Duration
14-Day
Simien Mountains National Park, Ethiopia
14-Day Ethiopian Birdwatching and Photograph Tour
Overview
Best Ethiopian Safari Tour and Highly rated Tour Company, You'll explore Ethiopia's rich birdlife and diverse landscapes on this 15-day birdwatching and photography tour. From the highlands of the Simien Mountains to the Rift Valley lakes and Bale Mountains, encounter over 500 bird species, including more than 40 endemics like the Ethiopian Wolf, Blue-winged Goose, and Spot-breasted Lapwing. You'll capture stunning images of birds, wildlife, and scenery in forests, lakes, and alpine plateaus.
Plan snapshot
Quick Facts
Route
Addis Ababa to Addis Ababa (City)
Via Debre Libanos Monastery, Lake Tana, Simien Mountains NP
Country & park
Ethiopia / Simien Mountains National Park
Style
Shared safari
Group size
1-12 travelers
Starts
Any day if available
Minimum age
5 years
Activities
specialized birding (with a professional birding guide), nature hikes/walks & boat trip
Accommodation
Capital Hotel & Spa - Mid-range hotel in Addis Ababa (City) – Breakfast Included
Meals
Breakfast Included; 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
$2,640 USD
$2,629 USD
Jan 1, 2027 - Dec 31, 2027
$2,640 USD
$2,629 USD
Jan 1, 2028 - Dec 31, 2028
$2,640 USD
$2,629 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 5 years and older. Children under 6 receive a discount.
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
Debre Libanos Monastery (Highlight)
Day 3-4
Lake Tana
Day 5-6
Simien Mountains NP
Day 7
Addis Ababa (City)
Day 8
Lake Ziway
Day 9
Abijatta-Shalla NP
Day 10
Wondo Genet (Town)
Day 11-13
Bale Mountains NP
End
Addis Ababa (City) (Day 14)
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 group.
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.
5
Minimum age of 5 years
The minimum age for this tour is 5 years.
Activities & Transportation
Activities: specialized birding (with a professional birding guide), nature hikes/walks & boat trip
Getting around: normal 4x4 vehicle & air transfer
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
Capital Hotel & Spa
Mid-range hotel in Addis Ababa (City) – Breakfast Included
Breakfast Included
Day 3-4
Jacaranda Hotel Bahir Dar Mid-range hotel in Bahir Dar (City) – Breakfast Included +3 Photos
Mid-range hotel in Bahir Dar (City) – Breakfast Included
Breakfast Included
Day 5-6
Budget camping Inside Simien Mountains NP – All Meals Included
Inside Simien Mountains NP – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 7
Capital Hotel & Spa
Mid-range hotel in Addis Ababa (City) – Breakfast Included
Breakfast Included
Day 8
Haile Resort Ziway
Mid-range hotel at Lake Ziway – Breakfast Included
Breakfast Included
Day 9
Hara Langano Eco Lodge
Mid-range lodge less than 1hr drive from Abijatta-Shalla NP – Breakfast Included
Breakfast Included
Day 10
Wabi Shebele Hotel Wondo Genet Budget hotel in Wondo Genet (Town) – Breakfast Included
Budget hotel in Wondo Genet (Town) – Breakfast Included
Breakfast Included
Day 11-13
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 14
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
Welcome to Ethiopia! Upon arrival in Addis Ababa, you will be met at Bole International Airport and transferred to your hotel. If time allows, you will enjoy a relaxed birding and photography walk in the gardens of the Ghion Hotel or the Entoto Hills, which host a surprising variety of highland birds. Key Birds: Abyssinian Slaty Flycatcher, Tacazze Sunbird, Baglafecht Weaver Photography Tips: Great opportunities to practice with common highland species in urban gardens with vibrant light. Your overnight stay will be Capital Hotel. Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City) Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Addis Ababa (City) Stay: Capital Hotel & Spa Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City) Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 2
Addis Ababa – Debre Libanos – Jemma Valley
You'll begin your northern birding adventure by heading north to Debre Libanos, perched on the dramatic cliffs of the Ethiopian escarpment. You'll explore the lush valleys and the famous Jemma Gorge, home to endemic and range-restricted species. Key Birds: White-winged Cliff Chat, Rüppell’s Black Chat, Lammergeier, Ethiopian Boubou, Harwood’s Francolin Photography Tips: Golden light over the gorge is perfect for raptors and cliff dwellers. Expect dramatic vistas. Your overnight stay will be Capital Hotel. Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City) Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Debre Libanos Monastery (Highlight) Stay: Capital Hotel & Spa Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City) Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 3
Addis Ababa to Bahir Dar
