14 Days Bird Watching in Ethiopia Tour
Tour Highlights
-
Explore 3 UNESCO Biosphere Reserves: Kaffa, Lake Tana & Simien Mountains
-
Lake & forest birdwatching: lammergeier, ibises, cranes, cormorants & more
-
Scenic hikes around Wenchi Crater Lake & Barta Waterfall
-
Learn about wild coffee origins and local honey production
-
Visit Jimma, the historical home of Ethiopian coffee culture
-
Boat trips to Lake Tana monastery islands & wildlife-rich wetlands
-
High-mountain trekking & wildlife spotting in Simien National Park
-
Cultural experiences in historic Gondar, the “Camelot of Africa”
Day 1: Arrival - Drive to Debre Zeit (Bishoftu)
Arrive in Addis Ababa and drive 45 km to Debre Zeit. The area hosts seven crater lakes home to abundant birdlife along steep volcanic walls.
In the afternoon, enjoy a paddle-boat excursion on Lake Babogaya, watching colorful water birds including herons and cormorants.
Overnight: Hotel in Debre Zeit
Day 2: Debre Zeit - Wolisso
Early birdwatching around crater lakes to observe ibises in morning flight.
Then continue via Addis Ababa to Wolisso, with time to relax and spot monkeys and birds around the lodge.
Travel: ~165 km
Overnight: Lodge in Wolisso
Day 3: Excursion to Wenchi Crater Lake
Explore Wenchi Crater Lake — scenic hike or horse ride (4–5 hours):
-
Descend into the lush crater
-
Short boat ride across the lake
-
Walk through valleys with traditional mills, streams & hot springs
Keep an eye out for the majestic lammergeier vulture.
Travel: ~110 km
Overnight: Lodge in Wolisso
Day 4: Wolisso - Jimma
Drive west to Jimma through scenic countryside.
Seasonal (Sept–Oct) coffee harvest views and opportunities for bird spotting along the Gibe River.
Travel: ~245 km
Overnight: Hotel in Jimma
Day 5: Jimma - Bonga (Kaffa Biosphere Reserve)
Morning market visit in Jimma with fresh specialty coffee.
Continue through increasingly forested landscapes crossing the Gojeb River into the Kaffa Biosphere.
Short forest hike and visit to a local cave before arriving in Bonga — surrounded by lush mountain rainforests.
Travel: ~120 km
Overnight: Lodge in Bonga
Day 6: Alem Gonna Wetlands & Barta Waterfall
Early visit to Alem Gonna wetlands for birds & De Brazza’s monkeys in misty grasslands.
Breakfast picnic in nature.
Afternoon hike (≈1 hour) to the 70 m Barta Waterfall — dramatic basalt cliffs and rainforest scenery.
Meet local beekeepers & learn about traditional honey-making.
Travel: ~30 km
Overnight: Lodge in Bonga
Day 7: Bonga - Jimma - Fly to Addis Ababa
Return to Jimma and fly to Addis Ababa.
Afternoon free for personal activities in the capital.
Travel: ~120 km
Flight: ~55 min
Overnight: Hotel in Addis Ababa
Day 8: Fly Addis Ababa - Bahir Dar (Lake Tana Biosphere Reserve)
Fly to Bahir Dar and receive a briefing from NABU about Lake Tana’s conservation efforts.
Enjoy the lakeside promenade filled with birdlife.
Flight: ~45 min
Overnight: Hotel in Bahir Dar
Day 9: Nature & Monasteries on Lake Tana
Boat trip to remote monastery islands and pristine bird habitats in the southern lake region.
Overnight: Hotel in Bahir Dar
Day 10: More Lake Tana Wildlife & Culture
Second day of exploring Lake Tana by boat — ideal for spotting wintering cranes and diverse aquatic species.
Overnight: Hotel in Bahir Dar
Day 11: Bahir Dar - Gondar - Kossoye
Drive north to Gondar to visit the Royal Enclosure and medieval castles.
Continue to Kossoye overlooking dramatic mountain landscapes.
Travel: ~210 km
Overnight: Lodge with cliffside views in Kossoye
Day 12: Simien Mountains National Park
Drive to Debark and into Simien National Park — known for deep canyons and wildlife:
-
Lammergeier, thick-billed raven, Walia Ibex
Picnic lunch in the park and return to the Simien Lodge, the highest hotel in Africa.
Travel: ~100 km
Overnight: Simien Lodge
Day 13: Explore the High Simiens - Return to Gondar
Drive deeper into the park towards Inatye viewpoint (4,070 m) and Jinbar Waterfall (over 500 m drop).
Frequent sightings of Gelada baboons.
Return to Gondar in late afternoon.
Travel: ~130 km
Overnight: Hotel in Gondar
Day 14: Fly Gondar - Addis Ababa & Departure
Free morning before transfer to the airport.
Fly to Addis for souvenir shopping and a farewell cultural dinner.
Late evening transfer to airport for your international flight.
Flight: ~55 min
Traditional dinner included
