Simien Mountains

Exploring the stunning and endemic-rich Simien Mountains is an essential visit for any birder in Ethiopia.

Exploring the stunning and endemic-rich Simien Mountains is an essential visit for any birder in Ethiopia. Hosting around 200 bird species, including 5 endemics and 12 near-endemics, this habitat boasts an impressive diversity of species. Notable species are the Thick-billed Raven, White-cheeked Turaco, Wattled Ibis, White-collared Pigeon, Spot-breasted Plover, White-billed Starling, White-backed Black Tit, and Gabar Goshawk, among others.

However, the primary draw for birders is the coveted opportunity to witness the remarkable Lammergeyer. This bird of prey is unique worldwide for its nearly exclusive diet of bone marrow, employing a fascinating technique of carrying scavenged bones to great heights and dropping them to access the marrow within.

The Simien Mountains are also renowned for their endemic mammal species, presenting a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. Here, encountering the rare and endangered Walia Ibex, sizable troops of Gelada Baboons (Gelada Monkeys), and the world’s rarest canid, the Ethiopian Wolf, is an extraordinary and exclusive experience, a true highlight for any nature enthusiast’s bucket list.