Ethiopia, with more than 800 bird species in which some are the endemic birds and most the endemic birds are found in the southern part of Ethiopia to the Jima river valley, the rift valley lakes, the hot spring of Wondogenet area, in the Bale mountain area, the Awash national park. Yabello, the Nechsar park and in the north to the DebreBirhan, the Nile gorge DebreLibanos area and the lake Tana areas.
Day 1, Arriva in Addis Ababa
Meets your guide and transfer to hotel. After some rest drive 210Km round trip .A day tour to Debra Libanose Monastery via Sululta a plain, which holds large number of wintering paratactic passerines and a variety of Afro tropical species. The endemic Abyssinian sis kin, Whit billed starling,
Rupell’s Black chat, Lanner Falcon, Verreaux’s and Tawny eagle are one the target birds. The Egyptian and White backed vultures, Lammergeyer, Erick’s francolin, Rufus breasted sparrow hawk, little and common rock Thrush, Red collared window bird, Abyssinian woodpecker, White Backed black Tit, White Winged cliff chat and Brown woodland warbler are amongst the species we may see. Beside, the beautiful endemic Gelada Baboon can be easily seen at the edge of Debra Libanose gorge .we drive back to Addis Ababa in late afternoon.
Day 2, Drive in the morning to the Ambo
Drive in the morning to the Ambo Road for Menagesha State Forest, about 50 km from Addis Ababa. The Emperor Zera Yacob (1434-1468), noticing the degradation of the forest around Mount Wechecha, initiated what was perhaps the first reforestation and conservation measure in the region by having Juniper trees planted. We will take a picnic lunch, making our way up through the forest towards the top of Mount Wechecha. We can expect to see the Abyssinian Catbird, Banded Barbet, Golden-backed Woodpecker, Black-headed Forest Oriole, Wattled Ibis, Yellow-fronted Parrot, Black-winged Lovebird, Abyssinian Ground Thrush, Crowned Eagle and Narina's Trogan. Among the wildlife species recorded here are: Menelik's Bushbuck, Leopard, Colobus Monkey, Serval, Grey Duiker, Hyaena, Warthog, Porcupine and Civet Cat. We will return to Addis by the Jima Road, to the south of the forest.
Day 3, 180Km Leaving Addis Ababa we drive down to the lakes region.
We shall have launch lake Ziway, where we are spending more time this afternoon. Lake Ziway is one of the bird paradises in the Ethiopian rift valley. It accommodates a great number of aquatic birds. Lesser black backed and Great headed and gulls, lesser jacana, skimmer, red shank, black heron, African pygmy Goose , Temminck’s and little stints, common snipe, woodland king fisher and black tailed Godwit are some of the species can be seen here .Late afternoon we drive down to Langano resort for an overnight staying. En route we may have one short stop at the acacia Wood land of the cattle development ranch for few species like the Black billed and Black wood Hoopoes, Yellow vented Eremomela, Grey flycatcher, Oliveceous and buff bellied Warbles, Red faced Crombec, wood headed Buffalos weavers and ring necked dove.
Day 4, 30Km drive forBirding around BishangariBishangari is the ideal place for bird watching as it is located between the ancient forest and lake Langano. Out of the many aquatic bird species found on the lake are the great white pelicans, cormorants, darters, storks, kingfishers, Egyptian geese, fish eagles and many more. There are birds seen in abundance by the lake, the ancient forest is also home to starlings, hornbills, weavers, bustards and many more. Around Bishangari not less than 300 bird species have been registered.
Day 5,Early birding around Langano
Early birding around Langano which is one of the best birding area in Ethiopia. 260Km A pre breakfasts birding in the acacia woodland nearby Langano resort This woodland provides many birds like the Black checked and common Waxbills, Abyssinian black Wheatear, Dederic and Klaas’s Cuckoos Doran and Rattling cist colas. The red billed and Von de Deck en’s hornbills, Banded Barbet, Spotted Eagle Owl, Red headed weaver, African pygmy kingfisher, Nubian and Bearded woodpeckers, Brubru, Grey flycatcher, Northern Black Tit, Hempric’s Hornbill and some of the species we expect in this productive compound. After breakfast, we drive to Bale Mountains. The elegant endemics of Mountain Nyala and Menelik's Bushbuck are the beauty of the Bale Mountains NP, in addition to the bird life.
