Birding Ethiopia
Animal World in the Great Rift Valley

Ethiopia´s landscape varies from desert-biological Nature Reserves to high mountain ranges, savannah plains and tropical rain forests. Ethiopia is a paradise for ornithologists. Todate more than 850 species, of which 28 are endemic, have been recorded. Amongst others there are Marabou Stork, Goliath Heron, Sacred Ibis, African Fish-Eagle, Lammer Vulture, Lappet-faced Vulture, Thick-billed Raven and locals such as Brown-chested Lapwing, Black-winged Lovebirds, Banded Barbets. Amongst the 105 mammals belong Beisa Oryx, hippopotamus, Somali Hartebeest, Gelada Baboon, Walia Ibex and Simien Wolf. There are exceptional photographic opportunities as many birds and animal species are in quite confined areas.

click here to download tour-programme

Dates

1. Sat., 04. Apr. 2009 - Sat., 18. Apr. 2009

Price includes

• Flights
• Airport Taxes and fuel surcharge
• Airport transfers
• All bus rides during the trip
• Half board
• Birding guide
• Accommodation in en-suite double/single room
• Admission fees
• Breach of warranty certificate

Number of participants

8 – 12 persons

Travel guide

Local birding guide

Weather conditions

Cool above 3000 meters. At 1450 meters temperature between 20-28 °C. Mostly sunny.

Level of difficulty

Moderate walking in hights up to 4000 meters.

Note

- Visa cost not included in price of tour
- Most accommodation is very simple but mainly with shower in room (sometimes defect!) but there is no alternative.
- We recommend travel insurance

Alterations

The programme is subject to change.

Day 1

Departure

Day 2

Arrival in Addis Abeba

Transfer to the hotel in Addis.

Day 3

Sodere

From Sodere there are very good excursion possibilities at the River Awash and on the nearby hillside. We will stay in a simple spa hotel in Sodere in the midst of the mineral springs.

Day 4

Travel to Awash National Park

In the park one can move freely as there are no dangerous animals. First observations in the park. Dominant species: Beisa Oryx, Soemmering`s Gazelle, Dikdik, Large and Small Kudu, Ellipsen Waterbuck, Somali Hartebeest and the endemic Swayne`s Hartebeest. It is an experience to watch the beautiful sunrise in the park. From crocodiles and warthogs to bustards and shrikes there`s a lot to see, even Scissor-tailed Kite can be observed. Overnight stay in Kereyu Lodge, a simple caravan camp with a marvellous view into the deep canyon of the River Awash.

Day 5

Awash-Waterfalls and Hot Springs

At the spectacular Awash falls the river plunges into an enormous crevice. Observations in the gallery forest and dry bushland. Investigate the very beautiful landscape of the Kudu Valley and its hot springs and rivers to the north of the park. Kereyu Lodge.

Day 6

Travel to Goba

Many observation stops on the way. Hotel in the Bale Mountains.

Day 7

Goba, Bale Mountains

Excursion from Goba at the foot of the Bale Mountains to observe the forest belt below the Sanetti Plateau (Hagenia-Hypericum-Belt) with local Abyssinian Catbird and White-backed Black Tit. Hotel in Goba.

Day 8

Bale Mountains, High-Plateau

One day excursion to the high plateau of old vulcanic stone interspersed with moorland. Here you find giant lobelien and clumps of helichrysum, Wattled Ibis and Blue-winged Geese. Home of the Simien Wolf. Hotel in Goba.

Day 9

Excursions at Dinsho

In the vicinity of Dinsho, mountain nyalas, Spot-breasted Lapwing, Rouget`s Tail. Hotel in Goba.

Day 10

Over the Mountain Pass to Lake Awasa

Difficult mountain pass through the high levels of Dinsho. Travel through mountainous landscape via Shashemene to Awasa. The simple hotel is situated direct on the shore of Lake Awasa, surrounded by hills in the middle of a very extensive ornithological park area.

Day 11

Lake-Awasa, Fish Market

A day´s observation at the lake with an unusual abundance of fish. In the vicinity of the fish market Hamerkop, Marabou Stork and Great White Pelican can be seen at close quarters. Observations on the northern shore of the lake with hippopotamus, African Pygmy Goose and Senegal Thick-knee. Hotel at Lake Awasa.

Day 12

Wendo Genet Tropical Forest

Travel to the Wendo Genet forest. Excursion in the forest area near the hotel (hot mineral springs).

Day 13

Tropical Mountain Forest

On the day´s excursion Blue-breasted Bee-eater, White-cheeked Turaco and sunbirds can be observed. Forest hotel.

Day 14

Departure

Transfer to Addis airport. Return flight.

Day 15

Arrival