Duration
12-Day
Simien Mountains National Park, Ethiopia
12-Day Ethiopian Mammal Watching Tour
Overview
Ethiopia hosts impressive landscapes and a diverse range of birds and mammals. This tour specifically targets rare and endemic mammal species. Commonly found mammals in the region include beisa oryx, eastern black-and-white colobus, as well as endemics like Swayne's hartebeest, walia ibex, mountain nyala, Menelik's bushbuck, gelada baboon, Bale monkey, giant mole rat, and the endangered Ethiopian wolf.
Plan snapshot
Quick Facts
Route
Addis Ababa to Addis Ababa
Via Simien Mountains NP, Awash NP, Aledeghi WR
Country & park
Ethiopia / Simien Mountains National Park
Style
Shared safari
Group size
1-12 travelers
Starts
Any day if available
Minimum age
10 years
Activities
game drives, evening/night game drives & nature hikes/walks
Accommodation
Simien Lodge - Mid-range lodge inside Simien Mountains NP – All Meals Included
Meals
All Meals 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
$3,520 USD
$3,190 USD
Jan 1, 2027 - Dec 31, 2027
$3,520 USD
$3,190 USD
Jan 1, 2028 - Dec 31, 2028
$3,520 USD
$3,190 USD
Before booking
Important To Know
Rates are per person and exclude the international flight from/to your home country.
Single travelers can join this group tour, but it requires a minimum of 2 people to run.
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 1-2
Simien Mountains NP
Day 3-4
Awash NP
Day 5
Aledeghi WR
Day 6
Lake Langano
Day 7
Senkele (Wildlife Sanctuary)
Day 8-12
Bale Mountains NP
End
Addis Ababa (Day 12)
Tour Features
Budget tour
This budget tour includes camping and lodges.
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, but it requires a minimum of 2 people to run.
10
Minimum age of 10 years
The minimum age for this tour is 10 years.
Activities & Transportation
Activities: game drives, evening/night game drives & nature hikes/walks
Game drives: normal 4x4 vehicle & minivan
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 1-2
Simien Lodge
Mid-range lodge inside Simien Mountains NP – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 3-4
Budget camping Inside Awash NP – All Meals Included
Inside Awash NP – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 5
Budget camping Inside Aledeghi WR – All Meals Included
Inside Aledeghi WR – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 6
Hara Langano Eco Lodge
Mid-range lodge at Lake Langano – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 7
Haile Resort Hawassa
Mid-range resort in Awasa (City) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 8-9
Wabe Shebelle Hotel Goba Budget hotel less than 1hr drive from Bale Mountains NP – All Meals Included
Budget hotel less than 1hr drive from Bale Mountains NP – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 10
Harenna Forest Hotel and Cultural Lodge Budget guest house less than 1hr drive from Bale Mountains NP – All Meals Included
Budget guest house less than 1hr drive from Bale Mountains NP – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 11
Wabe Shebelle Hotel Goba Budget hotel less than 1hr drive from Bale Mountains NP – All Meals Included
Budget hotel less than 1hr drive from Bale Mountains NP – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 12
End of tour
(No accommodation)
All Meals 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 – Gondar
Upon arriving at Addis Bole International Airport, you'll meet your guide and catch a domestic flight to Gondar. Once at Gondar Airport, you'll meet the team and drive to the Simien Mountains, the sole UNESCO World Natural Heritage site in Ethiopia. After arriving at your lodge, you’ll check in and then begin exploring the picturesque Simien escarpment in search of the gelada baboons. Also known as “bleeding heart baboons,” geladas are indigenous to Ethiopia and sustain themselves primarily on herbs, grasses, roots, and occasionally insects like locusts. The geladas inhabit the rim and steep slopes of the escarpment, which is their refuge when danger threatens. Short hikes will allow you to witness the geladas amidst the stunning landscape of the Simien Mountains. Mid-range lodge located inside Simien Mountains NP All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Simien Mountains National Park Stay: Simien Lodge Mid-range lodge located inside Simien Mountains NP Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 2
Simien Mountains National Park
In the morning after breakfast, you'll head to the Chennek campsite area (3,620 meters). Here, you can enjoy excellent mountain views and encounter more gelada monkeys. As you ascend, the scenery becomes even more magnificent at this high point in the mountain range. Afterward, the journey continues from Chennek to Bwahit Pass (4,200 meters). From this vantage point, you'll have good views of the impressive rock formations of Imet Gogo and Inatiye, providing more opportunities to spot the endemic walia ibex (Capra ibex Walia) and the Ethiopian wolf—one of the world's most endangered mammal species. Mid-range lodge located inside Simien Mountains NP All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Simien Mountains National Park Stay: Simien Lodge Mid-range lodge located inside Simien Mountains NP Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 3
