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 GrasslandsCatch 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.

• For a multi-day/trekking tour (like a 12-Day Bale Mountains Trekking package), you can
  generally expect the following to be included:
  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