Duration
12-Day
Simien Mountains National Park, Ethiopia
12-Day Ethiopia Wildlife & Photography Expedition
Overview
Experience Ethiopia's most remarkable natural landscapes on this comprehensive wildlife and photography journey. From the dramatic cliffs of the Simien Mountains to the vast Afro-alpine plains of Bale and the vibrant birdlife of the Great Rift Valley lakes, this expedition offers exceptional opportunities to encounter endemic mammals, rare birds, and breathtaking scenery.
Plan snapshot
Quick Facts
Route
Addis Ababa to Addis Ababa (City)
Via Simien Mountains NP, Addis Ababa (City), Bale Mountains NP
Country & park
Ethiopia / Simien Mountains National Park
Style
Mid-range shared safari
Group size
1-12 travelers
Starts
Any day if available
Minimum age
6 years
Activities
game drives, walking safaris (with an armed guide) & specialized birding (with a professional birding guide)
Accommodation
Crescent International Hotel - Mid-range hotel in Addis Ababa (City) – Breakfast Included
Meals
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
$5,963 USD
$5,500 USD
Jan 1, 2027 - Dec 31, 2027
$5,963 USD
$5,500 USD
Jan 1, 2028 - Dec 31, 2028
$7,073 USD
$7,073 USD
Before booking
Important To Know
Rates are per person and exclude the international flight from/to your home country.
This tour is not available to groups larger than 7 people.
This tour is offered in US dollars (USD).
This tour accepts children who are 6 years and older. Children under 18 receive a discount and children under 10 are free.
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 2-4
Simien Mountains NP
Day 5
Addis Ababa (City)
Day 6-9
Bale Mountains NP
Day 10
Awasa (City)
Day 11
Lake Ziway
End
Addis Ababa (City) (Day 12)
Tour Features
Mid-range tour
This mid-range tour uses lodges and resorts.
Shared tour
On this shared tour, you will join a group of other travelers. Max 4 people per vehicle.
Can start any day
If availability permits, this tour can start on any day.
Cannot be customized
The accommodations and destinations of this tour cannot be changed.
Suitable for single travelers
Single travelers can join this group tour.
6
Minimum age of 6 years
The minimum age for this tour is 6 years.
Activities & Transportation
Activities: game drives, walking safaris (with an armed guide) & specialized birding (with a professional birding guide)
Game drives: normal 4x4 vehicle
Getting around: 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
Crescent International Hotel
Mid-range hotel in Addis Ababa (City) – Breakfast Included
Breakfast Included
Day 2-4
Simien Lodge
Mid-range lodge inside Simien Mountains NP – Breakfast Included
Breakfast Included
Day 5
Crescent International Hotel
Mid-range hotel in Addis Ababa (City) – Breakfast Included
Breakfast Included
Day 6-9
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 10
Lewi Resort Hawassa
Mid-range resort in Awasa (City) – Breakfast Included
Breakfast Included
Day 11
Haile Resort Ziway
Mid-range hotel at Lake Ziway – 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
Arrive in Addis Ababa
Upon arrival at Bole International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed and transferred to your hotel. After a short rest, enjoy a guided city tour of Addis Ababa. Your birding guide will introduce you to some of Ethiopia’s endemic species, with chances to spot at least three unique birds, including the Black-winged Lovebird, Wattled Ibis, and Rouget’s Rail, along with many others. Overnight: Crescent International Hotel, Addis Ababa. Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City) Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinks not included
Destination: Addis Ababa (City) Stay: Crescent International Hotel Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City) Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinks not included
Day 2
Addis Ababa – Gondar – Simien Mountains National Park
Take an early morning domestic flight to Gondar. Upon arrival, drive approximately 2–3 hours to the Simien Mountains National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its dramatic escarpments and endemic wildlife. Begin exploring the park’s sweeping highland landscapes and deep valleys. Overnight: Simien Lodge in the park. Mid-range lodge located inside Simien Mountains NP Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinks not included
Destination: Simien Mountains National Park Stay: Simien Lodge Mid-range lodge located inside Simien Mountains NP Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinks not included
Day 3
3 & 4 – Simien Mountains Exploration