Day 6, 150Km round trip
Today we shall have a full day birding in the forests near Goba and on Sanattie plateau. Sanattie is the largest moorland tract in the whole Africa and it is the home to the rare Ethiopian Wolf and the Giant mole Rats. Abyssinian Woodpecker, Abyssinian catbird, White backed Black Tit, Abyssinian Ground Thrush, Yellow crowned Canary, Somali chestnut winged starling, Olive Pigeon, Mountain Buzzard, African snipe, Thekla Lark, Malachite sunbird, Mottled and Alpine swifts, Moorland Francolin, Golden Eagle, Lanner Falcon, Watteled Crane, Cinnamon Bracken Warbler, Ruddy shelduck, Verreaux's' Eagle, Yellow bellied and common waxbills, Tropical Bouboo, Rufus breasted. Sparrow Hawk, Abyssinian Slaty Flycatcher, Black winged Lovebird, Bale Parisoma and Slender billed Starlings are amongst of interesting birds of the Bale Mountains National Park. The beautiful Ethiopian Wolf (endemic), Abyssinian Hare, Klipspringer, Giant Mole Rats and different species of grass rats are some of the mammals that we expect in this magnificent moorland region. We return to Goba this evening.
Day 7, About 220km we drive to Lake Awassa,
The smallest and shallowest lake of the Ethiopian Rift System. Today we may not have any special stoppage unless we see special things in order to get enough time in Awassa this afternoon. The Huegljne's Robin Chat, Willow and Lesser swamp Warblers and Red breasted Wryneck. The Woodland and Grey Kingfisher, Spotted creeper, Painted snipe, Purple swamp Hen, Western banded Snake eagle, Giant Kingfisher, African Thrush, Senegal Thick knee, Green shank, Black headed Batis, Little and Spectacled weavers, Red shouldered Cuckoo shrike and Beautiful sunbirds are one of the most interesting birds inhabiting Lake Awassa and the surrounding woodlands.
Day 8, 50Km Excursionto Wondo Genet forests at the mid-day
The Yellow fronted Parrot, Abyssinian woodpecker, Double-toothed barbet, Yellow fronted thinker bird ,Half collared kingfisher, Narina’s Trogon, White checked Turaco, Red shouldered and emerald cuckoo, Yellow bellied waxbill, Scaly francolin, Abyssinian ground Thrush, Spectacled and Grosbeak weaves, Lemon and Tambourine Doves are one the species inhabiting in Wondogenet. Ayer’s hawk Eagle, Fantailed and Thick billed Ravens, African Little sparrow hawk, Crested Eagle, African Harrier Hawk, Sharp’s starling, Broad billed Roller, Blue headed Coucal, Scaly and Lesser Honey Guides are Some of an excellent birds we are expecting to see in this lush forest Back to Awassa.
Day 9, About 300Km Drive to the Ethiopian Rift Valley
Turning east at Mojo towards Awash. We will be birding along the way, and will stop for lunch in Nazareth. For the rest of this day's activities and for the species we can expect to see, Over 460 species of bird have been recorded in this area including: the Abyssinian Roller, Abyssinian Ground Horn Bill, the endemic White-tailed Swallow, Buff Crested Bustard, Dark Chanting Goshawk, Pygmy Falcon, Honey Guide, Woodland Kingfisher, Kori and Arabian Bustard, Black-shouldered Kite, White and Crowned Rosy Patch Shrike, Carmine Bee Eater, Orange-billed Parrot, Lilac Breasted Roller, Lappet faced and Ruppell's vulture. We will also see a variety of different animals, including Greater and Lesser Kudu, Wart Hog, Dik Dik, Gerenuk, Menelik's Bushbuck, Soemmering gazelle, Hamadryas baboons, crocodiles.
