Birding · Wildlife
5-Day Rift Valley & Wondo Genet Birding
Lake Langano, Abijatta-Shalla and the forests of Wondo Genet, with a city day in Addis Ababa.
- Duration
- 5 Days
- Season
- September to April
- Group Size
- 1 to 12 guests
- Price
- Designed Around You
The Journey
4 nights, designed around the hours that matter
A relaxed birding journey that pairs lakes with forest. After a day in Addis Ababa, bird the acacia woodland around Lake Langano and the soda lakes of Abijatta-Shalla, then spend a full day in the forested highlands of Wondo Genet, known for turacos, hornbills and forest specialities.
Places
Day by Day
Detailed Day-by-Day Itinerary
This itinerary is carefully planned, but minor adjustments may be made due to weather, local festivals, road conditions or your personal interests to ensure the best possible experience.
Day 1
Addis Ababa City Tour: Discover Ethiopia’s Capital
Begin your exploration of Addis Ababa with a warm welcome at the airport or your hotel. Start with a visit to the National Museum of Ethiopia, home to the famous hominid fossil “Lucy” and a fascinating collection showcasing Ethiopia’s ancient history and archaeological heritage. Continue to the Ethnographic Museum, located in the former palace of Emperor Haile Selassie, where you can discover Ethiopia’s diverse cultures, traditions, and heritage while enjoying the beautiful university gardens. After lunch, visit the impressive Holy Trinity Cathedral, one of Addis Ababa’s most important religious landmarks, known for its distinctive architecture and historic significance. Continue to Entoto Mountain for panoramic views over the capital and explore the historic churches of St. Raguel and Entoto Maryam. On the way back, pass through the lively Piazza area and visit St. George Church and Menelik II Square before ending the day at the vibrant Merkato, one of Africa’s largest open-air markets. Experience the energy, colors, and everyday life of Addis Ababa as you explore this fascinating part of the city. Return to your hotel.
Day 2
Addis Ababa – Lake Langano Birding Experience
After breakfast, depart Addis Ababa and journey south into the scenic landscapes of the Great Rift Valley. Your first destination is Lake Langano, a peaceful Rift Valley lake surrounded by acacia savannah and diverse bird habitats. Along the way, keep watch for soaring raptors, waterbirds, and savannah species as the landscape changes from highland terrain to the warmer Rift Valley environment. Upon arrival, enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of the lake and take part in an evening birdwatching session around the lodge and nearby surroundings. Relax and enjoy the beautiful sunset views over the lake before settling in for the night at Sabana Lodge. Overnight: Sabana Lodge, Lake Langano.
Day 3
Lake Langano – Abijatta-Shalla National Park – Wondo Genet
Begin the morning with birdwatching along the shores of Lake Langano, exploring its rich lakeside habitats and searching for a variety of waterbirds and woodland species. Continue to Abijatta-Shalla National Park, one of Ethiopia’s most important wetland areas, famous for its large concentrations of flamingos, pelicans, storks, and ibises. Enjoy a scenic walk along the shimmering lakeshores while observing both resident and migratory bird species. After exploring the park, continue the journey through the beautiful Rift Valley landscapes toward Wondo Genet, keeping an eye out for additional birdlife along the way. Arrive at Wondo Genet Hotel, surrounded by lush forests and natural beauty, offering excellent opportunities for further birdwatching. Overnight: Wondo Genet.
Day 4
Wondo Genet Birding in the Forested Highlands
Continue your birding adventure in the lush forested highlands of Wondo Genet, one of Ethiopia’s rewarding destinations for woodland bird species. Begin the morning with a guided walk through the surrounding forest, where you can search for rare and colorful highland birds hidden among the trees. With the help of a local birding expert, look for specialty species such as the Yellow-fronted Parrot and other forest inhabitants while enjoying the peaceful atmosphere of Ethiopia’s highland ecosystem. The combination of rich biodiversity, scenic landscapes, and expert guidance makes Wondo Genet a memorable highlight for bird lovers and nature enthusiasts. Overnight: Wondo Genet.
Day 5
Wondo Genet – Addis Ababa Departure
After breakfast, begin your journey back to Addis Ababa, traveling through Ethiopia’s changing landscapes of forests, highlands, and Rift Valley scenery. Upon arrival in the capital, celebrate the end of your birding adventure with a special farewell dinner at a traditional Ethiopian restaurant, featuring delicious local cuisine, live music, and cultural dance performances. After this memorable cultural experience, transfer to Bole International Airport for your onward departure. Thank you for traveling with Extraordinary Ethiopia Tours.
What Is Included
- Meet-and-assist at Bole International Airport and all transfers
- Private air-conditioned vehicle with a professional driver
- Specialist birding guide throughout
- 4 nights of accommodation: City Hotel, Lakeside Lodge, Forest Resort
- Full board: breakfast, lunch and dinner
- National park entrance fees and scouts
- Entrance fees to all sites and churches in the itinerary
Not Included
- International flights and Ethiopian visa
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Drinks, tips and personal expenses
Before You Book
Questions about this journey
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Guest reviews
What our guests say
Rated 5.0 on Tripadvisor and Google, and 4.9 on SafariBookings.
“My tour operator was very communicative even before the trip began and very responsive on WhatsApp. He booked all my domestic flights and arranged all my airport pick-ups and drop-offs. He had professional guides in all the regions I visited, the itinerary was clear, and he was flexible with any changes. There were no extra costs. He is reliable, communicative and well experienced. I will be back with the same company.”
Sarah · Kenya · August 2026
Read more reviews on SafariBookings“Excellent services provided by Maereg and his team. The local guides and the drivers – Geta (my fave) – were all great. They were patient, professional, knowledgeable and took great care of us. Everything was seamlessly coordinated and they were always on time for pickups and made sure we were briefed in advance of the itinerary and any changes. One of my top travel destinations in Africa, with some of the kindest and warmest people. Maereg went above and beyond! First-class service, always with a smile!”
D Thomas · Google review · May 2026
Read more reviews on GoogleEnquire
Make 5-Day Rift Valley & Wondo Genet Birding yours
Send us your dates and we will confirm availability, quote precisely, and suggest the two or three changes we would make if it were our own trip.
Runs September to April · 1 to 12 guests · A quote made for your journey
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