7-Day Rift Valley and Bale Mountains Birding Tour with Armaye Ethiopia Tours
A seven-day Ethiopia circuit through Awash, the Rift Valley, Bale Mountains and Wondo Genet, combining savanna, wetland, highland and forest birding.
About this tour
This seven-day, six-night route offers a compact introduction to several of Ethiopia's major birding habitats. It leaves Addis Ababa for Awash National Park, pausing at Lake Beseka and the volcanic lakes around Debre Zeit, then spends a full day among Awash's Great Rift Valley birds and mammals.
The journey continues toward Langano through Lake Ziway, Koka Dam and Abijata-Shalla National Park. This wetland-rich section is followed by a climb into Bale Mountains National Park, where the focus changes to Rouget's Rail and Wattled Ibis, with Blue-winged Goose, Abyssinian Longclaw and Spot-breasted Lapwing also among the highland endemics sought.
From Bale, the itinerary descends to the green forest and hot-spring setting of Wondo Genet before continuing to Awassa. Birding along this stage can add hornbills, waterbirds, egrets, kingfishers and other Rift Valley species. The final day returns to Addis Ababa with further stops through the valley, followed by the published farewell dinner and airport transfer. Overnight accommodation is described only as hotels or a lodge, and 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 Awash National Park
Drive from Addis Ababa toward Awash National Park, with birding pauses beside Lake Beseka and at the volcanic lakes around Debre Zeit. The day ends with a hotel overnight.
Day 2
Awash National Park
Spend the day birding Awash National Park in the Great Rift Valley. The published list includes African Orange-bellied Parrot, bustards, weavers, Hoopoe, Yellow-throated Seedeater, Red-fronted Barbet and Pygmy Batis, alongside a varied mammal community.
Day 3
Awash to Langano via Lake Ziway
Travel toward Langano via Mojo, with birding at Lake Ziway and Koka Dam before continuing to Abijata-Shalla National Park. Wetland and dry-country possibilities range from African Pygmy Goose and pelicans to ground hornbills, rollers, wheatears and African Marsh Harrier.
Day 4
Langano to Bale Mountains
Climb to Bale Mountains National Park and search its highland habitats for endemic and near-endemic birds. Highlighted possibilities range from Banded Barbet and Rouget's Rail to Black-headed Siskin, Wattled Ibis, Abyssinian Longclaw, Spot-breasted Lapwing and Blue-winged Goose.
Day 5
Bale Mountains to Wondo Genet
Leave Bale for Wondo Genet, a green forested area known for hot springs, fruiting trees and abundant birdlife. Grivet and colobus monkeys are also among the wildlife mentioned for the site.
Day 6
Wondo Genet to Awassa
Bird along the route from Wondo Genet to Awassa. Possibilities include Silvery-cheeked and Abyssinian Ground Hornbills, Rouget's Rail, Marabou Stork, egrets, African Pygmy Goose, Spur-winged Goose, ibis and several kingfishers.
Day 7
Awassa and Langano to Addis Ababa
Return to Addis Ababa through the Great Rift Valley, making further birding stops for additional species. A traditional farewell dinner and airport transfer conclude the published programme.
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.)
7 stops. 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 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
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.