16-Day Ethiopia Birding, Twitching & Wildlife Photography Expedition ETHIOPIA WILDLIFE & BIRD PHOTOGRAPHY TOUR · 16 DAYS / 15 NIGHTS This expedition is designed for birdwatchers, serious bird twitchers, wildlife photographers and nature enthusiasts. It combines Ethiopia's spectacular highlands, Rift Valley lakes, dry acacia woodlands, volcanic landscapes, forests and Afro-alpine ecosystems. The route offers opportunities to photograph Ethiopian endemic birds, rare and geographically restricted species, colourful woodland birds, waterbirds, raptors, large mammals and some of Africa's most distinctive wildlife. Day 16: Return to Addis Ababa. Main photographic highlights Ethiopian endemics: Ankober Serin, Yellow-fronted Parrot, Black-winged Lovebird, Abyssinian Catbird, Ethiopian Bush-crow, Stresemann's Bush-crow and others. Afro-alpine specialties: Ethiopian Wolf, Rouget's Rail, Blue-winged Goose, Spot-breasted Lapwing and Wattled Ibis. Rift Valley waterbirds: Great White Pelican, African Fish Eagle, Goliath Heron, flamingos and numerous waders. Forest birds: Silvery-cheeked Hornbill, Abyssinian Woodpecker, turacos, sunbirds and forest raptors. Mammals: Hamadryas Baboon, Beisa Oryx, Soemmerring's Gazelle, Greater Kudu, Guenther's Dik-dik, Ethiopian Wolf, Mountain Nyala and Menelik's Bushbuck. 2. Detailed day-by-day itinerary Day 1 – Addis Ababa to Ankober Destination: Ankober. Ankober is a historic highland settlement and former royal capital of the Shewan Kingdom. It is particularly important for birdwatchers because of its rare endemic birds and spectacular escarpment scenery overlooking the Afar lowlands. Altitude: Approximately 2,450–3,400 metres, depending on the birding location. Weather conditions: Cool to mild during the day, cold in the early morning and evening. Mist and occasional showers can affect visibility. Birding and photography programme Afternoon exploration of the escarpment and surrounding highland vegetation. Search for Ankober Serin along rocky slopes and cliff edges. Photograph Gelada Baboons feeding on the escarpment. Scan the skies for large raptors. Key bird targets Ankober Serin (E) Yellow-throated Serin (E) Ethiopian Siskin (E) White-collared Pigeon White-winged Cliff-Chat Rueppell's Chat White-billed Starling Thick-billed Raven Lammergeier (Bearded Vulture) Verreaux's Eagle Rufous-breasted Sparrowhawk Mammals Gelada Baboon Menelik's Bushbuck Rock Hyrax Vervet Monkey Klipspringer Photography opportunities: Geladas on cliff edges, endemic finches on rocky outcrops, soaring raptors and dramatic highland landscapes. Preparation: Bring warm clothing, waterproof jacket, binoculars, spotting scope, telephoto lens (400–600 mm), spare batteries and a tripod or monopod. Important: Ankober is in the Amhara Region. Check current security and road-access conditions before confirming this section of the expedition. Day 2 – Ankober to Doho Lodge, Awash Destination: Doho Lodge. The journey descends from the cool highlands towards the warmer Afar lowlands. The changing vegetation provides excellent roadside birding opportunities. Doho Lodge is situated near the northern edge of Awash National Park, with natural hot springs, acacia woodland, wetlands and open landscapes. Altitude: Approximately 900–1,000 metres. Weather conditions: Hot and dry, with strong sunlight during the day. Mornings and evenings are more comfortable. Afternoon programme Arrive and check in. Explore the lodge surroundings and nearby hot springs. Photograph birds around the lodge's vegetation and water. Visit the nearby hyena viewing area, subject to lodge arrangements. Key bird targets Abyssinian Roller Abyssinian Ground Hornbill Northern Carmine Bee-eater White-bellied Go-away-bird Somali Ostrich Kori Bustard Arabian Bustard Secretarybird Rosy-patched Shrike Yellow-throated Seedeater Various weavers and sunbirds Mammals Spotted Hyena Warthog Salt's Dik-dik Lesser Kudu Beisa Oryx Soemmerring's Gazelle Hamadryas Baboon in suitable surrounding habitats Photography: Lodge wildlife, hyenas, dry-country birds, colourful rollers and bee-eaters. Preparation: Lightweight breathable