Overview

Ethiopia offers spectacular landscapes and remarkable biodiversity, making it one of Africa’s most rewarding destinations for wildlife enthusiasts. This specialized mammal-watching tour focuses on rare, endangered, and endemic species found nowhere else in the world. Key mammals expected on this journey include the endangered Ethiopian wolf, eastern black-and-white colobus, and Ethiopian endemics such as Swayne’s hartebeest, Walia ibex, mountain nyala, Menelik’s bushbuck, gelada baboon, Bale monkey, giant mole rat, and many others. The tour combines national parks, afro-alpine highlands, savannahs, forests and rift valley lakes for a comprehensive wildlife experience.

Day 1: Flight to Gondar – Simien Mountains National Park

On arrival at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, meet your guide and take a domestic flight to Gondar. Upon arrival, drive to Simien Mountains National Park, Ethiopia’s only UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site.
After check-in at the lodge, explore the dramatic escarpments in search of the endemic gelada baboons, famously known as the “bleeding-heart baboons.” Short walks allow close observation of these unique primates against the breathtaking scenery. Overnight: Simien Lodge

Day 2: Explore Simien Mountains National Park

After breakfast, drive to Chennek Camp (3,620 m), enjoying magnificent mountain views and more gelada sightings along the way. Continue to Bwahit Pass (4,200 m), offering stunning views of Imet Gogo and Inatiye rock formations. This area provides excellent chances to see the endemic Walia ibex and the critically endangered Ethiopian wolf. Overnight: Simien Lodge

Day 3: Simien Mountains – Gondar – Addis Ababa – Awash National Park

After an early breakfast, drive back to Gondar and fly to Addis Ababa. Upon arrival, continue by road to Awash National Park, stopping for lunch en route. In the late afternoon, enjoy a game drive through the park.
Overnight: Genet Hotel or similar

Day 4: Awash National Park – Aledeghi National Park

Early morning game drive through Awash National Park’s bushland and grassland, including a walk in the riverine forest near Awash Falls. Wildlife sightings may include Salt’s dik-dik, lesser kudu, warthog, Hamadryas baboon, olive baboon, black-backed jackal, spotted hyena, Abyssinian hare, grivet monkey, and Nile crocodiles. Later, drive to Aledeghi National Park. In the evening, enjoy a night game drive in search of nocturnal mammals such as genets, crested porcupine, aardvark, African golden wolf, and others. Overnight: Camping

Day 5: Explore Aledeghi National Park

After breakfast, explore the vast plains of Aledeghi Game Reserve. Species expected include Grevy’s zebra, gerenuk, Beisa oryx, Soemmerring’s gazelle, Grant’s gazelle, olive and Hamadryas baboons, African golden wolf, and Somali ostrich. Birdlife includes Abyssinian roller, Arabian bustard, kori bustard, and various bee eaters. Overnight: Camping

Day 6: Drive to Lake Langano

Drive south toward Lake Langano, stopping at Lake Ziway to observe aquatic birds. In the evening, enjoy a nature walk near the lodge, with chances to spot hippos, bat-eared fox, aardvark, crested porcupine, and genet families. Overnight: Hara Langano Eco Lodge

Day 7: Lake Langano – Senkele Wildlife Sanctuary – Hawassa

Morning walk along the shores of Lake Langano to see hippos and birdlife. Then drive to Senkele Wildlife Sanctuary, home to the endemic Swayne’s hartebeest and oribi. En route, stop at Abijatta National Park to see African ostriches, Grant’s gazelle, and African golden wolf. Continue to Hawassa. Possible sighting of African clawless otters at Lake Hawassa. Overnight: Haile Resort

Day 8: Drive to Bale Mountains National Park

Drive southeast to Bale Mountains National Park. Upon entering the park, search for mammals restricted to Ethiopia’s southeastern highlands, including serval cat and caracal in the grasslands. Spot the elegant mountain nyala and Menelik’s bushbuck, two iconic Bale endemics. Overnight: Nurobe Hotel or similar

Day 9: Explore Bale Mountains – Sanetti Plateau

After breakfast, drive to the Sanetti Plateau (above 4,000 m), the largest afro-alpine ecosystem in Africa.
Look for the Ethiopian wolf, giant mole rat, Stark’s hare, rock hyrax, and various grass rat species amid stunning alpine scenery. Overnight: Nurobe Hotel or similar

Day 10: Bale Mountains Forest Exploration

Early morning forest drive to search for giant forest hog, bush pig, and the endemic Bale monkey feeding on bamboo.
In the evening, enjoy a night safari for nocturnal mammals such as civet cat, honey badger, mountain leopard, and, if lucky, Ethiopian lions. Overnight: Camping

Day 11: Bale Mountains – Gaysay Grasslands – Goba

Explore Gaysay Grasslands, combining woodland and open grassland habitats. Look for serval cat, African golden wolf, and caracal. Drive back to Goba for overnight. Overnight: Nurobe Hotel

Day 12: Drive Back to Addis Ababa – Departure

Drive back to Addis Ababa with scenic stops along the way. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at a traditional Ethiopian restaurant with cultural music and dance performances. Transfer to the airport for your international departure.

Tour Includes

• All ground transportation in a 4WD safari vehicle
• Domestic flights (Addis Ababa – Gondar – Addis Ababa)
• Professional English-speaking guide
• Park entrance fees and wildlife permits
• All game drives and guided walks as per itinerary
• Accommodation as specified (lodges, hotels, and camping)
• Camping equipment (tents, mattresses, cooking gear)
• All meals during camping days
• Farewell cultural dinner in Addis Ababa

Tour Excludes

• International flights
• Ethiopian visa fees
• Travel and medical insurance
• Alcoholic and soft drinks
• Personal expenses (laundry, phone calls, tips)
• Camera and filming fees (if applicable)
• Any expenses not mentioned under “Tour Includes”