17 Days Bird Watching Tour to Central and Southern Ethiopia

Upon arrival, you'll be warmly greeted by our guide at the airport and transferred to your hotel. After freshening up and having your breakfast, you'll embark on a city tour, visiting the National Museum, where you'll discover the famous fossil remains of Lucy, dating back an astonishing 3.2 million years. Next, you'll ascend Mount Entoto, the highest peak in Addis with breathtaking panoramic views at an altitude of 3200 meters above sea level. You'll also visit the Zoological Natural History Museum. As we explore the city, keep your eyes peeled for some of Ethiopia's unique bird species, such as the Thickbilled Raven, White-collared Pigeon, Banded Barbet, Wattled Ibis, Abyssinian Slaty Flycatcher, Black-winged Lovebird, Brown-rumped Seedeater, and Montane Nightjar. Overnight in hotel

As the day breaks, we'll depart for DebreLibanos, located just north of Addis Ababa, and journey to the scenic Jemma Valley. We'll make our way to the valley's edge, where we'll venture out on foot to spot some of Ethiopia's unique and localized bird species, including the elusive Harwood's and Erckel'sSpurfowls, as well as the striking Rüppell's Black Chat. Next, we'll descend to the Jemma River, where we'll find a diverse array of birdlife. Here, we'll focus on spotting species such as the distinctive Speckle-fronted Weaver, Fox Kestrel, Foxy Cisticola, Short-winged Cisticola, Abyssinian Wheatear, Senegal Thick-knee, Black-billed Barbet, and Abyssinian Ground Hornbill, among many others. Later in the day, we'll continue our journey to DebreBrihan. Overnight in hotel

As we set out early in the morning, we'll make our way to the GemassaGedel and Ankober escarpments in search of the rare and endemic AnkoberSerin. As we explore this bird-rich area, we'll also keep an eye out for other notable species, including the striking White-billed Starling, Blanford's Lark, Abyssinian Longclaw, Ethiopian Siskin, and majestic raptors like Verreaux's Eagle and Bearded Vulture. We may also be lucky enough to spot the endemic Gelada baboon, a unique primate found only in this region. As we continue our birding adventure in the highlands and escarpment, we'll have the chance to encounter a variety of species, such as Rufous-breasted Sparrowhawk, Somali Crow, Hemprich's Hornbill, Nyanza and Mottled Swifts, Rüppell's Black and Moorland Chats, White-rumped Babbler, Abyssinian and Rusty-breasted Wheatears, Yellow-crowned Canary, and many other exciting and sought-after birds.Overnight in Ankober Palace Lodge

Today, we'll embark on a journey to Awash National Park, but before we arrive, we'll make a stop at MelkaGhebdu, a dry river bed that's a hotspot for the Ethiopian endemic Yellow-throated Seedeater. As we explore this arid landscape, we'll also be on the lookout for other fascinating species, including the striking White-bellied Go-away-bird, Abyssinian Roller, Common Rock Thrush, White-throated Robin, Beautiful Sunbird, Sahel Bush Sparrow, Crimson-rumped Waxbill, and many other birds adapted to dry environments. Once we reach the Afar Plains, we'll be treated to a birding extravaganza, with a vast array of species likely to appear. We may spot Yellow-necked Spurfowl, Kori Bustard, Black-headed Lapwing, Chestnut-bellied Sandgrouse, Red-bellied Parrot, Bare-faced Go-away-bird, Blue-napedMousebird, Olive Bee-eater, Abyssinian Roller, Black-billed Wood Hoopoe, Abyssinian and Black Scimitarbills, various hornbill species such as Abyssinian Ground and Von der Decken's Hornbills, Black-throated and Yellow-breasted Barbets, Black-crowned Sparrow-Lark, Grey Wren-Warbler, Grey-headed Batis, Slate-colored Boubou, Rosy-patched Bushshrike, Chestnut Weaver, and White-crested Helmetshrike – just to name a few of the many wonders we may encounter. Overnight in Doho Lodge

