Wild Birding | Wild Ethiopia: The Birding Loop

Wild Ethiopia: The Birding Loop

per person

Explore Ethiopia’s finest birding habitats on this expertly designed circuit through the country’s southern and central highlands. From the arid plains of Awash to the afro-alpine heights of the Bale Mountains, and down to the savannahs of Yabelo, this tour offers exceptional opportunities to encounter Ethiopia’s most sought-after birds.

This comprehensive itinerary takes in a rich variety of ecosystems — from Rift Valley lakes and montane forests to acacia-dotted lowlands — and targets a wide range of specialities. Expect endemics like Prince Ruspoli’s Turaco, Stresemann’s Bush-crow, White-tailed Swallow, Spot-breasted Lapwing, and Blue-winged Goose, along with an impressive supporting cast of raptors, waterbirds, forest dwellers, and dry-country species. With expert guiding and well-paced travel throughout, this is a birding adventure designed to deliver.

Bird count:

Over 400.

Pace:

Relaxed.

Tour difficulty:

The majority of birdwatching will be conducted on foot and at elevated altitudes, but nothing too strenuous or overly demanding.

When to visit:

Although the birding is fantastic all-year round, to nitpick, the optimal period for birdwatching in Ethiopia is from November to March, coinciding with the presence of Palearctic migrant birds during the dry season, making it an excellent time. Additionally, the period from April to September is also favourable for birding. During these months, resident birds transition into their breeding plumage, becoming more vocal, easier to spot, and visually stunning. However, heavy rainfall in July and August may impact sighting opportunities.

Sustainability:

Wild Birding designs birding and wildlife holidays that support conservation, empower local communities, and tread lightly. We work exclusively with trusted local guides and conservation-minded lodges, avoid crowded circuits, and keep group sizes small to minimise our impact. We actively encourage guests to take part in citizen science through eBird, and we’ve partnered with Sustainable Travel to offer optional carbon offsetting and direct support for local conservation projects.

Price:

Our tailor-made birding tours are custom-designed for each client, making standard pricing difficult. Costs vary based on factors like accommodation, group size, duration, and specific locations. For a personalised quote that matches your taste and budget, please contact us with your requirements.

As an example, this Wild Ethiopia: The Birding Loop costs £3,900 per person, based on a group of 6 individuals staying in top-end mid-range safari lodges with shared twin rooms.

For our Set Departure Birding Tours, with fixed prices, please click the button below.

Tour Leader:

Yilma Dellelegn is an Ethiopian ornithologist and conservationist with over 40 years of experience working in biodiversity and natural resource management across Ethiopia. He holds a Masters degree in Conservation Biology from the University of Kent and has held numerous leadership positions within Ethiopia’s protected area system.

Throughout his career, Yilma has played an integral role in several aspects of Ethiopia’s conservation efforts. He has extensive experience managing protected areas as well as researching and monitoring bird populations. He has authored over 50 publications on Ethiopian ornithology and wetland ecology. Moreover, Yilma has provided expertise to organisations such as IUCN and BirdLife International on issues pertaining to Important Bird Areas, wetlands, and threatened species. Yilma has led a number of bird tours in Ethiopia and has worked with several local tour operators leading their tours from different companies such as Naturetrek and more. With his multifaceted background and long-standing commitment to Ethiopia’s biodiversity, Yilma has emerged as one of the country’s leading authorities on conservation and natural resource management. He continues his valuable work of advising projects, researching wildlife, and advocating for protected areas.

