5 Days Bird Watching, Ethiopia

Itinerary

Day 1: Addis Ababa

Stop At: Addis Ababa, Addis Ababa
Upon arrival in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, meet your Professional Guide, greeted with the traditional Ethiopian hospitality at the airport and transferred to hotel. (Depending on your arrival time we can arrange a half day city tour).
Duration: 4 hours

Meals included:
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight Hotel

Day 2: Addis - D/Zeit

Stop At: Chelekleka Lake, Bishoftu, Ethiopia
We drive south to Debre Zeit, about 50 km from Addis Ababa. There are five crater lakes in the area, a dam and a Crater lake and wetlands. Three of the lakes have large populations of water birds. Our first stop will be at the Chelekleke Wetlands, where we can expect to see: Ferruginous Duck, Little Grebe, Cattle Egret, Lesser Flamingo, Egyptian Goose, Spur Winged Goose, Red-knobbed Coot, Ruff, Pintail, Garganey, Northern Shoveller, Southern Pochard, Pygmy Goose and White-backed Duck.
Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Bishoftu Lake, Bishoftu, Ethiopia
Bishoftu Lake is a crater lake surrounded by very steep and rocky hills. Among the species recorded here: Ferruginous Duck, Lesser Flamingo, Southern Pochard, Northern Shoveler, Nightingale, Ortalan, Ruppell’s Griffon Vulture. After lunch we will visit Green Lake, so called because of the blue green algae in the lake, (Maccoa Duck, Cape Teal, Red-billed Duck, possibly White-winged Cliff Chat and Red-breasted Wry Neck).
Duration: 2 hours

Meals included:
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight Hotel

Day 3: D/Zeit - Awash Park

Stop At: Awash National Park, Awash National Park, Afar Region
After breakfast we set for our destination, to Bilen Lodge, passing Beseka Lake and Arrive at Awash National Park for lunch. The species found here are mentioned on day 4 and we will spend today and tomorrow, exploring the different habitats of the area, the plains, cliffs, wetlands and riverine forest by the Awash. Camel trekking can be arranged to some of these sites – one gets a great view from on top of a camel, and can also get closer to birds and wildlife. The Afar communities (with whom there has been consultation as a continuous process about Village Ethiopia’s development) provide another focus of interest. A large hot spring near the lodge is a great pleasure to freshen up at the end of the day.
Duration: 5 hours

Meals included:
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight Lodge

Day 4: Awash Park

Stop At: Awash National Park, Awash National Park, Afar Region
Full day birding in Awash National Park and around Bilen Lodge which is Over 400 species of birds are recorded: The Arabian Bustard, Kori Bustard, White bellied Bustard, Buff crested Bustard, the Rosy-patched Shrike, Swallow tailed Kite, Bristle Crowned Starling, different woodpeckers, Grey-headed and Sulpher breasted Bush Shrike, Gabar Goshawk, Shirk, Crested Francolin, Common Quail, Harlequin Quail, Palm Swift, Orange-bellied Parrot, Martial Eagle, different wood Doves, Yellow billed Hornbill, Crested Lark, Singing Bush Lark, Red wing Bush Lark, Somali Golden-breasted Bunting, Little Rock Thrush, Grey-headed Batis and Spotted Flycatcher are one of the important birds that we are planning to see for today.
Duration: 7 hours

Meals included:
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight Lodge

Day 5: Awash - Addis

Stop At: Addis Ababa, Addis Ababa
Drive back to Addis Ababa. In the evening, there will be Footprint Ethiopia complimentary farewell dinner party with traditional special buffet and local drinks. At the end of the Farwell dinner, transfer to Addis Ababa airport for the flight back. End of tour!
Duration: 3 hours

Meals included:
• Lunch
• Dinner: In a Traditional Restaurant
Accommodation included: Departure