Duration
8-Day
Awash National Park, Ethiopia
Explore Ethiopia's rich birdlife and stunning landscapes on this 8-day Awash and Rift Valley birding adventure. Visit Awash National Park and the Rift Valley lakes to spot flamingos, pelicans, African fish eagles, and endemic species. Enjoy guided birdwatching tours, scenic drives, and interactions with local communities while discovering Ethiopia's diverse ecosystems and dramatic natural beauty.
Plan snapshot
Duration
8-Day
Route
Addis Ababa to Addis Ababa (City) (Day 7-8)
Via Bishoftu (City), Awash NP, Lake Langano
Country & park
Ethiopia / Awash National Park
Style
Mid-range safari
Group size
1-12 travelers
Starts
Any day if available
Minimum age
5 years
Activities
game drives, nature hikes/walks & boat trip
Accommodation
Caravan Hotel - Mid-range hotel in Addis Ababa (City) – Breakfast Included
Meals
Breakfast Included
Pickup
Airport transfer included
Booking
Request quote
Currency
USD
Rates
USD
Before booking
Quote flow
This mid-range tour uses lodges and resorts.
This tour will be organized exclusively for you. However, wildlife viewing activities are run by the lodges/camps and will be shared with others.
If availability permits, this tour can start on any day.
You can request minor changes to the accommodations and destinations of this tour.
Solo travelers can book this private tour.
The minimum age for this tour is 5 years.
Day 1
Mid-range hotel in Addis Ababa (City) – Breakfast Included
Breakfast Included
Day 2
Mid-range lodge in Bishoftu (City) – Breakfast Included
Breakfast Included
Day 3-4
Mid-range lodge just outside Awash NP – Breakfast Included
Breakfast Included
Day 5
Mid-range lodge at Lake Langano – Breakfast Included
Breakfast Included
Day 6
Mid-range resort in Awasa (City) – Breakfast Included
Breakfast Included
Day 7
Mid-range hotel in Addis Ababa (City) – Breakfast Included
Breakfast Included
Day 8
(No accommodation)
Breakfast Included
Tour step
You'll be collected from the airport. Accommodation before the tour starts cannot be arranged by this operator.
Day 1
Arrive at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport and transfer to your hotel. Depending on arrival time, explore the city highlights such as the National Museum, Holy Trinity Cathedral, or the bustling Merkato market. Prepare for your birding adventure ahead and enjoy a welcome dinner. Overnight in Addis Ababa. Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City) Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 2
After breakfast, drive to Debre Zeyit (Bishoftu), a scenic town near the Rift Valley lakes. Spend the day birdwatching around Lake Bishoftu, Lake Hora, and nearby wetlands, spotting species such as African jacana, black-winged stilt, kingfishers, herons, and various waterbirds. Enjoy photography opportunities amidst the lakes’ vibrant landscapes. In the evening, relax at your lodge or hotel and overnight Kuriftu Resort & Spa Bishoftu. Mid-range lodge located in Bishoftu (City) Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 3
After breakfast, drive east toward Awash National Park, passing through the scenic landscapes of the Great Rift Valley. Arrive in the afternoon and embark on a game drive, spotting diverse birdlife such as the Abyssinian roller, black-billed barbet, raptors, and various waterbirds. Explore the dramatic Awash River Gorge and the picturesque waterfalls, capturing both wildlife and stunning scenery. Return to your lodge for relaxation and overnight at Awash Lodge. Mid-range lodge located just outside Awash NP Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 4
Spend the day exploring Awash National Park with an expert guide, focusing on its rich and diverse birdlife. Spot species such as the green-winged pytilia, golden-breasted starling, Abyssinian roller, and a variety of waterfowl along the riverbanks and wetlands. Enjoy game viewing alongside birdwatching, observing oryx, kudu, and gazelles against the backdrop of volcanic landscapes and rugged escarpments. Return to your lodge in the evening for dinner and overnight Awash Falls Lodge. Mid-range lodge located just outside Awash NP Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 5
After breakfast, drive south along the scenic Rift Valley, stopping at lakes Ziway, Langano, and Abiata for birdwatching. Observe flamingos, pelicans, African fish eagles, and other waterbirds in their natural habitats. Explore surrounding wetlands and nearby lakeside villages, learning about local ecosystems and traditional ways of life. Capture stunning landscapes and vibrant wildlife before returning to your lodge near Lake Langano for overnight. Mid-range lodge located at Lake Langano Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 6
