with live music, before being dropped off at the airport for your international flight.
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About
Serina hotel ( 4rth floor),
Bekelech St, 2Q4M+RV8,
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
+251 91 355 0959
+251 91 156 0986
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