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Birdwatching in Ethiopia
Due to its high diversity of eco-systems with different habitat, Ethiopia has some of the richest bird life in Africa with 863
species registered so far, representing about 9.5% of the worlds and 39% of Africa's birds. Ethiopia has thirty one endemic birds plus many range-restricted birds which only occur in neighboring Kenya and Somalia. Ethiopia's diverse habitats are also
serving as a wintering ground for large numbers of Asian and European migrants via the Red Sea loop to pass to the mainland of Africa. Although the migration of birds takes place from October to May, it reaches its peak from the months of January to April.
"Sofomar Cave(lower Bale region) - Home to Bristle-crowned Starling and Salvadori's Seed-eater"
It is not a coincidence that Ethiopia is rich in birds because of the diversity in habitat over a vast altitude range. Though there are birds that can be found in other African countries, many bird species are adapted to live in different environments with their own specific geographical features and subsequently specified flora and fauna. Because of the fact that the Ethiopian highlands and the rift system form an "Island" with a relatively cool climate, compared with the neighboring countries, there is totally different and unique bird life; and this result in a good number of species that are found nowhere else.
"Debrebirhan Highland - Home to Ankober Serin."
Apart from the scenic mountain areas, there are many highland and rift valley lakes which offer a lot of water birds. In the north-west highlands, Lake Tana which is the largest in the country with an average area of about 3600sq. Km, and the Rift Valley Lakes like Chamo, Abaya, Awassa, Shalla, Abijata, Langano and Ziway have some of the best birding sites in the country. In the south-western lowlands, especially Gibe, Mago and Omo valleys and in the south-eastern Borena region of Nagele, Yabello and
Arero areas exclusively support the charismatic Stresemann's Bush-crow, White-tailed Swallow, Ruspoli's Turaco, Sidamo and Digodi Larks. Electronic map of Ethiopia
Tour I
Two week birdwatching tour
Itinerary
Expect more than 300 species of birds
Day 1.
Arrival and transfer in to chosen hotel in Addis Ababa.
Day 2.
An early start, climb to the Sululta plain, an important habitat for interesting birds including Blue-winged Goose, Wattleed Ibis, Spot-breasted Lapwing, Abyssinian Longclaw, Botta's Wheatear, Ethiopian Cisticola, Black-headed Siskin, Three-banded plover, Glossy Ibis, White-collared Pigeon, Erlanger's Lark or Three-banded plover Augur Buzzard, Yellow-billed Duck, African Sacred Ibis, Red-throated pipit and Thekla Lark. The Debrelibanos Monastery is adjacent to matured woodland and forest holding Banded Barbet, White-cheeked Turaco, African Lemon Dove, Black-billed Barbet, Abyssinian White-eye, Grey-headed Woodpecker, Little Bee-eater, White-rumped Babbler, Black-headed Batis, Somali Starling, Beautiful Sunbird and Ethiopian Oriole. Nearby Gorge attracts Ruppell's
Black Chat, White-winged Cliff-chat, Mocking Cliff-chat, White-billed Starling, Rock Martin, Red-rumped Swallow, Plain-backed Pipit, Lammergeyer, Vareaux's Eagle, White-backed Vulture, Fan-tailed Raven and in scrubby areas, Erckel's Francolin, Stout Cisticola and Tacazze Sunbird. Overnight stay at newly opened Lodge nearby the Old Portuguese Bridge.
Day 3.
Drive to Crater lakes around Bushoftu/Debrezeit and East African Great Rift Valley birding sites. Lake Chalalaka (Seasonal) is an important habitat for Greater and Lesser Flamingos, shorebirds and significant number of Common Cranes as well as storks. Lake Hora is where you may find African Fish-eagle, Malachite Kingfisher, African Pied Kingfisher, Grey-headed Batis, African Silverbill,
Sedge Warbler, Little Bee-eater, Little Grebe, Squacco Heron, Great and Reed cormorants. Awash area with its Savannah grassland, acacia scrub and riverine forest supports a variety of bird life, including Long-crested Eagle, Egyptian Vulture, Swallow-tailed
Kite, Superb and Ruppell's Starling, Eastern Chanting Goshawk, White-browed Scrub Robin, Fork-tailed Drongo, Yellow-breasted Barbet, White-bellied Go-Away Bird, Eastern Grey Plantain Eater, Sulphur-breasted Bush-shrike, Crested Francolin, Gillett's Lark,
Red-winged Lark, White-headed Buffalo Weaver, Red-billed Buffalo Weaver, Abyssinian Scimitarbill, African Orange-bellied Parrot, Buff-crested Bustard, Hartlaub's and Kori Bustards, just to mention a few. Stay for the next two nights at Awash town.
