Ethiopia bird watching tour taking you to the main birding sites in Ethiopia and provides a good selection of Ethiopia endemic Birds, near-endemic, localized and less often found bird species. One will find over 40 lifers despite extensive previous travel in Africa.
TOUR CODE: AAT-BT-62
DURATION: 14 DAYS
SITE: ETHIOPIAN RIFT VALLEY, BALE & NEGELE
TRANSPORT: SURFACE
Tour Highlights
- Visit one of the most attractive birding sites in Africa accompanied by an experienced birding guide
- Over 850 species of birds live in Ethiopia. Enjoy endemic, near-endemic, localized and less often found species
- See Awash National Park, the Rift Valley Lakes and the famous Bale Mountains National Park with its spectacular landscapes and afro-alpine vegetation
- Drive in a modern, air-conditioned 4WD and stay in the best available accommodations
- Traditional Ethiopian farewell dinner with “coffee ceremony”
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Itinerary
Departure: Daily Guaranteed Departure with 3 participants minimum
Day 1: Arrive at Addis Ababa
A representative from African Adventure Tours welcomes you on your arrival at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport and transfer to hotel. Ghion Hotel, which has very extensive grounds for birding. Among the species spotted here are the White-backed Black Tit and the brown Tit Warbler. After lunch in the hotel, we leave for Geferssa Reservoir, some 20 kms west of Addis Ababa, where one can see the Blue-winged Goose, black-headed Siskin, Abyssinian Long Claw and Wattled Ibis. Return to Addis Ababa early evening. O/n Ghion Hotel.
Day 2 Awash
Drive to the Awash National Park (200 km) via Dulacha, one of the best birding routes in the Ethiopian Rift Valley. O/n stay at Awash Genet Hotel
Day 3 In Awash
Full day bird watching and game viewing in the superb acacia wood land and the thorny bushes of Awash. It provides a great numbers of bird species like Martial and Imperial Eagles, Arabian Bustard, Rosy patched Shrike, Red wing bush Lark, Bearded wood Pecker, Grey wren warbler, Ashy Cisticola, Red and Yellow Barbet, Somali Golden breasted Bunting and Green winged Pytilia. O/n stay at Bilen Lodge
Day 4: Langano
We leave Awash in the morning, heading south for the main Ethiopian Rift. We will be birding along the main road, stopping off at Koka Dam and the Awash River and then at Lake Zway for lunch. After lunch, we head down to the lakeshore where huge numbers of water birds are congregated. African pygmy Geese, Yellow billed storks, Collared Pratincoles, Lesser and greater Jacanas, African Jacanas, White Pelicans, Fish Eagles, crowned and common cranes are some of the species to be seen here in impressive numbers. We leave Zway mid-afternoon, continuing to Lake Langano for an overnight in the Wabe Shebelle Hotel, situated on the shores of the lake.
Day 5: Langano
This morning we spend more time in the acacia woodland between Lakes Abijata and Shalla, and a long the shore of Lake Abijata. The Von de Dickens’s Horn bill, Banded Barbet, Spotted Eagle Owl, Klaus’s and Dederic Cuckoos, Black-checked Waxbill, Gabar Goshawk, Boran and Rattling Cisticola are amongst the species we are expecting to see in the surrounding area of the acacia wood land. Lake Abijata, the feeding site for a great numbers of Lesser and Greater Flaming, is also providing a large numbers of migratory birds. Overnight stay Langano
Day 6: Bale Mountains
After early breakfast leave the valley and start the ascent of the Bale Mountains. you continue drive to Bale mountains National Park and it is here you will visit many of the endemics like Blue-winged goose, Spot-breasted lapwing, Abyssinian long claw, Wattled ibis, Black-headed siskin, Rouget’s rail, Banded barbet and of course other species, too. Overnight Wabishebele hotel.
Day 7: Drive to Senete plateau Camping
Leave Goba early in the morning towards Sanete Plateau. While crossing a lush green forest, you will enjoy the Semien Wolves, endemic mammals. Then you will take another hike to the right hand side of the road to reach the highest peak, 4377 meters above sea level. It is here where you will highly experience the chilly wind. Then you will walk slightly down and down across a moorland landscape dotted with white and yellow cushions of flowers, colorful lichen-covered rocks and sparse Giant Lobelias. You will visit many water birds in the small ponds. In particular search the trails of Bale Mountains for Chestnut-napped Francolin, Ground scarper Thrush (of the distinctive, endemic race Simensis), the secretive Abyssinian Ground-Thrush, vocal Abyssinian Catbird, and the endemic White-backed Black-Tit on the high moorlands, if we are very fortunate, we will see a pair of the endangered Wattled Crane striding through the moist grassland or spot a Cape Eagle-Owl sunning on a rocky perch. We will also search for Moorland Francolin, the endemic Spot-breasted Lapwing, others like Thekla Lark, Red-breasted Wheatear and dumpy Moorland Chats; Ethiopian Wolf is also highly prized here. Overnight camping at Katcha Camp near Harena Forest.
