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A friend and I enjoyed a holiday in Ethiopia arranged by Naturetrek - who can always be trusted to arrange richly rewarding holidays with outstanding guides and drivers. Ethiopia is huge - anecdotally twice the size of France - so it’s important to have a good itinerary. In 10 days we saw so much wildlife - and so many habitats. The infrastructure isn’t always reliable in terms of electricity, WiFi, etc but that’s more than compensated for by the wildlife, hugely varied vistas, friendly people living a life so very different from Western European life - and a rich history.
R.J. Bristol, Oct 19
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Ethiopia's Endemic Mammals
Tour Code: ETH02An 11-day tour of Ethiopia, visiting Awash National Park, the Rift Valley Lakes, the Bale Mountains and Debre Libanos Gorge.
14 days
from
£5,495 (Inc flights)
£5,495 (Inc flights)
Land only price
from
£4,595
£4,595
Highlights
Tour Itinerary and Reports
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Summary
Ethiopia's varied and spectacular landscapes support a diverse variety of mammals including several found nowhere else in the world. Although an impressive mix of Ethiopian birds will also enhance each day, the principal focus of this wildlife tour will the observation of many of the Ethiopia’s mammals in habitats ranging from the acacia-studded savannah of Awash National Park to the wild and beautiful Bale Mountains. We also visit Debre Libanos Gorge and Rift Valley Lakes as we search for such beautiful mammals as Beisa Oryx and Eastern Black-and-White Colobus, and such endemics as Swayne's Hartebeeste, Mountain Nyala, Menelik’s Bushbuck, Gelada Baboon, Giant Molerat and the endangered Ethiopian Wolf.
- Discover Ethiopia's unique mammals: Mountain Nyala, Menelik’s Bushbuck, Gelada, etc
- Watch Ethiopian Wolves hunting Giant Molerats
- Visit the spectacular Bale Mountains – an endemics hotspot
- Enjoy traditional safaris in Awash National Park
- Journey along the Rift Valley
- A fabulous birdlife & flora include many endemics
- Chance to extend tour, visiting other areas of Ethiopia
Grading
Grade A. This is a straightforward wildlife tour that makes no great physical demands and should be well within the capabilities of anyone of any age who enjoys travel in Third World countries
Ethiopia is a fascinating, beautiful and welcoming country. The climate is warm and comfortable all year round and the country supports a large number of endemic birds and mammals. There are not the huge numbers of large predators and game to be found here as in other parts of Africa, but the species that do live here are cleverly adapted to their unique surroundings and very special indeed.
The highlights of this tour will undoubtedly be the wonderful long-haired Gelada Baboons with their red 'hearts', the beautifully coloured Ethiopian Wolf and the strange but endearing Giant Mole Rat! All of these, and several other mammals, are found no-where else but Ethiopia. Ethiopia’s scenery is also stunning, with masses of lakes surrounded by mountainous peaks, dusty valleys dotted with acacia trees and pretty little thatched huts in well-kept villages. The people of this country are friendly and welcoming hosts, with proud traditions. As the only African country to have escaped European colonialism, Ethiopia retains a rich culture and boasts a fascinating history, providing an interesting backdrop to a week of viewing many of the countries endemic mammal species along with some enjoyable birdwatching.
After an overnight flight to Ethiopia’s capital, Addis Ababa, we being with a two night stay in Awash National Park where we will be hoping to find mammals including Beisa Oryx, Lesser Kudu, Defassa Waterbuck, Salt’s Dik-dik and Olive Baboons. The birdlife here too is exceptional, and includes Buff-crested, White-bellied, Kori, and even Arabian Bustards, Lichtenstein's and Chestnut-bellied Sandgrouse, Rosy-patched and other shrikes, plus many species of hornbills, weavers, woodpeckers, vultures, doves, pigeons, guineafowl, glossy starlings, parrots, bee-eaters, barbets, mousebirds and finches, to name but a few!
Next, we drive south through the Rift Valley, past Lakes Koka and Zwai, and spend the afternoon in the Abiata-Shala Lakes National Park where we should see Bright’s Gazelles, before overnighting on the shores of Lake Langano. Then, from here, we embark on the scenic drive to the Bale Mountains National Park, with the scenery gradually becoming more spectacular as we approach. Magnificent forests cling to the sides of deep valleys and high peaks, rocky outcrops, pinnacles and ridges pierce horizons, and moorlands, grasslands and peaty pools sit in plains and hollows.
