6- Days Birding in Ankober
Overview
6-Day Ankober Birding Tour | Spot the Ankober Serin: Join a specialized 6-Day Ankober Birding Tour across the Ethiopian Rift Valley escarpment and Debre Libanos to spot the endemic Ankober serin and Geladas.
A 6-day birding journey through the highlands around Ankober, one of Ethiopia’s most rewarding yet less-traveled birding destinations. Starting in Addis Ababa, you travel to Debre Libanos, the Jemma Valley and Ankober before finishing at Halledeghe Wildlife Reserve and Awash National Park. Ideal for serious birders and nature lovers.
Tour Highlights
- Highland endemics: Ankober Serin, Ethiopian Siskin, White-collared Pigeon, Abyssinian Catbird, Black-headed Siskin and Yellow-crowned Canary
- Ankober escarpment: Rift Valley views and raptors such as Lammergeier, Tawny Eagle, Augur Buzzard and Verreaux’s Eagle
- Varied habitats: montane grasslands, farmland, scrub and Afro-montane forest, plus Muketuri, Debre Birhan and Doho
- Awash National Park: dry-country species such as Arabian Bustard, Kori Bustard and Secretarybird
- Culture: Debre Libanos Monastery, Ankober village (former capital of Shewa) and optional Ankober Palace ruins
- Quiet setting: peaceful trails, rustic eco-lodges and great photography in the early light
What To Expect
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 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.
What's included
- Professional English-speaking local guide
- Private 4WD or tourist vehicle with driver, including fuel
- Accommodation as per the itinerary
- Meals as per the itinerary
- All entrance fees to the sites listed in the itinerary
- Airport and hotel transfers
- Bottled drinking water during the tour
- Government taxes and service charges
What's not included
- International flights, and domestic flights unless stated in the itinerary
- Ethiopian visa (an e-visa can be obtained online)
- Travel and medical insurance
- Tips for the guide and driver
- Alcoholic and soft drinks
- Personal expenses and laundry
- Camera and video fees at sites, unless stated in the itinerary
- Any services not mentioned under What's Included
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time to visit Ethiopia?
The best time to visit Ethiopia is during the dry season, which runs from October to April. During this time, the weather is pleasant, and transport/roads are in excellent condition.
Do I need a visa to travel to Ethiopia?
Yes, most nationalities require a visa to enter Ethiopia. You can conveniently apply online for an eVisa prior to your arrival, or obtain a visa on arrival at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport.
What is included in the tour price?
Our tours generally cover all ground transportation, professional guiding services, accommodation, and entrance fees. Please refer to the specific tour's Inclusions/Exclusions section for complete details.
Route Map
Proudly Community-Owned
The communities visitable in this area are warm and friendly. If you would like to support them directly, small donations are highly appreciated:
- Pens and school supplies
- Books
- Used clothes
- Children's items
- Any useful materials you feel may benefit the local community