Simien Mountains National Park - Awash National Park
After breakfast in the morning, you'll drive back to Gondar and then catch a flight to Addis. Upon arrival in Addis, you'll drive to Awash National Park with a lunch stop on the way. In the late afternoon, you'll go on a game drive within the park. Your overnight stay will be at the camp. Inside Awash NP All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Awash National Park Stay: Budget camping Inside Awash NP Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 4
Awash National Park
Before breakfast you will go on a game drive through the thorny bushes and grassland of Awash National Park, including a hike along the riverbank forest by the Awash River Falls. You may spot various mammals like Salt's dik-dik, lesser kudu, warthog, Hamadryas baboon, olive baboon, black-backed jackal, spotted hyena, Abyssinian hare, aardwolf, aardvark, grivet monkey, and Nile crocodiles (among others). Inside Awash NP All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Awash National Park Stay: Budget camping Inside Awash NP Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 5
Awash National Park - Aledeghi Wildlife Reserve
Following an early breakfast, you’ll embark on a scenic drive to the Alideghi Wildlife Reserve, which is situated to the northeast of the Awash National Park. Here, indulge in a captivating game drive as you scan the expansive plains in search of Grevy's zebra, gerenuk, beisa oryx, simmering gazelle, Grant's gazelle, olive and hamadryas baboons, African golden wolf, Somali ostrich, and various other wildlife. Additionally, keep an eye out for a diverse array of avian species including the Abyssinian roller, Arabian bustard, kori bustard, and bee-eaters. Inside Aledeghi WR All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Aledeghi Wildlife Reserve Stay: Budget camping Inside Aledeghi WR Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 6
Aledeghi Wildlife Reserve - Lake Langano
Today you will transfer to Lake Langano. On the way you’ll stop at Lake Ziway to observe aquatic birds. Upon arrival at Lake Langano, you’ll spend some time looking for hippos and take a night walk around the nearby forest to spot bat-eared foxes, aardvarks, crested porcupines, bush babies, and genet families. Mid-range lodge located at Lake Langano All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Lake Langano Stay: Hara Langano Eco Lodge Mid-range lodge located at Lake Langano Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 7
Senkele Swayne’s Hartebeest Sanctuary
After breakfast in the morning, you’ll depart from Langano and drive to Sankale Wildlife Sanctuary, which is home to the endemic Swayne’s hartebeest and oribi. We’ll stop en route at Abjatta National Park to observe African ostriches, Grant's gazelle, and African golden wolves. In the late afternoon you’ll arrive at Awassa Lake for your overnight stay. While here you should seize the opportunity to see the African clawless otters. Mid-range resort located in Awasa (City) All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Senkele Swayne’S Hartebeest Sanctuary (Wildlife Sanctuary) Stay: Haile Resort Hawassa Mid-range resort located in Awasa (City) Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 8
Bale Mountains National Park
In the morning, head southeast to Bale Mountains National Park. Upon entering the park, you'll encounter mammals exclusive to the southeastern mountain chain of Ethiopia. Look for serval cats and caracals in the grasslands. The distinctive mountain nyala and Menelik's bushbuck, native to the area, add to the beauty of this park. Budget hotel located less than 1hr drive from Bale Mountains NP All meals 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: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 9
Bale Mountains National Park
After breakfast, you'll drive to the Sanetti Plateau (situated above 4000 meters), featuring Afro-alpine Moorland and stunning alpine scenery. Here, you might catch sight of the rare and endangered Ethiopian wolf (since Sanetti is the largest alpine area in Africa). Expect to encounter various mammals such as Stark’s hare, rock hyrax, giant mole rats, and different species of grass rats on this expansive plateau. Budget hotel located less than 1hr drive from Bale Mountains NP All meals 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: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 10
Bale Mountains National Park
Today, you'll embark on an early game drive in the forest, which will increase your chances of spotting mammals like the giant forest hog and bush pig. Keep an eye out for the endemic Bale monkey feeding on Bamboo trees. In the evening, we’ll go on an evening game drive to observe nocturnal mammals in the forest. Your overnight accommodation will be at Harena Cultural Lodge. Budget guest house located less than 1hr drive from Bale Mountains NP All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Bale Mountains National Park Stay: Harenna Forest Hotel and Cultural Lodge Budget guest house located less than 1hr drive from Bale Mountains NP Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 11