Spend two days exploring the dramatic landscapes of the Simien Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Guided walks along cliffs and Afro-alpine plateaus offer excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing and photography. Early mornings and late afternoons provide the best light for capturing sweeping views and rugged peaks. Wildlife highlights include large groups of Gelada monkeys, the rare Walia ibex on steep cliffs, and occasional sightings of the Ethiopian wolf. Birdlife is also exceptional, with chances to see the Lammergeyer (Bearded Vulture) and other endemic highland species. Your guide will adjust activities based on conditions and your interests, ensuring a flexible and rewarding experience. Scenic stops allow time to enjoy the landscape and take photographs. Overnight: Simien Lodge. Mid-range lodge located inside Simien Mountains NP Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinks not included
Destination: Simien Mountains National Park Stay: Simien Lodge Mid-range lodge located inside Simien Mountains NP Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinks not included
Day 5
Simien Mountains to Addis Ababa
Early in the morning, enjoy a spectacular sunrise photography session in the Simien Mountains, focusing on Gelada baboons in beautiful backlight conditions—an unforgettable highlight for photographers. After the session, return to the lodge for breakfast before driving back to Gondar for your scheduled flight to Addis Ababa. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel and have the evening at leisure. Overnight: Crescent International Hotel in Addis Ababa. Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City) Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinks not included
Destination: Addis Ababa (City) Stay: Crescent International Hotel Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City) Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinks not included
Day 6
Addis Ababa – Bale Mountains National Park
After breakfast, depart Addis Ababa and drive southeast to Bale Mountains National Park (approximately 7–8 hours). The scenic journey passes through the Great Rift Valley, with opportunities to stop at picturesque lakes where a variety of waterbirds can be observed. Continuing through the Oromia highlands, you will pass traditional villages, farmland, and open landscapes rich in birdlife. Along the way, enjoy several birdwatching stops to spot species such as the Abyssinian Roller, White-collared Pigeon, and other Ethiopian endemics. Arrive in the Bale Mountains area in the late afternoon and check into your hotel, set amidst beautiful natural surroundings. Overnight: Wabe Shebele Hotel. Budget hotel located less than 1hr drive from Bale Mountains NP Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) 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) Drinks not included
Day 7
Explore Bale Mountains Wildlife & Birding
Spend three immersive days exploring Bale Mountains National Park, one of Africa’s top biodiversity hotspots. Visit the Sanetti Plateau and the Harenna Forest, each offering unique habitats and rich wildlife experiences. On the high-altitude Sanetti Plateau, look for the Ethiopian wolf, often seen hunting in open grasslands, along with Mountain nyala, Menelik’s bushbuck, and endemic birds such as Blue-winged Goose and Spot-breasted Lapwing. In contrast, the lush Harenna Forest features dense vegetation and cooler conditions, home to the endemic Bale monkey and diverse forest birdlife. Each day is planned to maximize wildlife viewing and photography, with flexible timing based on light and animal activity. The varied ecosystems, from alpine moorlands to dense forests, provide exceptional opportunities for nature lovers and photographers. Overnight: Wabe Shebelle Hotel. Budget hotel located less than 1hr drive from Bale Mountains NP Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) 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) Drinks not included
Day 10
Bale Mountains – Hawassa
After breakfast, drive approximately five hours to Hawassa, a scenic lakeside town in the Great Rift Valley. The journey offers scenic views of rolling hills, farmland, and local villages along the way. In the afternoon, enjoy a relaxing boat excursion on Lake Hawassa, one of Ethiopia’s most beautiful Rift Valley lakes. This is an excellent opportunity for photography, with chances to observe hippopotamuses, African fish eagles, great white pelicans, and a variety of waterbirds in their natural habitat. The calm waters and soft afternoon light create ideal conditions for memorable shots. Overnight: Lewi Resort Hotel, Hawassa. Mid-range resort located in Awasa (City) Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinks not included
