Birdwatching Ethiopia
Ethiopia is one of the top destinations in the world for birdwatching tours. Also, Birdwatching in Ethiopia is the 2nd country with many species of birds in Africa. With more than 924 species of birds, including 23 endemics unique to Ethiopia such as the Abyssinian catbird, Abyssinian long-claw, black-winged lovebird, wattled crane, Banded barbet, and many more, the country boasts exceptional avian diversity. From the majestic African fish eagles to the smallest Abyssinian woodpecker, Ethiopia’s birdlife offers an extraordinary experience for birdwatchers.
The best time to observe birdwatching Ethiopia is between October to February when migratory birds join the resident species, creating a vibrant spectacle in the skies. The other seasons are also fine, but it’s harder to see the migratory birds. Birdwatchers from around the world choose Ethiopia to witness this abundance of bird species.
At Aone Ethiopia Tours, recognized as the best tour operator in Ethiopia, we specialize in crafting the best Ethiopia tour packages for birdwatching enthusiasts. Our expertly designed itineraries offer unforgettable birdwatching experiences in the southern and eastern rift valleys of Ethiopia, renowned as prime spots for birdwatching. We offer a wide variety of tour packages to Ethiopia, from our popular 20-days, 15-days, and 7-days tour packages to customizable itineraries. Our specialized bird tour guides ensure an unforgettable journey filled with rare sightings and memorable moments.
Our birdwatching Ethiopia tours can also be combined with historical tour packages to Ethiopia and Ethiopia Omo Valley tours. The Omo Valley tours Ethiopia offer a unique cultural experience alongside the rich birdlife, making your trip even more diverse and fulfilling.
Join us and embark on an unforgettable birdwatching adventure with the best tour company in Ethiopia. As the best travel agency in Addis Ababa, we guarantee exceptional service, personalized experiences, and memories that will last a lifetime.
Duration:- 20 Days, 15 Days & also 7 days
Type of tour:-bird watching tour
Mode of transport:- 4WD car
Itinerary overview
Day 1: Day Trip to Menagesha Suba Forest
Start your bird-watching adventure with a day trip from Addis Ababa to Menagesha Suba Forest. En route, you’ll visit the Gefersa Dam, where you can spot numerous colorful aquatic birds, including the Wattled Ibis, Winged Goose, and various duck species. Upon arrival at the forest, explore this ancient habitat, home to many bird species, including seven endemic Ethiopian birds such as the Abyssinian Woodpecker, Yellow-fronted Parrot, and White-cheeked Turaco. You’ll also see over 200 other bird species, such as the Northern Puffback, Wahlberg’s Honeyguide, Fawn-colored Lark, and Slaty Flycatcher. This trip is organized by the best tour operator in Ethiopia, ensuring an unforgettable experience. Overnight at Kuriftu Resort Entoto.
Day 2: Drive to Debre Zeyit
In the morning, enjoy the birds’ chanting from your room at Entoto Mountain Forest, rising 3,200 meters above sea level. This is a prime spot to observe highland birds like the Ethiopian Siskin and White-winged Cliff Chat. After breakfast, drive to Ghion Hotel for lunch, where the garden offers sightings of various bird species, including Serinus Nigriceps, White-collared Pigeon, and Abyssinian Roller. This bird-watching Ethiopia tour package continues to Debre Zeyit, a small town 40 km from the capital. Located in the Rift Valley zone, it offers opportunities to observe at least 40 different bird species around its seven lakes, including the Red-fronted Tinkerbird, Yellow-billed Duck, and Common Merganser. Overnight at Adulala Resort.
Day 3: Drive to Awash National Park
Drive to Awash National Park, one of Ethiopia’s richest areas for birdlife and wildlife. Our bird-watching Ethiopia tour package gives you a chance to witness the park’s 450 bird species, such as the Arabian Bustard, Ethiopian Bee-eater, Somali Ostrich, Helmeted Guineafowl, and Pied Cuckoo. Organized by the best tour company in Ethiopia, this trip ensures a comprehensive bird-watching experience. Overnight at Kuriftu Resort.