Entering the park we hope to encounter the first of the region's mammals including the endemic Mountain Nyala (a magnificent antelope unique to these hills), Common Duiker, Bohor Reedbuck, Menelik's Bushbuck and Warthog, all of which may be seen along the forest margins. The beautiful Ethiopian Wolf roams the park in small groups and is regularly seen, whilst Klippspringers, the endemic Stark’s Hare, Rock Hyrax, the peculiar endemic Giant Mole-rat and the verminous but characterful Grass Rats and Swamp Rats are to be added to those species already mentioned. Amongst an interesting collection of upland birds we are likely to see eleven of Ethiopia's 29 endemics: Blue-winged Goose, Rouget's Rail, Spot-breasted Plover, White-collared Pigeon, Black-winged Lovebird, Golden-backed Woodpecker, Abyssinian Longclaw, Abyssinian Catbird, White-backed Tit, Black-headed Siskin and Thick-billed Raven!
Retracing our steps back to the Rift Valley, and returning northwards, this time stay at Lake Awassa, a beautiful freshwater lake, set amongst hills and a luxuriant vegetation, quite unlike the alkaline lakes to the north. Amongst the lilies and great reedbeds that encompass the lake we may be lucky enough to see Hippopotamus, an elusive animal in Ethiopia! We will also encounter numerous waterbirds, including Black, Goliath and other herons, the ugly Marabou Stork, Hamerkops, Hadada Ibis, a variety of egrets, dainty African Pygmy Geese, Fulvous and White-faced Whistling Ducks, Knob-billed Duck, Black Crakes, African Jacanas, and both Pied and Malachite Kingfishers. Nearby, in the mature acacia woodland beside the lake, we will look for Eastern Black-and-white Colobus Monkeys, Vervet Monkeys and Menelik’s Bushbuck.
Returning to Addis, for our final day in Ethiopia we make a day trip to the Debre Libanos Gorge, stopping on the way at the Soluta Plains, a region of grassy uplands and small pools with a fine complement of birdlife. Reaching the gorge, our main goal here is to look for the splendid Gelada Baboon, found in no other part of the world, often seen here in large troops. These magnificent animals will be a highlight of the tour for many people and we will spend some time watching the social interactions amongst the group. The adult males are especially impressive with their long flowing manes of hair streaked with blond highlights and their red 'bleeding heart'.
Finally, we must return to Addis, to enjoy a final farewell dinner ahead of check-in for our flight back to the UK which departs in the early hours of the morning.
Outline Itinerary
Day 1
Fly Addis Ababa
Day 2/3
Awash National Park
Day 4/5
Lake Langano
Day 6/7
Goba; Bale Mountains
Day 8
Lake Awassa
Day 9
Addis Ababa
Day 10
Debre Libanos Gorge & The Solulta Plains
Day 11
Fly London
What's Included?
- Flights
- Accommodation: Simple tourist lodges
- Food: All food is included in the price. Restaurant food is basic but adequate. There is usually a mix of western food or traditional Ethiopian food available.
Reviews
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All my guides were excellent. Abiye was terrific at finding and identifying wildlife, and is a truly lovely person. The other two guides (on the Lalibela extension) were knowledgeable, helpful and pleasant. I appreciate your offering tours that aren't exclusively for birders - this is my fourth trip, and all have been a delight.
M.J. USA -
Had a fantastic holiday - would be high on our list of favourite destinations - beautiful scenery and people. Abundance of birdlife - less in the way of mammals but what we saw was excellent - highlights being wolves and of course the hyena cave! Also, Colobus monkeys, Gelada baboons and too many birds to mention but a particular highlight was the two secretary birds.
Mr & Mrs F. Cheshire -
Abiy made the holiday, not only was he an exceptionally knowledgeable naturalist, he had a great eye for 'spotting' both birds and mammals and also for providing care and attention regarding meal and room requirements at hotels. I can cope with having to 'rough it' slightly if I am seeing beautiful countryside and exceptional nature. Ethiopia remains an unspoilt country, not yet tarnished by over commercialisation from tourists and it was an absolute pleasure to experience everything that the country had to offer. I will not forget seeing an Ethiopian Wolf catching a Grass Rat 50 yards from the vehicle!! Nor the way a Gelada Baboon looks at you and does the lip curl while sniffing the air...
E.H. Cleveland -
Abiy was a star, one of the best guides I have had the pleasure to travel with, a great naturalist and a very nice person. The tour was exceptional and our add-on to Lalibela was excellent. Our request to visit an Ethio-Jazz Club was a great night and I even met Ethiopia's living musical legend Mulatu Astatke. I am essentially a birder with more than a passing interest in mammals. I thought that the balance between watching the mammals and birds was perfectly balanced.
B.C. Aberdeenshire -
The knowledgeable guides brought history, culture and wildlife to life for us; drivers were safe, prompt and helpful.
M.L. Hampshire -
Itinerary was well balanced between mammals and birds. Guide, Abiy, was knowledgeable and enthusiastic and went out of his way to ensure everyone on the tour was well looked after and all their needs met. The bus driver was excellent and the bus very comfortable.
R.S. West Yorkshire -
Abiy was an excellent guide and we had good fellow companions.