Destination: Awasa (City) Stay: Lewi Resort Hawassa Mid-range resort located in Awasa (City) Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinks not included
Day 11
Hawassa – Ziway via Abijatta-Shalla National Park
Begin your day with a visit to the Hawassa Fish Market, a lively spot where you can observe pelicans and marabou storks feeding on the morning catch. From there, drive north toward Ziway, making stops at the scenic Rift Valley lakes: Lake Shalla – Home to flamingos, cormorants, and herons. Lake Abijatta – Famous for large flocks of lesser and greater flamingos, Egyptian geese, and various migratory waders. Lake Langano – Known for African fish eagles, storks, and other waterbirds. These lakes are havens for birdwatchers, offering spectacular views of migratory and resident species against the backdrop of the Rift Valley. You can continue your journey to Ziway, where you will spend the night. Overnight: Haile Resort, Ziway. Mid-range hotel located at Lake Ziway Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinks not included
Destination: Lake Ziway Stay: Haile Resort Ziway Mid-range hotel located at Lake Ziway Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinks not included
Day 12
Lake Ziway Birding & Departure
Enjoy an early morning birding excursion around Lake Ziway, ideal for observing kingfishers, herons, storks, and other wetland species. After lunch, return to Addis Ababa. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at a traditional Ethiopian restaurant featuring cultural music and dance. Transfer to Bole International Airport for your international departure. 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 flights during the tour
All Taxes/VAT
Roundtrip airport transfer
Meals (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)
Drinks
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
Ethiopian Photography Tours
5.0 operator rating
6 reviews
We are a private Ethiopian tour company, established in October 2015, specializing in personalized and unforgettable travel experiences. With an experienced and friendly team, we design seamless journeys tailored to your interests, bringing Ethiopia’s rich history, culture, and landscapes to life.
Office In
Ethiopia
Size
5-10 employees (Founded in 2015)
Tour Types
Specialized photographic safaris (Mid-range & luxury)
Destinations
Ethiopia
Traveler feedback
Reviews
Overall
5.0/5Communication
5.0/5Accuracy
5.0/5Value
5.0/5Safety clarity
5.0/5Cultural value
5.0/5Ethiopian Safari at its best
I can highly recommend Ethiopian Photography Tours. I’ve travelled with them three times over the years, and each experience has been consistently excellent. They are trustworthy and very flexible when it comes to designing tailored private itineraries, and they provide a high level of service throughout. Their experience in organising photography-focused trips really shows. If you’re considering a trip, I suggest contacting Mulie directly.
JB F · Switzerland
Excelent guide
I loved how Mule showed me around. He is very kind, professional, well prepared, and honest guide. I really recomand him!
Alexandru Petolescu · Romania
Wonderful
Beautiful experience with Mulei We travel to south to see the tribes and to north. I recommend Mulei because every is safe with him. He understood what you want to do. Everything was good. The tour as we ask. He knows a lot of things and the price for the car with the driver and mulei is ok And the more important thing it is safety
Myriam Benhayon · Spain
Great knowledge of egions, ethnic groups, culture, food, music and more.
Great operation. Mulugeta (Mulu) seamlessly handled my air travel and lodging accommodations at nice places with reduced rates. He has an impressive breadth of knowledge of the various regions, ethnic groups, culture, food, music and more. Highly recommend using him and his team for making this trip and my last one providing unforgettable experiences that Ethiopia has to offer.
Ramalaka · Greece
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 6 years and older. Children under 18 receive a discount and children under 10 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 accommodations and destinations of this tour cannot be changed.
Where do travelers stay during this tour?
Crescent International 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 Ethiopian Photography Tours, not SafariBookings.
This operator reserves the right to change rates advertised on SafariBookings.
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 Ethiopian Photography Tours.
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