Day 10, 225KM After early birding in the park
Drive to Debrezeit Hora Creator Lake which is one of birding area around Addis. Attend the farewell dinner in the best Ethiopian traditional restaurant with live music and delicious dish, transfer to hotel.
Day 11, Departure
After breakfast depart to Bole international airport for the flight and it will be end of the service.
Arriva in Addis Ababa, meets your guide and transfer to hotel. After some rest drive 210Km round trip .A day tour to Debra Libanose Monastery via Sululta a plain, which holds large number of wintering paratactic passerines and a variety of Afro tropical species. The endemic Abyssinian sis kin, Whit billed starling,
Rupell’s Black chat, Lanner Falcon, Verreaux’s and Tawny eagle are one the target birds. The Egyptian and White backed vultures, Lammergeyer, Erick’s francolin, Rufus breasted sparrow hawk, little and common rock Thrush, Red collared window bird, Abyssinian woodpecker, White Backed black Tit, White Winged cliff chat and Brown woodland warbler are amongst the species we may see. Beside, the beautiful endemic Gelada Baboon can be easily seen at the edge of Debra Libanose gorge .we drive back to Addis Ababa in late afternoon.
Drive in the morning to the Ambo Road for Menagesha State Forest, about 50 km from Addis Ababa. The Emperor Zera Yacob (1434-1468), noticing the degradation of the forest around Mount Wechecha, initiated what was perhaps the first reforestation and conservation measure in the region by having Juniper trees planted. We will take a picnic lunch, making our way up through the forest towards the top of Mount Wechecha. We can expect to see the Abyssinian Catbird, Banded Barbet, Golden-backed Woodpecker, Black-headed Forest Oriole, Wattled Ibis, Yellow-fronted Parrot, Black-winged Lovebird, Abyssinian Ground Thrush, Crowned Eagle and Narina's Trogan. Among the wildlife species recorded here are: Menelik's Bushbuck, Leopard, Colobus Monkey, Serval, Grey Duiker, Hyaena, Warthog, Porcupine and Civet Cat. We will return to Addis by the Jima Road, to the south of the forest.
180Km Leaving Addis Ababa we drive down to the lakes region. We shall have launch lake Ziway, where we are spending more time this afternoon. Lake Ziway is one of the bird paradises in the Ethiopian rift valley. It accommodates a great number of aquatic birds. Lesser black backed and Great headed and gulls, lesser jacana, skimmer, red shank, black heron, African pygmy Goose , Temminck’s and little stints, common snipe, woodland king fisher and black tailed Godwit are some of the species can be seen here .Late afternoon we drive down to Langano resort for an overnight staying. En route we may have one short stop at the acacia Wood land of the cattle development ranch for few species like the Black billed and Black wood Hoopoes, Yellow vented Eremomela, Grey flycatcher, Oliveceous and buff bellied Warbles, Red faced Crombec, wood headed Buffalos weavers and ring necked dove.
30Km drive for Birding around Bishangari. Bishangari is the ideal place for bird watching as it is located between the ancient forest and lake Langano. Out of the many aquatic bird species found on the lake are the great white pelicans, cormorants, darters, storks, kingfishers, Egyptian geese, fish eagles and many more. There are birds seen in abundance by the lake, the ancient forest is also home to starlings, hornbills, weavers, bustards and many more. Around Bishangari not less than 300 bird species have been registered.
Early birding around Langano which is one of the best birding area in Ethiopia. 260Km A pre breakfasts birding in the acacia woodland nearby Langano resort This woodland provides many birds like the Black checked and common
Waxbills, Abyssinian black Wheatear, Dederic and Klaas’s Cuckoos Doran and Rattling cist colas. The red billed and Von de Deck en’s hornbills, Banded Barbet, Spotted Eagle Owl, Red headed weaver, African pygmy kingfisher, Nubian and Bearded woodpeckers, Brubru, Grey flycatcher, Northern Black Tit, Hempric’s Hornbill and some of the species we expect in this productive compound. After breakfast, we drive to Bale Mountains. The elegant endemics of Mountain Nyala and Menelik's Bushbuck are the beauty of the Bale Mountains NP, in addition to the bird life.
