10-Day Ethiopian Birding Tour with Armaye Ethiopia Tours

Ten-day Ethiopia birding route from Addis Ababa and Rift Valley lakes to Bale Mountains, Negele, Bogol Myno, Yabelo and Awassa.

  • Ethiopia Show on map
  • 10 days
  • Group 1+ people
  • Price on request
  • Private tour
  • Pace: Private guided birding pace with route and field time adjusted to target birds, season and local conditions.
  • Language: English
  • City: Addis Ababa
Tour image
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About this tour

This 10-day Ethiopian birding itinerary combines Rift Valley waterbirds, Bale Mountains endemics, Negele Plains specialties, Bogol Myno birding and Yabelo Wildlife Sanctuary.

The route includes demanding driving days and specialist southern Ethiopia targets. Current road access, accommodation, prices, seasonality and target-bird priorities are arranged after a BirdWatch enquiry.

Guides

Armaye Shiferaw / Armaye Negalign
Local birding guide and operator, Armaye Ethiopia Tours
English, Amharic
Itinerary
Day 1
Addis Ababa to Langano
Lake Langano

Drive to Langano with birding stops at Koka Dam, the Awash River and Lake Ziway for African Pygmy Goose, storks, pratincoles, jacanas, pelicans, fish eagles and cranes.

Day 2
Langano to Bale Mountains
Bale Mountains National Park

Drive to Bale Mountains National Park for endemics including Blue-winged Goose, Spot-breasted Lapwing, Abyssinian Longclaw, Wattled Ibis, Black-headed Siskin, Rouget's Rail and Banded Barbet.

Day 3
Bale Mountains
Bale Mountains National Park

Hike and bird Bale habitats for Chestnut-naped Francolin, Abyssinian Ground Thrush, Abyssinian Catbird, White-backed Black-Tit, Wattled Crane, Moorland Francolin, Spot-breasted Lapwing and highland species.

Day 4
Bale Mountains to Negele
Negele

Drive via Harenna Forest toward Negele, looking for turacos, Golden-breasted Starling, Sidamo Lark, Somali Short-toed Lark and possible Heuglin's Bustard.

Day 5
Negele to Bogol Myno
Negele

Long drive to a little-known endemic plant area, searching for Degodi Lark, Pygmy Batis, Short-billed Crombec and Somali Crombec.

Day 6
Bogol Myno to Negele
Negele

Morning search for Degodi Lark if needed, plus White-winged Dove, Juba Weaver, Black-faced Sandgrouse, Chestnut-headed Sparrow-lark and Scaly Chatterer.

Day 7
Negele to Yabelo
Yabelo Wildlife Sanctuary

Search for White-tailed Swallow and Stresemann's Bushcrow, then explore Yabelo Wildlife Sanctuary for Somali Ostrich, Secretary Bird, vultures, eagles, bustards, nightjars, barbets, larks and dry-country birds.

Day 8
Yabelo Wildlife Sanctuary
Yabelo Wildlife Sanctuary

Continue birding Yabelo Wildlife Sanctuary and Reserve for southern Ethiopia specialties.

Day 9
Yabelo to Awassa
Lake Awassa

Depart for Awassa, birding through Yirga Alem coffee plantations and selected route stops.

Day 10
Awassa to Addis Ababa
Addis Ababa

Return to Addis Ababa through the Great Rift Valley with additional birding, then transfer to the airport if scheduled.

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.)
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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

Cancellation terms are arranged with the operator after enquiry.

Payment Terms

Current price and payment terms are arranged after enquiry.

Insurance & Safety

Guests should arrange suitable travel, medical and outdoor activity insurance for Ethiopia.
Routes may include high altitude, long drives, remote parks, hot lowland conditions and variable road access. Armaye Ethiopia Tours should confirm current route safety, access and local conditions before booking.
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.

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