After breakfast, visit Lake Shala and Lake Awasa, two of the Rift Valley’s most picturesque and bird-rich lakes. Explore the shores in search of herons, pelicans, raptors, and colorful waterbirds. Take a relaxing boat ride on Lake Awasa to spot hippos and birds such as the African spoonbill and kingfishers. Enjoy excellent photography opportunities and scenic walks along the lakesides, soaking in the tranquil atmosphere. Overnight near Lake Awasa. Mid-range resort located in Awasa (City) Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 7
After breakfast, drive north through the scenic Rift Valley highlands, stopping at prime birding sites along the way. Spot endemic and regional species such as sunbirds, larks, cisticolas, and weavers while enjoying sweeping views of the valley below. Visit local villages to experience traditional highland life and learn about the cultural ties between communities and the surrounding environment. Continue your journey to Addis Ababa for dinner and overnight stay. Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City) Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 8
Enjoy a relaxed morning in Addis Ababa, depending on your flight schedule. You may visit local craft markets for souvenirs, explore coffee shops, or tour cultural landmarks such as the Ethnological Museum or Mount Entoto for panoramic city views. Reflect on your birding experiences across Awash and the Rift Valley before transferring to Bole International Airport for your departure, concluding your 8-day birding and nature adventure in Ethiopia. Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Tour step
Additional accommodation cannot be arranged by this operator. You'll be dropped off at the airport.
Park fees (For non-residents)
All activities (Unless labeled as optional)
All accommodation (Unless listed as upgrade)
A professional driver/guide
All transportation (Unless labeled as optional)
All flights during the tour
All Taxes/VAT
Roundtrip airport transfer
Meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)
Drinking water (On all days)
International flights (From/to home)
Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
Tips (Tipping guideline US$10.00 pp per day)
Personal items (Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
Some meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)
Offered by
At On The Go Ethiopia Tours, we specialize in immersive Addis Ababa city tours and unforgettable multi-day adventures across Ethiopia’s stunning historical, cultural, and natural landscapes. Whether you have just a few hours or several days, our tours are led by experienced, licensed local guides passionate about sharing the rich heritage of Ethiopia.
Office In
Ethiopia
Size
20-50 employees (Founded in 2015)
Member Of
ETOA, ETGPA & ATOA
Tour Types
Custom budget & mid-range tours that can start every day
Destinations
Ethiopia
Traveler feedback
Overall
5.0/5Communication
5.0/5Accuracy
5.0/5Value
5.0/5Safety clarity
5.0/5Cultural value
5.0/5It was my first visit to Ethiopia. Very impressive to see around the historical area in Ethiopia. Additionally, a guide and a driver were friendly and I really enjoyed entire tour with them.
Masa · United States
We enjoyed a wonderful tour of the National Museum, Entoto, and a walking tour of Mercato. We also enjoyed the palace of Menelik II, very peaceful, and we had a delicious lunch on the way back to town. We also went to Shiromeda market for the best Ethiopian fabrics. Kena explained a lot of the culture and history as well. Great day seeing the sights.
Jim Friedericks · United States
Reta is a tour guide that is going to help you in everything you want. He has an spectacular spirit and is goimg to.help you with any concern you have about your trip.
Ignacio Bielma · Mexico
Great experience going to Merkato with Kenaw. He is very responsible and knows area and local merchants so can give you great advice where and what to buy for local prices.
Mislav · Croatia
Practical answers
Rates are per person and exclude the international flight from/to your home country.
This tour is offered in US dollars (USD).
This tour accepts children who are 5 years and older.
If availability permits, this tour can start on any day.
You can request minor changes to the accommodations and destinations of this tour.
Caravan Hotel - Mid-range hotel in Addis Ababa (City) – Breakfast Included. Meals: Breakfast Included
This tour starts and ends in Addis Ababa
A transfer from and back to the airport is included
Operator policy
This tour is offered by On the Go Ethiopia Tours, not SafariBookings.
This operator reserves the right to change rates advertised on SafariBookings.
If you request changes to this tour, the advertised rates will likely change.
Rates include a fixed budget for flights during this tour. If flights cost more, your quote will reflect this.
The exact order, contents and rates of this tour are subject to availability.
If an accommodation is fully booked, the operator will suggest a comparable alternative.
This tour is subject to the terms & conditions of On the Go Ethiopia Tours.
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