Bale Mountains National Park
Today, you'll depart from the forest and explore the woodland and grassland sections of the park. In the grassland area, we’ll go on another evening game drive to enhance your chances of spotting mammals like civet cats, serval cats, African golden wolves, and caracals. Afterwards, you'll return to Goba for your overnight stay. Budget hotel located less than 1hr drive from Bale Mountains NP All meals 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: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 12
Bale Mountains National Park - Addis
Today you'll head back to Addis with a few stops along the way. Upon reaching Addis in the evening, you'll have a farewell dinner at a traditional Ethiopian restaurant where dancers and musicians representing various ethnic groups in the country will perform. Afterward, you'll be transferred to the airport for your international departure. All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Bale Mountains National Park Stay: No accommodation (End of tour) Meals: All meals 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
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
Armaye Ethiopia Tours
5.0 operator rating
51 reviews
Armaye Ethiopia Tours is an expert Ethiopian private tour operator based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. It is run by a highly professional team comprising experienced tour organizers and fully licensed tour guides.
Office In
Ethiopia
Size
5-10 employees (Founded in 2015)
Tour Types
Custom mid-range tours that can start every day
Destinations
Ethiopia
Traveler feedback
Reviews
Overall
5.0/5Communication
5.0/5Accuracy
5.0/5Value
5.0/5Safety clarity
5.0/5Cultural value
5.0/5Armaye is wholly professional with flexibility to create unique itineraries and travel experiences.
I am a naturalist with an appetite to photograph endemic and vulnerable species. Armaye worked with me, awesome communication skills btw, to provide me with the appropriate destinations for the time I had available. Even with the challenges of the changing political climate during the trip, Armaye had the flexibility to make changes to lodgings, flights, destinations, etc. that still offered me the photo opportunities for which I had hoped and remain in budget. My travel plans placed me in Ethiopia during off-season for tourism, but I was rewarded with a unique insight into the natural world of that region during the rainy season. I am delighted by the many babies, juveniles, and family units that nature revealed to me, glimpsing some of the more elusive animals. The trade-off was that the trip did not coincide with migrations of birds, but the abundant numbers and varieties of resident species filled camera memory cards with animals I had never encountered. This was my first trip to the Horn of Africa. I was immersed in rural Ethiopia, but my professional guide and driver took good care to keep me safe. Of note, I do not have a palate for spicy food (I feel that cayenne pepper and curry is too spicy) so that was a challenge for me personally, but I planned for that inevitability and brought nuts, raisins, and crackers to sustain me.
Marcia · United States
Very well organised in , hotels and drivers.
Perfect organization, the hotels were very good and clean, and the drivers very professional. Armaye organized the tour only for 2 people and we visited very interesting places in the North and in the south of the country. Ethiopia has been a very nice discovery.
Nadia · Italy
Wonderful!
It was an amazing trip! Easy to talk with, the tour operator! Our guides & drivers are punctual, really friendly and very kind to us. They were not only guide us to the place, but also taught us many cultural things. Really appereciated!
Hana · Japan
Responsive and reliable tour operator and fun too!
Armaye was so responsive to our request for a very last minute request for a trip to Ethiopia. He answered quickly, responded to questions quickly and designed our tour to our preferences. I was a bit nervous about travelling to Ethiopia where we knew we would be "off grid" but it was very safe and the people we met were very friendly. Armaye was our guide too - very informative and answered all my husband's inquisitive questions about culture, traditions, food. Aman was our driver and also comes highly recommended. Aman is an expert driver both on major roads and offroad. WE saw many animals specific to Ethiopia that we hadn't seen before, including lots of Ethiopian golden wolves. The 3-day tour in Afar was excellent value.
Christina · Botswana
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?
The accommodations and destinations of this tour cannot be changed.
Where do travelers stay during this tour?
Simien Lodge - Mid-range lodge inside Simien Mountains NP – All Meals Included. Meals: 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 Armaye Ethiopia 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.
This group tour requires a minimum of 2 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.
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