Today, we'll embark on a full-day birding adventure in Awash National Park, one of Ethiopia's most prized national parks, renowned for its remarkable biodiversity. As we explore this incredible landscape, we'll be on the lookout for an impressive array of birds, including the majestic Scissor-tailed Kite, a variety of bustards such as Arabian, Buff-crested, Hartlaub's, Black-bellied, and White-bellied Bustards, and the elusive Bruce's Green Pigeon. Our list of potential sightings also includes the iconic Somali Ostrich, African Collared Dove, Horsfield's Bush Lark, Gillett's Lark, Chestnut-backed and Chestnut-headed Sparrow Larks, Boran and Ashy Cisticolas, Eastern Olivaceous Warbler, Pale and African Grey Flycatchers, Mouse-colored Penduline Tit, and four stunning sunbird species: Eastern Violet-backed, Nile Valley, Beautiful, and Shining Sunbirds. We'll also keep an eye out for the striking Somali Fiscal, Woodchat Shrike, Northern Masked Weaver, Cut-throat Finch, and many other species that call this park home. As we explore during this time of year, we may even catch a glimpse of migrant Common Whitethroat and White-throated Robin. In the evening, we'll embark on a night drive, where we'll be on the lookout for nocturnal birds such as Star-spotted Nightjar, Slender-tailed Nightjar, Plain Nightjar, Nubian Nightjar, Greyish Eagle-Owl, and Northern White-faced Owl.Overnignt in Doho Lodge

Venture into the scorching hot plains of Alideghe, where the landscape stretches as far as the eye can see. As we traverse this arid terrain, we'll be on the lookout for an impressive array of birds, including the majestic Arabian and Kori Bustards, the iconic Somali Ostrich, and the striking Secretarybird. We'll also keep a sharp eye out for large flocks of Chestnut-bellied Sandgrouse. Raptors are abundant in this region, and we may spot Scissor-tailed Kite, Egyptian Vulture, Grasshopper Buzzard, Long-legged Buzzard, and even migrant eagles soaring overhead. As we explore this vast expanse, we may also catch glimpses of larger mammals such as Grevy's Zebra, Beisa Oryx, Soemmerring's Gazelle, African Golden Wolf, and Gerenuk. Meanwhile, in the surrounding bush, we'll search for a variety of bird species, including African Collared Dove, Isabelline Shrike, Rosy-patched Bushshrike, and many others that call this region home. Overnight in Doho Lodge

After breakfast, we'll embark on a scenic drive to Lake Ziway and its surrounding plain, where we'll have the opportunity to observe a diverse array of birds. We'll keep a keen eye out for species like the majestic Black Crowned Crane, the elegant Collared Pratincole, and various shorebirds, including African Snipe and other species that frequent these wetlands. We'll also be on the lookout for terns, including Gull-billed Tern, Lesser and African Jacanas, and waterfowl such as Fulvous Whistling Duck and African Pygmy Goose. In addition, we may spot hawks and harriers, like Western Marsh Harrier, soaring overhead. This day's highlights might also include sightings of Greater Spotted Eagle, Egyptian Vulture, White-headed Vulture, Clapperton'sSpurfowl, Blue-spotted Wood Dove, Lichtenstein's Sandgrouse, Buff-bellied Warbler, Blackstart, Western Black-headed and Pygmy Batises, the striking Masked Shrike, Green-winged Pytilia, and Red-fronted Prinia. With so many species to spot, it's sure to be an exciting day of birding! After our morning adventures at Lake Ziway, we'll proceed to Langano.Overnight in Sabana Beach Resort

As the morning dawns, we'll embark on a thrilling birding adventure, with a keen eye out for some of the species that call this region home. We might spot the vibrant Black-winged Lovebird, the striking Banded and Red-fronted Barbets, the agile Little Weaver, and the charming Little Rock Thrush. The rocky escarpment above our hotel offers a unique opportunity to see some fascinating birds, including the majestic Ethiopian Bee-eater, the melodious Mocking Cliff Chat, the striking Abyssinian Wheatear, and the majestic Fan-tailed Raven. We might also catch glimpses of groups of Rock Hyrax as they scurry about. As we venture into the adjacent dry acacia woodland, we may be treated to sightings of the charming Black-billed Wood Hoopoe, the distinctive Bearded Woodpecker, the majestic Von der Decken's Hornbill, and other species such as BoranvCisticola, Buff-bellied Warbler, Mouse-colored Penduline Tit, White-winged Black Tit, White-rumped Babbler, Grey-headed Batis, and Rüppell's Weaver. Later in the day, we may visit another hotel's grounds to spot roosting Slender-tailed Nightjar and Verreaux's and Greyish Eagle-Owls, as well as Clapperton'sSpurfowl. In the afternoon, we'll explore the forest along the southern shore of the lake and the acacia woodland along the road, where we might spot Western Banded Snake Eagle, Bare-faced Go-away-bird, Red-throated Wryneck, and other fascinating birds. This region is renowned for its endemic and special species, including Scaly Spurfowl, Lemon Dove, Narina Trogon, Silvery-cheeked Hornbill, Yellow-fronted Parrot, White-cheeked Turaco, Abyssinian Woodpecker, and Ethiopian Oriole. Overnight in Sabana Beach Resort