Birding & Wildlife Highlights

• Lammergeier
• Ethiopia Boubou
• Blue-winged Goose
• Spot-breasted Lapwing
• Yellow-fronted Parrot
• Abyssinian Longclaw
• Abyssinian Catbird
• Ethiopian Siskin
• Variable Sunbird
• Fan-tailed Raven
• Crested Francolin
• Yellow-breasted Barbet
• Shining Sunbird
• Arabian Bustard
• Gillett’s Lark
• Mouse-coloured Penduline Tit
• Somali Ostrich
• Hemprich’s Hornbill
• White-bellied Go-away-bird
• Northern White-faced Owl
• Bare-eyed Thrush
• Boran Cisticola
• Tiny Cisticola
• Salvadori’s Seedeater
• Banded Parisoma
• Liben Lark
• Pygmy Batis
• Somali Short-toed Lark
• White-crowned Starling
• Shelley’s Sparrow
• Scaly Chatterer
• Acacia Tit
• Pringle’s Puffback
• Bristle-crowned Starling
• Foxy Lark
• Abyssinian Ground-hornbill

11 Days

Ethiopia

Departure

Addis Ababa
Included

Airport Transfers

Birding Telescope

Full board (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Mineral Water

National Park Fees

Overnight In Top Safari Lodges

Professional Bird Guide

Professional Driver

Safari Vehicle

Updated Bird Checklist

WiFi

Our gallery

A few photos from our previous birding tours in Ethiopia

Arrival in Addis Ababa – Transfer to Awash National Park

Arrive at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport and meet your guide, Zelalem. Drive to Awash National Park, one of Ethiopia’s top birding sites. Settle in and enjoy your first birding session in the park’s acacia and grassland habitats.

Full Day Birding in Awash National Park

Drive south into the Rift Valley to Lake Langano. Bird the lakeshore and surrounding woodland in the afternoon. Highlights may include Black-winged Lovebird, Banded Barbet, Yellow-fronted Parrot, and waterfowl along the lake.

Transfer to Lake Langano – Afternoon Birding

Morning at Lake Langano – Transfer to Bale Mountains

Early birding around Langano, then continue southeast to Bale Mountains National Park. Arrive in time for initial birding near the lodge. Expect a dramatic change in scenery and target species such as Bale endemics.

Birding Across the Bale Mountains

Full day exploring the Bale Mountains, from the Sanetti Plateau to Hagenia forests. Key species include Spot-breasted Lapwing, Blue-winged Goose, Abyssinian Longclaw, and Lammergeier. Forest birding may reveal Yellow-fronted Parrot and Abyssinian Woodpecker.

Bale Mountains – Transfer to Lake Hawassa via Wondo Genet

Final birding in the Bale Mountains before the scenic drive to Lake Hawassa. En route, explore habitats around Wondo Genet. Possible sightings include Abyssinian Slaty Flycatcher, White-cheeked Turaco, and Narina Trogon.

Morning at Wondo Genet & Hawassa – Drive to Yabelo

Begin the day in Wondo Genet’s lush forest, then bird along Lake Hawassa’s shoreline. Species may include Great White Pelican, African Pygmy Goose, and Lesser Swamp Warbler. In the afternoon, transfer to Yabelo Wildlife Sanctuary.

Birding in Yabelo Wildlife Sanctuary & Arero Forest

Explore Yabelo’s acacia woodlands and open savannah. Endemics such as Stresemann’s Bushcrow and White-tailed Swallow are key targets. At Arero Forest, search for the vibrant Prince Ruspoli’s Turaco. Other highlights include Vulturine Guineafowl and Somali Courser.

Final Birding in Yabelo – Transfer to Yirgalem

Morning birding in Yabelo for any missed species. Travel north to Yirgalem, birding en route. Check in to Aregash Lodge, where forest species like Silvery-cheeked Hornbill and Abyssinian Catbird can be found in the grounds.

Wondo Genet Forest – Return to Addis Ababa

Depart Yirgalem with a final stop at Wondo Genet to target missed endemics. Continue to Addis Ababa for check-in at the Hyatt Regency and a celebratory farewell dinner at a local cultural restaurant.

Relaxation & Sightseeing – Departure

Free morning at the hotel or optional sightseeing in Addis Ababa. Visit the National Museum, Ethnological Museum, and Holy Trinity Cathedral. Afternoon coffee shopping and evening transfer to the airport for departure.