Ethiopia Birding with Nature Travel Birding

Upon arrival at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, you will be welcomed by your expert birding guide before traveling southeast to the picturesque crater lake town of Bishoftu. The drive provides an excellent introduction to Ethiopia's diverse landscapes, with views of the central highlands, fertile farmlands and the northern reaches of the Great Rift Valley.

After settling into your lodge, enjoy a relaxed birding walk through the peaceful gardens and surrounding woodland. This gentle introduction to Ethiopia's birdlife offers the chance to find the endemic Black-winged Lovebird (E), together with African Paradise Flycatcher, Speckled Mousebird, African Dusky Flycatcher, Green-backed Camaroptera, Heuglin's White-eye and Red-cheeked Cordon-bleu. The attractive gardens and nearby crater lakes provide ideal habitat for a variety of woodland and garden species, making this a rewarding start to the journey.

As evening falls, unwind in the peaceful surroundings of Bishoftu's crater lakes and prepare for the exciting birding days ahead. The tranquil setting provides a fitting introduction to Ethiopia's remarkable landscapes, exceptional biodiversity and the unforgettable birding experiences that await throughout the journey.

Today is devoted to exploring the beautiful crater lakes of Babogaya, Chelekleka and Hora, where wetlands, open water, grasslands and lodge gardens combine to create one of Ethiopia's finest birding areas. The day focuses on many of the region's endemic and near-endemic species, including Wattled Ibis (E), Ethiopian Boubou (E), White-billed Starling (E), Ethiopian Cisticola (E), Black-winged Lovebird (E), Blue-breasted Bee-eater, Rüppell's Weaver and African Citril. The lakes are equally productive for waterbirds, with Greater Flamingo, Pink-backed Pelican, African Spoonbill, Hamerkop, Black Crake and Northern Pintail among the many species that may be encountered. Recording well over 100 bird species in a single day is a realistic possibility in this exceptionally diverse landscape.

A second day provides another opportunity to explore the varied habitats around Bishoftu, allowing time to visit different sections of the crater lakes and surrounding grasslands. This second day targets additional specialties, including Erlanger's Lark (E), Banded Barbet, Black-billed Barbet, Beautiful Sunbird, Tacazze Sunbird, Rüppell's Black Chat and Abyssinian White-eye. Wetland birding adds Lesser Flamingo, Garganey, Northern Shoveler, Tufted Duck, Maccoa Duck, White-backed Duck and Squacco Heron, while the surrounding grasslands often produce Northern Red Bishop, Red-rumped Swallow and Red-billed Quelea. The combination of exceptional habitat diversity and outstanding bird-life makes the Bishoftu crater lakes one of Ethiopia's premier birding destinations.

Begin the day with an early morning birding session around the wetlands of Lake Hora and Chelekleka, offering one last opportunity to search for central highland specialties before traveling east towards Awash National Park. En route, rocky hillsides and dry scrub provide habitat for Striolated Bunting, Blackstart and the elusive Sombre Rock Chat as the scenery gradually changes from fertile highlands to the arid landscapes of the Rift Valley.

On arrival in Awash National Park, explore an exciting mix of Acacia woodland, open grassland and dramatic volcanic terrain, one of Ethiopia's premier birding regions. Mammals are a regular feature of the afternoon, with Beisa Oryx, Gerenuk, Soemmerring's Gazelle, Greater Kudu, Lesser Kudu and Spotted Hyena all possible. Birding targets include Somali Ostrich, Kori Bustard, Arabian Bustard, Hartlaub's Bustard, Buff-crested Bustard, Northern Carmine Bee-eater, Abyssinian Roller, Bruce's Green Pigeon, Rosy-patched Bushshrike, Yellow-breasted Barbet, Somali Fiscal, Gillett's Lark and Yellow-bellied Eremomela. As the sun sets over the park's rugged landscapes, continue to nearby Awash town for an overnight stay, ready to explore more of this remarkable region the following day.