Day 4: Drive to Lake Ziway
After exploring the park’s birdlife and having lunch in Nazreth town, proceed to Lake Ziway, part of the Great East African Rift Valley. Upon arrival, visit the lakeshore to spot water birds. This region is a highlight in our Ethiopia Omo Valley tours. Overnight at Haile Resort.
Day 5: Drive to Abijata National Park
Enjoy a boat trip on Lake Ziway to visit Bird Island and capture different bird species such as Pelecanus Onocrotalus, Leptoptilos Crumeniferus, Dendrocygna Bicolor, and Red-chested Swallow. After breakfast, drive to Abijata National Park and explore Abijata Lake and Lake Chitu, renowned for their thousands of flamingos. Additional bird sightings include Ostriches, Great White Pelicans, and Egyptian Geese. Overnight at Sabana Beach Resort.
Day 6: Drive to Awassa
Visit the lakeshore of Lake Langano, one of the closest birding spots accessible by day trips from Addis Ababa, where you can see species like the Lemon Dove, Abyssinian White-eye, and Pied Cuckoo. After breakfast, drive to Awassa, stopping en route at the Senkelle Hartebeest Sanctuary to observe over 60 bird species, including the Kori Bustard. Upon arrival in Awassa, visit the lakeshore. Overnight at Haile Resort.
Day 7: Drive to Yabelo
Visit the morning fish market at Awassa’s lakeshore, offering a chance to see fish-eating birds like the Marabou Stork, Hamerkop, African Fish Eagle, and Spur-winged Lapwing. Then drive to Yabelo, enjoying the bushland that harbors diverse birdlife, including the Red and Yellow Barbet, Red-naped Bush Shrike, and Tiny Cisticola. Overnight at Yabelo Motel.
Day 8: Visit Yabelo Wildlife Sanctuary
Explore Yabelo Wildlife Sanctuary’s acacia grasslands, home to over 250 bird species such as the Golden-breasted Starling, Guineafowls, and Pygmy Batis. This trip, curated by the best travel agency in Addis Ababa, offers an exceptional bird-watching experience. Overnight camping.
Day 9: Drive to Yirgalem
Pass through scenic forests, observing species like the Ethiopian Boubou, D’Arnaud’s Barbet, and Eastern Grey Woodpecker. Overnight at Aregash Lodge.
Day 10: Drive to Wendo Genet
Trek into the densely forested area to watch highland birds such as the Black-headed Oriole, Grey-headed Batis, and Orange-breasted Bushshrike. Overnight at Wendo Genet Hotel.
Day 11: Drive to Bale Mountains National Park
After bird-watching near your hotel, drive to Bale Mountains National Park, home to over 320 bird species, including half of Ethiopia’s endemic birds. Recognized as one of the top three bird-watching spots in Africa, this park is a highlight of any Ethiopia holiday package. Overnight camping.
Day 12: Explore Bale Mountains National Park
Continue your bird-watching Ethiopia holiday packages with a horseback ride to spot endemic birds like Cyanochen Cyanoptera, Serinus Nigriceps, and Lammergeyer. Overnight at Bale Lodge.
Day 13: Drive to Harenna Forest
Explore Harenna Forest, rich in bird species, including the endemic Abyssinian Longclaw, Abyssinian Catbird, and Yellow-fronted Parrot. Overnight at Bale Lodge.
Day 14: Visit Harenna Forest
Take a scenic drive through Harenna Forest, spotting birds like the African Scops Owl, Blue-winged Goose, and Parophasma Galinieri. Overnight at Bale Lodge.
Day 15: Domestic Flight to Addis Ababa
Transfer to the airport for your flight back to Addis Ababa, concluding your Ethiopia tour packages. Upon arrival, visit the Zoological Museum of Ethiopia and the beautiful Trinity Cathedral. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at a cultural restaurant. Depending on your flight schedule, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your departure.
Join us, the best tour operator in Ethiopia, for this incredible birdwatching Ethiopia journey, showcasing the rich avian life and diverse landscapes of Ethiopia. Whether you’re interested in Ethiopia Omo Valley tours or exploring the country’s national parks, we ensure an unforgettable adventure tailored by the best tour company in Ethiopia.