10 Days Ethiopia Birdwatching and Photography Wildlife Safari Tour

After a morning birding session in the Jemma Valley, we return to Addis and take a domestic flight to Bahir Dar on the shores of Lake Tana, the source of the Blue Nile. An evening walk along the lake yields excellent aquatic bird photography. Key Birds: African Fish Eagle, White-backed Night Heron, Hammerkop, Black Heron. Photography Tips: Capture silhouette shots of pelicans at sunset and the famed umbrella- feeding‟ behavior of Black Herons. Overnight stay Jacaranda Hotel

Today we explore the Lake Tana wetlands and take a short boat ride to photograph birds, hippos, and the picturesque monasteries. Later, we head to the Blue Nile Falls a prime location for landscape and wildlife photography. Key Birds: Malachite Kingfisher, Yellow-billed Duck, African Jacana, Senegal Coucal. Photography Tips: Boat-level shots with reflections and misty waterfall backdrops make for stunning frames. Overnight stay Capital Hotel in Addis Ababa.

We drive south into the Great Rift Valley, stopping at Lake Ziway an important freshwater lake and birding hotspot. A boat ride offers close-up encounters with lake birds. Key Birds: African Fish Eagle, Great White Pelican, Gull-billed Tern, Malachite Kingfisher, Photography Tips: Birds are very habituated perfect for capturing flight, feeding, and behavior shots at close range. Overnight Haile resort

Continue to explore the Rift Valley lake system, visiting Abijatta-Shalla National Park, known for its alkaline lakes and flamingo flocks. Overnight near Lake Langano. Key Birds: Lesser and Greater Flamingo, Avocet, Kittlitz‟s Plover, Maccoa Duck. Photography Tips: Low-angle flamingo photography during sunrise is unforgettable. Capture dramatic reflections in the still alkaline water. Overnight stay Hara Langano Eco Lodge

A short drive brings us to the forested hills of Wondo Genet, a remnant of Ethiopia‟s once- extensive montane forest. Excellent chance to photograph forest endemics and enjoy the hot springs. Key Birds: Yellow-fronted Parrot, Silvery-cheeked Hornbill, Narina Trogon, Ethiopian Oriole. Photography Tips: Forest photography requires high ISO and fast lenses. Use dappled sunlight to your advantage. Overnight stay Wabi Shebele Hotel Wondo Genet.

Today we climb to the Afro-alpine realms of Bale Mountains National Park. En route, stop at Dinsho for endemic mammals and montane birds. Key Birds: Rouget‟s Rail, Abyssinian Catbird, Wattled Ibis, Abyssinian Long-eared Owl (at night), Mammals: Mountain Nyala, Menelik‟s Bushbuck, Photography Tips: Trackable and relatively tame wildlife make for great mammal portraits. Use soft, early light in the meadows. Overnight stay Nurobe Hotel

A full day exploring the windswept Sanetti Plateau at over 4,000 meters home to the critically endangered Ethiopian Wolf and many alpine birds. Key Birds: Blue-winged Goose, Spot-breasted Plover, Chestnut-naped Francolin, Mammals: Ethiopian Wolf (most reliable location in Africa), Giant Molerat. Photography Tips: This is your best chance to photograph the Ethiopian Wolf hunting in open landscapes ideal for long-lens wildlife action. Nurobe Hotel

We descend into the magical Harenna Forest the southernmost tropical cloud forest in Ethiopia. This area is excellent for photographing forest birds and unique mammals. Key Birds: White-cheeked Turaco, Abyssinian Crimsonwing, African Hill Babbler, Mammals: Bale Monkey (endemic), Colobus Monkey, Photography Tips: Mist and backlighting create ethereal forest compositions. Turacos are especially photogenic among moss-covered branches. Overnight stay Nurobe Hotel

We drive to Lake Awassa for our final night. In the afternoon, we visit the famous fish market where pelicans and storks scavenge for scraps. Key Birds: Marabou Stork, African Pygmy Goose, Giant Kingfisher, Hadada Ibis, Photography Tips: Great chance to shoot bold and close urban-wildlife interaction scenes. Capture behavior shots and reflections in the shallows. Overnight stay Haile resort

Enjoy a final early morning birding session at Tikur Wuha or the lake shore. After breakfast, we return to Addis Ababa. Depending on your flight time, enjoy local shopping or a visit to the National Museum (home of “Lucy”) before being transferred to the airport.