This immersive 8-day birding journey takes you through some of Ethiopia’s most ecologically diverse and ornithological rich landscapes. From the historic highlands of Addis Ababa to the dramatic escarpments of Awash National Park, the serene Rift Valley lakes, and the misty peaks of the Bale Mountains, this program offers a perfect blend of birdwatching, nature exploration, and cultural experience.
Ethiopia is home to over 860 recorded bird species, including more than 20 endemics, making it one of Africa’s premier birding destinations. This tour is thoughtfully designed to maximize sightings across various habitats—arid lowlands, montane forests, alpine moorlands, and freshwater lakes—while also showcasing iconic wildlife and regional highlights.
Starting in Addis Ababa, participants will explore the city’s cultural landmarks and enjoy introductory birding. The journey then leads east to Awash National Park, known for its dry-country bird species and dramatic landscapes. Continuing south through the Great Rift Valley, birders will explore the abundant aquatic life at Lake Langano and the twin lakes of Abijatta and Shalla, renowned for flamingos, pelicans, and waterfowl.
The centerpiece of the itinerary is Bale Mountains National Park—a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and critical biodiversity hotspot. Here, visitors will encounter high-altitude endemics, unique mammals such as the Ethiopian wolf, and dense forest species in the Harenna Forest. The tour concludes in the lake city of Hawassa, where waterbirds and forest-edge species round out the experience before returning to Addis.
Throughout the program, guests will be accompanied by expert local guides who provide insight into Ethiopia’s unique ecology and birdlife, ensuring an enriching and rewarding experience for birders of all levels.
Visit the historical 13th-century Debre Libanos Monastery, tucked away in a forested hill offering impressive views of rugged montane scenery and excellent birding opportunities.
Resident species include the Ethiopian endemic Harwood’s Francolin, White-billed Starling, and Rüppell’s Cliff Chat, along with others such as Lanner Falcon, White-throated Seedeater, Abyssinian Woodpecker, Foxy Cisticola, Black-faced Firefinch, and the majestic Lammergeier (Bearded Vulture).
Late afternoon, drive back to Addis.
Overnight: Addis Ababa
Leave the capital early and head to the Central Rift Valley, one of Africa’s most important bird migration corridors.
En route, stop at the Bishoftu Crater Lakes to look for woodland species such as Black-winged Lovebird, Blue-breasted Bee-eater, Rüppell’s Robin-chat, Sunbirds, and Rüppell’s Weaver.
Continue to Ziway, the main birding destination for the day, where you’ll spot and photograph a wide variety of species including Rüppell’s Griffon Vulture, Black Egret, African Fish Eagle, Great White Pelican, Yellow-billed Stork, Greater and Lesser Jacana, Lesser Moorhen, Black Crake, and Black-tailed Godwit.
Overnight: Ziway
Drive to the twin lakes of Abijatta and Shalla, known as one of Ethiopia’s best birding destinations.
These scenic lakes are home to over 300 recorded bird species such as Ostrich, Pelicans, Lesser and Greater Flamingos, Migratory Waders, Storks, Cormorants, Hornbills, Starlings, and Sparrow-weavers.
The park is also home to mammals including Warthogs, Hyenas, Baboons, and Gazelles.
Next, continue to Langano to enjoy swimming, lakeshore hikes, and a beautiful sunset.
Overnight: Langano
Leave your lodge early for birding around the acacia woodland and lakeshore to spot both terrestrial and water-associated species.
Return for breakfast, then drive to Hawassa.
The main attraction of Hawassa is its lake, supporting a wide range of water and forest species including Fish Eagle, the colorful Pygmy Goose, Grey Kestrel, Banded Barbet, Abyssinian Oriole, Blue-winged Coucal, Silvery-cheeked Hornbill, Marabou Stork, and Ethiopian endemics like the Yellow-fronted Parrot and Black-winged Lovebird.
Overnight: Hawassa
Visit the Hawassa fish market in the morning as it comes alive with birds and activity.
Next, drive to Wondo Genet, a forested area rich in birdlife.
Target species include Yellow-billed Waxbill, Abyssinian Woodpecker, Half-collared Kingfisher, Olive Thrush, Silver-cheeked Hornbill, Scaly Francolin, African Boubou, Red-winged Starling, Black-winged Lovebird, Yellow-fronted Parrot, African Little Sparrowhawk, Double-toothed Barbet, Lesser-striped Swallow, Mountain Wagtail, and Lemon Dove.
Overnight: Wondo Genet
Begin the day with a guided morning bird walk through the forest.
Then drive to Hawassa and catch your flight back to Addis Ababa, where your short birding adventure—and our services—come to an end.
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