Wildlife · Birding · Private
Rift Valley Birding Trail
From Afro-alpine endemics on the Sanetti Plateau to pelicans on Lake Tana, built for a serious list.
The Journey
7 nights, designed around the hours that matter
Ethiopia holds close to two dozen endemic bird species spread across sharply different habitats. We move between them efficiently, with a resident ornithologist and no detours that aren't about birds.
Places
- Rift Valley Lakes
- Bale Mountains
- Lake Tana
- Debre Libanos
Tailor-made journey
Priced to your plans
Quoted individually once we know your dates, lodges and group size.
- Duration
- 8 Days · 7 nights
- Best season
- Year-round
- Group size
- 2 – 6 guests
- Style
- Wildlife · Birding · Private
Final pricing depends on season, room category and group size. No deposit is taken until the itinerary is right.
Day by Day
The itinerary, as it usually runs
A working draft rather than a fixed schedule — we move days around for weather, festivals and how you are feeling.
Day 1
Arrive Addis Ababa
A briefing with your ornithologist and an afternoon at the Ethiopian Wildlife and Natural History Society grounds.
Day 2
Rift Valley lakes
Lake Ziway and Lake Langano for pelicans, storks and other Rift Valley waterbirds.
Days 3 – 4
Bale Mountains
The Sanetti Plateau for Afro-alpine endemics, then the Harenna forest for its highland forest species.
Days 5 – 6
Lake Tana & Blue Nile
Private boat sessions around the island monasteries, with reed-boat access into the reedbeds.
Day 7
Debre Libanos
The Jemma gorge escarpment for raptors, with gelada troops working the cliff edge below.
Day 8
Addis & Departure
A final checklist review over breakfast, then an evening departure.
What Is Included
- A resident ornithologist and endemics specialist throughout
- Domestic flights and private 4x4 transfers
- Private boat sessions on Lake Tana and the Rift Valley lakes
- All national park fees, scouts and permits
- Full board at lodges chosen for proximity to habitat
- A species checklist and daily sightings log
Not Included
- International flights and Ethiopian visa fees
- Travel insurance (required)
- Personal optics and field guides
Enquire
Make Rift Valley Birding Trail 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 Year-round · 2 – 6 guests · priced to your plans
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Speak With a Designer
Questions before you enquire?
Altitude, road time, how hard the walking really is, whether the children will cope. Ask us anything — a designer will answer honestly.
Or call us directly on +1909-450-7246