clothing, hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, drinking water and dust protection for cameras. Day 3 – Full-day birding and wildlife photography at Doho Lodge and Awash National Park Warthog Spotted Hyena Jackal Waterbuck in suitable riverine areas Crocodiles around the river Photography priorities: Secretarybird hunting, bustards walking through grassland, antelope portraits, ground hornbills, crocodiles and riverine birds. Equipment: 500–600 mm telephoto lens, beanbag for vehicle photography, 100–400 mm zoom, camera beanbag, polarising filter and dust-resistant camera covers. Doho Lodge advertises game drives towards Awash and Allideghe-Assebot, with some wildlife-viewing areas approximately 45–60 km from the lodge. Day 4 – Doho Lodge to Ziway Travel south towards the Central Rift Valley. The route offers opportunities for roadside birding, particularly around cultivated land, wetlands and water bodies. Altitude: Approximately 1,636 metres. Weather: Generally warm during the day, with cooler mornings and evenings. Rainfall is seasonal. Afternoon birding Explore the lakeshore. Visit suitable wetland habitats. Consider a short boat excursion if conditions permit. Photograph waterbirds before sunset. Key bird targets: Great White Pelican African Fish Eagle Goliath Heron Grey Heron African Jacana African Spoonbill Yellow-billed Stork Pink-backed Pelican African Sacred Ibis Black-winged Stilt Various cormorants and kingfishers Mammals: Hippopotamus Vervet Monkey Banded Mongoose Water-associated mammals where present Photography priorities: Pelicans in flight, fish eagles hunting, hippos surfacing, herons feeding and reflections at sunset. Preparation: Polarising filter, long lens, binoculars, hat and drinking water. Day 5 – Ziway to Lake Langano Destination: Lake Langano. Langano is an excellent destination for woodland and lake-associated bird photography. Its acacia woodland, riverine vegetation, lakeshore and nearby dry bushland provide diverse habitats. Altitude: Approximately 1,585 metres. Weather: Warm to hot days, mild evenings and cooler early mornings. Seasonal rainfall can occur. Birding programme: Explore the lakeshore and surrounding woodland. Search fruiting trees for parrots and other frugivorous birds. Photograph birds visiting flowering trees and water sources. Explore suitable woodland tracks during the afternoon. Key bird targets Yellow-fronted Parrot (E) Black-winged Lovebird (E) White-cheeked Turaco Hemprich's Hornbill Silvery-cheeked Hornbill Grey-headed Kingfisher Black-billed Barbet Banded Barbet Black-headed Batis African Paradise Flycatcher Beautiful Sunbird Eastern Plantain-eater Abyssinian Scimitarbill Mammals Vervet Monkey Olive Baboon Warthog Bushbuck Guenther's Dik-dik Photography priorities: Parrots feeding in fruiting trees, turacos, hornbills, sunbirds and woodland mammals. Preparation: Telephoto lens, flash diffuser for woodland photography, binoculars, insect repellent and comfortable walking shoes. Day 6 – Full-day birding and wildlife photography around Langano Today is dedicated to intensive bird twitching and photography rather than long-distance driving. Morning: 06:00–11:00 Visit productive woodland edges. Search for Yellow-fronted Parrot and Black-winged Lovebird. Photograph hornbills and turacos. Explore acacia woodland for shrikes, rollers and barbets. Midday: 11:00–15:00 Return to accommodation for lunch and rest. Review photographs and prepare equipment. Afternoon: 15:00–18:00 Explore lakeside vegetation. Search for waterbirds and raptors. Photograph birds returning to roosting trees. Additional bird targets African Pygmy Kingfisher Grey-headed Kingfisher Red-fronted Barbet White-browed Coucal African Grey Hornbill Greyish Eagle-Owl Verreaux's Eagle-Owl Black-shouldered Kite African Harrier-Hawk Nubian Woodpecker Mammals: Bushbuck, Vervet Monkey, Olive Baboon, Warthog and Guenther's Dik-dik. Special photography opportunity: Spend time at suitable fruiting trees, where repeated visits by parrots, turacos and hornbills can produce excellent photographs. Day 7 – Langano to Wondo Genet Destination: Wondo Genet. Wondo Genet is one of the most attractive