Day 8: Bale Mountains National Park
After Early breakfast drive to Negelle via Harena Forest.En route we will be looking for the Turaco and outstanding Golden-breasted Starling, later we will also seek the endemic Sidamo Lark together with Somali Short-toed Lark and possibly Heuglin’s Bustard on the Negele Plains. The Sidamo lark is quite secretive and like many Ethiopian endemics inhabits a very small area. Overnight: Local Hotel in Negele.
Day 9: Bogol Myno
A long drive takes us to a little known area of great importance because of the wealth of endemic plants in the region; however, it is the Degodi Lark we shall be seeking here after a night spent in the village near to the areas the bird inhabits. Birding en-route we will look for: Pygmy Batis, Short-billed Crombec, Somali Crombec. Overnight: Camp
Day 10: Negele
We shall spend the morning in the area seeking the Degodi Lark, if not seen the day before, together with the White-winged Dove and Juba Weaver two specialties of the area plus Black-faced Sandgrouse, Chestnut-headed Sparrow-lark, Scaly Chatterer, we then we return to Negele, birding along the way. We will stay overnight at Negele before pushing on to Yabello the following day. Overnight: Local Hotel in Negele
Day 11: Yabello
Today we will enter the region of the endemic White-tailed Swallow and Streseman’s Bushcrow, after some searching we should find the Swallow threading its way through the termite chimneys and some groups of Bushcrows in the thorn bush. All day will be used to explore the Yabello Wildlife Sanctuary & Reserve, species we could see include: Somalian Ostrich, Secretary Bird, Rueppell’s Griffon Vulture, Martial Eagle, Grasshopper Buzzard, African Pygmy Falcon, Vulturine Guineafowl, Kori Bustard, Donaldson Smith’s Nightjar, Star-spotted Nightjar, Yellow-billed Hornbill, Lilac-breasted Roller, Rufous-crowned Roller, d’Arnoud’s Barbet, Red & Yellow Barbet, Short-tailed Lark, Northern Grey Tit, Shelley’s and White-crowned Starlings, Abyssinian Grosbeak Canary, Somali Sparrow, Black-capped Social Weaver, Grey-headed Silverbill, Taita Fiscal, Somali Golden-breasted Bunting with possibilities of: Coqui Francolin, Somali Courser, African Bare-eyed Thrush, Little-spotted Woodpecker, Pringle’s Puffback, Little Tawny Pipit, Fawn-coloured Lark. Mammals that inhabit the park include: Burchell’s Zebra, Aardvark, Grant’s Gazelle, Thompson’s Gazelle, Lesser-spotted Genet. Overnight Yabello Motel.
Day 12: In Yabello
The day will be spent in the Yabello area including the wildlife reserve. We will look again at Streseman’s Bushcrow and White-tailed Swallow and it is possible to encounter other specialities including: Somali Courser, African Bare-eyed Thrush, Little-spotted Woodpecker, Pringle’s Puffback, Little Tawny Pipit, Short-tailed Lark, Fawn-coloured Lark. Mammals that inhabit the reserve include: Burchell’s Zebra, Aardvark, Grant’s Gazelle, Thompson’s Gazelle, Lesser-spotted Genet. Overnight Yabello Motel.
Day 13: Awassa
On leaving the area we head back up the Rift valley to Awassa, birding the acacia bush and areas of highlands as we go. Overnight: Hotel in Awassa Wabi Shebelle Hotel
Day 14: Addis Ababa-evening Departure
Today we travel back to Addis Ababa birding along the Great Rift Valley looking for additional species. Afternoon, drive to Addis Ababa: evening fare well dinner party then transfer to airport for departure. End
Trip Information
Inclusions
We respect your personal preference on what is to be included and not included on the tour cost.
But as a standard included in our given prices are meet and greet at airport, All accommodation, Meals in Addis, on bed and breakfast basis, Meals out of Addis, on full board basis, All entrance fees at sites, churches, parks and villages, All ground transportation according to the itinerary and Guide service.
Exclusions
International flights, Lunch and Dinner in Addis Ababa , Any drinks including local non-alcoholic beverage and alcoholic drinks, Video filming and photography fees, Incidental meals, snacks and drinks and Tips and items of personal nature like laundry, souvenirs, etc
Visa and Immigration Requirements
Most nationals require a visa for entry into Ethiopia. The easiest way to get Ethiopian Visa is to get it on line thttps://www.evisa.gov.et/ . Again visa can be obtained at Ethiopia’s diplomatic missions overseas.. The last option is to get visa on arrival at Bole International Airport; nationals of 33 countries are now allowed to receive their tourist visas on arrival in Ethiopia at the regular charge. The list includes Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greek, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Kuwait, Luxembourg, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Thailand, citizens of United Kingdom and United States.
