Begin your tour in Addis Ababa's city parks, a warm-up session alive with the endemic Wattled Ibis and shimmering Tacazze Sunbirds.
Ethiopia Birding Tour: Endemic Encounters in the Simiens & Gondar
Capturing Endemics In Simiens & Gondar
Embark on Ethiopia birding tour perfection during this 6-day odyssey from Addis Ababa to the craggy Simien Mountains and story-book Gondar. Your lens will frame rare endemics, dramatic escarpments and charismatic mammals such as Gelada Baboons while expert guides help you track down headline species like Ankober Serin and Rouget’s Rail. Culture, castles and cloud-piercing vistas combine for a compact adventure that delivers big photographic rewards.
Destination Highlights
Highlighted Destinations
Explore the core of the Simien birdwatching scene, where the rare Walia Ibex and giant Bearded Vultures provide a stunning backdrop.
Visit this hotspot at dawn to find the Ankober Serin and spot the Ethiopian Wolf, all bathed in golden morning light.
Discover Gondar's medieval castles, a unique setting for spotting the beautiful Banded Barbet and Black-winged Lovebird.
Scan the vast expanse of Ethiopia’s largest lake from scenic viewpoints for a chance to photograph the magnificent African Fish Eagle.
Itinerary at a Glance
Day by day Tour Itinerary
DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN ADDIS ABABA
- Today is essentially an arrival day. For those who arrive during the day, it is possible to enjoy some birding within city parks. Noteworthy species that may be seen this include White-backed Black Tit, Abyssinian Slaty Flycatcher, Brown-rumped Seedeater, Tacazze Sunbird, White-collared Pigeon, Wattled Ibis and a host of raptors overhead, numbering both Egyptian and Hooded Vultures. Overnight in Addis Ababa
DAY 2: FLY FROM ADDIS ABABA TO GONDAR AND DRIVE TO SIMIEN MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK.
- You will leave in the morning for our domestic flight to Gondar, gateway to the world-famous Simien Mountains National Park; home to the critically endangered Walia Ibex, super troops of Gelada and a host of other spectacular wildlife.
- Gondar is known as the “Camelot of Ethiopia.” This city was founded by Emperor Fasilidas around 1635 and is famous for its medieval castles and ornately decorated churches – in particular, Debra Berhan Selassie. Gondar is probably the most immediately impressive of Ethiopia's major ex-capitals and is now one of the country's largest cities. Flanked by twin mountain streams at an altitude of more than 2,300m (7,600ft), Gondar commands spectacular views over farmlands to the gleaming waters of Lake Tana 35 kilometres (22 miles) to the south. This marvellous city really is a sight to behold, and the ancient castle-like structures give a sense of the city's age and the kind of civilisation that once occupied the area.
- Once in Gondar, you will make your way to the highest hotel in Africa, situated at an altitude of 3,260m (10,800ft). This comfortable lodge will be our overnight stop before you head into the mountains of the Simien Mountains National Park. This World Heritage Site, with its jagged skyline and blocks of volcanic core rock, was once described as a place where “Greek gods play chess” – and in the next few days you will see for yourselves just how apt this statement happens to be! Overnight in Simien Mountains
DAYS 3 & 4: EXCURSIONS TO SIMIEN MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK (CHENEK)
- hese will prove to be an exciting two days as you explore the rugged Simien Mountains in search of the magnificent Walia Ibex and Gelada. The ibex, a large goat-like creature, sports a monstrous set of horns and inhabits the rugged rocky and grassy slopes of these seldom-visited mountains. The numbers of these animals are gradually recovering now that they are protected and the population is estimated to be approximately 500 animals, up from 200 in the late 1990s. Troops of Geladas, up to four hundred strong, also thrive here and we will spend quality time observing these unique and fascinating primates. With long woolly capes, tasselled tails, bare red chests and an arrogant swagger, these last relics of once widespread grass-eating baboons are now endemic to the highlands of Ethiopia.
- The Geladas roost on the massive cliffs that dominate the park, but spend their days hunched over the grasses that form the bulk of their diet. Despite sporting massive canines (the largest in proportion to body size of any mammal!), Geladas are non-aggressive and, with patience, we sometimes find ourselves in and amongst a large troop as they concentrate on their foraging. You may also be treated to a formidable lip-flip – the imposing grimace put on by Geladas to reveal their impressive upper jaw and canines, but more likely you will be completely ignored as they go about their daily business.
- Interestingly, Geladas are extremely vocal, being able to pronounce all nouns and five vowels! Other attractions in the area include several species of endemic birds such as Rouget's Rail, Erckel's and Chestnut-naped Francolins, Spot-breasted Lapwing, Thick-billed Raven, Abyssinian Longclaw, White-billed Starling, Ethiopian Siskin and the rare and localised Ankober Serin, as well as an important population of the spectacular Bearded Vulture.
- Ethiopian Wolf may also be found parading around this beautiful landscape, although they have suffered due to various diseases passed on from domestic dogs and are usually only restricted to more remote areas of the park. Serval, the Menelik's sub-species of Bushbuck, Klipspringer, Guereza, Abyssinian sub-species of Rock Hyrax and Golden Jackal are further mammalian possibilities. Overnight in Simien Mountains
DAY 5: SIMIEN MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK TO GONDAR.
- You will spend some of the morning further exploring the mountains, after which you will then undertake the drive back to Gondar, stopping for any interesting sightings and photographic opportunities en route. Whilst in Gondar, you will no doubt encounter a variety of other special Ethiopian birds; possibilities include Black-winged Lovebird, Hemprich's Hornbill, Banded Barbet, Abyssinian Slaty Flycatcher, Brown-rumped Seedeater and much besides. Overnight in Gondar
DAY 6: FLY FROM GONDAR TO ADDIS ABABA AND DEPART.
- Following some final exploration of the Gondar area, you will fly back to Addis Ababa where we will have time to explore some of the historical sites and museums in the city. Fine linen, traditional Coptic Christian artefacts, wooden carvings and scripts are some of the many popular Ethiopian souvenirs that are available here. You will then transfer to Bole International Airport after a farewell dinner to catch our international flights home.
Begin Your Adventure with Sawla Tours
At Sawla Tours, we believe that every journey should be as unique as the traveler. Our expert team is dedicated to crafting personalized itineraries that reflect your interests and passions, ensuring an unforgettable Ethiopian experience.
Whether you're seeking cultural immersion, wildlife adventures, or breathtaking landscapes, we tailor each tour to your preferences. From the moment you reach out, our travel designers work closely with you to create a bespoke itinerary that captures the essence of Ethiopia.
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