After a morning birding session in the Jemma Valley, you'll return to Addis and fly to Bahir Dar on the shores of Lake Tana, the source of the Blue Nile. You'll have an evening walk along the lake yields excellent aquatic bird photography. Key Birds: African Fish Eagle, White-backed Night Heron, Hammerkop, Black Heron. Photography Tips: Capture silhouette shots of pelicans at sunset and the famed ‘umbrella-feeding’ behavior of Black Herons. Your overnight stay will be at the Jacaranda Hotel, Bahir Dar. Mid-range hotel located in Bahir Dar (City) Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Lake Tana Stay: Jacaranda Hotel Bahir Dar Mid-range hotel located in Bahir Dar (City) Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 4
Lake Tana and Blue Nile Falls
Today, you'll explore the Lake Tana wetlands and take a short boat ride to photograph birds, hippos, and the picturesque monasteries. Later, you'll head to the Blue Nile Falls, a prime location for landscape and wildlife photography. Key Birds: Malachite Kingfisher, Yellow-billed Duck, African Jacana, Senegal Coucal. Photography tips: Boat-level shots with reflections and misty waterfall backdrops make for stunning frames. Your overnight stay will be at the Jacaranda Hotel. Mid-range hotel located in Bahir Dar (City) Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Lake Tana Stay: Jacaranda Hotel Bahir Dar Mid-range hotel located in Bahir Dar (City) Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 5
Bahir Dar – Gondar – Simien Mountains National Park
You'll drive north to the UNESCO city of Gondar and continue toward the spectacular Simien Mountains. En route, you'll pass through highland farmland and open meadows teeming with birdlife. You'll arrive at the lodge nestled amidst jagged peaks. Key Birds: Thick-billed Raven, Abyssinian Longclaw, Erckel’s Francolin, Black-headed Siskin Mammals: Gelada Baboon, Walia Ibex (endemic and rare). Photography Tips: Afro-alpine light and landscapes are surreal. Photograph Geladas at sunrise on the escarpments for iconic shots. Your overnight stay will be camping. Inside Simien Mountains NP All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Simien Mountains National Park Stay: Budget camping Inside Simien Mountains NP Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 6
Simien Mountains National Park
Full day birding and photography in the high altitudes of the Simiens. You'll walk along scenic trails at elevations over 3,000 meters, with vistas of deep valleys and mountain spires. Key Birds: Bearded Vulture (Lammergeier), Moorland Chat, Spot-breasted Lapwing, White-collared Pigeon Photography Tips: Rugged landscapes and cloud inversions make for extraordinary bird and habitat compositions. Overnight stay will be camping. Inside Simien Mountains NP All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Simien Mountains National Park Stay: Budget camping Inside Simien Mountains NP Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 7
Simien Mountains – Gondar – back to Addis Ababa
You'll enjoy morning birding in the mountains before driving fly Gondar to Addis Ababa. Your overnight stay will be in Addis, and prepare for the southern portion of the tour. Optional photography stop: You'll explore Gondar’s historic castles for cultural photography. Your overnight stay will be at the Capital Hotel. Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City) Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Addis Ababa (City) Stay: Capital Hotel & Spa Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City) Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 8
Addis – Lake Ziway (Rift Valley Begins)
You'll drive south into the Great Rift Valley, stopping at Lake Ziway, an important freshwater lake and birding hotspot. A boat ride offers close-up encounters with lake birds. Key Birds: African Fish Eagle, Great White Pelican, Gull-billed Tern, Malachite Kingfisher Photography Tips: Birds are very habituated, perfect for capturing flight, feeding, and behavior shots at close range. Haile resort. Mid-range hotel located at Lake Ziway Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Lake Ziway Stay: Haile Resort Ziway Mid-range hotel located at Lake Ziway Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 9
Lake Ziway – Abijatta-Shalla – Lake Langano
You'll continue to explore the Rift Valley lake system, visiting Abijatta-Shalla National Park, known for its alkaline lakes and flamingo flocks. Your overnight stay will be near Lake Langano. Key Birds: Lesser and Greater Flamingo, Avocet, Kittlitz’s Plover, Maccoa Duck Photography Tips: Low-angle flamingo photography during sunrise is unforgettable. You'll capture dramatic reflections in the still alkaline water. Your overnight stay will be at Hara Langano Eco Lodge. Mid-range lodge located less than 1hr drive from Abijatta-Shalla NP Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Abijatta-Shalla National Park Stay: Hara Langano Eco Lodge Mid-range lodge located less than 1hr drive from Abijatta-Shalla NP Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 10