Day 4.
Today join the hill step of Mt. Fentale running through acacia trees. Typical birds of the area include Somber Rock-chat, African Palm Swift, Speckled and Blue-napped Mousebird, White-browed Weaver, shining and Nile Valley Sunbird, Somali and Taita fiscal, Rosy-patched Bush-shrike, Bruce's Green-pigeon, Namaqua dove, Northern Masked and Beglafecht weaver. As dusk starts to fall, find Lichtenstein's and Black-faced Sandgrouse.
"Rosy-patched Bush-Shrike courting in Awash National Park"
"© Brendan Sloan"
Day 5.
This day is a driving day to Sodore, an area famed for its spa. The river Awash flows by the hotel and is bordered by matured
Fig and Acacia trees. Open areas have Claperton's Francolin, African Pygmy Kingfisher, Black-crowned Tchagra, white-browed
Coucal, Green-backed Heron, Black-winged Lovebird, African Red-billed Fire finch, Hadeda Ibis, Grey-headed Bush-shrike and more. Overnight Sodore Resort
Day 6.
Bale Mountains National Park is our destination and the town of Goba. En route pass through farmland used for cereal production and livestock grazing. Birds of prey can be numerous including Eastern Imperial Eagle, Lesser and Common Kestrel, Black-shouldered Kite and Tawny Eagle. Grass verge attracts White-collared Pigeon, Black Crow, Dwarf Raven and Alpine Chat whist scrub lures Chestnut-napped and Moorland Francolins, Ethiopian Cisticola and Cinnamon Bracken Warbler. Stay for two nights at Goba.
Day 7.
Beyond Goba is an extensive stand of Juniper and Hagenia Abyssinica forest, home to Abyssinian Slaty flycatcher, Bale Parisoma,
Brown woodland Warbler, Montane White-eye, Hill Babbler, Olive Pigeon, African Great Sparrow hawk, Mountain Buzzard
and Golden Eagle. The Bale Mountains plateau crater lakes itself, attracts remnant population of Wattled Crane and Ruddy Shelduck. The objective of today is to find and study, the rarest and endemic Ethiopian Wolf hunting for Giant Mole-rat at SANATTE Plateau. Return after Harena escarpment to Goba, revisiting forest edges for Mountain Thrush, White-cheeked Turaco, African Groundscraper Thrush, Red-cheeked Cordon-bleu and Yellow-bellied Waxbill.
Day 8.
Today pass through Harena forest, the Southern lee ward part of the park towards the remote town of Negele via the Genale River and its tributaries. The woodland and thickets adjacent to it holds the spectacular African White-winged Dove, Juba Weaver Somali Bunting, Pringle's Puffback, Grey-headed Kingfisher and pygmy Batis. Stay two nights at Negele.
Day 9.
This day drive early in the morning to Harakelo and Wadera areas to explore the rare and interesting birds including
Ruspoli's Turaco, Golden-breasted Starling, Shelley's and Magpie Starlings, Red-And-Yellow Barbet, Black-headed Oriole, Ovambo Sparrow hawk, Grey Wren-warbler, Yellow-bellied Eremomela, Yellow-breasted Apalis and Three-streaked Tchagra. In the afternoon period, visit to the Liben plains that hold several interesting birds of dry-open country. The plains support the endemic Sidamo Lark, Rufous Short-toed Lark, white-bellied, Heuglin's and Kori Bustards, Tiny Cisticola and Golden Pipit. Flowering shrubs attract Hunter's and Marico Sunbirds. Overnight at Negele
"Vulturine Guineafowl around Yabello areas"
"© Brendan Sloan"
Day 10.
A traveling day to Yabello with birding en route, Yabello area has the potential of seeing a number of endemic bird species in Ethiopia. It is an important junction town in the middle of red sandstone landscape with termite mounds, acacia trees and thickets, housing several spectacular birds, notably the charismatic Stresemann's Bush-crow, White-tailed Swallow, Digodi Lark, Vulturine Guineafowl, White-crowned Starling, D'Arnaud's Barbet, Acacia Tit and more. Stay for the next two nights in Yabello.
Day 11.
An early start to explore the road to Mega, with acacia trees and thicket attract Pygmy Falcon, Yellow-necked Spurfowl, Francolin, Crested Francolin, Black-billed Wood-hoopoe, Tropical and Slate-colored Boubou, Bare-Faced Go-Away-Bird, Bare-eyed Thrush,
Purple Grenadier, Black-capped and Grey-capped Social-weavers. Birds of prey can be numerous around Yabello including Lappet-faced
and White-headed Vultures, Wahlberg's Eagle and more.
