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Abiy was a superb guide and we had a fantastic trip. Yabelo was absolutely fantastic. Birds were both diverse and abundant - it was a superb area! At the end of the trip, the Bale Mountains area was also, of course, fantastic. In between, there were also some good spots, but of these the Wondo Genet forests really stand out as excellent. Once again, thank you very much for facilitating such a wonderful holiday!
T.Y & C E, Glamorgan, Nov '25
Tour Itinerary and Reports
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Ethiopia's Endemic Birds & Mammals
Tour Code: ETH12A 10-day holiday in search of Ethiopia's endemic birds and mammals, visiting the Bale Mountains, the Sanetti Plateau and the Rift Valley Lakes.
10 days
from
£5,795
£5,795
Land only price
from
£5,295
£5,295
Highlights
Tour Itinerary and Reports
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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 religion, 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, however, for its wildlife, too, is both exciting and unique.
- Chance to watch Ethiopian Wolves hunting Giant Mole-rats
- Other special mammals include Giant Forest Hog, Black-and-white Colobus, Mountain Nyala, Menelik's Bushbuck and much more
- A fabulous birdlife which includes Rouget’s Rail, Spot-breasted Plover, White-cheeked Turaco, Black-winged Lovebird, African Spotted Creeper, Mackinder’s Eagle Owl, White-crowned Starling, Blue-winged Goose, White-collared Pigeon, Wattled Ibis
- Visit the spectacular Bale Mountains – an endemics hotspot
- Flight options from London, Manchester and other regional airports
- Led by an experienced local guide who has led over 100 Naturetrek tours in Ethiopia!
Outline Itinerary
Day 1
Fly Addis Ababa
Day 2
Arrive Addis; Bishoftu
Day 3
Fly Arba Minch
Day 4
Boat trip on Lake Chamo
Day 5
Lake Hawassa
Day 6
Lake Hawassa; Bale Mountain HQ/Gesay Grassland
Day 7
Sanetti Plateau; Harenna Forest; Bale Mountain Lodge
Day 8
Bale Mountain Lodge
Day 9
Addis Ababa
Day 10
Inbound flights
Reviews
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Seeing new birds and endemic mammals; the company of my fellow travellers; having a little endemic chameleon crawl up my arm. A fascinating country with lovely scenery, traditional lifestyle, friendly people. Dan was outstanding as a leader: efficient, competent, patient, kind, caring, great sense of humour, range of wildlife knowledge. The guide we had in Addis Ababa was also excellent: knowledgeable, interesting, flexible and willing to answer questions on any subject.
J.I, Kent, Feb '25 -
Dan and Abiy were both brilliant – and very kind and helpful to me. Abiy knew all the birding spots and was also very good at telling us about all different aspects of life in Ethiopia as we went along. The whole esprit de corps - the fact that the whole team worked so well, and we got so many LAUGHS. Also the group was the right size for comfort in the minibus, and all able to have window seats. The birds and mammals were amazing too.
J.P, Kent, Feb '25 -
Abiy is an excellent guide, very knowledgeable and fun to be with. His driver, Hope is also excellent, very courteous and a very thoughtful careful driver. Staying at the Bale Mountain Lodge was excellent, including the accommodation, the hospitality and food and the local guide and walks. I would love to return and stay longer.
F.N, Shropshire, Feb '25
Dates & Prices
2026
Departures
Availability
Cost
Fri 6th Nov – Sun 15th Nov
SPACES
£5,795
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.
£5,295
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£595
Tour Leader:
Please note that, whilst we assign leaders to particular tours well in advance, we reserve the right to make changes if necessary
Abiy Dagne
Tour Leader: Abiy Dagne
Abiy was born in Ethiopia and began his birdwatching career some 25-years ago. He has since led over 100 wildlife tours in Ethiopia for Naturetrek!
2027
Departures
Availability
Cost
Fri 5th Nov – Sun 14th Nov
SPACES
£5,995
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.
£5,295
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£595
Prefer to Travel in a Private Group?
For any interested natural history club or society, we can arrange for a private departure of this tour.
Enquire
Tour Reports
Why Naturetrek?
At Naturetrek we craft expertly-guided group and tailor-made wildlife holidays and cruises to all seven continents. On one of our holidays, you can be assured that our passionate team will enable you to experience and enjoy the best of the world's wildlife and natural spectacles in as comfortable and rewarding a manner as possible, caring as best we can for the environment in the process. We are proud to provide:
- The widest choice of wildlife holidays worldwide
- Tours managed and led by naturalists, for naturalists
- Outstanding value and exceptional customer service
Furthermore, as a Naturetrek client, our office team are always to on hand to help you – so if you have any queries about your holiday, whether before or after you have booked, we will be delighted to answer them on the phone. Please just give our team a call!
