Overview

Ethiopia is unique in sub-Saharan Africa, offering spectacular wildlife, landscapes, and extraordinary cultural experiences all in one trip. From the highlands of the Bale and Simien Mountains to the Rift Valley Lakes, and the historic palaces of Gondar, this tour is perfect for wildlife and landscape photography enthusiasts.

The Bale and Simien Mountains are home to rare and endemic species such as the Walia Ibex, Ethiopian Wolf, and Gelada Baboon. Bird photographers will enjoy iconic species like the Bearded Vulture, Thick-billed Raven, Spot-breasted Plover, and Wattled Ibis. In the Simien Mountains, you can observe Gelada Baboons up close as they graze, play, and move across the mountain meadows. Optional extensions take you east to the arid bushlands of Awash National Park for more wildlife photography opportunities.

Day 1: Arrival – Addis Ababa

Upon arrival at Bole International Airport in Addis Ababa, you will be transferred to Daamat Hotel (www.daamathotel.com). In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner with fellow travelers. If time allows, explore Ethiopia’s National Museum, home to “Lucy,” a 3.2-million-year-old hominid. Overnight at Daamat Hotel.

Day 2: Flight to Gondar – Simien Mountains

Take a morning flight to Gondar, a 17th-century royal city. From Gondar, drive to Simien Mountains National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the afternoon, enjoy your first photography session of the dramatic mountain landscapes from Simien Lodge (www.simienlodge.com). Overnight at Simien Lodge.

Days 3 & 4: Explore Simien Mountains National Park

Spend these days exploring the jagged peaks, deep valleys, and escarpments rising over 4,000 meters. Wildlife highlights include Gelada Baboons, Ethiopian Wolves, Walia Ibex, Mountain Nyala, Ethiopian Klipspringer, and Menelik’s Bushbuck. Bird photography targets include the Bearded Vulture, Thick-billed Raven, Wattled Ibis, and Spot-breasted Plover. Visit the Chenek guard post for picnics and further wildlife spotting. The flora of the region, including Giant Lobelias, Red Hot Pokers, tree heaths, St. John’s Wort, and African Roses, adds further photographic opportunities. Overnight at Simien Lodge.

Day 5: Drive to Gondar

Drive back to Gondar and explore its UNESCO-listed castles and churches, built by Emperor Fassiladas and his descendants. Visit Debre Birhan Selassie Church, renowned for its intricate biblical murals. Overnight at Gondar Haile Hotel (www.hailehotelandresorts.com).

Day 6: Flight to Dire Dawa – Harar

Fly from Addis to Dire Dawa, then drive to Harar, the “City of Peace.” In the evening, enjoy a session with the Hyena Men, feeding and photographing spotted hyenas within the ancient city walls. Overnight at Wonderland Hotel.

Day 7: Harar City

Explore the ancient medina and fortifications known as Jugal. Morning photography will focus on the medina, markets, and historic buildings. Experience a session with the Kite Men, feeding Yellow-billed Kites. In the evening, return for a second unforgettable Hyena Men session. Overnight at Wonderland Hotel.

Day 8: Drive to Alideghe Wildlife Reserve

Drive from the Chercher Mountains into the Awash Valley. The wildlife here includes Hamadryas Baboons, Soemmering’s Gazelle, Beisa Oryx, Northern Gerenuk, Salt’s Dik-dik and the African Golden Wolf. Bird photography highlights include the Arabian Bustard and Northern Carmine Bee-eaters. Overnight at Doho Lodge, where you can enjoy the hot springs.

Day 9: Drive to Awash National Park

Embark on a game drive in the thorny bushes and grasslands of Awash National Park, followed by a hike along the Awash River and its riverbank forest. Mammals that may be spotted include Salt’s Dik-dik, Lesser Kudu, Warthog, Hamadryas Baboon, Black-backed Jackal, Spotted Hyena and Nile Crocodiles. Numerous raptors and waterbirds provide excellent photography opportunities. Overnight at Awash Falls Lodge.

Day 10: Drive to Lake Ziway

Drive toward the Great Rift Valley and arrive at Lake Ziway for lakeshore photography. Expect to see Great White Pelicans, Malachite Kingfishers, African Jacanas, Goliath Herons, Hamerkops, African Fish Eagles and Saddle-billed Storks. Overnight at Haile Hotel (www.hailehotelandresorts.com).

Day 11: Sankalle Wildlife Reserve

Spend the morning photographing birds around Lake Langano, including Black-winged Lovebirds, Red-throated Wrynecks, and Slender tailed Nightjars. In the afternoon, explore Senkelle Wildlife Sanctuary, home to the endemic Swayne’s Hartebeest, White bellied Bustards and Northern Carmine Bee eaters. Continue to Hawassa for an overnight stay beside Lake Awassa at Haile Hotel.

Day 12: Drive to Bale Mountains

Begin the morning photographing birds near Lake Awassa, including African Pygmy Geese, African Fish Eagles and Black Crakes. In the afternoon, drive to the Bale Mountains and enjoy your first photography session in the highland landscapes. Overnight at Goba Wabe Shabale Hotel.

Days 13–15: Explore Bale Mountains National Park

Spend these days in the Afro alpine moorlands of the Sanetti Plateau, a prime habitat for the Ethiopian Wolf. Wildlife highlights include Ethiopian Wolves, Mountain Nyala, Menelik’s Bushbuck, and Common Warthogs. Bird photography opportunities include African Wood Owl, Verreaux’s Eagle Owl and Abyssinian Owl. Rodent photography focuses on Blick’s Grass Rat, Black-clawed Brush furred Rat and the Giant Mole Rat. Overnight at Goba Wabe Shabale Hotel.

Day 16: Drive to Awassa

After a final photography session in the Bale Mountains, drive back to Awassa. Explore the nearby forest for Guereza Colobus Monkeys, Grivet Monkeys and birdlife photography. Overnight at Haile Hotel.

Day 17: Flight to Addis Ababa & Departure

In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner featuring traditional Ethiopian dancers and musicians. Transfer to Bole International Airport for your international departure.

Inclusions

• Accommodation in hotels/lodges as mentioned
• All internal flights (Addis → Gondar, Addis → Dire Dawa, Bale → Addis)
• All transport in 4×4 vehicles with experienced driver/guides
• Daily breakfasts, selected lunches, and dinners
• Entry fees to all national parks and wildlife reserves
• Professional wildlife and cultural photography opportunities
• Expert local guides and naturalists
• Hot springs access at Doho Lodge

Exclusions

• International flights to/from Ethiopia
• Travel insurance
• Visa fees for Ethiopia
• Personal expenses (laundry, phone calls, tips, drinks)
• Optional activities outside the stated itinerary