After breakfast, depart south from Addis Ababa toward the beautiful landscapes of Ethiopia’s Great Rift Valley. Your first birding stops will be at Koka Dam and Lake Ziway, two important wetland habitats known for their incredible diversity of aquatic and terrestrial bird species.

Explore the lakeshores and surrounding areas while searching for a variety of birds, including:

• African Pygmy Goose
• Black-billed Woodhoopoe
• Abyssinian Ground Hornbill
• Northern Black Tit
• Little Weaver
• And many other resident and migratory species

Continue to Lake Langano, one of the Rift Valley’s most scenic lakes, surrounded by forests and rich bird habitats. Arrive at Sabana Lodge, beautifully located on the lakeshore, and enjoy a relaxing evening birding session around the lodge and nearby areas as the sun sets over the lake.

Overnight: Sabana Lodge, Lake Langano.

Begin the morning with birdwatching around Lake Langano, exploring the surrounding forests and lakeshore habitats for unique bird species. After breakfast, continue to Abijatta-Shalla National Park, one of Ethiopia’s most important wetland and birding destinations, home to more than 300 bird species.

Explore the twin lakes of Abijatta and Shalla, where you may spot a wide variety of waterbirds and migratory species, including:

• Greater and Lesser Flamingos
• Storks, ibises, and cormorants
• Yellow Wagtails, swallows, and rollers
• African Marsh Harrier
• Chestnut-bellied Sandgrouse
• And many other resident and seasonal visitors

Enjoy the spectacular scenery of the Rift Valley, with volcanic landscapes, open plains, and beautiful lakes providing excellent photography opportunities.

In the afternoon, continue to Hawassa, a peaceful lakeside city on the shores of Lake Hawassa. Relax at your hotel and enjoy evening birding along the lakeshore, where you may see Marabou Storks, egrets, and other waterbirds gathering at sunset.

Overnight: Hawassa.

egin the morning with an early birding excursion to the famous Lake Hawassa Fish Market, one of Ethiopia’s best-known birdwatching locations. Here, witness the unique interaction between local fishermen and the many bird species attracted to the lakeshore.

Look for remarkable species such as:

• Silvery-cheeked Hornbill
• Spur-winged Goose
• Malachite Kingfisher
• African Fish Eagle
• Woodland Kingfisher
• Rouget’s Rail
• And many other waterbirds and woodland species

After exploring the fish market, continue birding around Lake Hawassa’s wetlands, forest patches, and lakeshore trails. These diverse habitats provide excellent opportunities to observe both Ethiopian endemic species and migratory birds.

With guidance from your expert birding guide, discover the rich biodiversity of the area while enjoying beautiful lakeside scenery and excellent photography opportunities.

Overnight: Hawassa.

After breakfast, begin your journey back to Addis Ababa, making birding stops along the way at Lake Ziway and the surrounding Great Rift Valley wetlands. These important habitats attract a wide range of resident and migratory bird species, offering excellent final opportunities for birdwatching and photography.

Continue exploring the lakeshores and wetlands while searching for species such as:

• Yellow-billed Stork
• Collared Pratincole
• Lesser and African Jacanas
• White Pelican
• African Fish Eagle
• Crowned Crane
• And many other wetland and savannah birds

Enjoy the changing landscapes of the Rift Valley before arriving back in Addis Ababa.

In the evening, celebrate the end of your birding adventure with a traditional Ethiopian farewell dinner featuring authentic local cuisine, live music, cultural dance performances, and an unforgettable Ethiopian coffee ceremony.

After dinner, transfer to Bole International Airport for your international departure.

End of Tour – Thank you for traveling with Extraordinary Ethiopia Tours.