Ethiopia Birding & Wildlife Safari – 7-Day Itinerary
Overview
Tour Plan
Depart from Addis Ababa and drive east to Awash National Park. This park is home to a rich diversity of bird species including Red-bellied Parrots, Bustards, Weavers, Hoopoes, Yellow-throated Serine, Red-fronted Barbet, Pygmy Batis, and Lesser-striped Swallow. Mammals commonly seen include Anubis Baboon, Colobus Monkey, Black-backed Jackal, Bat-eared Fox, Egyptian Mongoose, Warthog, Beisa Oryx, Soemmering’s Gazelle, Lesser Kudu, and Salt’s Dikdik. Overnight: Lodge in or near Awash National Park
Continue birding in Awash National Park during the morning. In the afternoon, travel to the Alledeghi Plains, approximately 70 km from the park. This open grassland is ideal for spotting bustards, larks, sandgrouse, and other dryland species. Overnight: Lodge
Drive south toward Lake Langano with birding stops at Koka Dam, the Awash River, and Lake Ziway. These wetlands host species such as African Pygmy Goose, Black-billed Woodhoopoe, Abyssinian Ground Hornbill, Northern Black Tit, Little Weaver, Yellow-billed Stork, Collared Pratincole, Lesser Jacana, African Jacana, and White Pelican. Overnight: Lodge at Lake Langano
Spend the day birding around Lake Langano and nearby Abiyata–Shalla National Park. Over 300 bird species can be found here, including Yellow Wagtails, Ibis, Cormorants, Pelicans, Ducks, Egrets, Herons, Flamingos, Storks, Swallows, Chestnut-bellied Sandgrouse, Abyssinian Ground Hornbill, Rollers, Wheatears, and African Marsh Harrier. Overnight: Lodge
Drive southeast to Bale Mountains National Park, one of Africa’s top birding destinations. Arrive at the park headquarters in Dinsho by afternoon and enjoy a leisurely hike. Look out for endemic mammals such as Menelik’s Bushbuck and Mountain Nyala. Bird species in this area include Blue-winged Goose, Spot-breasted Lapwing, Abyssinian Longclaw, Wattled Ibis, Black-headed Siskin, and Rouget’s Rail. Overnight: Hotel in Bale Mountains
Explore the interior of Bale Mountains National Park, including the Senetti Plateau—the largest continuous alpine area in Africa. Birding highlights include Chestnut-naped Francolin, Ground Thrush (Simensis), Abyssinian Ground-thrush, Abyssinian Catbird, White-backed Black-Tit, Wattled Crane (rare), Cape Eagle-Lapwing, Thekla Lark, Red-breasted Wheatear, and Moorland Chats. The plateau is also the best place to spot the endangered Ethiopian Red Wolf. Overnight: Hotel
Enjoy a final morning walk or short drive in Bale Mountains National Park for last birding opportunities. You may encounter species missed earlier or revisit favorite spots for photography. After breakfast, begin your return drive to Addis Ababa, arriving in the evening. Overnight: Optional hotel in Addis Ababa or departure