Journey to Dinsho, the gateway to the majestic Bale Mountains, we'll explore the region's varied habitats, where we may spot a diverse array of birds, including the iconic Abyssinian Owl, Cape (Mackinder's) Eagle-Owl, African Wood Owl, Wattled Ibis, Chestnut-napedSpurfowl, Moorland Francolin, Wattled Crane, Red-billed Chough, White-backed Black Tit, Abyssinian Catbird, African Emerald Cuckoo, Abyssinian Crimsonwing, and potentially even the majestic Golden Eagle. As we delve deeper into the region, we'll also have the opportunity to spot an impressive range of mammals, including Mountain Nyala, Klipspringer, Menelik's Bushbuck, Bohor Reedbuck, and more. As we leave Goba and venture into the Juniper-Hagenia forest, we may encounter the endemic Abyssinian Woodpecker, White-backed Black Tit, Abyssinian Catbird, and Abyssinian Slaty Flycatcher, as well as the Abyssinian Ground Thrush. Later, we'll make our way to Harena Forest, where we'll have a chance to spot some of the region's star birds, including Brown Parisoma, Ayres's Hawk-Eagle, African Emerald Cuckoo, Abyssinian Ground Thrush, Cinnamon Bracken Warbler, Rüppell's and White-browed Robin-Chats, Abyssinian Crimsonwing, and Slender-billed Starling; and with luck, a flock of migrating European Bee-eaters.Overnight in Bale Mountain Lodge

Venture around the Harena Forest, we'll find ourselves surrounded by the endemic griseiventris subspecies of Brown Parisoma, which inhabit the stands of Hypericum trees. Meanwhile, the Moorland Francolin, Chestnut-napedSpurfowl, and Cinnamon Bracken Warbler make their homes in the dense shrubbery, while the Ethiopian Cisticola prefers the more open areas. From there, we'll drive to the Sanetti Plateau, a unique and breathtaking habitat often referred to as "Afro-alpine moorland." As we explore this tundra-like landscape, we'll have the opportunity to spot majestic birds such as Steppe and Golden Eagles, Augur Buzzard, and the elegant Pallid Harrier soaring overhead. This verdant "sea" is also home to the Ethiopian Wolf, Africa's rarest canid, which roams freely alongside Giant Mole Rats. It's an unforgettable experience to watch these vibrant creatures in their natural habitat. The plateau is also a haven for several other species, including Afrotropical breeding populations of Ruddy Shelduck, Golden Eagle, and Red-billed Chough. We'll also keep an eye out for Black Stork, Wattled Ibis, Rouget's Rail (which is particularly common and confiding here), the endemic Blue-winged Goose, Spot-breasted Lapwing, Wattled Crane, Thekla's Lark, migratory flocks of Red-throated Pipit, Abyssinian Longclaw, Rusty-breasted Wheatear, the Moorland Chat, and flocks of the endemic Ethiopian Siskin. Overnight in Bale Mountain Lodge

Today, we'll embark on a journey south to the Negele area through the fascinating Genale Valley. This region is renowned for its incredible birdlife, earning it the title of one of Ethiopia's greatest endemic hotspots. As we explore this dry yet captivating landscape, we'll have the opportunity to spot an impressive array of birds, including the Brown Snake Eagle, Northern Brownbul, Yellow-breasted Apalis, Grey Tit-Flycatcher, Red-and-yellow Barbet, Upcher's Warbler, Red-capped Robin-Chat, and a variety of Starlings - Golden-breasted, Superb, Shelley's, and Violet-backed. Additionally, we'll keep an eye out for the elusive Ruspoli'sTuraco along the Genale River. Overnight in hotel or guest house in Negele

Today, we'll dedicate a full day to exploring the Negele area, where we'll focus on seeking out the region's incredible endemics and dry-land birds. One of our top targets is the elusive Archer's Lark, also known as the Liben Lark. Along with this rare gem, we'll also have the chance to spot a variety of other sought-after species, including the Foxy Lark, Somali Short-toed Lark, White-crowned Starling, Shelley's Sparrow, Reichenow's Seedeater, and the extremely localized Ethiopian endemic White-tailed Swallow. We'll also be on the lookout for the handsome Bare-eyed Thrush, Spotted Palm Thrush, Pale Prinia, and BoranCisticola. Additionally, we'll keep an eye out for some fascinating ground-dwelling birds such as Temminck's Courser, White-bellied Bustard, and Black-faced Sandgrouse.Overnight in hotel or guest house in Negele

