Duration
10-Day
Bale Mountains National Park, Ethiopia
10-Day Ethiopia Birding & Wildlife Explorer
Overview
This 10-day Ethiopia birding tour is designed for nature lovers and birdwatchers who want to explore the country's most important ecosystems -- from the Rift Valley lakes to the afro-alpine Bale Mountains and the dramatic Simien Highlands. The tour combines endemic birds, highland wildlife, scenic landscapes, and cultural highlights of northern Ethiopia.
Plan snapshot
Quick Facts
Route
Addis Ababa to Addis Ababa (City)
Via Awasa (City), Bale Mountains NP, Addis Ababa (City)
Country & park
Ethiopia / Bale Mountains National Park
Style
Mid-range safari
Group size
1-12 travelers
Starts
Any day if available
Minimum age
10 years
Activities
nature hikes/walks
Accommodation
Haile Resort Hawassa - Mid-range resort in Awasa (City) – Breakfast Included
Meals
Breakfast Included; Day 5: Breakfast Included; Day 6: All Meals Included
Pickup
Airport transfer included
Booking
Request quote
Currency
USD
Rates
Rates Per Person
USD
Start datesSingle2+ people
Jan 1, 2026 - Dec 31, 2026
$2,695 USD
$2,255 USD
Jan 1, 2027 - Dec 31, 2027
$2,695 USD
$2,255 USD
Jan 1, 2028 - Dec 31, 2028
$2,695 USD
$2,255 USD
Before booking
Important To Know
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 10 years and older.
Rates include a fixed budget for flights during this tour. Flights may cost more, depending on travel dates. If so, your quote will reflect this.
Quote flow
Request Guidance
We advise requesting quotes from 3 operators ()
Requests are sent directly to the tour operator
If preferred, you can contact the tour operator directly
Route
country
Ethiopia
Start
Addis Ababa (Day 1)
Day 1
Awasa (City)
Day 2-3
Bale Mountains NP
Day 4
Addis Ababa (City)
Day 5-6
Simien Mountains NP
Day 7
Gondar (City)
Day 8-9
Bahir Dar (City)
End
Addis Ababa (City) (Day 10)
Tour Features
Mid-range tour
This mid-range tour includes camping and lodges. Guests must assist with camp chores.
Private tour
This tour will be organized exclusively for you. However, wildlife viewing activities are run by the lodges/camps and will be shared with others.
Can start any day
If availability permits, this tour can start on any day.
Can be customized
You can request minor changes to the accommodations and destinations of this tour.
Suitable for solo travelers
Solo travelers can book this private tour.
10
Minimum age of 10 years
The minimum age for this tour is 10 years.
Activities & Transportation
Activities: nature hikes/walks
Getting around: minivan, normal 4x4 vehicle & air transfer
Book your own international flights when using this operator
A transfer from and back to the airport is included
Accommodation & Meals
Day 1
Haile Resort Hawassa
Mid-range resort in Awasa (City) – Breakfast Included
Breakfast Included
Day 2-3
Bale Mountain Lodge
Luxury lodge inside Bale Mountains NP – Breakfast Included
Breakfast Included
Day 4
Triple-E Hotel and Spa
Mid-range hotel in Addis Ababa (City) – Breakfast Included
Breakfast Included
Day 5-6
Budget camping Inside Simien Mountains NP – Day 5: Breakfast Included – Day 6: All Meals Included
Inside Simien Mountains NP
Day 5: Breakfast Included; Day 6: All Meals Included
Day 7
Goha Hotel
Mid-range hotel in Gondar (City) – Breakfast Included
Breakfast Included
Day 8-9
Jacaranda Hotel Bahir Dar Mid-range hotel in Bahir Dar (City) – Breakfast Included +3 Photos
Mid-range hotel in Bahir Dar (City) – Breakfast Included
Breakfast Included
Day 10
End of tour
(No accommodation)
Breakfast Included
Day By Day
Tour step
Arrival
You'll be collected from the airport. Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.