How to get in to Ethiopia
Addis Ababa is a major hub for international airlines. Ethiopian Airlines, the national airline of Ethiopia, provides excellent links with East, West and South Africa, Europe and the Middle East, with connections to America and the Far East. The national airline also offers domestic services to the major towns in Ethiopia, as well as most regional centers. All international services arrive at Bole International Airport, Addis Ababa. Other airlines serving Ethiopia include: Kenya Airways, Emirates, Egyptian, Alitalia, British Airways, Lufthansa, Saudi, Aeroflot, Yemeni, and Turkish Airways.
Luggage on tour
your luggage should not exceed 20kgs (44lbs). One large suitcase/rucksack, and one small hand luggage rucksack is acceptable. Soft rolling bag (we usually use a 22 inch roll aboard) are recommended.
Weather and Climate
There are two seasons: the dry season prevails from October through May; the wet season runs from June to September.
Generally except for June, July and August, most part of Ethiopia will be sunny and pleasant temperature to travel around.
When you travel to the north you are staying in higher altitude towns (Example Addis Ababa, Gondar, and Lalibela) the daily average Temperature is from 20 – 25 degrees and the temperature drops quite rapidly towards sunset. Evenings are fairly cold and you are advised to bring something warm for the evenings, like a sweater or warm Jacket.
Those travelling to the Southern Omo Valley of Ethiopia, the weather of this region will be sunny, hot and dry; the average temperatures is about 30 degrees. During the day the sun is strong. Shorts, Hats, sun glasses, sun creams, light cotton summer clothes and layers of clothes are recommended. Although the daytime temperatures are not very high, the sun is strong and people coming pale and pasty from a European winter should be careful of sunburn -long sleeved shirts may be advisable.
Currency
Travelers are advised to travel with American Dollar or Euro. Australian dollar cannot be exchanged in Ethiopia. There is ATM machine In Most of the Regions and one can withdraw money Visa or Master Card. Banks are places to exchange money.
Accommodation
Hotel rooms are basic but generally clean with en suite toilet and bath facilities (usually shower only). In many places hotel accommodation is limited; we utilize the best tourist class properties available. Hotel in Addis is 3-star international standard.
Transport
We will be using 4WD Land Cruisers, 4WD mini buses or Coaster buses depending on the conditions of the roads and the size of the group. All our vehicles are Air- conditioned.
For internal flights, we use the national airline Ethiopian Air lines, which offer excellent domestic services to the major towns in Ethiopia.
Greetings:
Handshaking is the usual mode of greeting, although friends or families who have not seen each other for some time will kiss on each cheek. (Displays of sexual intimacy, kissing or hugging, will arouse embarrassment among most Ethiopians.) Usually a handshake greeting is accompanied by a pleasant discussion on personal matters before getting down to business. The offer of tea or coffee is normal, and time is not that important. Smoking is not popular amongst traditional people, or in front of priests. Shoes are often taken off on entering churches, and always on entering mosques.
Security
Despite years of the civil wars in the previous regime, in terms of crime and robbers, Ethiopia is still a very safe country to visit, and Addis Ababa is still one of the safest capitals in Africa. Visitors should of course take the usual precautions, not carry large amounts of money with them and leave particularly valuable items with hotel reception. Both men and women visitors should be careful about hand and money bags, keeping them close at hand in crowded places. Like everywhere else, pick pockets and snatch thieves like to create some kind of diversion before making their move, so visitors should walk purposefully and be cautious about sudden introductions in the street.
Price includes
- Special qualified birding guide as well as mandatory local guide or scout fees in parks and villages
- 4-star hotel in Addis Ababa and the best available accommodation outside of Addis Ababa
- All accommodation based on twin room occupancy
- Meals in Addis, on bed and breakfast basis
- Meals out of Addis, on full board basis
- Farewell dinner in Addis to enjoy traditional Ethiopian food and music
- All entrance fees at sites, churches, parks and villages
- All transfers according to the itinerary
- All ground transportation including insurance, fuel and all costs of the driver
- Traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony at a convenient time in the program
- Government taxes
Price doesn’t include
- International flights
- Lunch and dinner in Addis Ababa
- Any kind of drinks, alcoholic or non-alcoholic, incidental meals and snacks
- Video filming and photographing fees
- Tips and items of personal nature like laundry, souvenirs, etc .
- All what is not included in the list above