10-Day Ethiopian Birding Tour with Armaye Ethiopia Tours
A 10-day surface journey from Rift Valley wetlands to Bale and southern Ethiopia, with endemic birds, specialist larks and Yabelo dry-country targets.
About this tour
This 10-day surface itinerary links several of Ethiopia's contrasting birding regions. The journey begins at Lake Ziway, Koka Dam and the Awash River, three Rift Valley wetland stops visited before the climb from Langano into Bale Mountains National Park. Waterbirds give way to endemic highland species as the route moves through moorland, forest and the Negele Plains.
From Bale, the tour crosses Harenna Forest toward Negele and continues to Bogol Myno, where the birding focuses on localized larks, crombecs and other dry-country specialties. The published programme includes long driving days in this southern section, balanced by targeted searches around Negele and a return birding journey from Bogol Myno.
The final portion reaches Yabelo Wildlife Sanctuary and Reserve, an important stage for White-tailed Swallow, Stresemann's Bushcrow and a broad community of raptors, bustards, nightjars, barbets, larks and weavers. After two days in the Yabelo area, the route turns north through the Yirga Alem coffee plantations to Awassa and then follows the Great Rift Valley back to Addis Ababa. Accommodation is described only by general hotel or motel overnights, while the current price and detailed inclusions remain on request.
Planning a wider trip? Read our birdwatching guide to Ethiopia.
Guides
Itinerary
Day 1
Addis Ababa to Langano
Drive from Addis Ababa to Langano, pausing first at the Awash River, Koka Dam and Lake Ziway. These wetlands can hold cranes, fish eagles, pelicans, jacanas and pratincoles, as well as African Pygmy Goose and several storks; the night is at a hotel.
Day 2
Langano to Bale Mountains
Continue to Bale Mountains National Park and begin searching for Ethiopian highland endemics. Published possibilities include Rouget's Rail and Banded Barbet, Black-headed Siskin, Wattled Ibis, Abyssinian Longclaw, Spot-breasted Lapwing and Blue-winged Goose.
Day 3
Bale Mountains
Hike within Bale's high moorland and forest habitats for Chestnut-naped Francolin, Abyssinian Ground Thrush, Abyssinian Catbird and White-backed Black-Tit. Wattled Crane is possible in moist grassland, while other searches include Moorland Francolin, Spot-breasted Lapwing, Thekla Lark and Red-breasted Wheatear.
Day 4
Bale Mountains to Negele
Drive toward Negele through Harenna Forest, birding en route for turacos and Golden-breasted Starling. The Negele Plains add searches for Sidamo Lark, Somali Short-toed Lark and possible Heuglin's Bustard.
Day 5
Negele to Bogol Myno
Make the long journey from Negele to the little-known Bogol Myno area, noted for its endemic plant diversity. Searches pair Degodi Lark with both Somali and Short-billed Crombecs, while Pygmy Batis is another target.
Day 6
Bogol Myno to Negele
Use the morning for another Degodi Lark search if required, together with White-winged Dove and Juba Weaver. Further possibilities include Scaly Chatterer, Chestnut-headed Sparrow-lark and Black-faced Sandgrouse before the birding journey back to Negele.
Day 7
Negele to Yabelo
Search for White-tailed Swallow and Stresemann's Bushcrow before exploring Yabelo Wildlife Sanctuary and Reserve. Its dry-country bird community includes Somali Ostrich, Secretary Bird, vultures, eagles, bustards, nightjars, barbets, larks and several weavers and starlings.
Day 8
Yabelo Wildlife Sanctuary
Spend a second day birding Yabelo Wildlife Sanctuary and Reserve. This additional time supports a more thorough search for southern Ethiopian specialties and any targets missed on the previous day.
Day 9
Yabelo to Awassa
Leave Yabelo for Awassa, passing through the Yirga Alem coffee-growing area. Birding stops are made along the journey before the overnight hotel stay.
Day 10
Awassa to Addis Ababa
Return to Addis Ababa through the Great Rift Valley, watching for additional species along the way. The programme ends with a traditional farewell dinner and transfer to the airport.
Locations & map
- Addis Ababa - Addis Ababa Ethiopia (Arrival and departure hub.)
- Lake Langano - Rift Valley Ethiopia (Rift Valley lake and woodland birding.)
- Bale Mountains National Park - Oromia Ethiopia (Highland endemic birding.)
- Negele - Oromia Ethiopia (Southern route and plains birding.)
- Yabelo Wildlife Sanctuary - Borena Ethiopia (White-tailed Swallow and Stresemann's Bushcrow region.)
- Lake Awassa - Sidama Ethiopia (Lake and woodland birding.)
6 stops in itinerary order. Select a marker for its name.
Availability & pricing
Availability: Available on request · Season: Ethiopia birding is possible year-round, with timing depending on highland, Rift Valley and lowland targets.
Price: Price on request
Included
- Private birding route planning and guiding - Based on the published birding itinerary.
- Hotel or motel overnights in the route - Properties and meal plan vary by departure.
Not included
- Current price, meals, accommodation standard and park fees - Arranged after enquiry.
- International flights, visas, insurance and personal expenses - Not included unless added to the agreed itinerary.
Transport & stays
- Private multi-day vehicle route Long drives between Addis Ababa, Rift Valley, Bale, Negele, Yabelo and Awassa; vehicle details confirmed after enquiry. | Meet: Addis Ababa or agreed Ethiopia arrival point | Pickup: Confirm after BirdWatch enquiry.
Policies & FAQ
Cancellation Policy
Payment Terms
Insurance & Safety
Are prices and departures fixed?
Current prices, dates and availability are arranged after a BirdWatch enquiry.
Can the route be adjusted for target birds?
Yes. These are private birding itineraries and final routing can be adjusted by the operator according to target birds, season and conditions.
Are the current photos final?
The current page uses relevant public tour images from Armaye Ethiopia Tours. The partner can approve, reorder or replace images during review.
Send inquiry
Ask about this tour before booking. Your preferred date is optional and availability will be confirmed after your inquiry.