Duration
12-Day
Bale Mountains National Park, Ethiopia
12-Day Ethiopia Birding & Endemics Tour
Overview
Discover Ethiopia's incredible birdlife on this 12-day journey through highland plateaus, Rift Valley lakes, Afro-alpine peaks, and savannah plains. You'll spot over 300 species, including 30+ endemics such as Blue-winged Goose, Spot-breasted Lapwing, Harwood's Francolin, and Salvadori's Seedeater. Explore Bale Mountains, Awash National Park, Sof Omar Valley, and Debre Libanos with expert guides for the ultimate African birding adventure.
Plan snapshot
Quick Facts
Route
Addis Ababa to Addis Ababa (City) (Day 11-12)
Via Debre Libanos Monastery, Lake Langano, Bale Mountains NP
Country & park
Ethiopia / Bale Mountains National Park
Style
Mid-range safari
Group size
1-12 travelers
Starts
Any day if available
Minimum age
15 years
Activities
Getting around: minivan & normal 4x4 vehicle
Accommodation
Bonanza Addis Hotel - Mid-range hotel in Addis Ababa (City) – Breakfast Included
Meals
Breakfast Included
Pickup
Airport transfer included
Booking
Request quote
Currency
USD
Rates
Rates Per Person
USD
Start datesSingle2+ people
Jan 1, 2026 - Dec 31, 2026
$5,445 USD
$3,465 USD
Jan 1, 2027 - Dec 31, 2027
$5,445 USD
$3,465 USD
Jan 1, 2028 - Dec 31, 2028
$5,445 USD
$3,465 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 15 years and older.
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 2-3
Debre Libanos Monastery (Highlight)
Day 4
Lake Langano
Day 5-6
Bale Mountains NP
Day 7
Sof Omar Caves (Highlight)
Day 8-10
Awash NP
End
Addis Ababa (City) (Day 11-12)
Tour Features
Mid-range tour
This mid-range tour uses lodges and hotels.
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.
15
Minimum age of 15 years
The minimum age for this tour is 15 years.
Activities & Transportation
Getting around: minivan & normal 4x4 vehicle
Book your own international flights when using this operator
A transfer from and back to the airport is included
Accommodation & Meals
Day 1
Bonanza Addis Hotel
Mid-range hotel in Addis Ababa (City) – Breakfast Included
Breakfast Included
Day 2-3
Ethio German Park Hotel
Mid-range hotel at Debre Libanos Monastery (Highlight) – Breakfast Included
Breakfast Included
Day 4
Hara Langano Eco Lodge
Mid-range lodge at Lake Langano – Breakfast Included
Breakfast Included
Day 5
Wabe Shebelle Hotel Goba Budget hotel less than 1hr drive from Bale Mountains NP – Breakfast Included
Budget hotel less than 1hr drive from Bale Mountains NP – Breakfast Included
Breakfast Included
Day 6-7
Bale Mountain Lodge
Luxury lodge inside Bale Mountains NP – Breakfast Included
Breakfast Included
Day 8-9
Awash Falls Lodge Mid-range lodge just outside Awash NP – Breakfast Included
Mid-range lodge just outside Awash NP – Breakfast Included
Breakfast Included
Day 10
Doho Lodge & Hot Springs
Mid-range lodge just outside Awash NP – Breakfast Included
Breakfast Included
Day 11
Bonanza Addis Hotel
Mid-range hotel in Addis Ababa (City) – Breakfast Included
Breakfast Included
Day 12
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
Arrival in Addis Ababa
You arrive at Bole International Airport and meet your expert birding guide. Depending on arrival time, you'll enjoy an introductory excursion to Entoto Hills, overlooking the capital. Here, montane forest and scrub habitats reveal Ethiopia’s first birding treasures, with chances to spot endemics such as the White-cheeked Turaco flashing brilliant green and red wings, the elusive Abyssinian Catbird, and flocks of Black-winged Lovebirds. You enjoy a welcome dinner and tour briefing before overnighting 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: Bonanza Addis Hotel Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City) Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 2
Sululta Plain & Debre Libanos
You head north to the Sululta Plain, an Afro-alpine grassland that provides habitat for the endemic Blue-winged Goose, Wattled Ibis, and Abyssinian Longclaw. Raptors patrol the skies, including Augur Buzzards and Steppe Eagles. Continue to Debre Libanos Gorge, an immense canyon carved by the Jemma River. Here, Lammergeiers soar alongside Rüppell’s Griffon Vultures, while endemic Gelada baboons graze on the cliff edges. You'll spend the evening at a lodge near the historic monastery of Debre Libanos. Mid-range hotel located at Debre Libanos Monastery (Highlight) Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Debre Libanos Monastery (Highlight) Stay: Ethio German Park Hotel Mid-range hotel located at Debre Libanos Monastery (Highlight) Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 3
