Ethiopia has become one of Africa’s leading birding destinations, with more than 800 recorded bird species and a remarkable number of endemics and near-endemics found nowhere else. This 14-day tour follows the Rift Valley and the Bale Mountains south to the dry savannas of Yabelo, where Stresemann’s Bush-crow, White-tailed Swallow and Prince Ruspoli’s Turaco live. Along the way we look for the Ethiopian Wolf on the Sanetti Plateau, bustards in Awash, and the waterbirds of the Rift Valley lakes. The birds are confiding and mostly easy to see, which makes it a rewarding trip for birders and photographers, with superb local guides who know all the best the birding spots. Ethiopia is an immersive, sensory-rich experience that pushes you beautifully out of your comfort zone. Pack your sense of adventure!

Target Bird Species

Stresemann’s Bush-crow • White-tailed Swallow • Prince Ruspoli’s Turaco • Salvadori’s Seedeater • Blue-winged Goose • Rouget’s Rail • Wattled Ibis • Black-winged Lovebird • Yellow-fronted Parrot • Chestnut-naped Francolin • Thick-billed Raven • Abyssinian Longclaw • Ethiopian Siskin • Gillett’s Lark • Arabian Bustard • Northern Carmine Bee-eater

Download bird checklist

Route map

Itinerary

Day 1	Arrive and bird the lodge garden and crater lakes around Bishoftu, near Debre Zeit, for Blue-breasted Bee-eater, Black-winged Lovebird and Wattled Ibis.
Day 2	Spend a second day around Bishoftu, including Lake Chelekleka, with roosting Marabou Storks and migrant waterfowl.
Day 3	Drive to Awash National Park after lunch, looking for Striolated Bunting and Sombre Rock Chat near the lava field, then bustards and Northern Carmine Bee-eater in the park.
Day 4	Spend the day at Aledeghi Wildlife Reserve for Arabian Bustard and Grevy’s Zebra, then drive to Nazret.
Day 5	Stop at Lake Ziway and Lake Langano for waterbirds, Saddle-billed Stork and acacia woodland birds, and sleep in Shashemene.
Day 6	Drive into the Bale Mountains and bird the trails at Dinsho for Chestnut-naped Francolin, owls and Mountain Nyala.
Day 7	Explore the Sanetti Plateau for the Ethiopian Wolf and Wattled Crane, then drive to Awassa.
Day 8	Spend the day around Lake Awassa for herons, jacanas and Silvery-cheeked Hornbill.
Day 9	Drive south through the Sidamo coffee area to Yabelo, home of Stresemann’s Bush-crow and White-tailed Swallow.
Day 10	Visit the Arero area near Yabelo for Prince Ruspoli’s Turaco and Salvadori’s Seedeater.
Day 11	Bird the dry savanna around Yabelo and Mega for Somali Courser, Black-faced Sandgrouse and Golden-breasted Starling.
Day 12	Spend another day in the Yabelo and Mega savanna for Red-bellied Parrot, Hunter’s Sunbird and Purple Grenadier.
Day 13	Drive north to Wondo Genet, at the edge of the forest, with a chance of White-cheeked Turaco and Narina Trogon.
Day 14	Bird the Wondo Genet forest with a local guide, stop at Lake Abiata, then head back to Addis Ababa for the evening flight.

Included

• Accompanying Karoo Birding Safaris tour leader/guide
• Land Cruiser transport with drivers and fuel
• Hotel accommodation
• Breakfast, lunch and dinner
• Bottled water
• A professional local ornithological guide
• Bird Checklist
• Park entrances and extra local guides
• Airport transfers
• Taxes and VAT
• Tips except for tour guides and drivers

Not included

• Drinks
• Tips for drivers and bird guides
• Personal expenses
• International flights
• Travel insurance 
• Visa fees
• Vaccinations and health certificates