Ethiopia is a treasure trove of Africa’s most remarkable endemic bird species. Known as the “Roof of Africa”, this rugged and ancient land is home to nearly 15 endemic and near-endemic birds. Our special birding tour highlights Ethiopia’s unique birdlife, combined with breathtaking scenery, diverse habitats, and carefully selected eco-friendly accommodations.
Ethiopia stands out as one of Africa’s most captivating birding destinations, with new discoveries unfolding every year. With stunning landscapes, vibrant avifauna, and ever-changing habitats, Ethiopia offers an unforgettable and sustainable birding experience for nature enthusiasts.
Accompanied by one of our highly experienced, English-speaking birding guides, you will explore Ethiopia’s diverse habitats from the lowland savannahs of the Rift Valley to the afro-alpine highlands of Bale Mountains National Park. Along the way, you’ll witness an incredible variety of bird species, while your expert guide leads you to some of the country’s rarest, including the Ankober Serin, Rouget’s Rail, and Spot-breasted Lapwing.
For a fully immersive adventure, you will stay in carefully chosen lodges nestled in nature, where birdwatching begins right at your doorstep. This journey blends our commitment to sustainability, authenticity, and eco-friendly travel with unforgettable encounters with Ethiopia’s extraordinary wildlife.
Operator: Bale Trek Ethiopia Tours
Itinerary & Birdwatching
Day 1: Arrival in Addis Ababa & Debre Libanos
Upon arrival at Addis Ababa airport, your guide will warmly welcome you and transfer you to the Ghion Hotel, a historic colonial-style property surrounded by lush gardens. After a delicious buffet breakfast and Ethiopian coffee, enjoy birding in the gardens before driving north to Debre Libanos. Known for its ancient monastery and dramatic gorge views, the area also offers encounters with endemic Gelada Baboons and diverse birdlife. Possible species: Rüppell’s Vulture, Hooded Vulture, Brown-rumped Seedeater, Abyssinian Slaty Flycatcher, Dusky Flycatcher, Tacazze Sunbird, Wattled Ibis, Blue-winged Goose, Abyssinian Longclaw, Lammergeier, and many more. Accommodation: Ethio-German Park, Debre Libanos
Day 2: Jamma Canyon & Debre Birhan
Travel: 5–6 hrs; 210 km
Early departure for Jamma Canyon, home to raptors and the endemic Harwood’s Francolin. After birding here, continue across the Ethiopian highlands to Debre Birhan. Possible species: Harwood’s Francolin, Erckel’s Francolin, Fox Kestrel, Rüppell’s Chat, Yellow-rumped Serin, Abyssinian Roller, White-billed Starling, and more. Accommodation: Getva Hotel, Debre Birhan
Day 3: The Great Rift Valley & Bishoftu
Birding at Menelik’s Window for the endemic Ankober Serin, then descend into the Rift Valley, rich in birdlife. Stop at Chelekleka Wetland before reaching Bishoftu, known for its seven crater lakes. Enjoy an afternoon kayak ride with birdwatching opportunities. Possible species: Ankober Serin, Marabou Stork, Spur-winged Lapwing, Tawny Eagle, Pygmy Goose, White-backed Duck, and more. Accommodation: Kuriftu Resort & Spa, Bishoftu
Day 4: Lakes Ziway & Langano
Bird along the Rift Valley lakes of Koka and Ziway, and along the Awash River. Spot pelicans, storks, kingfishers, jacanas, and more before continuing to Lake Langano for an afternoon by the lakeshore forest. Possible species: African Fish Eagle, Pied Kingfisher, Malachite Kingfisher, Great White Pelican, Black Crowned Crane, Glossy Ibis, Lesser Jacana, and more. Accommodation: Hara Langano Lodge
Day 5: Lake Langano & Abijata-Shalla National Park
Morning bird walk along the lakeshore, then half-day excursion to Abijata-Shalla National Park, home to flamingos, ostriches, and numerous specialties. Possible species: Yellow-fronted Parrot, White-cheeked Turaco, Black-winged Lovebird, Clapperton’s Francolin, Lesser Flamingo, Pied Avocet, Gull-billed Tern, and more. Accommodation: Hara Langano Lodge
Day 6: Swayne’s Hartebeest Sanctuary & Hawassa
Discover savannah landscapes and endemic Swayne’s Hartebeest. Continue to Hawassa, with birding opportunities at the lively fish market. Possible species: Pygmy Goose, Fulvous Whistling Duck, Woodland Kingfisher, Sulphur-breasted Bushshrike, Spotted Creeper, and more. Accommodation: Haile Resort, Hawassa.
Day 7: Wondo Genet & Hawassa
Morning visit to Wondo Genet’s forested hot springs, rich in birdlife and home to colobus monkeys. Afternoon birding along Lake Hawassa’s shores. Possible species: Silvery-cheeked Hornbill, Yellow-fronted Parrot, White-cheeked Turaco, Northern Carmine Bee-eater, Grosbeak Weaver, and more. Accommodation: Haile Resort, Hawassa
Day 8: Bale Mountains National Park
Travel into Bale Mountains, birding en route in Gaysay Grasslands and juniper forests. Look for endemic antelopes and highland birds. Possible species: Rouget’s Rail, Abyssinian Owl, Verreaux’s Eagle-Owl, Abyssinian Catbird, Spot-breasted Lapwing, Black-headed Siskin, and more. Accommodation: Wabe Shebele Hotel, Goba
Day 9: Sanetti Plateau & Harenna Forest
Explore the afro-alpine Sanetti Plateau, home to the Ethiopian wolf, and the lush Harenna Forest with Bale monkeys. Possible species: Spot-breasted Lapwing, Moorland Francolin, Wattled Ibis, Steppe Eagle, Abyssinian Ground Thrush, Abyssinian Woodpecker, and more. Accommodation: Wabe Shebele Hotel, Goba.
Day 10: Bale to Awash National Park
Travel: 8–9 hrs; 450 km
Scenic drive back through the Arsi Mountains into the Rift Valley, arriving at Awash National Park. Accommodation: Doho Lodge, Awash.
Day 11: Awash National Park
Morning game drive and afternoon bush walk. Encounter both wildlife and diverse birds in the park’s varied habitats. Possible species: Rosy-patched Bushshrike, Red-winged Lark, African Swallow-tailed Kite, Abyssinian Roller, Secretarybird, Carmine Bee-eater, and more. Accommodation: Doho Lodge, Awash.
Day 12: Aledeghi Wildlife Reserve
Day excursion to Aledeghi’s vast grasslands, home to endangered Grevy’s Zebra and Somali Wild Ass, along with remarkable birdlife. Possible species: Somali Ostrich, Kori Bustard, Arabian Bustard, Grasshopper Buzzard, Gillett’s Lark, Nile Valley Sunbird, and more. Accommodation: Doho Lodge, Awash.
Day 13 Return to Addis Ababa & Departure
Drive back to Addis Ababa with final birding opportunities along the way. In the evening, enjoy a traditional farewell dinner with Ethiopian music and dancing before airport transfer.