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8-Day Wild Wonders of Ethiopia Wildlife Photography Tour

Awash National Park, Ethiopia

8-Day Wild Wonders of Ethiopia Wildlife Photography Tour

5.0 / 5 · 111 reviews Offered by Ethio Top Land Tours 8-Day

Overview

Best Ethiopian Safari Tour and Highly rated Tour Company, Join us for an unforgettable 8-day wildlife photography adventure through Ethiopia's diverse ecosystems. From the dramatic highlands of the Bale Mountains to the rich savannas of the Great Rift Valley, you'll capture rare species like the Ethiopian wolf, gelada baboons, and endemic birds. Guided by expert photographers and local trackers, this journey offers unmatched opportunities to photograph nature in its purest form.

Plan snapshot

Quick Facts

Tour details

Duration

8-Day

Route

Addis Ababa to Addis Ababa (City)

Via Awash NP, Bale Mountains NP

Country & park

Ethiopia / Awash National Park

Style

Mid-range safari

Group size

1-12 travelers

Starts

Any day if available

Minimum age

5 years

Activities

game drives & nature hikes/walks

Accommodation

Da'amat Hotel - Mid-range hotel in Addis Ababa (City) – Breakfast Included

Meals

Breakfast Included

Pickup

Airport transfer included

Booking

Request quote

Currency

USD

8-Day Wild Wonders of Ethiopia Wildlife Photography Tour
Awash National Park visual context for this itinerary.

Rates

Rates Per Person

USD

Start datesSingle2+ people
Jan 1, 2026 - Dec 31, 2026 $1,650 USD $1,639 USD
Jan 1, 2027 - Dec 31, 2027 $1,650 USD $1,639 USD
Jan 1, 2028 - Dec 31, 2028 $1,650 USD $1,639 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 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
Request a Quote

Route

Tour route map
country Ethiopia
Start Addis Ababa (Day 1)
Day 2-3 Awash NP
Day 4-7 Bale Mountains NP
End Addis Ababa (City) (Day 8)

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.

5
Minimum age of 5 years

The minimum age for this tour is 5 years.

Activities & Transportation

Activities: game drives & nature hikes/walks
Game drives: normal 4x4 vehicle
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

Da'amat Hotel

Day 1

Da'amat Hotel

Mid-range hotel in Addis Ababa (City) – Breakfast Included

Breakfast Included

Da'amat HotelDa'amat Hotel
Awash Falls Lodge Mid-range lodge just outside Awash NP – Breakfast Included

Day 2-3

Awash Falls Lodge Mid-range lodge just outside Awash NP – Breakfast Included

Mid-range lodge just outside Awash NP – Breakfast Included

Breakfast Included

Wabe Shebelle Hotel Goba Budget hotel less than 1hr drive from Bale Mountains NP – Breakfast Included

Day 4

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

Bale Mountain Lodge

Day 5-7

Bale Mountain Lodge

Luxury lodge inside Bale Mountains NP – Breakfast Included

Breakfast Included

Bale Mountain LodgeBale Mountain LodgeBale Mountain Lodge

Day 8

End of tour

No accommodation

(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.

Explore Addis Ababa City Tour

Day 1

Explore Addis Ababa City Tour

Morning You'll start your journey at the National Museum of Ethiopia, home to the world-famous Lucy fossil, one of the oldest human ancestors. Then, you'll visit the Holy Trinity Cathedral, a masterpiece of Ethiopian architecture and one of the country’s most revered religious sites. Midday Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of Merkato, Africa’s largest open-air market, where you can shop for spices, coffee, and handmade crafts while witnessing the bustling daily life of locals. Recharge with a flavorful traditional Ethiopian lunch at a renowned local restaurant. Afternoon You'll head to the Entoto Hills for breathtaking views of the city and visit the historic Entoto Maryam Church, along with Emperor Menelik II’s former palace. If time allows, you'll explore the Ethnological Museum, showcasing Ethiopia’s diverse cultural heritage. You'll wrap up your day with a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony, a delightful way to experience the country’s cherished coffee culture. Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City) Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Destination: Addis Ababa (City) Stay: Da'amat Hotel Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City) Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Drive to Awash National Park

