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bird watching in ethiopia

Ethiopia, ‘birds’ paradise’

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With 861 bird species, out of which 16 are endemic, Ethiopia is a must for every bird enthusiast. Many of the National Parks provide areas less affected by human activities where a broader range of bird species can usually be seen.
According to their habitat, the most recommended sites for bird-watching are - the highland plateau, the lakes region, and the lowlands. Nearby sites include Entoto, Gefersa, Debre Zeit, and Menagesha forest.
The highland is called the land of endemism. Of the total endemic birds, over 60 percent of the species are found in the Bale Mountains National Park. Totally 161 bird species are recorded in this park. Some of the richest areas of bird life in highland plateau include small patches of natural forest on gorge edges, inaccessible valley bottoms, and sacred graves on hilltops and around churches.
Ethiopia's lakes are famous for the sheer numbers of birds they harbor. The Lakes Region covers Lakes Ziway, Langano, Abijatta, Shalla, Awassa, Abaya, and Chamo. Over 50 percent of all bird species have been recorded in the Rift Valley because of the proximity of numerous aquatic and terrestrial habitats. Lake Abijatta is a feeding ground for numerous great white pelicans and greater and lesser flamingo as well as flocks of little grebes. An island in neighboring Lake Shalla is a regular breeding ground for great white pelicans and a nesting spot for the greater flamingo.
Lowlands too offer a great opportunity for bird-watchers. These areas are rich in seed-eating and insectivorous birds. This site covers areas in Borena Administrative Zone.
The main reasons behind the distribution of birds in various localities are the feed, altitude, climate, and cover factors. Accordingly, birds of prey and other scavengers are in plenty. To list some of the birds: Lammergeyer or the bone breaker is quite common in the Simien Mountains. Shoebill or Whale headed stork is also common in Gambella and Ethio-Sudan border. Ethiopian Bush Crow is a localized endemic bird distributed throughout Borena area up to Murle. Prince Ruspli's Turaco too is considered as a localized bird found in Borena area alone.
The best season for bird-watching is from the beginning of September up to February. Between November and February, migrant birds raise the bird population and widen species diversity as well.

The itinerary below will guarantee a lot of endemic sightings, and of course wonderful scenery. But one can go birdwatching anywhere in Ethiopia: on the Historic Route (Lake Tana provides excellent birding), or in Nech Sar, Mago and Omo parks. Grand Holidays Ethiopia Travel will provide a trained ornithologist to accompany visitors on these tours, and can arrange short birding extensions around Addis Ababa.
Activities on Day 1 will depend on the time of arrival. Afternoon birding programs around Addis Ababa can be easily arranged.

Click here to view the endemic birds of Ethiopia

Tour Code: GHET-008
Duration: 10 days

Day 01.
We take the road north, crossing the Sululta plain, stopping at the Jemma River gorge before proceeding to Debre Libanos, an important monastic and religious center for more 700 years. Many endemic birds can be seen here and also an endemic mammal: the Gelada (bleeding heart) baboon. Return to Addis Ababa for an overnight.
Day 02
We drive south down the Rift Valley, stopping off at Koka Dam, Awash river and Lake Seaway, overnight in Awassa next to the lake.
Day 03
A short drive to the forests and hot springs of Wondo Genet for an overnight.
Days 04-05
Drive west to Bale Mountains National park where 16 endemic species have been recorded, including Simien Wolf , and Mountain Nyala. O/n Goba.
Day 06
Full day on the Harenna escarpment and in the Harenna Forest. O/n Goba.
Day 07
Return to lakes region for an overnight at Lake Langano.
Day 08
Visit Shalla and Abiata National Park and continue to Awash National park where more than 350 bird species have been recorded. O/n Awash park.
Day 09
Full day birding and game viewing in the park.
Day 10
Morning birding & game viewing. Visit Filwoha hot springs. Return to Addis Ababa for farewell dinner and traditional dance. O/n Addis Ababa.

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If you need further information, please contact us we would be very happy to help you plan a trip of a life time. Just send us an e-mail.

Note:
• Activities for the first and last days will depend on visitors’ times of arrivals and departures and airline used.
• Upon request the above tour program can be, modified, differently rearranged, combined with other programs, or extended to suit the clients’ interest, time, and budget.

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