Today's birding takes you into the vast Aledeghi Wildlife Reserve, a remote 1,800 km² landscape of open grasslands, Acacia woodland and rugged hills that supports an impressive diversity of birds and mammals. The reserve is one of Ethiopia's premier destinations for dry-country birding, with excellent opportunities to search for Arabian Bustard, Secretarybird, Martial Eagle, Short-toed Snake Eagle, Dark Chanting Goshawk, Chestnut-bellied Sandgrouse, Yellow-throated Sandgrouse, Lichtenstein's Sandgrouse, Red-throated Bee-eater, Little Bee-eater and Rüppell's Starling, together with Northern Wheatear, Tawny Pipit and African Silverbill.

Large mammals are a constant feature of the reserve, with excellent chances of encountering the Endangered Grévy's Zebra, Beisa Oryx, Gerenuk, Soemmerring's Gazelle, Desert Warthog and Hamadryas Baboon across the sweeping plains. With some luck, Lion or Cheetah may also be seen. A visit to the traditional Afar community provides a fascinating cultural insight before continuing to Nazret for the evening, concluding another memorable day exploring one of Ethiopia's least-visited wildlife regions.

Travel into the heart of Ethiopia's Great Rift Valley to explore the renowned wetlands of Lake Ziway, one of the country's most productive birding destinations. The lake's extensive reedbeds, shallow shorelines, open water and surrounding Acacia woodland support an exceptional diversity of waterbirds and woodland species throughout the year. Birding is conducted at several carefully selected sites to maximize opportunities across the different habitats.

Lake Ziway is renowned for its spectacular waterbird concentrations, with excellent chances of finding Saddle-billed Stork, Black Crowned Crane, African Fish Eagle, Greater Flamingo, Lesser Flamingo, Pink-backed Pelican, African Spoonbill, African Pygmy Goose, Southern Pochard, Knob-billed Duck, Lesser Jacana, Black Crake and Kittlitz's, Caspian and Whiskered Terns. The surrounding woodland and grassland add another dimension to the day's birding, with Silvery-cheeked Hornbill, Pied Kingfisher, Yellow-crowned Bishop, Brown-throated Martin and Red-throated Pipit among the key targets. After a rewarding day in one of Ethiopia's finest wetland ecosystems, settle into comfortable accommodation overlooking the lakeshore in Ziway.

Spend the day birding around the diverse habitats of Lake Langano before continuing to Shashemene. The combination of open lakeshore, Acacia woodland and dense scrub supports an excellent variety of Rift Valley birds, making this one of Ethiopia's most rewarding birding locations. Exploring these contrasting habitats offers opportunities to search for both woodland specialists and dry-country species while enjoying the scenic beauty of the Great Rift Valley.

Key targets include the endemic Black-winged Lovebird (E), together with Abyssinian Ground Hornbill, Hemprich's Hornbill, Von der Decken's Hornbill, Black-billed Woodhoopoe, Clapperton's Spurfowl, Slender-tailed Nightjar, Rufous-necked Wryneck, Bearded Woodpecker, Cardinal Woodpecker, White-rumped Babbler, White-winged Black Tit, Red-faced Crombec, Western Black-headed Batis, Beautiful Sunbird, Mocking Cliff Chat and White-headed Buffalo Weaver. After a rewarding day exploring this productive birding region, continue to Shashemene for an overnight stay in preparation for the journey into the Bale Mountains.

Leave Shashemene behind as the journey climbs into the spectacular Bale Mountains National Park, one of Africa's finest high-altitude birding destinations. Traveling through rolling highlands, montane forest and open moorland, the changing landscapes provide exceptional birding throughout the day. Stops are made along the route to explore productive habitats and search for some of Ethiopia's most sought-after endemic birds.

Wetlands and highland grasslands offer opportunities to find Blue-winged Goose (E), Wattled Ibis (E), Rouget's Rail (E), Spot-breasted Lapwing and Cape Eagle-Owl before continuing into the forests around Dinsho. The afternoon focuses on Bale Mountains specialties, including Chestnut-naped Francolin (E), Abyssinian Slaty Flycatcher (E), Ethiopian Boubou (E), Ethiopian Siskin (E), Abyssinian Catbird (E), Abyssinian Owl, Brown-rumped Seedeater, White-backed Black Tit and Thick-billed Raven. Mammal encounters add to the experience, with excellent chances of seeing Mountain Nyala, the endemic Menelik's Bushbuck and Desert Warthog. Overnight is spent close to the national park, surrounded by the magnificent scenery of Ethiopia's highlands.

