11-Days Ethiopia Birdwatching Adventure & Photograph Tour

Discover the rich birdlife and breathtaking landscapes of Ethiopia on this 11-day birdwatching and photography adventure. Ethiopia is home to over 860 bird species, including more than 20 endemics, set against a backdrop of dramatic highlands, Rift Valley lakes, savannahs, and Afro-alpine ecosystems.

This tour is perfect for both avid birders and wildlife photographers, offering carefully planned itineraries that combine prime birding hotspots with incredible photographic opportunities. Explore diverse habitats—from the Bale Mountains’ misty highlands and Harenna Forest, to the southern savannahs of Yabello and Mega, and the Rift Valley lakes teeming with waterbirds.

Expect to encounter iconic Ethiopian species such as the Ethiopian Bush-crow, Blue-winged Goose, White-tailed Swallow, Abyssinian Catbird, and Thick-billed Raven, along with raptors, waterbirds, and migratory species. In addition, the tour includes encounters with Ethiopia’s unique wildlife, like Ethiopian Wolf, Grevy’s zebra, and various antelopes.

Day 1 :

Arrival in Addis Ababa

Arrive at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport and meet your birding/photography guide.

Depending on arrival time, short birding session in Entoto Hills or Gullele Botanical Garden.

Highlights: Ethiopian endemic species like Thick-billed Raven, Rüppell’s Black Chat, and urban-adapted birds.

Overnight: Hotel in Addis Ababa.

Day 2 :

Addis Ababa – Debre Libanos & Jemma Valley

Drive north toward Debre Libanos Monastery, birding in the surrounding forests and Jemma Valley.

Bird highlights: Gelada (photography opportunity), White-billed Starling, Abyssinian Ground Hornbill, Lammergeier.

Capture dramatic landscapes of the Ethiopian highlands.

Overnight: Lodge near Debre Libanos.

Day 3 :

Debre Libanos – Rift Valley Lakes

Travel south into the Rift Valley, stopping at Lake Ziway, Lake Langano, and surrounding wetlands.
Bird highlights: African Fish Eagle, Great White Pelican, kingfishers, herons, waders.
Excellent opportunity for waterbird photography.
Overnight: Lodge at Lake Langano.

Day 4 :

Rift Valley Lakes – Awash National Park

Drive east to Awash National Park. Afternoon game drive and photography session in acacia savannah and along riverine areas.
Bird highlights: Abyssinian Roller, Secretary Bird, Kori Bustard.
Wildlife: Beisa Oryx, Soemmerring’s gazelle, warthogs.
Overnight: Lodge near Awash National Park.

Day 5 :

Awash – Bale Mountains National Park

Long drive south to the Bale Mountains region, stopping at scenic points for photography and birding.

Overnight: Lodge near Bale Mountains National Park.

Day 6 :

Bale Mountains – Harenna Forest & Sanetti Plateau

Full day birding and photography in Harenna Forest and Sanetti Plateau, Ethiopia’s top highland birding areas.
Bird highlights: Blue-winged Goose, Abyssinian Catbird, Rouget’s Rail, Wattled Ibis.
Mammals: Ethiopian Wolf (rare), Mountain Nyala.
Ideal for landscape and wildlife photography.
Overnight: Lodge near Bale Mountains.

Day 7 :

Bale Mountains – Yabello (Southern Ethiopia)

Drive south to Yabello, passing through semi-arid landscapes and open savannah. Afternoon birding in the scrubland and acacia habitats.

Bird highlights: Somali Ostrich, Northern Carmine Bee-eater, Pygmy Batis.

Overnight: Lodge or hotel in Yabello.

Day 8 :

Yabello – Mega Area

Full day birding and photography around Mega, one of Ethiopia’s premier birding hotspots.

Endemic highlights: Ethiopian Bush-crow, White-tailed Swallow, Stresemann’s Bushcrow.

Other wildlife: Gerenuk, Grant’s gazelle, warthogs.

Overnight: Lodge or hotel in Mega/Yabello.

Day 9 :

Mega – Rift Valley / Lake Hawassa

Drive north toward the Rift Valley and Lake Hawassa.

Afternoon birding around the lake and wetlands.

Bird highlights: African Jacana, Goliath Heron, various ducks and waterfowl.

Sunset photography at Lake Hawassa.

Overnight: Lodge in Hawassa.

Day 10 :

Lake Hawassa – Lake Ziway & Return to Addis Ababa

Morning birding and photography at Lake Hawassa.
Drive back to Addis Ababa with stops at scenic spots and Rift Valley viewpoints.
Highlights: Capture sunset over Rift Valley lakes, and final opportunities for endemic species along the way.
Overnight: Hotel in Addis Ababa.

Day 11 :

: Departure

Optional early morning birding in Addis Ababa if time permits.

Transfer to Addis Ababa Bole International Airport for departure.

End of the tour.

11-Days Ethiopia Birdwatching Adventure & Photograph Tour

Overview

Itinerary

Cost