Duration
10-Day
Awash National Park, Ethiopia
Join us on a thrilling journey through Ethiopia's diverse landscapes, discovering a wealth of bird species, including unique endemics. From Debre Libanos to the Bale Mountains, you'll experience exceptional birdwatching and breathtaking scenery in one of Africa's top birding destinations!
Plan snapshot
Duration
10-Day
Route
Addis Ababa to Addis Ababa
Via Debre Libanos Monastery, Awash NP, Lake Langano
Country & park
Ethiopia / Awash National Park
Style
Mid-range safari
Group size
1-12 travelers
Starts
Any day if available
Activities
game drives, specialized birding (with a professional birding guide) & nature hikes/walks
Accommodation
Ethio German Park Hotel - Mid-range hotel at Debre Libanos Monastery (Highlight) – All Meals Included
Meals
All Meals 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 and won't 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.
This tour is suitable for children of all ages.
Day 1
Mid-range hotel at Debre Libanos Monastery (Highlight) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 2
Mid-range hotel in Addis Ababa (City) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 3-4
Mid-range lodge just outside Awash NP – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 5-6
Mid-range resort at Lake Langano – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 7-8
Budget hotel less than 1hr drive from Bale Mountains NP – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 9
Mid-range resort in Awasa (City) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 10
(No accommodation)
All Meals Included
Tour step
You'll be collected from the airport. Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.
Day 1
Upon arrival, you'll meet your tour guide for a traditional Ethiopian coffee and breakfast before heading to Debre Libanos. You'll enjoy birdwatching as you spot Hooded Vultures, Black Kites, and endemic species like the White-Collared Pigeon. You'll visit the sacred Debre Libanos Monastery, searching for Rüppell's Vulture and other raptors. Your overnight stay will be at the Ethio German Lodge. Mid-range hotel located at Debre Libanos Monastery (Highlight) All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 2
In the early morning, you'll search for the endemic Harwood’s Francolin at Jemma Gorge, a prime birdwatching spot. The day continues with terrestrial birding, exploring diverse ecosystems, and spotting various species. In the evening, you'll head to Sululta for a restful night at Addis Hotel Lobelia, perfect for reflecting on the day's adventures. Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City) All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 3
Your adventure begins with a pick-up from your hotel or the airport by our experienced driver and guide. You will head onto the expressway, reaching Adama (formerly known as Nazret) in approximately one hour. As you drive from the park gate towards the Awash River, keep an eye out for wildlife such as Beisa Oryx, Klipspringer, Hamadryas and Anubis baboons, Salt’s Dik-dik, and Grivet monkeys. You'll also visit the stunning Awash Gorge, where two rivers converge, and take a trip to the picturesque Awash Falls before returning to the lodge. As temperatures cool, you’ll go on a game drive. Here, you may encounter Soemmerring’s gazelle, lesser and greater kudus, warthogs, the Defarsa waterbuck, Colobus and Grivet monkeys, as well as black-backed and golden jackals. With some luck, you might spot elusive leopards and lions. Awash National Park is home to over 400 recorded bird species, set against a beautiful backdrop of grasslands and acacia scrub, complemented by the flowing Awash River. Mid-range lodge located just outside Awash NP All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 4
You'll spend the day exploring Awash National Park's diverse habitats. Look for over 460 bird species, including the Egyptian vulture and Greater spotted eagle, as well as mammals like the Aardwolf and Beisa oryx. A night drive offers a chance to see nocturnal wildlife. Your overnight stay will be at Doho Lodge. Mid-range lodge located just outside Awash NP All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 5
You’ll depart early for the breathtaking Great Rift Valley lakes, stopping along the way for birdwatching at Lake Beseka and Lake Koka, where you can spot a variety of unique species. After a morning of exploration, you’ll enjoy a delicious lunch at Lake Ziway, renowned for its vibrant birdlife and stunning views. Following your meal, you'll continue to Lake Langano, a picturesque destination perfect for relaxation and wildlife observation. In the evening, you'll unwind at the Sabana Beach Resort, where you can enjoy the serene surroundings and reflect on a day filled with unforgettable birdwatching experiences. Mid-range resort located at Lake Langano All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 6