An early start takes you onto the spectacular Sanetti Plateau, where elevations of 3,800–4,377 m offer one of Africa's most remarkable Afro-alpine birding experiences. This vast landscape of high-altitude moorland, grassland and wetlands is home to many of Ethiopia's most sought-after endemic birds. The morning is dedicated to exploring this unique ecosystem in search of Blue-winged Goose (E), Rouget's Rail (E), Chestnut-naped Francolin (E), Abyssinian Longclaw (E), White-collared Pigeon (E), Wattled Ibis (E), Spot-breasted Lapwing, Moorland Francolin, Wattled Crane, Moorland Chat, African Snipe and Red-breasted Wheatear.

Descending from the Bale Mountains, travel back into the Rift Valley to the productive woodlands and wetlands surrounding Lake Awassa. Afternoon birding explores lakeshore habitats, woodland and riverine vegetation, where African Spotted Creeper, Silvery-cheeked Hornbill, Black-billed Woodhoopoe, Double-toothed Barbet, Red-headed Weaver, Red-shouldered Cuckooshrike, Brown-throated Wattle-eye, Northern Puffback, Western Black-headed Batis and African Paradise Flycatcher are among the highlights. The area also supports Guereza (Black-and-white Colobus) and Grivet Monkey, providing a fitting conclusion to another exceptional day of birding before settling in for the evening at Lake Awassa.

Enjoy a full day exploring the exceptional wetlands, lakeshore and riverine habitats surrounding Lake Awassa, one of Ethiopia's most rewarding birding destinations. From the bustling fish market to quiet reedbeds and open water, the varied habitats attract an impressive diversity of resident and migratory birds, making this an outstanding location for both waterbirds and wetland specialists.

The fish market is renowned for close views of Great White Pelican, Pink-backed Pelican, Marabou Stork, Hamerkop and African Sacred Ibis, while the surrounding wetlands provide excellent opportunities to find Goliath Heron, Black Heron, Squacco Heron, African Pygmy Goose, African Jacana, Lesser Jacana, Senegal Thick-knee, Blue-headed Coucal, Lesser Swamp Warbler, Red-faced Cisticola and Common Waxbill. Black-headed Gull, Grey-headed Gull and Lesser Black-backed Gull are also regularly recorded, rounding off another memorable day in the heart of Ethiopia's Great Rift Valley.

Leaving the wetlands of Lake Awassa behind, travel south through the fertile Sidamo coffee-growing region before entering the arid Acacia savannas surrounding Yabelo, one of Ethiopia's most celebrated birding destinations. The dramatic transition from lush highlands to dry thornveld introduces a completely new suite of birds, with regular stops to explore productive habitats and search for some of the country's most localised and sought-after species.

The Acacia woodlands and open savannas around Yabelo are renowned for their endemic and range-restricted birds. Key targets include Stresemann's Bushcrow (E), White-tailed Swallow (E), Yellow-necked Spurfowl, Vulturine Guineafowl, Black-faced Sandgrouse, Gabar Goshawk, Pygmy Falcon, Yellow-bellied Eremomela, Hunter's Sunbird, Shining Sunbird, African Grey Flycatcher, Spotted Palm Thrush and Tree Pipit. Arriving in this globally important birding region marks the beginning of an unforgettable exploration of southern Ethiopia's unique avifauna.

Explore the world-famous Yabelo–Arero region, where vast Acacia savannas, open bushveld and lightly wooded plains create one of Africa's most important centres of bird endemism. This exceptional landscape offers outstanding opportunities to search for Stresemann's Bushcrow (E), White-tailed Swallow (E), Ruspoli's Turaco (E), Black-fronted Spurfowl (E), Foxy Lark (E), Somali Courser, Red-naped Bushshrike and Pringle's Puffback. The open plains also support impressive mammals including Gerenuk, Grévy's Zebra and Grant's Gazelle, making every drive rewarding.