B.D. London -
Abiy Dagne, our guide was an excellent field naturalist with extraordinary spotting and identification skills. The wildlife aspects of the tour exceeded my expectations. Our driver was excellent and the bus comfortable and roomy. Accommodation at Awash Falls and Bishangari was excellent.
A.G. West Midlands -
Knowledgeable guides were a great asset.
G.U. Hampshire -
Such a fantastic range of both mammals and birds, fantastic habitats and breathtaking scenery. The people in the country were friendly and when we managed to eat the Ethiopian food, it was really excellent. Who can not appreciate seeing Ethiopian Wolves up close, hyenas coming out of their cave against a backdrop of a superb Ethiopian sunset, Oryx, Hartebeest and Bale Monkeys then all the superb birds, ground hornbills and Lappet-faced Vultures, Spot-breasted Lapwing, White-bellied Starlings, Maribou Storks by the bucket load, all mixed up with more familiar Palearctic migrants such as Redstarts, Lesser Whitethroats and Willow Warblers but then Pallid Harriers and White-throated Robins. All in all, a most enjoyable trip.
P.S. North Lincolnshire -
Seeing Ethiopian Wolves and Giant Mole Rats. Bus very comfortable and plenty of room.
M.I. West Glamorgan
Dates & Prices
2025
Departures
Availability
Cost
Wed 19th Nov – Tue 2nd Dec
SPACES
£5,495
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures:
On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.
Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£4,595
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£450
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Naturetrek offers a wide selection of long-haul wildlife holidays primarily focusing on mammals. These tours offer an intensive mammal-centred focus, outstanding value for money and top quality sightings. They are led by at least one expert local English-speaking naturalist, and visit countries in Africa, Asia, Central and South America and more.
Naturetrek Bargain mammal Holidays
These tours are best suited to keen, active mammal-watching enthusiasts – whether expert or beginner – and people looking for an action-packed mammal-focused tour.
Our bargain mammal-watching tours offer:
- An expert English-speaking local naturalist leader
- Outstanding value for money
- Dawn-to-dusk mammal-watching with limited time for rest, relaxation and outside interests
- Enviable mammal lists!
- Focused searches for endemic species, while also looking for non-endemics
Naturetrek’s selection of bargain mammal-watching holidays includes tours to the Americas in Brazil, Peru and Panama. In Africa our selection includes Botswana, Zambia, Ethiopia and South Africa, while in Asia we offer bargain mammal tours to India, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Borneo.
Our specialist recommends...
“I’d recommend Ecuador – Amazonian Mammals for a good introduction to South America’s rainforest mammals. In Africa, it’s hard to beat our Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park holiday for its combination of Leopards, other ‘big game’ and first-class accommodation! In Asia, try India – Bandhavgarh National Park for Tigers and other Indian mammals.”
Paul Stanbury - Operations Manager
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Many of the world’s mammals are instantly recognisable to us. Animals such as Lions, Tigers, elephants and bears capture our imaginations from an early age. At Naturetrek, we take great pleasure and pride in helping people to fulfil their lifelong dreams of seeing these iconic species in the wild. We also enjoy introducing our clients to some of the world’s more unusual mammals, many of which are just as fascinating.
Naturetrek Mammal Watching Tours
Many of our tours have a primary focus on mammals and we offer the widest choices of mammal-watching holidays across the globe, from the poles to the tropics. Our holidays are guided by at least one professional naturalist tour leader and usually benefit from additional guiding by expert local naturalist guides. We have holidays to see an incredible range of the world’s most sought-after mammals, such as orangutans, lemurs, bats, polar mammals, big cats, and mammals of the African savannah. A significant number of tours also targets some of the planet’s more unusual and elusive species, from pottos and pangolins to slender lorises and obscure cetaceans.
Here’s a selection of our mammal tours:
- India’s Kanha and Pench Tiger Reserves
- A cruise to Spitsbergen in search of Polar Bears
- A chance to see the ‘Big Five’ and much more in South Africa’s Kruger National Park
- Search for Blue, Fin and Sperm Whales in the Azores
- Close-up views of Brown Bear and Wolverine in Finland
- Enjoy the mammals of Kenya’s Masai Mara, while staying in luxury camps
- Search for elusive nocturnal mammals, such as Aardvark, Black-footed Cat and Aardwolf, in the Kalahari Desert
Bargain mammal selection
We offer a range of action-packed bargain holidays for the dedicated mammal enthusiast, which are exceptional value for money, from Belize to Zambia.
Our specialist recommends...
"Africa is perhaps the greatest continent for mammal-watching. I would recommend 'Botswana’s Desert & Delta (Mammals)' for combining stunning scenery and wildlife. We also offer a tour to Uganda which includes a chance to see Mountain Gorillas. And India, along with Tigers, has a superb variety of mammals. Closer to home, short breaks to Spain in search of Wolves and Iberian Lynx are hard to beat.”
Paul Stanbury - Operations Manager
Paul Stanbury - Operations Manager
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