forest birding destinations in southern Ethiopia. Its natural forest, dense vegetation, flowering plants, streams and surrounding agricultural landscapes support a variety of woodland and forest birds. Altitude: Approximately 1,700–2,600 metres, depending on the forest trail and surrounding slopes. Weather: Generally mild to warm, with cooler mornings and evenings. Forest areas are humid, and rain can occur even when nearby lowlands are dry. Afternoon programme Explore forest trails and woodland edges. Search for turacos, hornbills and sunbirds. Photograph birds in the flowering vegetation. Visit the hot springs if time permits. Key bird targets Silvery-cheeked Hornbill White-cheeked Turaco Rüppell's Robin-Chat Abyssinian Woodpecker Abyssinian Slaty-Flycatcher African Hill Babbler African Dusky Flycatcher Tacazze Sunbird Variable Sunbird Narina Trogon Tambourine Dove Lemon Dove Emerald Cuckoo Mammals Colobus Monkey Vervet Monkey Olive Baboon Bushbuck Guenther's Dik-dik Photography priorities: Forest canopy birds, hornbills, turacos, sunbirds, monkeys and woodland details. Preparation: Waterproof jacket, walking shoes with good grip, insect repellent, 300–600 mm telephoto lens and a smaller lens for forest landscapes. Day 8 – Full-day birding at Wondo Genet A full day dedicated to forest bird photography and woodland mammal observation. Morning: Start at first light. Explore forest edges and shaded trails. Look for Narina Trogon and Emerald Cuckoo. Search for woodpeckers and forest flycatchers. Midday: Rest and have lunch. Photograph birds around open forest clearings and flowering trees. Afternoon: Explore quieter forest sections. Look for monkeys and forest mammals. Search for owls and other nocturnal birds before dusk, with a local guide. Additional bird targets African Goshawk Mountain Buzzard Abyssinian Crimsonwing White-backed Black Tit Yellow-whiskered Greenbul Olive Sunbird African Olive Pigeon African Black Duck in suitable streams Special photography opportunities: Colobus monkeys moving through the canopy, sunbirds feeding on flowers, hornbills in fruiting trees and forest birds in natural light. What to bring: Tripod or monopod, camera rain cover, spare memory cards, binoculars, headlamp and warm evening clothing. Day 9 – Wondo Genet to Hawassa Destination: Hawassa. Hawassa is an important Rift Valley birding destination, particularly for waterbirds and lakeside wildlife photography. Lake Hawassa offers opportunities for photographing pelicans, fish eagles, herons, cormorants and hippos. Altitude: Approximately 1,680 metres. Weather: Warm and generally pleasant, with cooler mornings and evenings. Conditions around the lake can be humid. Birding programme Visit Amora Gedel and the lakeshore. Photograph pelicans and waterbirds. Search for African Fish Eagle and Goliath Heron. Explore the lake's quieter sections. Consider a short boat trip if conditions permit. Key bird targets Great White Pelican Pink-backed Pelican African Fish Eagle Goliath Heron Grey Heron Black-headed Heron African Jacana African Pygmy Goose Yellow-billed Stork Reed Cormorant Great Cormorant White-breasted Cormorant Pied Kingfisher Malachite Kingfisher Mammals: Hippopotamus Vervet Monkey Olive Baboon Guenther's Dik-dik Photography: Pelicans in flight, fish eagles hunting, hippos surfacing, herons feeding and lakeside portraits. Preparation: Long telephoto lens, polarising filter, binoculars, camera beanbag and sun protection. Day 10 – Hawassa to Yabelo Destination: Yabelo. The journey takes you into the Borana landscape, where open acacia savanna, thorn scrub, dry grasslands and scattered woodland create a very different environment from the northern highlands and Rift Valley. Yabelo is one of Ethiopia's most important birding destinations because it is home to the globally restricted Stresemann's Bush-crow and White-tailed Swallow. Altitude: Approximately 1,700–1,800 metres. Weather: Generally warm and dry, with cooler mornings and evenings. Rainfall is seasonal and can make some dirt roads difficult. Look for raptors and dry-country mammals. Key bird targets Stresemann's Bush-crow (E) White-tailed