Day 2

Drive to Awash National Park

Activities: You'll stop at the Rift Valley viewpoints. You'll visit Lake Beseka (birdlife, landscapes) You'll enjoy an afternoon game drive in Awash National Park Wildlife to photograph: Beisa oryx, Soemmerring’s gazelle, olive baboons Over 400 bird species (e.g., Abyssinian ground hornbill). Hot springs, volcanic landscapes Overnight stay: Lodge inside or near Awash National 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)
Awash National Park Full-Day Exploration

Day 3

Awash National Park Full-Day Exploration

Activities: Sunrise wildlife photography, you'll visit Awash River Falls and Filwoha Hot Springs An optional cultural visit to Afar village. Photography highlights: Waterfalls, canyons, and crater lakes Early morning light on plains and wildlife. Overnight stay: Same lodge or campsite. 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)
Drive to Bale Mountains National Park (via Asela or Nazret)

Day 4

Drive to Bale Mountains National Park (via Asela or Nazret)

You'll drive to Bale Goba town for a coffee. You'll continue driving to Dinsho National Park for a short hike. The Mountain Nyala, Menelik's Bushbuck, and other endemic species are available. You will have a chance to see them. After the visit, you'll drive to Goba town for the night. Dinner will be served at the hotel. Overnight stay: 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)
Drive Lake Gebre-Guracha

Day 5

Drive Lake Gebre-Guracha

Activity hike Lake Geber-Guracha. After breakfast, you'll drive to the starting point for the hike to Lake Geber-Guracha, which will take approximately 4 hours. During the hike, there’s a high chance of spotting the endemic Ethiopian wolf. You'll enjoy a picnic lunch with breathtaking views of the 3,900m-high lake, and visit local villages along the way. You'll continue driving to the Sanetti Plateau, with elevations ranging from 3,700m to 4,100m, making it the highest road in Africa. You'll hike around the second-highest peak in Ethiopia, Tullu Demtu (4,377m), before driving on to Harena Forest. On this day, you’ll see the second-highest mountain in Ethiopia, Tullu Demtu, along with endemic wildlife like the Ethiopian wolf and various bird species. Expect about 3 hours of driving today. Dinner at the lodge. Overnight stay will be at Bale Mountain Lodge. 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)
Explore Harena Forest

Day 6

Explore Harena Forest

You'll explore Harena Forest. After breakfast, you'll embark on a beautiful 3-hour hike through Harena Forest. You'll explore Harena Forest. After breakfast, you'll embark on a beautiful 3-hour hike through Harena Forest. Activities: You'll explore the lush, cloud-shrouded Harenna Forest. You'll visit Rira village and forest coffee plantations. Wildlife: Bale monkey, bush pigs, colobus monkey, Chance of seeing leopards (rare). Photography: Misty forest scenes, waterfalls, and local culture. Overnight stay: Bale Mountain Lodge. 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)
Explores Sanetti Plateau

Day 7

Explores Sanetti Plateau

Activities: Full-day excursion to the Sanetti Plateau (~4,000m elevation). Wildlife focus: Ethiopian wolf —the most endangered canid on Earth. Giant mole rats, high-altitude bird species. Photography: Dramatic moorland landscapes, Afro-alpine plants. Morning frost and golden light on wide open spaces. Overnight stay: Bale Mountain Lodge. 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)
Fly Bale Goba to Addis Ababa

Day 8

Fly Bale Goba to Addis Ababa

After breakfast, you'll enjoy a short hike. Afterwards, you'll drive to Bale Goba Airport (approximately a 3-hour drive). And fly back to Addis Ababa. You'll depart for Addis Ababa at 3:30 pm, arriving at 4:25 pm. This marks the end of your adventure. 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 flights during the tour

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
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
Ethio Top Land Tours
Ethio Top Land Tours logo

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

5.00 average

Overall

5.0/5

Communication

5.0/5

Accuracy

5.0/5

Value

5.0/5

Safety clarity

5.0/5

Cultural value

5.0/5
Verified

Excellent

The tour was friendly and professional. It was very educational and engaging.

Sithembiso · South Africa

Verified

Great tour guide, safe and very knowledgeable

Loved the experience especially the market. We had an amazing tour guide

Zoe · South Africa

Verified

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

Verified

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

8 answers

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?

You can request minor changes to the accommodations and destinations of this tour.

Where do travelers stay during this tour?

Da'amat 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

Booking terms

Disclaimer

This tour is offered by Ethio Top Land 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.

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 Ethio Top Land Tours.

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$1,639.00