As we leave the Negele area, we'll drive to Yabello, anticipating a new wave of bird sightings to add to our growing list. We're on the lookout for some exciting birds, including the majestic Gabar Goshawk, OvamboSparrowhawk, and Grey Kestrel. As the sun rises, we'll also be on the hunt for nocturnal birds like Pearl-spotted Owlet, Black-throated Barbet, D'Arnaud's Barbet, and Nubian Woodpecker. As we explore Yabello, we'll encounter Stresemann's Bushcrow, and among others, we might spot the enigmatic Banded Parisoma, Scaly Chatterer, Acacia Tit, Eastern Violet-backed Sunbird, Hunter's Sunbird, the striking Magpie Starling, Juba Weaver, White-bellied Canary, Golden-breasted Bunting, the beautifully colored Purple Grenadier, and Grey-capped and Black-capped Social Weavers. Overnight in Yabello Motel

Embark on a birding adventure, searching for a wide variety of species, including the elusive Somali Courser, Somali Fiscal, Taita Fiscal, Short-tailed Lark, and Red-napedBushshrike. We'll also be on the lookout for more widespread species like Speke's Weaver, Black-faced Waxbill, Black-chested Snake Eagle, Eurasian Hobby, Black Cuckoo, and Steel-blue and Straw-tailed Whydahs. Our itinerary also includes a targeted search for the localized endemic Salvadori's Seedeater. As is often the case on this epic tour, we'll also have the opportunity to spot a multitude of Eurasian migrants, which may include warblers, buntings, and other species. Additionally, we'll explore the Yabello Wildlife Sanctuary, where we might be treated to a sighting of the remarkable Gerenuk antelope, known for its impressive long neck that allows it to feed high up in trees and bushes while standing on its hind legs. And if we're lucky, a nighttime drive could yield another exciting encounter - the Somali Bushbaby, a rare and fascinating mammal.Overnight in Yabello Motel

Depart for a scenic drive to Hawassa, where we'll have the opportunity to spot an astonishing array of birds. Upon arrival, we'll be on the lookout for three iconic species: the Hamerkop, Marabou Stork, and Great White Pelicans. As we explore the lake, we may be treated to a sighting of our second pelican species, the Pink-backed Pelican, as well as a flock of migrant Lesser Black-backed Gulls. We'll also dedicate time to searching for woodland birds, including both Eurasian and Red-throated Wrynecks, Western Banded Snake Eagle, Blue-headed Coucal, Red-faced Cisticola, Red-headed Weaver, and the breathtakingly beautiful white form of the African Paradise Flycatcher. Additionally, we'll keep an eye out for nocturnal birds like the Northern White-faced Owl and others that call this region home. Overnight in Haile Resort

We'll begin our day with an early morning drive to the picturesque hot springs of Wondo Genet. Along the way, we'll have the chance to spot some fascinating birds, including the White-winged Black Tit, Grey-backed Fiscal, and migrant Common Nightingale. Upon arrival at Wondo Genet forest, we'll embark on a thrilling birding adventure, searching for a wide variety of forest and woodland species. Our targets include the vibrant Yellow-fronted Parrot, the stunning Banded Barbet, the colorful Black-winged Lovebird, the striking Abyssinian Ground Thrush, the charismatic Abyssinian Woodpecker, and the impressive Ethiopian Boubou. We'll also be on the lookout for other woodland gems like the Brown Woodland Warbler, Narina Trogon, Scaly-throated Honeyguide, and Silvery-cheeked Hornbill. Additionally, we might catch a glimpse of the agile Mountain Wagtail and the elegant Red-shouldered Cuckooshrike. After an exciting morning of birding in Wondo Genet, we'll make our way back to Hawassa. Overnight in Haile Resort

Following breakfast, we'll visit the bustling Fish Market at the shores of Lake Hawassa, where we can experience the sights and sounds of the local fishing community. Afterward, we'll embark on the scenic drive back to Addis Ababa. In the late afternoon, you'll have some free time to relax, explore the city, or indulge in some shopping. As the evening unfolds, we'll gather for a farewell dinner at one of Addis Ababa's finest restaurants, where you'll be treated to a delightful traditional Ethiopian cuisine. The evening will culminate with a vibrant folkloric dance performance featuring the rich cultural heritage of Ethiopia's various nations. Following this enchanting experience, transfer to your final destination, marking the end of our unforgettable birding adventure together.