14-Day Bird Photography Tour in Ethiopia

Ethiopia is one of Africa’s most spectacular birding and wildlife photography destinations home to dramatic landscapes, ancient highlands, Rift Valley lakes, and over 860 bird species, including more than 20 endemics found nowhere else on Earth.

This 14-day Bird Photography Tour is expertly crafted for passionate photographers, nature lovers, and bird enthusiasts who want to capture Ethiopia’s rare wildlife up close. From the soaring Lammergeier above the cliffs of Debre Libanos to the elusive Ethiopian Wolf hunting across the Sanetti Plateau, every day offers new and unforgettable photographic opportunities.

Day 1: Arrival in Addis Ababa & Sululta Plains

Arrive at Bole International Airport (ADD), meet your guide, and transfer to your hotel.
Afternoon photography on the Sululta Plains a great opportunity to capture endemic species such as Blue-winged Goose, Rouget’s Rail, and the striking Spot-breasted Lapwing in highland wetlands.

Day 2: Debre Libanos & Jemma Valley Gorge

Drive north to the historic Debre Libanos monastery and the dramatic Jemma Valley Gorge.
Photograph soaring raptors including Lammergeier (Bearded Vulture), and highland endemics such as Rüppell’s Black Chat and White-winged Cliff Chat. Gelada Baboons provide excellent wildlife photography opportunities.

Day 3: Rift Valley Lakes — Awassa

Travel south into the Great Rift Valley with photography stops at Koka Dam and Lake Ziway.
Expect large groups of pelicans, cormorants, egrets, and several kingfisher species (Pied, Malachite, Giant & Grey).
Continue to Lake Awassa for an overnight stay.

Day 4: Awassa Fish Market & Wondo Genet

Begin with a sunrise visit to the lively Awassa Fish Market for unique bird and cultural photography — Marabou Storks, Pelicans, and Fish Eagles scavenging along the shore.
Continue to Wondo Genet, surrounded by Afromontane forest.
Photograph Yellow-fronted Parrot, Black-winged Lovebird, and the beautiful Abyssinian Ground Thrush (Endemic).

Day 5: Bale Mountains National Park (Dinsho HQ)

Scenic drive into the Bale Highlands with photography stops along the way.
Spot endemic mammals like Ethiopian Highland Hare and Menelik’s Bushbuck near Dinsho HQ.
Start searching for the iconic Mountain Nyala in juniper-Hagenia forests.

Day 6: Sanetti Plateau Afro-Alpine Experience

Full-day photography on the Sanetti Plateau Africa’s largest Afro-alpine habitat.
This is the world’s best location to photograph the endangered Ethiopian Wolf.
Target species: Spot-breasted Lapwing, Blue-winged Goose, Ruddy Shelduck & Thick-billed Raven.
Jaw-dropping scenery of giant lobelias makes this a top landscape photography site.

Day 7: Harenna Forest — Southern Bale

Descend into the lush Harenna Forest.
Focus on forest species such as Abyssinian Owl (possible nocturnal sighting), African Emerald Cuckoo, Abyssinian Catbird, and raptors like Ayres’s Hawk-Eagle.
Dense, mist-filled vegetation offers amazing nature composition.

Day 8: Bale to Negele Borana

Drive south through the Genale River valley into dry lowlands.
The dramatic landscape changes bring new bird species and photographic diversity.
Birding stops along the route.

Day 9: Negele & Liben Plain Southern Endemics

Full-day photography around Negele and the threatened Liben Plain.
Rare species include the critically endangered Sidamo (Archer’s) Lark and the vibrant Prince Ruspoli’s Turaco in acacia scrub habitats.

Day 10: Yabelo Wildlife Sanctuary

Continue west to Yabelo Wildlife Sanctuary.
Afternoon birding for region-specific endemics such as Stresemann’s Bushcrow and White-tailed Swallow.
Photographic opportunities with unique red termite mound landscapes.

Day 11: Yabelo & Drive North

Morning bird photography to target remaining dry-land species like Vulturine Guineafowl and Red-naped Bushshrike.
Drive north returning toward the Rift Valley. Overnight near Awassa or Lake Langano.

Day 12: Awash National Park

Drive to Awash National Park in the eastern Rift Valley.
Afternoon game drive and birding  excellent savannah wildlife photography featuring Beisa Oryx and Soemmering’s Gazelle.
Target birds include Arabian Bustard, Yellow-breasted Barbet, and Red-fronted Barbet.

Day 13: Awash Gorge & Return to Addis Ababa

Morning photography around the Awash River Gorge — look for Fan-tailed Raven and other cliff specialists.
Drive back to Addis Ababa with a final stop at Lake Cheleleka near Debre Zeit for water bird photography (time permitting).
Enjoy a farewell dinner with cultural show.

Day 14: Departure

Depending on flight schedule, explore a local market or museum.
Transfer to Bole International Airport (ADD) for departure.