16-Day Ethiopia Bird Watching Tour with Armaye Ethiopia Tours
Sixteen-day Ethiopia birding expedition from Awash and Rift Valley lakes to Bale Mountains, Yabelo, Borena and Gibe Gorge.
About this tour
This 16-day Ethiopia birdwatching itinerary follows Armaye Ethiopia Tours route across Awash National Park, Alideghe Wildlife Reserve, Rift Valley lakes, Wondo Genet, Bale Mountains, Awassa, Yabelo, Borena and Gibe Gorge.
The route targets Ethiopia's varied savanna, wetland, forest, Afro-alpine and southern lowland habitats, with endemic and near-endemic birds, raptors, waterbirds and supporting wildlife. Current price, accommodation names, dates and final logistics are arranged after a BirdWatch enquiry.
Guides
Itinerary ▼
Arrive in Addis Ababa, transfer to hotel and continue toward Awash National Park with birding in savanna, acacia woodland and riverine habitats. Source targets include Arabian Bustard, Gillett's Lark, Somali Ostrich and raptors.
Continue birding Awash habitats for savanna birds, raptors and supporting wildlife.
Bird prime arid habitats around Awash National Park and Alideghe Wildlife Reserve, looking for Scissor-tailed Kite, Abyssinian Roller, bustards, hornbills, sunbirds and migrants.
Use a second field day for dry-country target birds and seasonal migrants in Awash and Alideghe habitats.
Travel to Lake Ziway for Rift Valley waterbirds including African Pygmy Goose, storks, pelicans, jacanas, cranes, fish eagles and terns.
Bird brackish and freshwater lakes plus acacia woodland around Langano and Abijata-Shalla.
Continue searching for flamingos, hornbills, lovebirds, owls, sunbirds and woodland species around the Rift Valley lakes.
Drive the escarpment route and bird forest around Wondo Genet hot springs for Yellow-fronted Parrot, Narina Trogon, Abyssinian Ground Thrush and hornbills.
Bird around Dinsho and the Bale Mountains highlands for Blue-winged Goose, Spot-breasted Lapwing, Wattled Crane and other highland specialties.
Continue Bale Mountains birding around Afro-alpine and highland habitats, with Ethiopian Wolf possible as supporting wildlife.
Travel to Awassa and bird Lake Awassa, including fish-market and lakeside habitats for pelicans, storks, gulls, kingfishers and woodland birds.
Drive south for lowland birding around Yabelo and Borena. Source highlights include Stresemann's Bushcrow, Prince Ruspoli's Turaco and White-tailed Swallow.
Continue southern lowland birding for Borena specialties and endemic targets.
Return north with wetland and woodland birding en route.
Final intensive birding for specialties such as Red-billed Pytilia, sandgrouse, waxbills and cliff-dwelling species.
Return to Addis Ababa with birding stops en route, followed by farewell dinner and airport transfer if scheduled.
Locations & map
- Addis Ababa - Addis Ababa Ethiopia (Arrival and departure hub.)
- Awash National Park - Afar/Oromia Ethiopia (Savanna, acacia woodland and riverine birding.)
- Rift Valley Lakes - Great Rift Valley Ethiopia (Freshwater and brackish lake birding.)
- Bale Mountains National Park - Oromia Ethiopia (Highland and Afro-alpine endemic birding.)
- Yabelo Wildlife Sanctuary - Borena Ethiopia (Southern lowland birding and endemic specialties.)
- Gibe Gorge - Southern Ethiopia Ethiopia (Dry-country and cliff-habitat birding.)
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
- Air-conditioned 4WD vehicle with fuel and driver allowance - Included for the 16-day itinerary.
- Professional English-speaking birding guide - Included for field days.
- Accommodation, meals, bottled water and entrance fees - Included for the published 16-day route; standards and availability vary by departure.
- Local guides and scout fees where required - Included where required on the route.
Not included
- Personal expenses, alcoholic drinks, tips and gratuities - Not included.
- Any service not confirmed in writing - Confirm final inclusions after enquiry.
Transport & stays
- Air-conditioned 4WD vehicle Source includes vehicle, fuel and driver allowance; exact vehicle and pickup 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.