Day 1: Arrival in Addis Ababa
Arrive at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport.
Transfer to your accommodation for check-in and relaxation after your flight.
If time permits, take a brief tour around the city to acclimate and enjoy the local atmosphere.
Overnight stay: Comfortable accommodation in Addis Ababa
Day 2: Explore Addis Ababa and Lake Ziway
Morning: Visit the National Museum of Ethiopia to explore the country’s rich history, including the famous fossil “Lucy” (Australopithecus afarensis).
Afternoon: Head to the Ethnographic Museum for a deeper understanding of Ethiopia’s diverse cultures and traditions.
Later, explore Addis Mercato, one of Africa’s largest open-air markets, offering a vibrant mix of goods and local produce.
In the late afternoon, drive to Lake Ziway, known for its rich birdlife, including species like the African Fish Eagle and Great White Pelican.
Enjoy birdwatching and photography by the lake, with over 300 species potentially in view.
Overnight stay: Haile Resort, Lake Ziway
Day 3: Visit Abiyata Shala National Park
Depart early for a scenic drive to Abiyata Shala National Park, renowned for its bird diversity and volcanic landscapes.
Explore the park’s varied ecosystems—from wetlands to savannah—while photographing rare birds like the endangered White-winged Flufftail and Lesser Flamingo.
The park also hosts antelopes, baboons, and more than 400 bird species.
Evening return to your accommodation.
Overnight stay: Lake Langano
Day 4: Discover Langano and Bale Mountains National Park
Morning: Visit the Langano wetland area, home to waterfowl such as the African Jacana and Malachite Kingfisher.
Explore nearby villages for insight into the local culture.
Afternoon: Drive to Bale Mountains National Park, known for its alpine ecosystems and rare bird species like the Ethiopian Bush-crow and Blue-winged Goose.
Spend the evening birdwatching and capturing the beauty of this remote, rugged area.
Overnight stay: Camp in Bale Mountains National Park
Day 5: Birdwatching and Wildlife Observation at Sanetti Plateau
Early morning: Drive to the Sanetti Plateau, the highest point in Bale Mountains National Park, famous for its vast moorlands and high-altitude habitats.
Enjoy a full day of birdwatching and wildlife observation, with potential sightings of endemic species like the Ethiopian Bush-crow and Lammergeier vulture.
Look out for the Ethiopian Wolf, one of the rarest canids in the world.
Overnight stay: Camp in Bale Mountains
Day 6: Travel from Bale Mountains to Hawassa
Depart early for a scenic drive through the highlands to the lakeside town of Hawassa.
Lake Hawassa is a haven for birdwatchers, hosting species such as the Pied Kingfisher and a variety of waterfowl.
Spend the afternoon soaking in the local atmosphere and walking along the lake’s edge for more birding opportunities.
Overnight stay: Haile Resort, Hawassa
Day 7: Visit the Fish Market and Birding Around Lake Hawassa
Morning: Visit Hawassa’s renowned fish market, where birds like Egyptian Geese, Hadada Ibis, and Yellow-billed Stork are often spotted.
Continue birding along the lake’s shoreline and nearby spots for excellent photography opportunities.
Afternoon: Head to the nearby wetlands for additional sightings, including the Great White Pelican and Lesser Jacana.
Overnight stay: Local campsite, offering an immersive nature experience
Day 8: Full-Day Birding Around Lake Hawassa
Spend the entire day birdwatching and photographing in the diverse habitats surrounding Lake Hawassa—from wetlands to open water.
Look for species such as the Malachite Kingfisher, African Fish Eagle, and Sacred Ibis.
Take a boat ride for an up-close view of the lake’s birdlife and beautiful scenery.
Overnight stay: Local campsite
Day 9: Birding Around Borena National Park
Early morning: Drive to Borena National Park, a top destination for birding and wildlife photography.
Spend the day exploring the park, capturing images of birds like the Secretary Bird, White-crowned Lapwing, and Black-winged Stilt.
The park is also home to giraffes, zebras, antelopes, and other wildlife.
Overnight stay: Local campsite
Day 10: Travel from Borena National Park to Arba Minch
Depart early for the drive to Arba Minch, located near Nechisar National Park.
Visit the park for a short birding session, with sightings of species such as the African Spoonbill, Kittlitz’s Plover, and various raptors.
Take in the striking views of the park’s diverse landscapes.
Overnight stay: Haile Resort, Arba Minch
Day 11: Return to Addis Ababa and Departure
Morning: Fly from Arba Minch to Addis Ababa.
Upon arrival, transfer to your accommodation to relax before your international flight.
If time permits, visit local attractions like the Addis Ababa Zoo for a final glimpse of Ethiopian wildlife.
In the evening, enjoy a farewell program before transferring to Bole International Airport for your departure.