You'll spend the day exploring the beautiful grounds of the ecolodge, where vibrant landscapes provide the perfect habitat for a variety of bird species. As you wander, keep an eye out for the striking Sulfur-Breasted Bush Shrike and the elusive Abyssinian Ground Thrush, both of which are known to inhabit this region. The lush environment offers numerous opportunities for birdwatching, allowing you to immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of nature. In the evening, you'll return to your cozy accommodations at Lake Langano, where you can relax and reflect on the day's discoveries while enjoying the tranquil lakeside setting. This experience promises to deepen your appreciation for Ethiopia's rich avian diversity. Mid-range resort located at Lake Langano All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 7
You'll travel to the breathtaking Bale Mountains National Park, where the diverse habitats offer exceptional birdwatching opportunities. You'll begin your day at the park headquarters, searching for the elusive Chestnut-Napped Francolin and the striking Abyssinian Catbird. As you explore the park, keep an eye out for its unique mammals, including the endangered Mountain Nyala, often spotted grazing in the lush surroundings. The stunning landscapes and rich biodiversity create an unforgettable experience for nature enthusiasts. After a day filled with adventure and discovery, you'll unwind at the Goba Shebele Hotel, where you can relax and enjoy the serene atmosphere. This overnight stay promises to be the perfect way to recharge before further exploring the wonders of Bale Mountains National Park. Budget hotel located less than 1hr drive from Bale Mountains NP All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 8
You'll ascend the majestic Bale Mountain massif, where the journey takes you through stunning landscapes filled with rich biodiversity. As you birdwatch in the enchanting juniper forest, keep your eyes peeled for a variety of species, including the elusive Wattled Crane. The transition to the Afro-Alpine moorland offers a unique opportunity to spot the rare Ethiopian Wolf, one of Africa's most endangered carnivores, as it roams the high-altitude terrain. As the day draws to a close, you'll return to Goba for a restful night. Budget hotel located less than 1hr drive from Bale Mountains NP All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 9
You'll descend into the warm embrace of the central Rift Valley, where the vibrant ecosystem around Lake Awassa comes alive with an array of aquatic bird species. You'll spend your day exploring the lakeshore, observing the colorful sights and sounds of birds such as herons, pelicans, and various migratory species that flock to this rich habitat. The serene waters and lush surroundings create a perfect backdrop for birdwatching, allowing you to immerse yourself in nature's beauty. Mid-range resort located in Awasa (City) All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 10
You'll begin your day birdwatching at Lake Hawassa, where you can spot a variety of species like kingfishers and herons. Then, you'll visit the lively fish market on the lake, experiencing local culture firsthand. On your way back to Addis Ababa, you'll stop at Abijata-Shalla Lake National Park for more birdwatching opportunities, including flamingos and pelicans. In the evening, you'll be transferred to the airport, concluding your unforgettable tour filled with stunning wildlife and cultural experiences. All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Tour step
Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost. 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 Taxes/VAT
Roundtrip airport transfer
Meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)
Drinks (As specified in the day-by-day section)
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
Offered by
Discover Simien Tour is one of the premier tour companies in Ethiopia, founded by a dynamic team of young and energetic tourism professionals. Led by Sahlie Beza, a seasoned tour guide with years of experience, our company is dedicated to providing exceptional travel experiences that showcase the rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality of Ethiopia.
Office In
Ethiopia
Size
5-10 employees (Founded in 2019)
Tour Types
Luxury tours that, when possible, use accommodations owned and operated by them
Destinations
Djibouti, Ethiopia
Traveler feedback
Overall
5.0/5Communication
5.0/5Accuracy
5.0/5Value
5.0/5Safety clarity
5.0/5Cultural value
5.0/5Sensational. Breathtaking views. The staff is one of the highlights of the tour.