Langano – Wondo Genet
A short drive brings you to the forested hills of Wondo Genet, a remnant of Ethiopia’s once-extensive montane forest. You'll have an excellent chance to photograph forest endemics and enjoy the hot springs. Key Birds: Yellow-fronted Parrot, Silvery-cheeked Hornbill, Narina Trogon, Ethiopian Oriole Photography Tips: Forest photography requires high ISO and fast lenses. Use dappled sunlight to your advantage. Your overnight stay will be at Wabi Shebele Hotel, Wondo Genet. Budget hotel located in Wondo Genet (Town) Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Destination: Wondo Genet (Town) Stay: Wabi Shebele Hotel Wondo Genet Budget hotel located in Wondo Genet (Town) Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 11
Wondo Genet – Bale Mountains National Park
Today, you'll climb to the Afro-alpine realms of Bale Mountains National Park. En route, you'll stop at Dinsho for endemic mammals and montane birds. Key Birds: Rouget’s Rail, Abyssinian Catbird, Wattled Ibis, Abyssinian Long-eared Owl (at night) Mammals: Mountain Nyala, Menelik’s Bushbuck Photography Tips: Trackable and relatively tame wildlife make for great mammal portraits. Use soft, early light in the meadows. Goba Wabe Shebelle Hotel. 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 12
Sanetti Plateau and Ethiopian Wolf Safari
A full day exploring the windswept Sanetti Plateau at over 4,000 meters, home to the critically endangered Ethiopian Wolf and many alpine birds. Key Birds: Blue-winged Goose, Spot-breasted Plover, Chestnut-naped Francolin Mammals: Ethiopian Wolf (most reliable location in Africa), Giant Mole Rat Photography Tips: This is your best chance to photograph the Ethiopian Wolf hunting in open landscapes ideal for long-lens wildlife action. Goba Wabe Shebelle Hotel. 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 13
Harenna Forest Exploration
You'll descend into the magical Harenna Forest, the southernmost tropical cloud forest in Ethiopia. This area is excellent for photographing forest birds and unique mammals. Key Birds: White-cheeked Turaco, Abyssinian Crimsonwing, African Hill Babbler. Mammals: Bale Monkey (endemic), Colobus Monkey. Photography Tips: Mist and backlighting create ethereal forest compositions. Turacos are especially photogenic among moss-covered branches. Goba Wabe Shebelle Hotel. 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 14
Fly Bale Addis Ababa
You'll transfer to Robe Airport for your domestic flight to Addis Ababa (usually 1 hour) End of tour. Finally we will host farewell dinner at Ethiopian Traditional restaurant. 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)
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
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
Ethio Top Land Tours
5.0 operator rating
111 reviews
Best Ethiopian Safari Tour and Highly rated Tour Company in Ethiopia. we believe that travel is not just about reaching a destination; it's about creating memories that last a lifetime. as a Ethio top land tour and travel agency, we specialize in crafting unique and personalized travel experiences tailored to your individual preferences and interests. With our extensive network of local partners and in-depth knowledge of destinations around the country, we ensure that every aspect of your tr
Office In
Ethiopia
Size
10-20 employees (Founded in 2017)
Member Of
ETOA, ETGPA & ATOA
Tour Types
Custom budget & 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
5.0/5Excellent
The tour was friendly and professional. It was very educational and engaging.
Sithembiso · South Africa
Great tour guide, safe and very knowledgeable
Loved the experience especially the market. We had an amazing tour guide
Zoe · South Africa
Really good presence to show Addis Ababa around.
I'd like to start with a big thank you for the recepction and walking around time. Special thanks for Gebiru, his explanation is precious and unique. Very friendly, gentle and always giving special attention to our questions and requests. The palace, St Mary Church and the museum so well explaning. Also I must thank our driver Mr Shetou for safe driving and very gentle too.
Gregorio Pedro · Brazil
I highly recommend it! It was a wonderful experience!
I highly recommend it! It was a wonderful experience! Our guide was very friendly and always attentive; I learned a lot about Ethiopian culture and history! I highly recommend this tour!
Lud · Brazil
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 5 years and older. Children under 6 receive a discount.
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?
Capital Hotel & Spa - 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 Ethio Top Land 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.
This tour is subject to the terms & conditions of Ethio Top Land Tours.
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