Tailormade Holidays in Ethiopia

The Bale Mountains are a wonderfully remote and beautiful region featuring sweeping grassy uplands, towering outcrops, hanging forests, rocky peaks and exposed moorlands dotted with giant lobelias, red-hot pokers, and with peaty pools and lakes. This is the last refuge of the impressive and endemic Mountain Nyala, a large antelope closely related to the Kudu, and the region also supports four other mammal species found only in Ethiopia: Menelik’s Bushbuck, Bale Monkey, Giant Molerat and the magnificent Ethiopian Wolf. It is the endemic Ethiopian Wolf that is for many visitors the main attraction and the Bale Mountains are certainly the best place to see these highly endangered predators. Six of Ethiopia’s endemic 16 birds can be found within the Bale Mountains, namely Blue-winged Goose, Spot-breasted Lapwing, Rouget’s Rail, Yellow-fronted Parrot, Abyssinian Woodpecker and Abyssinian Catbird.

Accommodation in Bale Mountains

The Simien Mountains are one of Africa’s most spectacular and precious landscapes. Millions of years of erosion of the mostly creviced basalt rock have sculpted jagged peaks, deep gorges and hanging cliffs that harbour several globally threatened species, some of which are found nowhere else in the world. One such mammal is the Walia Ibex, a wild mountain goat that frequents impossibly steep cliffs, whilst Gelada Baboons, another endemic species to Ethiopia, graze the upper grasslands and slopes in huge troops of up to 400 individuals. The Simien Mountain range is characterised by some beautiful scenery; trekking in this environment can be challenging but certainly worth the effort. Fit and active travellers may choose to complete a trek of several days with an experienced guide and muleteers (camping at designated sites along the way) or, for an easier option, you may choose to do day walks from one of the permanent lodges situated high in the mountains.

Accommodation in Simien Mountains

The picturesque Awash National Park takes its name from the river that flanks its southern border and was declared Ethiopia’s first national park in 1966. Located in the centre of Ethiopia, the park resembles a classic east African game reserve with extensive rolling grasslands and acacia scrub set around an extinct volcano, Mount Fantalle. The birdlife is outstanding here and, while plains game and predators are not abundant, Soemmering’s Gazelle, Beisa Oryx, both Greater and Lesser Kudu, Waterbuck, Warthog, Salt’s Dik-dik, Hamadryas Baboon and Spotted Hyena thrive alongside interesting grasslands birds such as Ostrich, Kori Bustard and the rarer Arabian Bustard. Lion, Leopard, Caracal, Serval, Black-backed and Golden Jackals also occur in low numbers, but sightings are rare. Along the Awash River itself, Black-and-white Colobus and Grivet Monkeys can be found with hornbills, parrots, finches and doves amongst the larger acacia trees. It is possible to do some walking in the park, but most safaris are carried out by vehicle to best cover its large area.

Accommodation in Awash National Park

A string of beautiful lakes, varying in depth and salinity, stretch along the floor of the Great Rift Valley from Ethiopia’s heartland to its south-western corner. These provide a wide range of wetland and escarpment habitats rich in bird and mammal species. Lake Awassa is a freshwater lake attracting large numbers of waterbirds; it is also a colourful place where busy local fishermen go about their business harmoniously sharing their catch with the birds. Lake Shalla offers exceptional views and woodland birding, whilst the fringes of Lake Abiata, a shallow caustic soda lake, attract a wealth of flamingoes, cormorants, storks, herons and waders. Lake Langano is another beautiful spot and is one of the best places in which to end a tailored itinerary in a restful manner. Here a number of options are on offer, among them some great birding along the wooded lake fringes and the opportunity to simply relax in the lovely surroundings.

Accommodation in Lake Langano & Rift Valley

The town of Bahar Dar sits on the southern shores of Lake Tana, Ethiopia’s largest lake and the source of the Blue Nile. For many visitors looking to avoid the hubbub of Addis Ababa this lakeside settlement will be their first real taste of the country. A visit to the Blue Nile Falls doubles as a great introduction to Ethiopia’s rich birdlife with Carmine Bee-eaters, Long-crested Eagles and Yellow-mantled Widowbirds all frequenting the area. Another worthwhile excursion from Bahar Dar is a visit to one of the wonderful Coptic monasteries found on the lake’s islands.