There is no other place in the Horn of Africa or sub-Saharan Africa where one can enjoy exceptional wildlife and landscape photography while combining it with fascinating cultural experiences. Ethiopia offers all of this and more: the stunning landscapes and wildlife of the Bale and Simien Mountains National Parks, the spectacular cranes and waterbirds of the Rift Valley Lakes, and the palaces of Gondar once home to many of Ethiopia’s kings and emperors. Our unique Ethiopia Wildlife Photography Tours combine these natural and cultural wonders. See them for yourself!
Ethiopia’s highlands embrace the central part of the country like a necklace. The extraordinary Bale and Simien Mountains are home to some of Africa’s rarest wildlife, including the Walia Ibex, Ethiopian Wolf, and Gelada Baboon. This high-altitude wonderland features soaring cliffs, tussock grasses, and iconic stands of Giant Lobelias.
While exploring these dramatic mountains, we’ll also search for Mountain Nyala, Ethiopian Bushbuck, Klipspringer, and a variety of raptors including the huge Bearded Vulture (Lammergeier), Golden Eagle, Thick-billed Raven, Spot-breasted Plover, and Wattled Ibis.
The wildlife highlight of the Simien Mountains is undoubtedly the Gelada Baboons. These large but gentle, vegetarian monkeys are usually tolerant of close human presence. We will sit quietly among the feeding troupes, observing them graze, play, and interact an unforgettable photographic opportunity. As the sun sets, we’ll watch them return to their cliffside nests. For those who choose the optional extension, our journey continues east into the arid bushlands of Awash National Park.
Day 1: Arrival in Addis Ababa
Upon arrival at Bole International Airport, meet our team and transfer to your hotel. Addis Ababa, Ethiopia’s political and cultural hub, is unique in Africa for not having been shaped by colonial rule. We’ll visit the National Museum of Ethiopia, home to the famous remains of Lucy, the 3.2-million-year-old hominid discovered in 1974. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner with fellow travelers.
Overnight in Addis Ababa at one of the best hotels.
Day 2: Flight to Gondar – Simien Mountains
Take a morning flight to Gondar, the 17th-century royal city of Ethiopia. From here, drive to Simien Mountains National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The route offers scenic landscapes between Gondar and Debark. In the afternoon, begin photographic exploration from our dramatically located lodge. Overnight at nearby accommodation or camping.
Days 3–4: Simien Mountains National Park
Day 3: Early departure to Chenek guard post with a picnic lunch. This area offers awe-inspiring scenery and is home to the Walia Ibex and possibly the Ethiopian Wolf. Other wildlife may include Klipspringer, Ethiopian Bushbuck, Bush Duiker, Steppe Eagle, Tawny Eagle, and Lammergeier.
Day 4: Explore the Simien escarpments, home to the endangered Ethiopian Wolf, Walia Ibex, and Gelada Baboons. Marvel at the dramatic landscapes shaped by erosion and covered with Giant Lobelias, Red Hot Pokers, and Afromontane forests. Overnight: Nearby accommodation or camping.
Day 5: The Castles of Gondar
Return to Gondar to explore its historic sites: the Castles of Gondar, the Bath of King Fasilides (famous for the Timkat Festival), and the Debre Berhan Selassie Church, known for its angel-painted ceilings. En route, stop at Awra Amba community, an egalitarian society where men and women share equal rights and responsibilities. Overnight at one of the best hotels in Gondar.
Day 6: Rift Valley Lakes
Fly to Addis Ababa, then drive to the Great Rift Valley. Overnight at Lake Langano’s Har Langano Lodge, beautifully situated by the lakeside. Photograph Great White Pelicans, Malachite Kingfishers, African Jacanas, Goliath Herons, African Fish Eagles, Saddle-billed Storks, and more. Birds are approachable, making this a paradise for photography. Overnight at Har Langano Lodge.
Day 7: Senkelle Wildlife Sanctuary – Awassa
Visit the northern shores of Lake Langano to photograph owls, nightjars, endemic Black-winged Lovebirds, and colorful starlings. Continue to Senkelle Wildlife Sanctuary, the last stronghold of the endemic Swayne’s Hartebeest, alongside White-bellied Bustards and Northern Carmine Bee-eaters. End the day at Awassa (Hawassa). Overnight at Haile Resort.
Days 8–10: Bale Mountains National Park
Day 8: Morning bird photography at Lake Awassa. Then ascend to the Bale Mountains for three nights, with your first photography session in the afternoon.
Day 9: Explore the Sanetti Plateau, one of the best places to see the Ethiopian Wolf. Observe them patrolling, hunting rodents, or resting. Other highlights include endemic rodents such as the Giant Mole Rat.
Day 10: Discover the largest tropical rainforest in Ethiopia and search for the endemic Bale Monkey. Visit Dinsho (Park HQ) for close encounters with Mountain Nyala, Bushbucks, and tame Warthogs. Birdlife includes African Wood Owl, Verreaux’s Eagle-Owl, and Abyssinian Owl. Overnights: Goba Wabe Shabelle Hotel & Bale Mountain Lodge.
Days 11–13: Awash National Park & Aledeghi Reserve
Day 11: Drive to Awash National Park. Game drive among thorn bush, grassland, and Awash River Falls. Look for Salt’s Dik-dik, Lesser Kudu, Baboons, Jackals, Hyenas, Crocodiles, and abundant birdlife.
Day 12: Photograph Somali Ostrich, Abyssinian Roller, bustards, falcons, hornbills, and Rosy-patched Bushshrikes. Overnight at Doho Lodge, with hot springs to enjoy.
Day 13: Morning game drive in Aledeghi Wildlife Reserve, home to Beisa Oryx, Soemmering’s Gazelle, Gerenuk, Grevy’s Zebra, and Kori Bustard. Continue east into the Afar region.
Overnights: Awash (Genet Hotel), Doho Lodge, Camping.
Days 14–15: Historic Harar
Day 14: Drive to Harar, the 13th-century city known as the “City of Peace” and the 4th holiest city in Islam. At night, photograph the legendary Hyena Men, who hand-feed wild Spotted Hyenas.
Day 15: Explore the walled city of Harar, its bustling markets, mosques, and alleyways. Photograph the famous “Kite Men,” who feed swooping Yellow billed Kites. Return in the evening for another Hyena Man session. Overnight at one of the best hotels in Harar.
Day 16: Return to Addis Ababa
Fly back to Addis Ababa. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at a traditional Ethiopian restaurant with live music and cultural performances before your international departure. This Ethiopia Wildlife and Photography Package is a rare blend of wildlife encounters, breathtaking landscapes, and cultural treasures crafted for unforgettable experiences and world class photography.