Day 1
Addis Ababa – Abijata-Shalla NP – Hawasa
After breakfast, drive south into the Great Rift Valley to Abijata-Shalla National Park, one of Ethiopia’s key bird habitats. The soda lakes attract flamingos, pelicans, cormorants, and numerous shorebirds. Acacia woodland around the lakes supports hornbills, bustards, and raptors. You will enjoy scenic viewpoints over Lake Shalla’s deep volcanic crater. Continue to Lake Hawasa for late-afternoon birding along the lakeshore, where African Fish Eagles, herons, and kingfishers are commonly seen. Overnight in Hawasa. Mid-range resort located in Awasa (City) Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Awasa (City) Stay: Haile Resort Hawassa Mid-range resort located in Awasa (City) Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 2
Hawasa – Bale Mountains National Park
Early morning birding along Lake Hawasa before departure. The lakeside is rich with waterbirds, weavers, storks, and woodland species. Drive through the Sidama region and fertile highlands toward Bale. Changing landscapes offer chances to see farmland and highland birds along the way. Arrive in Bale Robe in the late afternoon. This town serves as the gateway to Bale Mountains National Park, home to rare Ethiopian endemics and unique afro-alpine ecosystems. Overnight in Bale Robe. Luxury lodge located inside Bale Mountains NP Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Bale Mountains National Park Stay: Bale Mountain Lodge Luxury lodge located inside Bale Mountains NP Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 3
Bale Mountains National Park
Full-day exploration of Bale Mountains. Drive to the Sanetti Plateau, one of Africa’s highest all-weather roads, where you may spot the Ethiopian Wolf and high-altitude birds such as Blue-winged Goose, Spot-breasted Lapwing, and Rouget’s Rail. Continue to the Harenna Forest, a lush montane forest with different birdlife including turacos and forest specialists. Mammals such as Mountain Nyala and Menelik’s Bushbuck may also be seen. The dramatic scenery and biodiversity make this a highlight for birders. Overnight in Bale Robe. Luxury lodge located inside Bale Mountains NP Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Bale Mountains National Park Stay: Bale Mountain Lodge Luxury lodge located inside Bale Mountains NP Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 4
Bale Mountains – Addis Ababa
Morning birding around the Bale highlands for species missed earlier. Afterward, begin the scenic drive back to Addis Ababa through rural villages and mountain landscapes. Stop at viewpoints and wetlands along the way for additional birdwatching opportunities. Arrival in Addis Ababa is expected in the late afternoon. Time permitting, visit a local market or enjoy a traditional Ethiopian dinner with cultural music. Overnight in Addis Ababa. Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City) Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Addis Ababa (City) Stay: Triple-E Hotel and Spa Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City) Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 5
Addis Ababa – Gondar – Simien Mountains
Transfer to the airport for a morning flight to Gondar. Upon arrival, drive through scenic highland landscapes to Simien Mountains National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for dramatic escarpments, deep valleys, and endemic wildlife. After entering the park, enjoy an afternoon walk near the campsite where Gelada Baboons graze in large groups and raptors such as lammergeiers soar overhead. The area is also good for highland bird species including thick-billed ravens and wattled ibis. Overnight: Simien Mountains campsite. This is a semi-participation tour — camp staff handle the main setup, but clients are expected to assist with light camp chores such as organizing personal gear, helping with simple tent routines, and general campsite organization, adding to the authentic mountain experience. Inside Simien Mountains NP Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Simien Mountains National Park Stay: Budget camping Inside Simien Mountains NP Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 6
Simien Mountains National Park
Spend a full day exploring the spectacular Simien highlands on foot. Trek across afro-alpine moorlands and along cliff edges with breathtaking views over vast escarpments. Wildlife viewing is excellent, with chances to see Walia Ibex on steep cliffs and large troops of Gelada Baboons. Birders can look for endemic species such as Spot-breasted Lapwing, Ankober Serin, Rouget’s Rail, and Wattled Ibis. The combination of scenery, wildlife, and unique habitats makes this a major highlight of the tour. Overnight: Campsite in the Simien Mountains. This is a semi-participation tour — while the crew prepares meals and manages the camp, guests assist with light tasks like organizing personal camping items and supporting basic camp routines as part of the trekking experience. Inside Simien Mountains NP All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Simien Mountains National Park Stay: Budget camping Inside Simien Mountains NP Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 7
