Day 1: Addis Ababa – Langano
Drive to Langano with birding stops at Koka Dam, the Awash River and Lake Ziway. Watch aquatic birds such as African Pygmy geese, Yellow-billed storks, Collared Pratincole, Lesser Jacana, African Jacana, White Pelicans, Fish Eagles, and common cranes all seen here in impressive numbers. Overnight in Langano.
Day 2: Langano – Bale Mountains National Park
Drive to the Bale Mountains National Park to spot some of the endemic birds such as Blue-winged Goose, Spot-breasted Lapwing, Abyssinian Long claw, Wattle Ibis, Black-headed Siskin, Rouget’s Rail, Banded Barbet and other species. Overnight in Bale Goba.
Day 3: Bale Mountains National Park
Take a light hiking to spot birds such as Chestnut-naped Francolin, Ground Thrush (of the distinctive, endemic race Simensis), the secretive Abyssinian Ground-thrush, vocal Abyssinian Catbird, and the endemic White-backed Black-Tit in the high moorlands. If very fortunate, see a pair of the endangered Wattle Crane in the moist grasslands or spot a Cape Eagle-Owl sunning on a rocky perch. Also search for Moorland Francolin, the endemic Spot-breasted Lapwing, Thekla Lark, Red-breasted Wheatear and dumpy Moorland Chats. Overnight in Bale Goba.
Day 4: Bale Mountains National Park – Negele
Drive to Negelle via Harena Forest. On the way, look for Turaco and outstanding Golden-breasted Starling. Also seek the endemic Sidamo Lark and the 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 in Negele.
Day 5: Negele – Bogol Manyo
Take a long drive to a little known area of great importance because of the wealth of endemic plants. Here, search for the Degodi Lark, Pygmy Bats, Short-billed Crombec, and Somali Crombec. Overnight in Bogol Manyo
Day 6: Bogol Manyo – Negele
Spend the morning seeking the Degodi Lark if not yet sighted. Also search for the White-winged Dove and Juba Weaver. Two prized sightings in the area, plus Black-faced Sand grouse, Chestnut-headed Sparrow-lark, and the Scaly Chatterer. Return to Negele, birding along the way. Overnight in Negele.
Day 7: Negele – Yabelo
Search for the endemic White-tailed Swallow and Stresemann’s Bush Crow. You should spot the Swallow threading its way through the termite chimneys and groups of Bush crows in the thorn bushes. For the entire day explore the Yabello Wildlife Sanctuary and Reserve; species to look for include: Somalian Ostrich, Secretary Bird, Ruppell’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’Arnaud’s Barbet, Red and 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 Silver bill, Taita Fiscal, and Somali Golden-breasted Bunting. Other possibilities include: Coqui Francolin, Somali Courser, African Bare-eyed Thrush, Little Spotted Woodpecker, Pringle’s Puffback, Little Tawny Pipit, and Fawn-collared Lark. Mammals that inhabit the park include: Burchell’s Zebra, Aardvark, Grant’s gazelle, Thompson’s Gazelle, and Lesser-spotted Genet. Overnight in Yabelo.
Day 8: Yabelo
Continue birding and spend the day in the Yabello Wildlife Sanctuary and Reserve. Overnight in Yabelo.
Day 9: Yabelo – Hawassa
Morning Depart for Awassa, driving through the Yirgalem coffee plantations and on the way making stops for birding. Overnight in Hawassa.
Day 10: Hawassa – Addis Ababa
Return to Addis, birding along the Great Rift Valley looking for additional species. In the evening attend a folkloric farewell dinner. Experience the rich cultural heritage of Ethiopia with a traditional dance performance live from stage. Transfer to airport for your departure.
WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THE PRICE QUOTE
- All transfers and ground transportation with fuel and driver allowance
- All entrance fees according to the program
- Accommodations
- Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Bottles of drinking water throughout the tour
- Multilingual professional guide
- Government tax
WHAT’S EXCLUDED
- Any flight (Domestic Flights can be arranged upon request)
- Alcoholic drinks
- Travel insurance
- Any other expenses which are not mentioned under what’s included section
