Lakes & Highlands Ethiopia Birding Tour

Over the next three days, our photography tour takes us to Awash National Park. Awash stands as a gem among Ethiopia’s wildlife reserves, renowned for its diverse landscapes and abundant wildlife. Nestled in the heart of the Rift Valley, this park offers a mesmerizing panorama ranging from savannah plains to acacia woodlands and volcanic landscapes. Its reputation as a prime destination for wildlife enthusiasts stems from its rich biodiversity, housing iconic mammals like the besia oryx, hippo, aardvark, black-and-white colobus monkey, green Monkey, Hamadryas baboon, bat-eared fox, caracal, black-backed jackal, leopard, cheetah, and lion.

More than 450 bird species call this park home. Among them are the majestic Arabian Bustard, the vibrant Yellow-breasted Barbet, the lesser-known and restricted Gillett’s Lark, and the Nile Valley Sunbird. From the striking Somali Ostrich to the diminutive Mouse-coloured Penduline Tit, the park offers sightings of varied and unique bird species.

Where you will be staying: Awash Falls Lodge

Our next destination takes us to Lake Langano. Nestled within Ethiopia’s Rift Valley, it stands as a tranquil oasis, offering a serene respite amidst stunning landscapes. Its shores provide a haven for a diverse array of birdlife and it’s simply brilliant for photography.

Our focus will be on photographing highlight species like the Verreaux’s Eagle-owl, White-rumped Babbler, Hemprich’s Hornbill, White-bellied Go-away-bird, and Northern White-faced Owl, among others, within this rich ecosystem. Additionally, we anticipate encountering numerous wetland species, adding to the diversity of birdlife in this remarkable location.

Where you will be staying: Hara Langano Lodge

In the heart of Ethiopia lies the awe-inspiring Bale Mountains National Park, a testament to natural wonder. This picturesque landscape boasts captivating scenery and diverse ecosystems, fostering a wealth of wildlife. The Ethiopian Wolf will certainly be a highlight of this destination, where we aim to get good photos.

This mountain range hosts nearly 300 bird species, including six endemics – Blue-winged Goose, Spot-breasted Lapwing, Yellow-fronted Parrot, Abyssinian Longclaw, Abyssinian Catbird, Ethiopian Siskin. Bale Mountains National Park promises an enthralling experience for wildlife enthusiasts and passionate birdwatchers alike and is a favourite among our clients.

Where you will be staying: Bale Mountain Lodge

Your next destination takes you westward from the Bale Mountains to the captivating Lake Awasa. This scenic destination welcomes you with picturesque traditional fishing boats, thriving hippo colonies, and impressive gatherings of Great White Pelicans. Other highlight species worth noting are the African Pygmy Kingfisher, African Jacana, Marabou Stork, Malachite Kingfisher, Pied Kingfisher, White-browed Robin-chat, Western-banded Snake-eagle, Hottentot Teal, Black Crake, African Fish-eagle, Hadada Ibis, Purple Heron, Common Sandpiper, White-backed Duck, Reed and Sedge Warblers, Bruce’s Green Pigeon, Slender-billed Starling, Abyssinian Woodpecker, Hooded Vulture, and more!

On our final day, we’ll leisurely travel back to Addis Ababa, making several birding stopovers along the way, and getting our final glimpses of Ethiopia’s impressive birdlife. You’ll have an overnight stay in Addis Ababa.

Where you will be staying: Haile Resort
Where you will be staying in Addis Abba: Hyatt Regency Addis Ababa

The next morning, we’ll transfer you to Addis Ababa Bole International Airport ready for your international flight back home – if your flight is in the afternoon/evening, then there are ample birding opportunities in the capital.