Ethiopia is one of the great birding destinations for both the serious and recreational ornithologists. Over 850 species of birds, many extremely beautiful and exotic, reside in Ethiopia.  Of these, 16 are endemic to Ethiopia, 14 other species are shared only with Eritrea. There are 214 species of pal arctic migrants in Ethiopia; 45 of these have been found in the country during the summer months.  A large number of species have breeding populations in Ethiopia.

Day 01.  Addis Ababa – Awash National Park.

Drive to Awash National Park.  Stop for birding at the crater lakes near Debre Zeit and at Lake Beseka. Overnight Hotel.

Day 02.  Awash National Park.

Birding in Awash National Park, located in the Great Rift Valley.  Many species of birds are found here: African Orange-bellied Parrots, Bustards, Weavers, Hoopoe, Yellow-throated Serine, Red-fronted Barbet, Pygmy Batis, Lesser-striped Swallow, and the House Martin.  The park also boasts a variety of mammals: the Anubis Baboon, Colobus Monkey, Black-backed Jackal, Bat-eared Fox, Egyptian Mongoose, Warthog, Beisa Oryx, Soemmering’s Gazelle, Lesser Kudu, Salt’s Dik-dik, etc. Overnight Hotel.

 Day 03.  Awash National Park – Langano.

Drive to Langano via Mojo. En route, birding at Lake Ziway, truly a birder’s paradise and at Koka Dam. Spot bird species such as; the African Pygmy Goose, Black-billed Woodhoopoe, Abyssinian Ground Hornbill, Northern Black Tit, Little Weaver, etc.  Later we’ll bird at Abiyata—Shalla  National Park. Over 300 species can be seen around Lake Abiyata, such as: Yellow Wagtails, Ibis, Cormorant, Pelicans, Ducks, Egrets, Herons, Flamingos, Storks, Swallows, Chestnut-bellied Sandgrouse, Abyssinian Ground Hornbill, Rollers, Wheatear, African Marsh Harrier, etc. Overnight Lodge.

Day 04.  Langano – Bale Mountains.

Drive to the Bale Mountains National Park to spot some of the endemics such as Blue-winged Goose, Spot-breasted Lapwing, Abyssinian Longclaw, Wattled Ibis, Black-headed Siskin, Rouget’s Rail, Banded Barbet and other species. Overnight Hotel.

Day 05.  Bale Mountains – Wondo Genet.

Drive to Wondo Genet, a green and lush area, inhabited with numerous Grivet Monkeys, Colobus Monkeys, and many species of birds. Its also an excellent place with plenty of fresh fruit trees and hot springs.Overnight Hotel.

Day 06.  Wondo Genet – Awassa.

En route to Awassa spot numerous species: Silvery-Cheeked Hornbill, Abysinnian Ground Hornbill, Roget’s Rail, Marabou Stork, Black and White Egrets, African Pygmy Goose, Spur-winged Goose, Swallows, Ibis, African Fish Egret, Woodland Kingfisher, Malachite Kingfisher, etc. Overnight hotel.

Day 07.  Awassa – Langano – Addis Ababa.

Return to Addis, birding along the Great Rift Valley looking for additional species. Farewell dinner at a traditional Ethiopian restaurant featuring dancers and musicians representing some of the country’s many ethnic groups. Then transfer to Airport.