Day 12.
A driving day to Lake Awassa area with birding en route. On arrival, search for Spotted Creeper, Sedge Warbler, Common Waxbill,
Brown Wattle-eye, Green Wood-hoopoe and Village Weaver. Stay two nights at Awassa
Day 13.
Today make an excursion to the bank of Lake Awassa for African Pygmy Goose, White-backed Duck, Northern Shoveller, Hottentot Teal, Hamerkop, Red-billed Teal, African Jacana, Black Crake, Common Moorhen Blue-headed, Coucal, Little and Yellow-billed Egret and more. The old Fig and Acacia trees holds African Fish-eagle, Marabou Stork, Hooded Vulture, Woodland Kingfisher, Red-headed Weaver, Black-cap and Little-masked Weaver. After lunch is free time.
Day 14.
In the morning, visit the traditional market where prey and other birds come together for feeding on fish-slaughters left-over, including Thick-billed Raven, Yellow-billed and Black Kite, Great White and Pink Backed Pelican Lesser Black-backed
Gull or Marabou Storks. In the afternoon drive to Wendogenet with birding en route. On arrival, we search the grounds for Silvery-cheeked Hornbill, Abyssinian White-eye, Tacazze Sunbird, Grey Woodpecker and African Dusky Flycatcher. Overnight at Wendogenet.
Day 15.
Pre-breakfast walk along the hot spring for Half-collared Kingfisher, African Paradise Flycatcher, Mountain Wagtail, Double-toothed and Green-backed Honeybird. After Breakfast walk into the hillside forest for Narina Trogon, Sharpe's Starling, Grey
Cuckooshrike, Tambourine Dove, Red-shouldered Cuckooshrike, Abyssinian Woodpecker, Gymnogene and African Crowned Eagle. In the afternoon, drive to Lake Lqangano Abijata-shalla areas which is excellent ground for migratory birds from Europe and Asia, as well
as breeding and roosting sites for Flamingos and pelicans. A steep escarpment attracts Little Rock Thrush and White-winged Cliff-chat. Scrub lures Singing Cisticola, Blue-breasted Bee-eater, Ruppell's Weaver and Lesser Masked Weavers. Overnight at Langano.
Day 16.
Early in the morning, visit the hotel grounds and along the lake shore for Grey-headed Gull, Common Black-headed Gull,
Slender-billed Gull, Whiskered and White-winged Gull, Stout Cisticola and Thrush Nightingale. After late breakfast head back
to Addis Ababa with stop at Lake Ziway for White-faced and Fulvous Duck, Black Heron/Egret, Black-tailed Godwit, Black-winged Stilt, Pied Avocet, Ruff, Redshank and Marsh Sandpiper as well. In the evening fly back home.
Two weeks(16 Days) tour price is: 2 pax US$3350 per person. 4 pax US$2650 per person.
10% non-refundable deposit is required to confirm booking.
Convert your tour cost into your currency of choice.
Included:
Transportation (incl. p/u and return to airport in AA), Accommodation, All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks and mineral water), Park entrance fees and all Guide fees.
Excluded:
Alcoholic drinks, visas and items of a purely personal nature.
Tour II
Three week birdwatching tour
Itinerary
Expect more than 400 species of birds
Day 1.
Arrival and transfer in to chosen hotel in Addis Ababa.
Day 2.
An early start, climb to the Sululta plain, an important short grassland plot of seasonal wetland habitat for interesting birds including Blue-winged Goose, Wattleed Ibis, Spot-breasted Lapwing, Abyssinian Longclaw, Ethiopian Black-headed Siskin,
Botta's Wheatear, Ethiopian Cisticola, Three-banded Plover, Glossy Ibis, White-collared Pigeon, Augur Buzzard, Yellow-billed Duck, African Sacred Ibis, Red-throated pipit and Thekla Lark. The Debrelibanos Monastery is adjacent to mature woodland and forest,
holding Banded Barbet, White-cheeked Turaco, African Lemon Dove, Black-billed Barbet, Abyssinian White-eye, Grey-headed Woodpecker, Little Bee-eater, Little Rock Thrush, White-rumped Babbler, Black-headed Batis, Somali Starling, Beautiful Sunbird and Ethiopian
Oriole. Nearby Gorge attracts Ruppell's Black Chat, White-winged Cliff-chat, Mocking Cliff-chat, White-billed Starling, Rock Martin, Lammergeyer, Vareaux's Eagle, White-backed Vulture, Fan-tailed Raven and in scrubby areas, Erckel's Francolin and Tacazze Sunbird. Tonight stay at newly opened Lodge nearby the Old Portuguese Bridge.
