Grand Ethiopian Wildlife Safari Tour

Parks Included: Simien Mountains National Park, Bale Mountains National Park, Chebera
Churchura National Park
Operator: Bale Mountains Brilliant Tours
This 17-day journey is a true Ethiopian Wildlife Odyssey, meticulously crafted to explore the
country’s three most remarkable and distinct wildernesses. It’s an adventure into the high
altitude Afro-alpine moorlands and the dense, sub-tropical lowlands, offering an unparalleled
chance to encounter Et

• The Simien Mountains (UNESCO World Heritage Site):1 Experience the Roof of Africa
  with its spectacular, jagged peaks, 1,500m sheer precipices, and vast panoramic vistas.2
  Here, you will trek amongst large troops of the endemic Gelada Baboon (often called the
  ‘bleeding-heart baboon’) and search for the critically endangered Walia Ibex (a wild
  mountain goat found nowhere else) and the elusive Ethiopian Wolf.3
• The Bale Mountains: Ascend to the vast Sanetti Plateau, Africa’s largest stretch of Afro
  alpine habitat.4 This high-altitude landscape, characterized by Giant Lobelias, is the
  premier sanctuary for the endangered Ethiopian Wolf—the rarest canid in the world.5 You
  will also encounter the endemic Mountain Nyala and a host of spectacular highland
  birds, including the Wattled Ibis and Rouget’s Rail.
• Chebera Churchura National Park: An Untamed African Secret: Venture to the remote
  southwest for an authentic, off-the-beaten-path safari.6 Chebera Churchura is Ethiopia’s
  most reliable destination for tracking and observing its dense population of African
  Elephants in a rare, untouched ecosystem of wooded grassland and montane forest.7 You
  will also search for Cape Buffalo, Greater Kudu, and possibly the secretive Lion and
  Leopard.

Part 1: Northern Highlands (Simien)

Day 1: Arrival in Addis Ababa & Flight to Gondar – Drive to Simien Mountains Arrive at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD). Take an immediate domestic
flight from Addis Ababa to Gondar (GDQ).
From Gondar, drive to the Simien Mountains National Park headquarters in Debark,and continue to your lodge/campsite (e.g., Sankober or Simien Lodge).

Day 2: Simien Mountains National Park
Full day exploring the Simien escarpment. Hike and trek along the stunning cliffs to search for the endemic Gelada Baboons (the ‘bleeding heart baboon’). Enjoy the
dramatic high-altitude scenery.

Day 3: Simien Mountains – Walia Ibex Search & Return to Gondar/Flight to Addis Morning drive to Chenek to look for the endangered endemic Walia Ibex and theEthiopian Wolf (though a rare sighting in the Simien).
Return drive to Gondar. Option A: Overnight in Gondar. Option B: Late afternoon flightback to Addis Ababa.

Part 2: Western Wilderness (Chebera Churchura)Day 4: Flight to Jimma/Drive to Chebera Churchura National Park
If you stayed in Gondar, fly to Addis Ababa (ADD) and then take a flight or start the
long drive towards the west.
If driving: Start the drive from Addis Ababa to Jimma (approx. 7-8 hours), breaking the journey. Overnight in Jimma. If flying: Take an early morning flight from ADD to Jimma, then drive towards Chebera Churchura National Park.

Day 5: Chebera Churchura National Park
Full day of walking safari with an armed scout to track the park’s famous large elephant population, as well as Cape Buffalo. This park is known for its dense riverine forest and untouched wilderness.

Day 6: Chebera Churchura National Park
Further exploration of the park, including a visit to one of the crater lakes (like Bulo) to look for Hippos and more game in the different habitats, such as greater kudu and warthog.

Day 7: Chebera Churchura – Drive to Arba Minch Area
Morning activity or game drive.
Begin the long drive east and south, connecting to the Rift Valley region. This will be a full day of driving towards the Arba Minch area, passing through diverse landscapes.Overnight near Arba Minch.

Part 3: Southern Rift Valley (Nechisar/Lake Chamo)
Day 8: Nechisar National Park / Lake Chamo
Morning boat trip on Lake Chamo to see the famous “Crocodile Market” (one of the world’s most dense concentrations of Nile Crocodiles), as well as Hippos and numerous water birds like the African Fish Eagle and Great White Pelicans. Afternoon game drive in Nechisar National Park to search for the endemic Swayne’s Hartebeest and the Nechisar nightjar.

Part 4: Southeastern Mountains (Bale)
Day 9: Drive to Bale Mountains National Park (Dinsho HQ)
Begin the drive from the Rift Valley area towards the Bale Mountains National Park.
Arrive at the park headquarters in Dinsho. In the late afternoon, explore the
headquarters area for the endemic Mountain Nyala and Menelik’s Bushbuck.

