Ethiopia's Endemic Birds & Mammals

Summary

Ethiopia combines some of the world’s most spectacular scenery and a long and fascinating history with outstanding wildlife. It was perhaps the earliest home of mankind and later to Prester John – the legendary ruler of the east – and a dynasty of monarchs originating from the Queen of Sheba. It is a land of mixed religions, countless tribes and even more languages. Ethiopia is also one of the very few African countries to have escaped 19th-century colonialism and remains fiercely independent to this day. It is not only the country's long and rich history that makes Ethiopia such a special place, for its wildlife, too, is both exciting and unique.

Our tour begins with an overnight stay in the capital, Addis Ababa. After arriving, we will make a day trip to the beautiful crater lakes at Bishoftu, where steep volcanic calderas shelter an abundance of birdlife, from Ethiopian Bee‑eater and Black Crowned Crane to Malachite Kingfisher, Abyssinian Woodpecker, Black‑winged Lovebird and Ethiopian Thrush, alongside the ever‑present Grivet Monkey.

The following morning, we fly south to Yabelo to explore the rich birding habitats of the region, including the bushlands around Mega and the forests of Meta Gafersa, home to endemics such as Stresemann’s Bushcrow, White‑tailed Swallow and the striking Ruspoli’s Turaco. We continue to Arba Minch for a boat excursion on Lake Chamo, well known for its impressive Nile Crocodiles, Hippos and raptors, before travelling on to Lake Hawassa, one of the Rift Valley’s most scenic freshwater lakes and a haven for both birds and mammals. From here, we visit Wondo Genet’s forested slopes in search of further speciality species.

Turning east, we travel via Robe to the spectacular Bale Mountains National Park for a 2‑night stay. As we ascend to the Sanetti Plateau, the scenery becomes increasingly dramatic, and we will look for the region’s most iconic wildlife, including the endemic Mountain Nyala, Ethiopian Wolf, Spot‑breasted Lapwing, Abyssinian Catbird, Rouget’s Rail and the Giant Mole‑rat. Descending into the Harenna Forest adds a completely different habitat and an exciting range of mammal and bird species.

The tour concludes with a flight back to Addis Ababa, where day rooms allow time to relax or explore the city before our international flights home. For those who wish to discover more of Ethiopia’s cultural heritage, an optional extension visits Konso – now a UNESCO World Heritage Site – before continuing into the Omo Valley, one of Africa’s most culturally rich and fascinating regions.