Ethiopia has rightly become one of Africa’s leading birding destinations. Its avifauna represents an interesting mixture of eastern and West African, Palearctic and endemic components. In addition to over 800 species of birds, of which a staggering 37 are endemic or near-endemic, Ethiopia has a number of spectacular endemic mammals, and a scenic diversity and cultural uniqueness that are probably unequalled in Africa. The best months to visit are September -December, and over 500 species can be recorded on a thorough three-week trip.
Overview
Ethiopia, ‘the Roof of Africa’, is an absolutely unique and spectacular birding destination. It is one of Africa’s most scenically beautiful countries, boasting some of the continent’s highest mountains and plateaus (but also contains a depression that reaches below sea level), impressive escarpments, Great Rift Valley lakes, and volcanos.
Itinerary
Meet and greet you Scenic Tours representative at exit of luggage claim and transfer you to the hotel.
After breakfast, you will drive to Menegash Suba forest (50 Km from Addis, the first known subject of an official conservation policy in Africa, protected by the government since the 16th century). You will visit birds and different endemic species such as White-winged fluff tail (one of the globally threatened species), Yellow-fronted parrot, Abyssinian Woodpecker and Abyssinian catbird; and also some wildlife like: gureza monkey, the endemic Menelik’s bushbuck, baboon, common duiker, and serval cat. You will have packed lunch in the bush. Late in afternoon, you will drive back to Addis Ababa then you will have dinner, rest & spend the night at the hotel.
Right after breakfast, an early morning drive will take you to Awash National Park (225 Km from Addis Ababa). The Park and its surrounding area are very important for birds; the total number of species recorded exceeds 400; there is a population of two globally threatened and restricted range species. You will arrive in Awash National Park late in the afternoon. You will check into a lodge and take a break before dinner is served. .
You will have breakfast and stay one more day in Awash National Park to visit Ilala Sala Plain (Oryx Plain), Awash River Waterfalls and acacia thickets for birds such as Grey Hornbill, Somali Fiscal, Helmeted Guinea fowl, Blue-napped Mouse bird, Kori Bustard, Yellow-necked Francolin, Drongo, Red-winged Lark, Woodland and Striped Kingfishers, Robins and birds of prey such as Tawny Eagle, Long-crested Eagle, Yellow-billed Kite and Dark Chanting Goshawk. Awash park is also home to mammals such as Oryx, Lesser Kudu, Hammadryas Baboon and Olive Baboon, Vervet Monkey, Salt’s Dick-dick and more. In the evening, you will get back to the lodge and you will have dinner and stay the night in the lodge.
After breakfast, you will be driven back to Addis Ababa (225 Km). You will have lunch at Nazareth (Adama). You will arrive in Addis Ababa late afternoon where you will do some shopping for souvenirs. Finally you will be taken to a farewell dinner depending on your scheduled flight; you will be transferred out to Bole International Airport for return flight back home.
Price Includes:
- 1. Fuel surcharge
- 2. All taxes, fees and handling charges
- Breakfast
- 3. Bottled water
- 4. Non Alcoholic Beverages
- 5. Local guide
- 6. Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Round-trip private transfer
- 7. Coffee and/or Tea
Price doesn't Include:
- 1. International air/flight tickets,
- 2. Alcohol beverages,
- 3. Tourist Insurance,
- 4. Video filming and photography fees,Tips
- and items of personal nature like
- 5. laundry, souvenirs, etc
- 6. All expense that are not mentioned in
- the included par
You must be at least 15 years old to be eligible to participate in the majority of our trips. For all minors, an adult must accompany them. Our Adventure tours have a minimum age limit of 18. Younger children can accompany the adults in leisure and educational trips, but check the trips for their individual age requirements on the trip details page.
Usually, our trips don’t have a maximum age limit, but a Self-Assessment Form is required for participants who are 70 years and above.
Yes, there are a lot of solo travelers in each group and it adds an extra dimension to the trip by allowing you to know like-minded people and share your experiences. About 60% of our groups are solo , other are group of friends and couples .
After your payment is completed and your booking is confirmed, if you cancel your booking 45 or more days before the departure, you will get a 50% refund. If your trip is departing in less than 45 days, the amount is non-refundable. So we highly recommend taking an all-inclusive insurance policy, so you know your investment is secure! For further information regarding cancellation and refund, please refer to our terms and conditions.
Some of the meals, accommodation, transport and activities (it will be indicated in detail in the itinerary). We try to include more to add value in your trip.
Mainly international flight tickets to the reporting destination, visa fees and insurance fees which is a must.
If I am a solo traveller, will I be charged single supplement?
Our accommodations on most of the tours are on a twin share basis. We believe that accommodations are an integral part a great trip. Our accommodations are good quality hotels, wherever provisional. The type of accommodation depends on the trip and can differ throughout the trip. You can get the exact list of accommodations just before the start of the tour.
As a solo traveller, you will be paired up with another participant of the same gender as per your passport information. If you’re not comfortable sharing a room with someone, you also have the choice to pay for a single supplement.