150Km round trip. Today we shall have a full day birding in the forests near Goba and on Sanattie plateau. Sanattie is the largest moorland tract in the whole Africa and it is the home to the rare Ethiopian Wolf and the Giant mole Rats. Abyssinian Woodpecker, Abyssinian catbird, White backed Black Tit, Abyssinian Ground Thrush, Yellow crowned Canary, Somali chestnut winged starling, Olive Pigeon, Mountain Buzzard, African snipe, Thekla Lark, Malachite sunbird, Mottled and Alpine swifts, Moorland Francolin, Golden Eagle, Lanner Falcon, Watteled Crane, Cinnamon Bracken Warbler, Ruddy shelduck, Verreaux's' Eagle, Yellow bellied and common waxbills, Tropical Bouboo, Rufus breasted. Sparrow Hawk, Abyssinian Slaty Flycatcher, Black winged Lovebird, Bale Parisoma and Slender billed Starlings are amongst of interesting birds of the Bale Mountains National Park. The beautiful Ethiopian Wolf (endemic), Abyssinian Hare, Klipspringer, Giant Mole Rats and different species of grass rats are some of the mammals that we expect in this magnificent moorland region. We return to Goba this evening.
About 220km we drive to Lake Awassa, the smallest and shallowest lake of the Ethiopian Rift System. Today we may not have any special stoppage unless we see special things in order to get enough time in Awassa this afternoon. The Huegljne's Robin Chat, Willow and Lesser swamp Warblers and Red breasted Wryneck. The Woodland and Grey Kingfisher, Spotted creeper, Painted snipe, Purple swamp Hen, Western banded Snake eagle, Giant Kingfisher, African Thrush, Senegal Thick knee, Green shank, Black headed Batis, Little and Spectacled weavers, Red shouldered Cuckoo shrike and Beautiful sunbirds are one of the most interesting birds inhabiting Lake Awassa and the surrounding woodlands.
50Km Excursionto Wondo Genet forests at the mid-day. The Yellow fronted Parrot, Abyssinian woodpecker, Double-toothed barbet, Yellow fronted thinker bird ,Half collared kingfisher, Narina’s Trogon, White checked Turaco, Red shouldered and emerald cuckoo, Yellow bellied waxbill, Scaly francolin, Abyssinian ground Thrush, Spectacled and Grosbeak weaves, Lemon and Tambourine Doves are one the species inhabiting in Wondogenet. Ayer’s hawk Eagle, Fantailed and Thick billed Ravens, African Little sparrow hawk, Crested Eagle, African Harrier Hawk, Sharp’s starling, Broad billed Roller, Blue headed Coucal, Scaly and Lesser Honey Guides are Some of an excellent birds we are expecting to see in this lush forest Back to Awassa.
About 300Km Drive to the Ethiopian Rift Valley, turning east at Mojo towards Awash. We will be birding along the way, and will stop for lunch in Nazareth. For the rest of this day's activities and for the species we can expect to see, Over 460 species of bird have been recorded in this area including: the Abyssinian Roller, Abyssinian Ground Horn Bill, the endemic White-tailed Swallow, Buff Crested Bustard, Dark Chanting Goshawk, Pygmy Falcon, Honey
Guide, Woodland Kingfisher, Kori and Arabian Bustard, Black-shouldered Kite, White and Crowned Rosy Patch Shrike, Carmine Bee Eater, Orange-billed Parrot, Lilac Breasted Roller, Lappet faced and Ruppell's vulture. We will also see a variety of different animals, including Greater and Lesser Kudu, Wart Hog, Dik Dik, Gerenuk, Menelik's Bushbuck, Soemmering gazelle, Hamadryas baboons, crocodiles.
225KM After early birding in the park, drive to Debrezeit Hora Creator Lake which is one of birding area around Addis. Attend the farewell dinner in the best Ethiopian traditional restaurant with live music and delicious dish, transfer to hotel.
After breakfast depart to Bole international airport for the flight and it will be end of the service.