Simien Mountains – Gondar
Morning wildlife viewing and birding around the park before driving back to Gondar. En route, enjoy views of rural highland life and terraced farms. Gondar, once the royal capital of Ethiopia, offers historical charm and cooler climate. Depending on arrival time, there may be an optional visit to the Royal Enclosure castles or a short city walk. Overnight in Gondar. Mid-range hotel located in Gondar (City) Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Gondar (City) Stay: Goha Hotel Mid-range hotel located in Gondar (City) Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 8
Gondar – Bahir Dar – Blue Nile Falls
Drive to Bahir Dar, a pleasant lakeside town on the shores of Lake Tana. In the afternoon, visit the famous Blue Nile Falls, known locally as “Tis Issat” meaning “smoking water.” The surrounding forest and riverine habitat provide birding opportunities with kingfishers, bee-eaters, and riverine species. The falls are most impressive after the rainy season. Overnight in Bahir Dar. Mid-range hotel located in Bahir Dar (City) Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Bahir Dar (City) Stay: Jacaranda Hotel Bahir Dar Mid-range hotel located in Bahir Dar (City) Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 9
Lake Tana & Awramba Village - Bahir Dar
Morning boat trip on Lake Tana, source of the Blue Nile, visiting historic island monasteries and watching waterbirds such as pelicans, cormorants, and herons. Afterward, drive to Awramba Village, a unique community known for its social equality and handicrafts. This visit offers cultural insight alongside nature experiences. Continue to Bahir Dar in the late afternoon. Overnight in Bahir Dar. Mid-range hotel located in Bahir Dar (City) Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Bahir Dar (City) Stay: Jacaranda Hotel Bahir Dar Mid-range hotel located in Bahir Dar (City) Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 10
Bahir Dar – Addis Ababa - Departure
Transfer to the airport for a flight back to Addis Ababa. Depending on departure time, there may be last-minute shopping or a short city tour. End of the birding and wildlife adventure in Ethiopia. Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Addis Ababa (City) Stay: No accommodation (End of tour) Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Tour step
End of tour
Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost. You'll be dropped off at the airport.
Included
Park fees (For non-residents)
All activities (Unless labeled as optional)
All accommodation (Unless listed as upgrade)
Camping equipment
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)
Sleeping bag
Bath towels
Excluded
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)
Getting There
This tour starts and ends in Addis Ababa
Book your own international flights when using this operator
Fly to/from Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD - Check price)
A transfer from and back to the airport is included
Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour can be arranged for an extra cost
Offered by
Nature Ethiopia Tours
5.0 operator rating
2 reviews
Welcome to Nature Ethiopia Tours, your trusted local tour operator offering authentic nature,
Office In
Ethiopia
Size
1-5 employees (Founded in 2025)
Member Of
IATA & ASTA
Tour Types
Budget camping tours where clients assist with camp chores
Destinations
Ethiopia
Traveler feedback
Reviews
Overall
5.0/5Communication
5.0/5Accuracy
5.0/5Value
5.0/5Safety clarity
5.0/5Cultural value
5.0/5They have excellent planning skills.
I exprienced a fantastic tour thanks to Reta. He is a good and amazing and safe driver.
Ken · Japan
Teshome was extremely kind and patient.
I got to experience authentic cultural immersion (grinding coffee, making injera) and the walk in the park was refreshing. Teshome was such a great communicator and extremely kind. He also took me to a mall to buy the Habesha dress which was very thoughtful.
HT · United Kingdom
Practical answers
Tour FAQs
Are rates charged per person?
Rates are per person and exclude the international flight from/to your home country.
Which currency is this tour priced in?
This tour is offered in US dollars (USD).
Can children join this tour?
This tour accepts children who are 10 years and older.
Can this tour start on my preferred date?
If availability permits, this tour can start on any day.
Can the itinerary be customized?
You can request minor changes to the accommodations and destinations of this tour.
Where do travelers stay during this tour?
Haile Resort Hawassa - Mid-range resort in Awasa (City) – Breakfast Included. Meals: Breakfast Included
Where does this tour start and end?
This tour starts and ends in Addis Ababa
Are airport transfers included?
A transfer from and back to the airport is included
Operator policy
Terms and Conditions
Disclaimer
This tour is offered by Nature 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.
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