7-Day Rift Valley and Bale Mountains Birding Tour with Armaye Ethiopia Tours

Seven-day Ethiopia birding itinerary through Awash National Park, Lake Ziway, Abijata-Shalla, Bale Mountains, Wondo Genet and Awassa.

  • Ethiopia Show on map
  • 7 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 7-day/6-night birding tour runs from Addis Ababa to Awash National Park, Langano, Abijata-Shalla, Bale Mountains, Wondo Genet and Awassa.

The route is suited to birders wanting a shorter Ethiopia circuit with Rift Valley waterbirds, Awash savanna birds, Bale highland endemics and Wondo Genet/Awassa forest and lake birding. Current price, dates, accommodation and final inclusions 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 Awash National Park
Awash National Park

Drive to Awash National Park with birding stops near Debre Zeit crater lakes and Lake Beseka.

Day 2
Awash National Park
Awash National Park

Bird Awash National Park for parrots, bustards, weavers, Hoopoe, Yellow-throated Seedeater, Red-fronted Barbet, Pygmy Batis and other savanna species.

Day 3
Awash to Langano via Lake Ziway
Lake Ziway

Drive to Langano via Mojo, birding Lake Ziway, Koka Dam and Abijata-Shalla National Park for waterbirds, ground hornbills, rollers, wheatears, harriers and other species.

Day 4
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 5
Bale Mountains to Wondo Genet
Wondo Genet

Drive to Wondo Genet, a green forest and hot-spring area with monkeys and many bird species.

Day 6
Wondo Genet to Awassa
Lake Awassa

Bird en route to Awassa for Silvery-cheeked Hornbill, Abyssinian Ground Hornbill, Rouget's Rail, Marabou Stork, egrets, African Pygmy Goose, Spur-winged Goose, ibis, fish eagles and kingfishers.

Day 7
Awassa and Langano to Addis Ababa
Addis Ababa

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

Locations & map

  • Addis Ababa - Addis Ababa Ethiopia (Arrival and departure hub.)
  • Awash National Park - Afar/Oromia Ethiopia (Great Rift Valley savanna and riverine birding.)
  • Lake Ziway - Rift Valley Ethiopia (Waterbird stop on the Langano route.)
  • Abijata-Shalla National Park - Rift Valley Ethiopia (Rift Valley lake and open-country birding.)
  • Bale Mountains National Park - Oromia Ethiopia (Highland endemic birding.)
  • Wondo Genet - Sidama Ethiopia (Forest and hot-spring area.)
  • Lake Awassa - Sidama Ethiopia (Lake, wetland and woodland 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

  • Private birding guide and route support - Based on the published birding itinerary.
  • Hotel or lodge route overnights - 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 Route runs from Addis Ababa through Awash, Langano, Bale, Wondo Genet 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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