10-Day Birding Tour Itinerary

Route: Addis Ababa – Ziway – Abijata Shala – Hawassa – Wondo Genet – Bale Mountains National Park – Awash National Park – Debre Zeit – Addis Ababa

Day 1 – Arrival in Addis Ababa

Welcome and brief introduction to Ethiopia. Transfer to your hotel.

Overnight: Addis Ababa

Day 2 – Addis Ababa to Ziway

Drive through Ethiopia’s Great Rift Valley, visiting Cheleleka and Koka Wetlands to observe Crowned and Common Cranes, Fish Eagles, and various waterbirds. Continue to Lake Ziway, Ethiopia’s fourth-largest lake.

Bird species expected include African Pygmy Goose, Malachite and Pied Kingfishers, Lesser Jacana, Black Heron, Terns, Pelicans, Grey-headed and Lesser Black-backed Gulls, African Fish Eagle, Black Crake, and Allen’s Gallinule.

Overnight: Ziway Hotel

Day 3 – Ziway to Abijata-Shala National Park

Travel to Abijata-Shala National Park, renowned for Great White Pelicans, Greater and Lesser Flamingos, African Fish Eagles, Egyptian Geese, plovers, herons, and other waterfowl.

Overnight: Lake Langano Lodge

Day 4 – Abijata-Shala to Lake Hawassa

Drive to Lake Hawassa, rich in birdlife including Saddle-billed Storks, Malachite and Goliath Herons, Purple Swamphen, Allen’s Gallinule, Lesser Jacana, and many waterbirds.

Mammals may include Colobus and Vervet Monkeys, Olive Baboons, and Hippopotamuses.

Overnight: Hawassa

Day 5 – Hawassa to Wondo Genet

Journey to Wondo Genet, a forested area home to endemic and forest birds such as Banded Barbet, Yellow-fronted Parrot, Narina Trogon, Abyssinian Woodpecker, Half-collared Kingfisher, White-cheeked Turaco, and Mountain Wagtail.

Overnight: Wondo Genet

Day 6 – Wondo Genet to Bale Mountains National Park

Drive to Bale Mountains through scenic bird-rich landscapes. Expect endemic species such as Blue-winged Goose, Spot-breasted Plover, Black-winged Lovebird, Thick-billed Raven, and Abyssinian Catbird.

Mammals may include Ethiopian Wolf, Mountain Nyala, Menelik’s Bushbuck, Bohor Reedbuck, and Klipspringer.

Overnight: Goba

Day 7 – Sannate Plateau & Harena Forest

Visit Sannate Plateau to see Blue-winged Goose and Black-headed Siskin. Continue to Harena Forest to look for Ethiopian Oriole, White-cheeked Turaco, and other forest species.

Overnight: Goba (Wabe Shebele Hotel)

Day 8 – Bale Mountains to Awash National Park

Travel to Awash National Park, home to Secretary Bird, Abyssinian Ground Hornbill, Carmine Bee-eaters, Abyssinian Roller, Turacos, and Go-away Birds.

Overnight: Kuriftu Resort

Day 9 – Awash to Addis Ababa via Debre Zeit

Drive back to Addis Ababa, stopping at the Debre Zeit Lakes (Horan and Babogaya) for birdwatching and scenic views.

Overnight: Addis Ababa

Day 10 – Addis Ababa City Tour & Departure

Explore Addis Ababa city highlights. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner before transfer to the airport for departure.

End of Tour