Continue exploring the diverse habitats of the Yabelo–Mega Triangle, visiting productive grasslands, scrub and Acacia woodland in search of additional regional specialties. Key targets include Boran Cisticola (E), Heuglin's Bustard, Somali Bee-eater, Three-banded Courser, Somali Fiscal, Taita Fiscal, Pink-breasted Lark, Masked Lark and Pale Prinia. Somali Ostrich is regularly encountered across the open savannas, while patient birding may even produce the elusive Quail-plover.

A final day in southern Ethiopia allows time to revisit the region's most productive birding sites, maximising opportunities for any remaining specialties while enjoying the remarkable diversity of this unique ecosystem. Mixed feeding flocks often include Speke's Weaver, Chestnut Weaver, Donaldson Smith's Sparrow-Weaver, Red-billed Buffalo Weaver, Black-capped Social Weaver, Purple Grenadier, Green-winged Pytilia, Black-faced Waxbill, Golden-breasted Starling, Magpie Starling, Greater Blue-eared Starling, Kenya Violet-backed Sunbird and Hunter's Sunbird. This unforgettable finale in the Yabelo region showcases why southern Ethiopia is regarded as one of Africa's finest birding destinations.

Return to Ethiopia's southern highlands and spend the day exploring the lush montane forests of Wondo Genet, one of the country's premier forest birding destinations. Birding trails wind through indigenous forest, riverine woodland and dense undergrowth, providing excellent opportunities to search for a variety of forest specialists. Key targets include the endemic Abyssinian Woodpecker (E) and Abyssinian Slaty Flycatcher (E), together with Narina Trogon, Silvery-cheeked Hornbill, African Emerald Cuckoo, Yellow-fronted Tinkerbird, Green-backed Honeyguide, Brown Woodland Warbler, African Spotted Creeper and Ethiopian Oriole. Guereza (Black-and-white Colobus) and Grivet Monkey are frequently encountered in the forest canopy.

A second day allows more time to explore the rich forests of Wondo Genet, visiting different habitats to maximise the chances of finding additional specialties. Highlights include Abyssinian Ground Thrush, Scaly Spurfowl, Brown Parisoma, Bamboo Warbler, Half-collared Kingfisher, Green Twinspot, Red-shouldered Cuckooshrike, Grey Cuckooshrike, Lemon Dove, Tambourine Dove, Emerald-spotted Wood Dove, Brown-throated Wattle-eye, Northern Puffback, Thick-billed Weaver, Bronze Mannikin, Slender-billed Starling, Sharpe's Starling and Eurasian Blackcap. There is also time to relax in Wondo Genet's natural hot springs before continuing to Shashemene for the evening.

Your final morning is spent exploring the remarkable Rift Valley lakes of Abijatta and Shalla National Park, where alkaline lakes, Acacia woodland, open grassland and rocky outcrops provide a fitting finale to this exceptional birding journey. The park supports an outstanding diversity of waterbirds and woodland species, with time to explore a variety of habitats before returning to Addis Ababa for your evening departure.

The lakes are renowned for their spectacular congregations of waterbirds, offering excellent opportunities to observe Greater Flamingo, Lesser Flamingo, Abdim's Stork, Southern Pochard, Cape Teal, Northern Shoveler, Senegal Thick-knee, Collared Pratincole and a variety of gulls, terns and plovers. The surrounding woodland adds another exciting dimension, with chances to find the endemic Black-winged Lovebird (E), Abyssinian Ground Hornbill, Hemprich's Hornbill, Von der Decken's Hornbill, Western Banded Snake Eagle, Greyish Eagle-Owl, Black-billed Woodhoopoe, African Pygmy Kingfisher, Clapperton's Spurfowl, Red-faced Crombec, Western Black-headed Batis, White-rumped Babbler, White-winged Black Tit and White-headed Buffalo Weaver. Mammals including Grant's Gazelle and Oribi are regularly encountered, while Spotted Hyena is an occasional bonus. After a memorable final birding session, return to Addis Ababa International Airport, bringing an unforgettable exploration of Ethiopia's extraordinary birdlife to a close.