Birding · Wildlife
7-Day Ethiopia Birding
Awash, the Ilala Sala plains, Langano, Wondo Genet, Yirgalem, Hawassa and Abijatta-Shalla.
- Duration
- 7 Days
- Season
- September to April
- Group Size
- 1 to 12 guests
- Price
- Designed Around You
The Journey
6 nights, designed around the hours that matter
A full week covering Ethiopia’s main birding habitats: the dry savannah of Awash National Park and the Ilala Sala plains, the acacia woodland of Langano, the montane forests of Wondo Genet and Yirgalem, and the lakes of Hawassa and Abijatta-Shalla.
Day by Day
Detailed Day-by-Day Itinerary
This itinerary is carefully planned, but minor adjustments may be made due to weather, local festivals, road conditions or your personal interests to ensure the best possible experience.
Day 1
Addis Ababa – Awash National Park Birding Adventure
Drive east to Awash National Park, a spectacular landscape of acacia plains, volcanic scenery, and dramatic gorges shaped by the Awash River. In the afternoon, enjoy a guided birding excursion around the lodge area, followed by a beautiful sunset view over the cascading Awash River Falls. Target Species: Possible sightings include Abyssinian Roller, White-bellied Go-away-bird, Yellow-billed Kite, and other regional specialties.
Day 2
Awash National Park: Ilala-Sala Plains Birding
Spend the full day exploring the Ilala-Sala plains, Awash River waterfalls, and surrounding acacia woodlands. This diverse habitat offers excellent opportunities to observe Ethiopia’s unique birdlife and capture stunning wildlife photographs. Target Species: Possible sightings include Grey Hornbill, Somali Fiscal Shrike, Helmeted Guineafowl, Kori Bustard, and other savannah bird species.
Day 3
Awash – Lake Langano Forest Birding
Drive southwest to Bishangari Lodge, beautifully located within the forest on the shores of Lake Langano. Spend the afternoon exploring forest trails, riverside paths, and lakeside habitats while searching for colorful woodland birds. Target Species: Possible sightings include Yellow-fronted Parrot, White-cheeked Turaco, Orange-bellied Parrot, African Paradise Flycatcher, Bare-faced Go-away-bird, and other forest specialties.
Day 4
Wondo Genet Highland Forest Birding
Transfer to Wondo Genet, a beautiful highland area known for its lush forests, scenic slopes, and rich bird diversity. Explore the forest trails with an expert birding guide, searching for endemic and elusive woodland species. Target Species: Possible sightings include the Yellow-fronted Parrot and other highland forest specialists.
Day 5
Wondo Genet – Yirgalem Forest Birding
Drive to Yirgalem and settle into Aregash Lodge, a peaceful retreat surrounded by coffee plantations and indigenous forests. Spend the afternoon exploring this rich biodiversity corridor, searching for highland bird species in the surrounding forest habitats. Target Species: Possible sightings include Great Sparrowhawk, Tambourine Dove, Mountain Thrush, and other forest and highland specialists.
Day 6
Yirgalem – Lake Hawassa Birding Experience
Continue to Lake Hawassa, a beautiful Rift Valley lake renowned for its rich birdlife and peaceful shoreline. Explore the lakeshore and famous fish market area, where you can observe a variety of waterbirds and woodland species. Target Species: Possible sightings include White-backed Duck, African Pygmy Goose, Banded Barbet, pelicans, cormorants, and many other aquatic and lakeside birds.
Day 7
Abijatta-Shalla National Park – Addis Ababa Departure
On the way back to Addis Ababa, stop at Abijatta-Shalla National Park, one of Ethiopia’s most important wetland habitats, famous for its large flamingo populations and diverse waterbird species. Continue to the capital and enjoy some free time for shopping, souvenirs, or exploring the city. In the evening, celebrate the end of your birding adventure with a farewell dinner featuring traditional Ethiopian cuisine, live music, cultural dance performances, and an authentic Ethiopian coffee ceremony. After this memorable experience, transfer to Bole International Airport for your final departure. Thank you for traveling with Extraordinary Ethiopia Tours.
What Is Included
- Meet-and-assist at Bole International Airport and all transfers
- Private air-conditioned vehicle with a professional driver
- Specialist birding guide throughout
- 6 nights of accommodation: City Hotel, Lakeside Lodge, Forest Resort
- Full board: breakfast, lunch and dinner
- National park entrance fees and scouts
Not Included
- International flights and Ethiopian visa
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Drinks, tips and personal expenses
Before You Book
Questions about this journey
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Guest reviews
What our guests say
Rated 5.0 on Tripadvisor and Google, and 4.9 on SafariBookings.
“My tour operator was very communicative even before the trip began and very responsive on WhatsApp. He booked all my domestic flights and arranged all my airport pick-ups and drop-offs. He had professional guides in all the regions I visited, the itinerary was clear, and he was flexible with any changes. There were no extra costs. He is reliable, communicative and well experienced. I will be back with the same company.”
Sarah · Kenya · August 2026
Read more reviews on SafariBookings“Excellent services provided by Maereg and his team. The local guides and the drivers – Geta (my fave) – were all great. They were patient, professional, knowledgeable and took great care of us. Everything was seamlessly coordinated and they were always on time for pickups and made sure we were briefed in advance of the itinerary and any changes. One of my top travel destinations in Africa, with some of the kindest and warmest people. Maereg went above and beyond! First-class service, always with a smile!”
D Thomas · Google review · May 2026
Read more reviews on GoogleEnquire
Make 7-Day Ethiopia Birding yours
Send us your dates and we will confirm availability, quote precisely, and suggest the two or three changes we would make if it were our own trip.
Runs September to April · 1 to 12 guests · A quote made for your journey
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