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Tailormade Holidays in Ethiopia
Tailormade | Tour Code: TETHCreate your own Tailormade holiday to Ethiopia with dates and an itinerary to suit you.
When to Visit
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SAMPLE HOLIDAY: Ethiopia's Essential Wildlife
11 days from £4,395 (Flight Inclusive)
This itinerary covers the main wildlife highlights of Ethiopia. For one of the country's great cultural sites, extend your holiday to Lalibela.
Summary
Ethiopia is very special - unique amongst African countries in its rich blend of truly spectacular scenery, its extraordinarily rich culture, archaeology and history, and its wealth of African wildlife, from classic plains game and predators to a rich variety of endemic birds and mammals.
Arguably the cradle of humankind, Ethiopia's rich and fascinating history and cultural heritage stretch back thousands of years. When travelling here one can sense a timeless, almost ethereal quality, thanks in large part to the incredibly devout people and the lengths to which they have embedded their religious practices in the landscape, perhaps most notably in the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela. Its people are also extraordinarily diverse tribally, from the fierce yet exquisite-looking Afer to the pastoralist tribes of the south – a proud and elegant mix.
It is Ethiopia’s isolated highland regions – the Bale and Simien Mountains – that are the reason for the evolution of its wealth of endemic species that are such a draw for every naturalist; they also make Ethiopia one of the most spectacular African countries, as well as a prime trekking destination. The string of distinctive lakes cradled in the Great African Rift Valley are also most scenic; they provide more excellent birding habitats and are a delightful place in which to relax and enjoy your final few days in this little known yet exhilarating African country.
Our Destinations
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.
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.
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
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
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.
This unique World Heritage Site lies to the south of the Simien Mountains and consists of a network of 11 remarkable subterranean rock-hewn churches and connecting passageways, all of them carved from the underlying bedrock. So remarkable are these structures that local folklore recounts tales of angels assisting in the site’s completion! However, their creation is historically attributed to the reign of King Lalibela in the 12th century, and an estimated team of 40,000 workers used to excavate and form these incredible structures that are still used for worship and as sites of pilgrimage to this day.
Addis Ababa is, for most, the first port of call in Ethiopia and many people choose to move on quickly to more scenic locations. However, a night is often required here meaning that some of the city’s interesting cultural sites can be visited such as the Kiddist Selassie Cathedral and the National Museum which houses the remains of ‘Lucy’ – the famous 3.2 million year-old partial hominid skeleton. Keen birders might like to explore the Gefersa Reservoir which is just outside the city, whilst a day excursion to the Debre Libanos Gorge, stopping off at the bird-rich Solulta Plains, is a great way to enjoy wonderful scenery, some endemic birds and the troops of Gelada Baboons which frequent the gorge. There are a number of accommodation options such as the upmarket Radisson Blu.
Accommodation
Founded by King Fasilidas in 1635, this town served as the imperial capital for 250 years and today it is famed for its 17th century castles. It is also surrounded by a 900-metre long wall and contains palaces, churches, monasteries and interesting buildings displaying Hindu, Arabic and subsequent Jesuit influences. Of particular note is the fantastically decorated church of Debre Birhan Selassie. The style of the Gondar period would go on to form the basis of modern day Ethiopian architecture and today it’s certainly a very pleasant place to spend a night on your way to the Simien Mountains which lie a further 100 kilometres or so to the north-east of Gondar.
Sample Itineraries
This itinerary covers the main wildlife highlights of Ethiopia. For one of the country's great cultural sites, extend your holiday to Lalibela.
Extend your holiday:
Option 1
Day 10/12 – Awash National Park
Day 13 – Addis Ababa
Day 14 – Depart Addis Ababa; arrive UK same day
Option 2
Day 11/12 – Lalibela
Day 13 – Addis Ababa
Day 14 – Depart Addis Ababa; arrive UK same day
This comprehensive itinerary covers the very best of Ethiopia's wildlife together with its most scenic and beautiful landscapes.
Extend your holiday:
Option 1
Day 9/10 – Lalibela
Day 11 – Awash National Park (continue with the above itinerary)
Option 2
Day 18/19 – Extend your stay at Lake Langano
Day 20 – Drive Addis Ababa
Day 21 – Depart Addis Ababa; arrive UK same day
The Essentials
- Wildlife Guides: When in Ethiopia’s national parks and wildlife reserves, our selected lodges all employ local guides. However, we also have access to more experienced naturalist guides who we can employ for all or part of your holiday to ensure the best possible wildlife experience.
- When to Visit: As the rainy season in central and northern Ethiopia usually lasts from June until late September (although there are also the so-called ‘short-rains’ in March/April), our northern winter makes a good time to visit, especially as this season benefits from the influx of northern breeding birds that winter in Africa. Dry and sunny weather may therefore be expected from October to March (inclusive). The south of Ethiopia, however, is dry between May and October, so travel to this region is advised during our northern summer.
J F M A M J J A S O N D YY YY YY Y Y Y Y Y Y YY YY YY - Getting Around: In Ethiopia the roads are usually good and travel by road is the norm, generally using a car, minibus or 4WD, depending on your itinerary. The excellent domestic service of Ethiopian Airlines offers the best way to access the northern towns and cultural sites.
Why Naturetrek Tailormade?
'A Naturetrek Tailormade holiday allows you, with the benefit of our wildlife travel expertise and destination experience, to enjoy the perfect private wildlife holiday – one that truly matches your requirements, expectations and ambitions. We will ensure the most competitive prices, superb naturalist guides and seamless ground services.
Some of the benefits of Naturetrek Tailormade travel include:
• A bespoke itinerary which is crafted by experts and designed specifically for you
• Private guiding by the very best local naturalists
• Travel with people you know, at your own pace
• Incorporate as much culture, history or relaxation time as you wish
• Choose dates to suit you
• Select your preferred style of accommodation
• Travel with families and children of any age
Furthermore, our Tailormade team are always on hand to help and guide you along the way, with friendly advice, first-hand knowledge and inside information specific to your destination of choice. So if you have any queries about your holiday, we will be delighted to answer them. Please just give us a call!'
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Operations Manager, Kerrie Porteous, travelled to Ethiopia in May to catch up with our guides, inspect our hotels, and – of course! – enjoy some of the magnificent wildlife that call this country home. This is what she found…
An entry to our 2019 Writing Competition, Peter Cunnington travelled on our 'The Best of Ethiopia' tour.
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