Swallow (E) Black-capped Social Weaver Black-faced Sandgrouse Vulturine Guineafowl Donaldson Smith's Sparrow-Weaver Red-fronted Warbler Pringle's Puffback Rosy-patched Shrike Somali Courser Short-tailed Lark Black-bellied Sunbird Somali Crombec Mammals Beisa Oryx Gerenuk Guenther's Dik-dik Greater Kudu Lesser Kudu Grant's Gazelle Soemmerring's Gazelle Warthog Common Warthog and other savanna mammals Photography priorities: Stresemann's Bush-crow, White-tailed Swallow, guineafowl, oryx and gazelles. Preparation: Dust protection, lightweight clothing, sunscreen, long telephoto lens, binoculars, spare batteries and plenty of drinking water. Day 11 – Full-day Yabelo and Mega birding expedition This day is especially important for endemic bird twitching and mammal photography. Morning: Yabelo–Mega road Explore the open acacia savanna between Yabelo and Mega. This is the primary target area for Stresemann's Bush-crow and White-tailed Swallow. Afternoon: Borana woodland Search for additional dry-country birds and mammals. If road and access conditions allow, consider a longer excursion towards Arero forest for Prince Ruspoli's Turaco. Key bird targets Stresemann's Bush-crow White-tailed Swallow Prince Ruspoli's Turaco Black-capped Social Weaver Vulturine Guineafowl Black-faced Sandgrouse Red-fronted Warbler Donaldson Smith's Sparrow-Weaver Somali Courser Somali Bunting Somali Crombec Black-bellied Sunbird Mammals Beisa Oryx Gerenuk Greater Kudu Lesser Kudu Grant's Gazelle Soemmerring's Gazelle Guenther's Dik-dik Warthog Photography priorities: Endemic bush-crows feeding on the ground, swallows on low perches, turacos in forest vegetation, guineafowl groups and antelope portraits. Important: Prince Ruspoli's Turaco is a special additional target rather than a guaranteed Yabelo roadside species. Arero is a separate forest excursion and requires additional driving time. Day 12 – Yabelo to Hawassa Return north towards Hawassa, with selected birding and photography stops along the way. Altitude: Yabelo approximately 1,750 metres; Hawassa approximately 1,680 metres. Weather: Warm and generally pleasant, with cooler early mornings. Birding and photography opportunities Revisit any productive birding locations missed on the outbound journey. Look for roadside raptors, rollers and shrikes. Photograph birds around suitable agricultural and wetland habitats. Arrive in Hawassa with enough time for an evening lakeside session. Key bird targets Abyssinian Roller Lilac-breasted Roller Grey-headed Kingfisher Black-winged Lovebird where habitat permits African Fish Eagle Great White Pelican Goliath Heron African Jacana Yellow-billed Stork Pied Kingfisher Mammals Vervet Monkey Olive Baboon Warthog Hippopotamus around Lake Hawassa Photography priorities: Roadside bird portraits, raptors, pelicans, hippos and the sunset over Lake Hawassa. Preparation: Keep cameras accessible, carry drinking water and avoid leaving wildlife photography until after dark. Day 13 – Hawassa to Bale Mountains National Park Destination: Bale Mountains National Park. The Bale Mountains are among Africa's most important high-altitude wildlife destinations. They feature Afro-alpine grasslands, moorlands, mountain forests, giant lobelia vegetation and the extensive Harenna Forest. The park is particularly famous for the Ethiopian Wolf, Mountain Nyala and other endemic highland wildlife. Altitude: Approximately 2,400–4,377 metres across the park. Weather: Cool to cold, particularly in the evenings. The high-altitude plateau can experience strong winds, mist, rain and rapidly changing weather. Afternoon programme Visit Dinsho and Gaysay Grasslands. Explore suitable forest edges. Photograph Mountain Nyala and Menelik's Bushbuck. Search for endemic highland birds. Key bird targets Abyssinian Catbird (E) Rouget's Rail (E) Wattled Ibis (E) Blue-winged Goose (E) Spot-breasted Lapwing (E) Abyssinian Longclaw (E) Black-winged Lovebird (E) Thick-billed Raven (NE) White-collared Pigeon (NE) White-backed Black Tit (NE) Abyssinian Ground Thrush Ethiopian Siskin (E) Mammals Mountain Nyala (E) Menelik's Bushbuck (E) Ethiopian Wolf (E) Bale Monkey (E) Giant Mole-rat (E) Rock Hyrax Common Jackal Photography priorities: Mountain Nyala portraits, endemic highland birds, baboons, moorland scenery and dramatic mountain landscapes. Preparation: Warm jacket, fleece, thermal base layers, waterproof trousers, gloves, hat, hiking boots and high-altitude sun protection. Day 14 – Sanetti Plateau: Ethiopian Wolf and Afro-alpine bird photography Destination: Sanetti Plateau. The Sanetti Plateau is an extraordinary Afro-alpine ecosystem with extensive grasslands, moorland, rocky outcrops and giant lobelias. Altitude: Approximately 3,800–4,377 metres. Weather: Cold mornings, strong winds, intense sunlight at altitude and potentially sudden rain or mist. Temperatures can drop close to freezing. Morning programme Depart before sunrise. Search for Ethiopian Wolves hunting giant mole-rats. Photograph wolves in the open moorland. Look for endemic highland birds around wetlands and short grassland. Key bird targets Spot-breasted Lapwing (E) Blue-winged Goose (E) Wattled Ibis (E) Rouget's Rail (E) Moorland Francolin (E) Abyssinian Longclaw (E) Red-billed Chough Ruddy Shelduck Common Kestrel Bearded Vulture Augur Buzzard Golden Eagle Mammals Ethiopian Wolf Giant Mole-rat Starck's Hare Rock Hyrax Mountain Nyala in suitable surrounding habitats Photography priorities Ethiopian Wolf hunting. Wolves moving through Afro-alpine grasslands. Spot-breasted Lapwing portraits. Blue-winged Goose feeding and flying. Giant lobelia landscapes. Bearded Vultures soaring over the plateau. Important photographic advice: Keep your vehicle at a respectful distance from Ethiopian Wolves. Avoid approaching or disturbing hunting animals. Preparation: Insulated jacket, gloves, thermal clothing, waterproof jacket, sunscreen, sunglasses, plenty of water, snacks and spare camera batteries. Cold temperatures can reduce battery performance. Day 15 – Harenna Forest and Bale Mountain woodland photography Destination: Harenna Forest. Harenna Forest is one of Ethiopia's most remarkable natural forests. It is a biodiversity-rich montane forest with tall trees, dense undergrowth, clearings, streams and diverse wildlife. The dramatic descent from the Sanetti Plateau towards the forest creates a striking change in vegetation and climate. Altitude: Approximately 1,800–3,200 metres, depending on the selected forest location. Weather: Mild to cool, humid and sometimes misty. Rain is possible, and forest trails can be slippery. Morning programme Explore forest roads and selected walking trails. Search for Bale Monkeys. Photograph Menelik's Bushbuck and other mammals. Look for forest birds in fruiting trees and clearings. Key bird targets Abyssinian Catbird (E) Abyssinian Woodpecker (NE) Abyssinian Crimsonwing Lemon Dove Tambourine Dove Narina Trogon Emerald Cuckoo Red-chested Cuckoo African Goshawk Mountain Buzzard Abyssinian Slaty-Flycatcher African Dusky Flycatcher Abyssinian Nightjar Mammals Bale Monkey (E) Menelik's Bushbuck (E) Mountain Nyala in suitable forest-edge habitats Giant Forest Hog Bushbuck Olive Baboon Rock Hyrax Special photography opportunities Bale Monkeys feeding in the canopy. Menelik's Bushbuck in forest clearings. Forest birds in natural light. Forest landscapes and giant trees. Night photography for owls and nightjars with a local guide. The Bale Mountains birding guide identifies Harenna Forest as especially valuable for Bale Monkey, Menelik's Bushbuck, Giant Forest Hog and several forest birds, including opportunities for nocturnal species. Preparation: Waterproof camera covers, a fast telephoto lens, spare batteries, headlamp, insect repellent, waterproof boots and a rain jacket. Day 16 – Bale Mountains to Addis Ababa After breakfast, depart for Addis Ababa. The journey provides a final opportunity for roadside birding and landscape photography, depending on the departure time and road conditions. Possible roadside birds Augur Buzzard Black-winged Lovebird White-collared Pigeon Thick-billed Raven Common Kestrel Black-headed Siskin Tawny Eagle Arrive in Addis Ababa in the late afternoon or evening, concluding the 16-day birding and wildlife photography expedition.