Jemma Valley
You'll descend into the dramatic Jemma Valley, one of Ethiopia’s premier endemic birding sites. This rugged landscape of escarpments and cultivated terraces is home to Harwood’s Francolin, a species found only in this region. Other highlights include the White-billed Starling, Hemprich’s Hornbill, and Red-billed Pytilia, alongside dozens of sunbirds and weavers. The valley also offers insight into rural Ethiopian life, with farmers and herders inhabiting the traditional stone villages scattered across the slopes. Your overnight stay will be in Debre Libanos. Mid-range hotel located at Debre Libanos Monastery (Highlight) Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Debre Libanos Monastery (Highlight) Stay: Ethio German Park Hotel Mid-range hotel located at Debre Libanos Monastery (Highlight) Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 4
Rift Valley Lakes
You'll drive south into the Great Rift Valley, a string of freshwater and soda lakes rich in birdlife. You'll begin at Lake Ziway, where African Fish Eagles call from fig trees and African Pygmy Geese paddle among floating vegetation. At Lake Langano, Lesser Jacanas dart across lily pads, while Abijatta-Shalla National Park is famous for flamingos, pelicans, and Collared Pratincoles. The sheer diversity of waterbirds makes this day a delight. Your overnight stay will be in a lakeside lodge at Langano. Mid-range lodge located at Lake Langano Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Lake Langano Stay: Hara Langano Eco Lodge Mid-range lodge located at Lake Langano Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 5
Bale Mountains National Park
You'll climb into the high-altitude wilderness of the Bale Mountains, stopping first at Dinsho HQ, where endemic Mountain Nyala, Menelik’s Bushbuck, and Abyssinian Woodpecker can be seen. You continue onto the Sanetti Plateau at over 4,000m, an Afro-alpine landscape of giant lobelias and moorlands. Target species include the Spot-breasted Lapwing, Rouget’s Rail, and the cryptic Abyssinian Owl. The stark beauty of this plateau is unmatched, and you may even glimpse the rare Ethiopian wolf. Your overnight stay will be in Goba or Bale Lodge. Budget hotel located less than 1hr drive from Bale Mountains NP Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Bale Mountains National Park Stay: Wabe Shebelle Hotel Goba Budget hotel located less than 1hr drive from Bale Mountains NP Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 6
Bale Mountains & Harenna Forest
You'll spend a second full day exploring Bale’s varied ecosystems. On the Sanetti Plateau, you'll look for the endemic Blue-winged Goose and flocks of Wattled Cranes, while scanning for Ethiopian wolves hunting giant mole-rats. You descend through cloud forest into the lush Harenna Forest, home to Abyssinian Ground Thrush, Abyssinian Woodpecker, and a range of montane species. The diversity of habitats and birds, from alpine moorland to dense forest, makes Bale one of Africa’s top birding destinations. Your overnight stay will be in the Bale region. 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 7
Sof Omar Valley
You'll journey east to Sof Omar, a dry valley system where limestone cliffs and scrubby habitats host some of Ethiopia’s rarest species. Target birds include Salvadori’s Seedeater, Brown-tailed Rock Chat, and Somali Crow. The striking landscape is also known for its underground cave system, one of the largest in Africa. After a rewarding day of birding and exploring this unique ecosystem, you will return to your lodge in the Bale region for an overnight stay. Luxury lodge located inside Bale Mountains NP Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Sof Omar Caves (Highlight) Stay: Bale Mountain Lodge Luxury lodge located inside Bale Mountains NP Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 8
Drive to Awash National Park
