Itinerary

1. Day 1: Arrival and City Tour of Addis Ababa

   • Arrive at Bole International Airport and transfer to your hotel in Addis Ababa.
   • Explore Ethiopia’s rich history at the National and Archaeological Museum.
   • Visit the beautiful Trinity Cathedral Church, a significant religious and historical site.
   • Enjoy stunning panoramic views of Addis Ababa from Mount Entoto, the former capital of Emperor Menelik II.
   • Experience Merkato, Africa’s largest open-air market, offering a vibrant atmosphere and a glimpse into local culture.
   • Return to your hotel for an overnight stay and relax after a day of exploration.

2. Day 2: Addis Ababa to Langano

   • After breakfast, drive to Koka Dam, where you will observe various species of water birds like the Yellow-billed Stork and Great White Pelican.
   • Spend the rest of the day birding along the shores of Lake Ziway and Langano, with a variety of birds to spot.
   • Stay overnight at Bishangari Lodge, nestled in a beautiful location along the shores of Lake Langano.

3. Day 3: Bird Watching at Langano

   • After breakfast, explore different bird species on the shores of Lake Langano.
   • Spend the rest of the day birding in Abijata-Shalla National Park, home to many bird species.
   • Return to Bishangari Lodge for the night, where you can relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

4. Day 4: Langano to Awassa

   • Travel to Wondo Genet to spot the endemic Yellow-fronted Parrot and other bird species like the Black-headed Forest Oriole and Green-backed Woodpecker
   • Continue your journey to Awassa, the capital of Southern Nations, Nationalities, and People’s Regional State.

   Stay overnight at Haile or Lewi Resort, with beautiful lake views.

5. Day 5: Awassa to Bale Mountains National Park

   • Visit the fish market along the lake shore of Awassa to spot various aquatic bird species.
   • Travel through the farmlands to Dinsho, the headquarters of Bale Mountains National Park, known for its endemic wildlife and bird species.

   Stay overnight at Dinsho Lodge or Goba Wabeshebele Hotel for a comfortable rest.

6. Day 6: Exploration of Bale Mountains National Park

   • Drive 110 km from Robe to Sof Omar, the largest cave in the Horn of Africa, where you can observe beautiful birds and natural scenery.
   • Return to Goba Wabeshebele Hotel for an overnight stay.

7. Day 7: Bird Watching at Sanetti Plateau

   • Explore the Afro-alpine setting of the Sanetti Plateau, where you will see species like the Ruget’s Rail, Blue-winged Goose, and Golden Eagle.
   • Keep an eye out for endemic mammals such as the Ethiopian Wolf and Giant Mole Rat.
   • Return to Goba for an overnight stay.

8. Day 8: Bale to Awash National Park

   • Drive early to Awash National Park, passing through Arsi, with stops for bird spotting along the way.
   • Stop at Beseka Crater Lake to observe water birds in this stunning location.

   Stay overnight at Awash Lodge, located within the park.

9. Day 9: Birding in Awash National Park

   • Enjoy a morning game drive in Awash National Park, spotting over 350 bird species including the Ruppell’s Vulture and Lilac-breasted Roller.
   • Return to Awash Lodge for the night.

10. Day 10: Awash to Deho Lodge

    • Drive from Awash to Belen Lodge, observing various birds along the way such as the Black Scrub Robin and Somali Golden-breasted Robin.

    Stay overnight at Deho Lodge for a peaceful and scenic rest.

11. Day 11: Deho to Debre Zeit

    • Travel to Debre Zeit, where you will visit the Chelekleke Wetlands to spot bird species such as the Ferruginous Duck and Lesser Flamingo.
    • Explore Bishoftu Lake and Green Lake to see a variety of bird species including the Maccoa Duck and Cape Teal.

    Stay overnight at Dream Land Hotel for a comfortable rest.

12. Day 12: Debre Zeit to Addis Ababa and Departure

    • Visit one of the crater lakes in Debre Zeit before returning to Addis Ababa.

    • Enjoy a traditional Ethiopian dinner with music and dance at a famous local restaurant.

    • Depart from Addis Ababa for your onward journey.