12-Day Endemic Wildlife & Safari tours

• Ethiopian Wolf: Africa’s rarest canid, primarily found in the Bale Mountains and a smaller population in Simien.

• Gelada Baboon: Endemic primate known as the “bleeding-heart monkey,” found in large troops in the Simien Mountains.

• Walia Ibex: Endemic wild goat, only found on the cliffs of the Simien Mountains.

• Mountain Nyala: Magnificent endemic antelope, most easily found in the Bale Mountains.

Chebera Churchura or Nechisar (Optional Swap): Depending on the operator’s focus, days 2–4 could be swapped for a visit to Chebera Churchura National Park in the South West for a chance at African Elephants and large Buffalo herds, or Nechisar National Park for the endemic Swayne’s Hartebeest and huge Crocodile Market at Lake Chamo.

Day 1: Arrival in Addis Ababa & Local Birding

Arrive at Bole International Airport (ADD). You will be met and transferred to your hotel. In the afternoon, enjoy an excursion to a nearby birding site like Gefersa Reservoir or the Sululta Plains, excellent spots for initial sightings of highland endemics such as the Blue-winged Goose, Wattled Ibis, Spot-breasted Lapwing, and Abyssinian Longclaw. This sets the stage for your focus on Ethiopia’s unique fauna.

Day 2: Fly to Bale Mountains Region & Gaysay Grasslands

Catch a morning domestic flight from Addis Ababa to Robe in the Bale Mountains region. Upon arrival, you’ll transfer to the park headquarters at Dinsho. In the afternoon, explore the nearby Gaysay Grasslands. This area is superb for viewing the endemic Mountain Nyala and Menelik’s Bushbuck, as well as common warthogs and Bohor reedbuck. The day offers an immediate, rewarding introduction to Bale’s wildlife.

Day 3: Sanetti Plateau – Ethiopian Wolf Search

Drive and walk across the spectacular Sanetti Plateau, the largest tract of Afro-alpine moorland in Africa, reaching elevations over 4,000 meters. The main focus is tracking the critically endangered Ethiopian Wolf, the world’s rarest canid, which hunts the endemic Giant Mole Rat and Ethiopian Rouget’s Rail here. The drive itself is incredibly scenic and is Africa’s highest all-weather road.

Day 4: Sanetti Plateau & Harenna Forest

Spend the morning continuing your search for the Ethiopian Wolf on the Sanetti Plateau, taking advantage of the best morning light. Afterwards, descend into the lush, mysterious Harenna Forest, the second-largest moist tropical forest in Ethiopia. Search for the Giant Forest Hog, various colobus and Bale Monkeys, and unique birdlife like the Abyssinian Catbird.

Day 5: Drive to the Rift Valley Lakes (Awassa)

Drive out of the Bale Mountains and head north/west along the Great Rift Valley. Your destination is the city of Awassa, situated on the shores of Lake Awassa. In the late afternoon, a boat trip on the lake offers excellent viewing of hippos, numerous fish-eating birds, and the African Fish Eagle. The nearby fish market provides a unique opportunity to see different aquatic bird species.

Day 6: Rift Valley to Awash National Park

Continue your journey north through the scenic Rift Valley, stopping at notable birding and wetland sites like Lake Ziway or Lake Langano to spot a variety of water birds including the Black Crowned Crane and different Pelican species. Proceed to Awash National Park in the semi-arid lowlands. After settling into your lodge, enjoy a late afternoon game drive for species like the Beisa Oryx, Soemmering’s Gazelle, and both Olive and Hamadryas Baboons.

Day 7: Awash National Park Exploration

Enjoy a full day exploring Awash National Park, contrasting the highlands with this drier habitat. Focus on morning and afternoon game drives, which often provide sightings of the Lesser Kudu, Salt’s Dik-dik, and Warthog. The park is a major birding hotspot, known for species like the Somali Ostrich, various bustards, and raptors soaring over the Awash Gorge.

Day 8: Fly to Gondar and Drive to Simien Mountains

Take a domestic flight from the Awash region (via Addis Ababa) to Gondar, the 17th-century historical capital. Upon arrival, immediately drive to the Simien Mountains National Park headquarters in Debark. Continue the scenic drive into the park to your accommodation, situated along the escarpment with breathtaking views.

Day 9: Simien Mountains – Gelada Baboons & Walia Ibex

Spend a full day exploring the most dramatic parts of the Simien Mountains. The primary objective is to observe the large troops of the endemic Gelada Baboon (sometimes called the ‘bleeding heart baboon’), which are often accustomed to human presence, allowing for fantastic photographic opportunities. Trek or drive to the Chenek area to search for the elusive, endemic Walia Ibex, a wild goat found nowhere else in the world, often seen near cliffs.

Day 10: Simien Mountains Trekking & Endemic Birds

Enjoy another day of trekking in the Simiens, focusing on high-altitude viewing spots like Imet Gogo for incredible vistas. Keep a keen eye out for the endemic bird species, including the massive Bearded Vulture (Lammergeyer), which soars along the cliffs, the Thick-billed Raven, and the Rüppell’s Chat. The spectacular mountain scenery complements the unique wildlife.

Day 11: Drive to Gondar & Flight to Addis Ababa

Drive from the Simien Mountains back to Gondar. If time allows before your afternoon flight back to Addis Ababa, you may have a brief tour of the UNESCO-listed Royal Enclosure (Fasil Ghebbi) to see the historical castles. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner in Addis Ababa.

Day 12: Departure

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Bole International Airport (ADD) for your international departure, carrying memories of Ethiopia’s unique endemic wildlife and stunning landscapes.

Accommodation:

• All accommodations (hotels/lodges in cities/towns and high-quality tents/camping gear during trekking).

Transportation:

• All ground transportation for the duration of the tour (often in a private 4×4 Land Cruiser or private jeep).

• Vehicle fuel and driver allowance.

• Airport transfers (pick-up and drop-off in Addis Ababa).

• Domestic Flights: Some longer tours (especially those combining the Bale Mountains with the north or south) may include one or more domestic flights (e.g., Addis Ababa to/from Robe, or flights for a Northern/Southern Circuit).

Meals & Water:

• All meals (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner) throughout the tour.

• Bottled drinking water (especially during trekking/driving days).

• A professional cook and cooking equipment for camping sections.

Personnel & Fees:

• Professional, English-speaking Tour Guide throughout the trip.

• Local Guides, Rangers, and Scouts as required by the National Park.

• All Entrance Fees and park fees as per the program.

• Camping fees and camping gear (tent, sleeping bags, mattress, table, chair, etc.).

Other:

• All government taxes and service charges.

• (On some tours) Boat trips on lakes like Lake Chamo or Lake Tana.

These are expenses you should budget for separately:

Flights:

• International Airfare (flights to and from Ethiopia).

• (If not specifically included in your package) Domestic flights within Ethiopia.

Personal Expenses:

• Alcoholic Drinks, Soft Drinks, and other beverages (beyond the included water/meals).

• Tipping/Gratuities for your guide, driver, cook, camp assistants, rangers, and hotel staff. This is customary in Ethiopia.

• Personal purchases and souvenirs.

• Laundry, phone calls, and other personal hotel charges.

Documentation & Fees:

• Visa Costs for entry into Ethiopia.

• Any required Photography or Video Fees at certain cultural sites or museums.