You'll depart the Bale highlands and drive north toward Awash National Park, Ethiopia’s premier lowland savanna reserve. The long journey offers opportunities for roadside birding and photography. You'll arrive by late afternoon for an evening safari inside the park. Buff-crested Bustards may display in the grasslands, Yellow-breasted Barbets call from acacia trees, and Somali Ostriches stride across the plains. Your overnight stay will be at Awash Falls Lodge, where the sound of the Awash River crashing below provides a dramatic backdrop. Mid-range lodge located just outside Awash NP Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Awash National Park Stay: Awash Falls Lodge Mid-range lodge located just outside Awash NP Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 9
Awash National Park
You'll spend a full day exploring Awash’s acacia woodlands, open plains, and lava fields. Birding highlights include the stately Kori Bustard, Abyssinian Roller flashing its electric-blue wings, and flocks of Northern Carmine Bee-eaters. Red-winged Larks and numerous hornbills are also found here. Game drives may also reveal Beisa oryx, Soemmerring’s gazelle, and hamadryas baboons. The combination of wildlife, landscapes, and prolific birdlife makes Awash a safari and birding paradise. Your overnight stay will be in the park. Mid-range lodge located just outside Awash NP Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Awash National Park Stay: Awash Falls Lodge Mid-range lodge located just outside Awash NP Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 10
Ali Dege Plains & Doho Lodge
You'll head to the Ali Dege plains, an open grassland area where birders seek White-bellied Bustards, Somali Coursers, and flocks of Chestnut-bellied Sandgrouse. Raptors abound, including Lanner Falcons and Tawny Eagles. In the afternoon, you will travel to Doho Hot Springs, a wetland oasis that attracts waterbirds such as herons, storks, and jacanas. You'll relax at Doho Lodge while continuing birdwatching around the lodge grounds. Your overnight stay will be at Doho Lodge. Mid-range lodge located just outside Awash NP Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Awash National Park Stay: Doho Lodge & Hot Springs Mid-range lodge located just outside Awash NP Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 11
Lake Beseka & Return to Addis Ababa
You will enjoy morning birding at Lake Beseka, a volcanic lake at the base of the Awash escarpment. Species here include the Black Heron with its distinctive canopy-feeding behavior, Striated Herons, Little Grebes, and numerous ducks and waders. Afterward, you will begin the drive back to Addis Ababa, stopping for birding and photography along the way. You arrive in the capital in the late afternoon. Your overnight stay will be 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: Bonanza Addis Hotel Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City) Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 12
Addis Birding & Departure
You'll spend your final morning birding in Addis Ababa at Gullele Botanical Garden or back at Entoto Hills, targeting any missed endemics. Possible sightings include White-backed Black Tit, Abyssinian Slaty Flycatcher, and Brown-rumped Seedeater. After a farewell lunch and time for last-minute birding, you will transfer to Bole International Airport for your onward flight, bringing an end to your unforgettable birding 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)
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)
Drinking water (On all days)
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
Experience Ethiopia Tours
5.0 operator rating
10 reviews
Experience Ethiopia Tours is well experienced travel and tour operator to Ethiopia’s cultural, historical, natural and wildlife attractions is a private fully Ethiopian owned and run by young, flexible, energetic, articulate tourism expertise and highly skilled and qualified personnel who knows and love Ethiopia.
Office In
Ethiopia
Size
1-5 employees (Founded in 2016)
Tour Types
Custom mid-range & luxury tours that can start every day
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 15 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?
Bonanza Addis Hotel - Mid-range hotel in Addis Ababa (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 Experience 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.
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 Experience Ethiopia Tours.
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