Day 10: Bale Mountains National Park – Sanetti Plateau
Full day exploring the Sanetti Plateau, the largest Afro-alpine region in Africa, driving  on Africa’s highest all-weather road.
Primary focus is to find the critically endangered endemic Ethiopian Wolf. Also look for the Giant Molerat, Rouget’s Rail, and numerous other endemic birds.

Day 11: Bale Mountains National Park – Harenna Forest
Descend into the southern Harenna Forest, one of the largest remaining cloud forests in Ethiopia. Explore the forest for species like the Bale Monkey and forest birds, and appreciate the unique flora and fauna of this different ecosystem within the park.

Day 12: Bale Mountains – Sof Omar Caves & Drive to Awassa
Morning visit (optional, depending on driving preference) to the magnificent Sof Omar Caves, a massive system carved by the Web River, with its own unique ecosystem. Begin the drive back north toward the Rift Valley, stopping at Lake Awassa for an
overnight stay.

Part 5: Rift Valley Lakes and Departure
Day 13: Lake Awassa & Drive to Awash National Park Area
Morning visit to the vibrant Awassa Fish Market where Marabou Storks and pelicans congregate. Drive north along the Rift Valley towards Awash National Park (this requires changing the “other national park” to Awash instead of Nechisar, or for a shorter route, stop at a more convenient lake like Langano).

Day 14: Awash National Park
Morning game drive in Awash National Park to look for Beisa Oryx, Soemmerring’s Gazelle, and greater and lesser Kudu. Visit the stunning Awash Falls and the Filwoha Hot Springs.

Day 15: Awash National Park & Drive Back to Addis Ababa
Early morning activity in the park for a last chance at spotting wildlife.
Drive back to Addis Ababa (ADD). Check into a hotel for a much-deserved rest after an intense journey.

Part 6: Departure
Day 16: Contingency/Addis Ababa Sightseeing
A full day in Addis Ababa for rest, shopping, or a city tour (National Museum for ‘Lucy,’ Ethnological Museum, Merkato). This also serves as a contingency day for anyflight/travel delays.

Day 17: Departure
Transfer to Bole International Airport for your international departure.

This itinerary moves beyond the standard tourist routes to deliver a profound and diverse wildlife experience, guided by local experts who intimately know these unique ecosystems. It’s an adventure for the discerning client seeking rare animal encounters, breathtaking landscapes, and an exclusive look into the heart of Ethiopia’s untamed wilderness. For Clint, here is the same information presented in a more descriptive and flowing format, rather than a table, to be added to his itinerary

The 17-Day Grand Ethiopian Wildlife Safari is designed to be an encompassing experience,
ensuring a seamless adventure through Ethiopia’s most remote and spectacular regions.
What is Included in Your Tour Price
Your package covers all essential components required for the 17-day journey, including
accommodation, meals, activities, and expert guidance:
Accommodation & Meals: Enjoy 16 nights in a combination of comfortable hotels, standard lodges, and eco-lodges/camps within or near the National Parks. All meals—Full Board (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)—are provided from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 17. Transportation & Logistics: All ground transportation will be handled by a dedicated
private 4×4 safari vehicle for superior comfort, especially on the longer drives and off road sections within the parks. This includes all fuel and a dedicated driver. Guiding & Park Entry: The cost includes all necessary National Park entrance fees for the Simien Mountains, Bale Mountains, and Chebera Churchura. You will be accompanied by an experienced, licensed, English-speaking National Tour Guide for the entire trip, plus mandatory Local Park Rangers/Scouts required for safety and compliance in the wilderness areas.
Activities: All scheduled activities are covered, including guided trekking in the Simiens, game drives in Bale and Chebera Churchura, and cultural interactions mentioned in the day-to-day itinerary.
Miscellaneous: Bottled drinking water will be supplied throughout all drives and activities. All airport meet-and-greet services and hotel transfers are included.

To provide complete transparency, the following items are not covered in the tour price:
Flights: International flights to and from Ethiopia (Addis Ababa – ADD) are not included. Crucially, please note that Domestic Flights (usually 1-2 flights, which are necessary to save travel time on an itinerary this vast) are also typically not included and will be
quoted separately.
Beverages: Alcoholic beverages (beer, wine, spirits) and non-bottled, specialty drinks outside of mealtimes are excluded.
Gratuities: Tipping for the tour guide, driver, park scouts, hotel staff, and restaurant service is customary in Ethiopia and is left to your discretion.
Personal Documents: The cost of your Ethiopian Visa and any passport fees.