Tour Code: GET 6.1
Tour Length: 9 days / 10 nights
Transportation: Car

Ticking Off the Ethiopian Endemics: Bird Watching

Ethiopia is one of Africa's most prolific bird watching destinations. An astounding 862 recorded birds species can be found in Ethiopia. The most motivated 'tickers' come from all over the world to enhance their bird lists with Ethiopia's many endemic species.

The bird populations swell between the months of November and February when some 200 species of Palaearctic migrants arrive from Europe and Asia to join the already abundant number of birds that can be found in Ethiopia.

Desta Lalibela Tours' main tour takes birders across stunning landscapes as they explore the Great Rift Valley lakes, each teeming with its own microcosm of bird life. Next, Desta Lalibela Tours allows birders to explore the surrounding mountain forests, which support a wholly different selection of endemic birds. Ethiopia has the second highest number of endemic birds of any nation in the continent, but we won't tell you who has more.

Desta Lalibela Tours' birding tours are guided by members of Ethiopia's Wildlife and Natural History Society, making the identification of 69 important birding sites spread throughout the country easy to find. It is important to note that most bird watching itineraries travel through the South of the country, while an itinerary in search of all the Ethiopia endemic birds would take a minimum of 3 weeks. To be sure, a tour of 10-15 days would guarantee that you see most of the endemic and several hundred more species of birds.

Admitted, Ethiopia has its share of problems with deforestation and environmental issue, but the country still offers a completely unique bird watching experience, thereby setting it apart from other bird-watching destinations.

The itinerary below will give birders an idea of a typical bird route passing through the Rift Valley lakes as well as the Bale Mountains National Park. All Desta Lalibela Tours itineraries can be customized to fit your groups' needs and availability.

Every year, Ethiopia attracts 'tickers' and wildlife lovers from around the world. Ethiopia's feathered friends never fail to thrill bird Lovers.

Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival in Addis Ababa. Overnight Kaleb Hotel

Day 2

Drive to Ziway through Ethiopia's mid rift system, en route you visit Koka, Cheleleka and Ziway lakes to see Crowned and Common Cranes, Fish Eagles, and many more species.Overnight hotel.

Day 3

Drive to Abiata-Shala National Parks, enjoy the breeding and feeding ground of Flamingoes, Pelicans, Cormorants and other aquatic birds, and many more species.Overnight hotel.

Day 4

Drive to Lake Awasa to see Saddle billed storks, Malachite and Giant King Fisher. Overnight hotel.

Day 5

Drive to Wondo Genet, where you will be able to see the Black-Headed Forest Oriole, the white cheeked Touraco, the Senegal Coucal and many others, species. Overnight hotel.

Day 6

Drive to Bale Mountains National Park, stopping around Dinsho to see the endemic Wattle Ibis, Rougets Rail and many more species. Overnight camping.

Day 7

Drive to Sannate to see the endemic Blue Winged Goose and the Black headed Siskin and further into the Harena forest you will see the Black-Headed Oriole, the White Cheeked Touraco, and many more, species. Overnight camping.

Day 8

Drive to Awash National Park to see the birds of Prey.The Tawny Battler and many more species. Overnight hotel.

Day 9

Drive to Addis Ababa, en route you will visit the Lakes of DebreZeit, Horan and Babugaya. Overnight hotel.

Day 10

Full day city tour of Addis Ababa, in the evening farewell dinner party and departure.