Raphael · Brazil
Fantastic day with an absolutely knowledgeable guide - Gondar is full of magic!
Janoa · Hungary
We just completed a 12 day Ultimative Ethiopian Wildlife Adventure with Discover Simien Tour and it was truly unforgettable from start to finish. From the very first day, our guide Sahile impressed us with his broad and deep knowledge, calm professionalism and genuine passion for Ethiopia. He made everything feel safe, easygoing, and yet so enriching – whether explaining the geology of the Simien mountains, pointing out gelada monkeys, or helping us understand local customs. Our driver Daniel, was equally fantastic; punctual, skilled, and navigating challenging terrain with ease, which even made long drives feel part of the adventure. The scenery across the trip was breath taking, whereas Simien mountains was the absolute highlight with its dramatic cliffs and astonishing flora and fauna. We stayed in a mix of comfortable lodges and hotels and the logistics were handled smoothly; transport, park fees, food and guides – everything as promised. Culturally, we visited traditional communities, explored the spiritual side of Ethiopian heritage, and felt welcomed everywhere. Sahile skilfully bridged us into these moments, making them feel authentic. In short; 5 stars for the excellent guides, the authentic cultural immersion, the stunning landscapes and the very professional and warm service. We felt like we did not just visited Ethiopia but also experienced it.
Daniela and Sina · Switzerland
I don’t even know where to start… Our 3-day trip to the Danakil Depression with Discover Simien Mountains was an absolutely unforgettable experience – not only because of the surreal landscapes but also thanks to the incredible people we got to meet and travel with. We chose a private tour, and during our journey, we were joined by Bahran (guide), Addis (driver), and Habtu (cook) – each of them was such a kind, warm, and genuine person. If you’re planning a trip to Danakil or any other part of Ethiopia with Discover Simien Mountains, I truly recommend asking for Addis – he’s an amazing person and an excellent driver. Our guide (Bahran) explained everything clearly and with great passion. We learned so much about Dallol, the salt lakes, and the volcanoes. The food was another highlight! Habtu somehow managed to cook fresh, tasty meals right in the middle of the desert. We always had enough water and soft drinks, and even got to enjoy some Ethiopian beer or wine while watching the sunset on the salt lake an unforgettable experience. We also really appreciated the small but thoughtful details, like the portable shower provided during the tour – in such hot conditions, it was a true blessing! What made this trip even more special was the planning: while most operators follow a similar route, the Discover Simien Mountains team made sure we could arrive early to the main sights and enjoy them in peace before other groups arrived. That sense of privacy and exclusivity was priceless. We cannot recommend Discover Simien Mountains highly enough – if you’re planning a trip to Danakil or any other region in Ethiopia, this is the team you want to travel with. We felt safe, well taken care of, and genuinely welcomed throughout the journey. We left with the most beautiful memories the kind that stay with you long after the trip ends. It’s hard to put it all into words… you simply have to experience it yourself!
Monika · Poland
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 of all ages. Children under 2 are free.
If availability permits, this tour can start on any day.
You can request minor changes to the accommodations and destinations of this tour.
Ethio German Park Hotel - Mid-range hotel at Debre Libanos Monastery (Highlight) – All Meals Included. Meals: All Meals 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 Discover Simien Tour, 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.
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.
Keep comparing
Awash National Park
Ethiopia · 10-Day
Awash National Park, Ethiopia · 10-Day · Discover Simien Tour
From
$3,850 pp (USD)
Awash National Park
Ethiopia · 6-Day
Awash National Park, Ethiopia · 6-Day · Discover Simien Tour
From
$1,870 pp (USD)
Awash National Park
Ethiopia · 6-Day
Awash National Park, Ethiopia · 6-Day · Discover Simien Tour
From
$2,420 pp (USD)