Day 1 – Arrive Addis Ababa. Later in the day, we drive to Geferssa Reservoir, about an hour’s drive from Addis where at least seven of the endemic species can be seen, including Blue-winged Goose and Black-headed Sis kin.

Day 2 – Drive to Awash National Park. En route we will have a lot of roadside stops including one major stoppage at Chalaklaka wet land some 42kms east of Addis. The Yellow-billed stork, African spoonbill, Red-billed Duck, Knob-billed Duck, Crowned Crane, Black Crake, White backed Duck and Hottentots Teal are one of the dwellers of Chalaklaka wet land. Then proceed to Nazareth for lunch. Afternoon continuing to Awash National Park. In this lowland and acacia woodland area over 350 bird species have been recorded. The Abyssinian Roller, Red winged Bush Lark, Black Shouldered and Swallow tailed kites, different species of Bustards and Sunbirds are amongst the species we are expecting to see.

Day 3 – Full day birding and game viewing in the park.

Day 4 – Leave Awash National Park for Langano. Along the way we are birding at Awash River Bridge and /or Koka Dam. After having lunch there would be a birding program on the shores of lake Ziway where huge number of water birds inhabit. It is a wonderful lake for its different storks, plovers, Egrets and Ducks.

Day 5 – Drive to Lake Abijate, which is a magnificent habitat for a wintering species from Europe and North Asia. After lunch we spend more time in the acacia woodland area at the Abijata-Shalla Lakes HQ. The spotted Eagle Owl, Rufus crowned and Lilac- breasted Rollers, Bearded and Cardinal Woodpeckers, African pygmy Falcon, Imperial Eagle, Crested Francolin and Black-wood Hoopoe are amongst the verities of birds inhabiting this area. Then, proceed to Wondogenet for two nights staying.

Day 6 – Full day bird watching in Wondogenet forest. The endemics Yellow Fronted Parrot and Abyssinian woodpecker, double toothed Barbet, white checked Turaco, Abyssinian Ground Thrush, Narina’s Trogon, Spotted Creeper, Lesser Striped Swallow, Crowned Eagle, Ayer’s Hawk Eagle, Lemon and Tambourine Doves are one of the special birds we are looking for.

Day 7 – Leave Wondogenet in the morning for Lake Awassa. Full day birding in and around Lake Awassa. It is one of the wonderful birding sites in the main Ethiopian Rift system. Grey Kestrel, Allen’s Gallinule, Lesser Moorhen, Blue-headed Weaver, Grey-headed and Giant Kingfisher are amongst the verities of species we are expecting in Awassa. Overnight Awassa.

Day 8 – Drive back to Addis Ababa. Along the way we have a lot of roadside stops including birding at Hora Lake. Overnight Debre Zeit.

Day 9 – Fly back to origin.

 

PACKAGE INCLUDES: TRANSPORTATION IN A 4 X 4 SAFARI LAND CRUISER WITH AN ENGLISH SPEAKING DRIVER / GUIDE, FULL BOARD ACCOMMODATION IN THE LUXURY LODGES/CAMPS, PARK ENTRY FEES, GAME DRIVES, AIRPORT TRANSFERS AND AIRSTRIP TRANSFERS AND THE NAIROBI NORFOLK HOTEL OR SIMILAR ON THE FIRST NIGHT.PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE: VISA FEES, AIRPORT TAXES, PERSONAL TRAVEL INSURANCES, BEVERAGES/MINERAL WATER, AND LUNCH ON THE LAST DAY, LAUNDRY, TIPPING & ANYTHING OF PERSONAL NATURE.   –   Spurwing