Duration
3-Day
Abijatta-Shalla National Park, Ethiopia
3-Day Abijatta-Shalla Lakes National Park Safari
Overview
Lake Abijatta is part of the Abijatta-Shalla National Park, a protected area known for its rich birdlife and unique landscapes. The lake attracts large flocks of flamingos, pelicans, herons, storks, and other birds. Lake Shalla is the deepest lake in Ethiopia and one of the most picturesque in the Rift Valley. Lake Shalla is surrounded by steep cliffs, volcanic cones, and hot springs. It is a haven for birdlife like rare white-winged cliff chat and several species of fish and aquatic life.
Plan snapshot
Quick Facts
Route
Addis Ababa to Addis Ababa (City)
Via Abijatta-Shalla NP
Country & park
Ethiopia / Abijatta-Shalla National Park
Style
Mid-range shared safari
Group size
1-12 travelers
Starts
Any day if available
Minimum age
2 years
Activities
specialized birding (with a professional birding guide)
Accommodation
Sabana Beach Resort - Mid-range resort less than 1hr drive from Abijatta-Shalla NP
Meals
Day 1: Lunch & Dinner Included; Day 2: All Meals Included; Breakfast Included
Pickup
Airport transfer included
Booking
Request quote
Currency
USD
Solo travelers
Can join this group tour
Rates
Rates Per Person
USD
Start datesSingle2+ people
Jan 1, 2026 - Dec 31, 2026
$990 USD
$935 USD
Jan 1, 2027 - Dec 31, 2027
$990 USD
$935 USD
Before booking
Important To Know
Rates are per person and exclude the international flight from/to your home country.
A travel party of 1 or 2 people can join this group tour, but it requires a minimum of 5 people to run.
This tour is offered in US dollars (USD).
This tour accepts children who are 2 years and older. Children under 6 are free.
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 1-2
Abijatta-Shalla NP
End
Addis Ababa (City) (Day 3)
Tour Features
Mid-range tour
This mid-range tour uses resorts.
Shared tour
On this shared tour, you will join a group of other travelers. Max 10 people per vehicle.
Can start any day
If availability permits, this tour can start on any day.
Cannot be customized
The contents of this tour cannot be changed.
Suitable for single travelers
Single travelers can join this group tour, but it requires a minimum of 5 people to run.
2
Minimum age of 2 years
The minimum age for this tour is 2 years.
Activities & Transportation
Activities: specialized birding (with a professional birding guide)
Getting around: minivan, bus & normal 4x4 vehicle
This operator can select your international flights, but you'll have to book them yourself
A transfer from and back to the airport is included
Accommodation & Meals
Day 1-2
Sabana Beach Resort
Mid-range resort less than 1hr drive from Abijatta-Shalla NP
Day 1: Lunch & Dinner Included; Day 2: All Meals Included
Day 3
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
Drive to Lake Shalla
Tourists heading to Abijatta-Shalla Lakes National Park usually start their journey by driving from Addis Ababa to Ziway town which is a convenient stop along the way from Addis Ababa to the park. Drive to Ziway and head to Lake Shalla and enjoy bird watching at the lakes. Lake Shalla is the deepest lake in Ethiopia and one of the most picturesque in the Rift Valley. The area around Lake Shalla is a haven for birdlife, including the rare white-winged cliff chat, and it is also home to several species of fish and aquatic life. Mid-range resort located less than 1hr drive from Abijatta-Shalla NP Lunch & dinner (Breakfast not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Abijatta-Shalla National Park Stay: Sabana Beach Resort Mid-range resort located less than 1hr drive from Abijatta-Shalla NP Meals: Lunch & dinner (Breakfast not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 2
Visit the hot springs and surrounding landscapes
Visit the hot springs and surrounding landscapes. The hot springs near the lake are popular among locals for their therapeutic properties, and visitors can often see people bathing in the warm waters. Lake Abijatta is a shallow, saline lake that attracts a variety of birds, particularly large flocks of flamingos. Lake Shalla is a deep crater lake with volcanic origins, known for its scenic beauty and hot springs along its shores. Mid-range resort located less than 1hr drive from Abijatta-Shalla NP All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Abijatta-Shalla National Park Stay: Sabana Beach Resort Mid-range resort located less than 1hr drive from Abijatta-Shalla NP Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 3
Return to Addis Ababa
After 3 days of enjoyment at these lakes, visitors will be heading back to Addis Ababa remembering the unforgettable scenic views and birdwatching experiences. Based on visitors' preferences, a day or 2-day city tour of Addis Ababa can also be arranged for extra cost. Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinks not included
Destination: Addis Ababa (City) Stay: No accommodation (End of tour) Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) 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)
A professional driver/guide
All transportation (Unless labeled as optional)
All Taxes/VAT
Roundtrip airport transfer
Meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)
Drinks (As specified in the day-by-day section)
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
This operator can select your international flights, but you'll have to book them yourself
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
Pioneer Ethiopia tours
4.8 operator rating
Pioneer Ethiopia Tours & Travel is a premier private local tour company founded in 2023 in the historic city of Harar, Eastern Ethiopia. We specialize in providing customizable and tailor-made tour packages for groups, families, and individual travelers from around the world. Our tours are designed to cater to the interests, budget, and travel purposes of clients ensuring a unique and personalized experience.
Office In
Ethiopia
Size
5-10 employees (Founded in 2023)
Tour Types
Small & medium group tours (Budget & mid-range)
Destinations
Ethiopia
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 2 years and older. Children under 6 are free.
Can this tour start on my preferred date?
If availability permits, this tour can start on any day.
Can the itinerary be customized?
The contents of this tour cannot be changed.
Where do travelers stay during this tour?
Sabana Beach Resort - Mid-range resort less than 1hr drive from Abijatta-Shalla NP. Meals: Day 1: Lunch & Dinner Included; Day 2: All Meals 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 Pioneer Ethiopia tours, not SafariBookings.
This operator reserves the right to change rates advertised on SafariBookings.
This group tour requires a minimum of 5 people to run.
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 Pioneer Ethiopia tours.
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