Day 3.
Dawn start to Jemma Valley to locate the rare Harwood's Francolin and Abyssinian Black Wheatear. The cliffs and boulder-strewn
slopes of the Jemma Valley may have flocks of White-billed Starlings, the extremely rare Salvadori's Serin, Singing Cisticola, Eurasian Kestrel, Isabelline Shrike, Slender-billed Starling and Steppe Eagle. In the afternoon, join the road to Debrebirhan town while enjoying another sector of plain grassland birds including Erlanger's Lark, Pectoral-patch Cisticola, Black-winged Lapwing, Ortolan buntings and birds of prey such as Tawny Eagle, Steppe Eagle, Pallid Harrier Thick-billed Raven
and Dwarf Raven. The main objective to Debrebirhan area is to spot the newly discovered Ankober Serin at Ankober, are feeding in highland fields. Stay overnight in Eva hotel at Debrebirhan town.
Day 4.
An early start to explore the road to Ankober or Kedadit. On the lower field, we can expect Yellow Bishop, Brown-rumped
Seed-eater and Streaky Seed-eater. The road climbs steeply through woodland, fields and traditional villages. Overhead we may
locate Saker Falcon, Lammergeyer, Mountain Buzzard, Alpine and Scares Swifts. Our main interest is finding the extremely rare and endemic Ankober Serin. In the afternoon session drive to crater lakes around Bushoftu/ Debrezeit areas. Chalalaka is an important
seasonal lake for Greater and Lesser Flamingos, shorebirds and significant numbers of Cranes and Marabou storks. Lake Hora is where you may find African Fish-eagle, Malachite and African Pied Kingfisher, Grey-headed Batis, African Silverbill, Sedge Warbler, Bronze Manikin, Little Bee-eater, Little Grebe, Squacco Heron, Great and Reed cormorants. Overnight Nazaret at Rift Valley hotel.
Day 5.
Today drive to the central section of The Great Rift Valley, Awash River areas with Savannah grassland, acacia scrub and riverine forest inhabited by a variety of bird life, including Long-crested Eagle, Egyptian Vulture, Swallow-tailed Kite, Superb and
Ruppell's Starling, Eastern Chanting Goshawk, Fork-tailed Drongo, Yellow-breasted Barbet, White-bellied Go-Away Bird, Eastern Grey Plantain Eater, Sulphur-breasted Bush-shrike, Crested Francolin, Gillett's Lark, Red-winged Lark, White-headed and Red-billed
Buffalo Weaver, Abyssinian Scimitarbill, African Orange-bellied Parrot, Buff-crested, Hartlaub's and Kori Bustards to mention a few. Stay for the next two nights at Buffe D'Lagar Local hotel.
Day 6.
Today join the hill step of Mt. Fentale running through acacia trees. Typical birds of the area includes Somber Rock-chat, African Palm Swift, Speckled and Blue-napped Mousebird, White-browed Weaver, Shining and Nile Valley Sunbird, Somali and
Taita fiscal, Rosy-patched Bush-shrike, Bruce's Green-pigeon, Namaqua Dove, Northern Masked and Beglafecht weaver. As dusk starts to fall, Lichtenstein's and Black-faced Sandgrouse at Ilala Sala Plain may be seen.
Day 7.
After early breakfast, head to Sodore, an area famed for its spa with a stop at Lake Basaka for water birds and migrant
waders including Saddle-billed Stork, Grey Heron, Common Ringed Plover, Temminck's Stint, Pelican and Flamingos. At Sodore, the river
Awash flows by the hotel and is bordered by matured Fig and Acacia trees. Open areas have Claperton's Francolin, African Pygmy Kingfisher, Black-crowned Tchagra, White-browed Coucal, Green-backed Heron, Black-winged Lovebird, African Red-billed Firefinch,
Hadeda Ibis and more. Overnight at Sodore Resort.
Day 8.
Bale Mountains Park and the town of Goba is the destination. En route, pass through farmland used for cereal production and livestock grazing. Birds of prey can be numerous including Eastern Imperial Eagle, Lanner Falcon, Lesser Kestrel, Black-shouldered Kite, Golden and Tawny Eagle. Grassland attracts White-collared Pigeon, Black Crow, Dwarf Raven and Alpine Chat. Scrub lures Chestnut-napped and Moorland Francolins, Ethiopian Cisticola and Cinnamon Bracken Warbler. Stay for the next three nights at Goba town.
Day 9.
Beyond Goba is an extensive stand of Juniper and Hagenia Abyssinica forest, home to Abyssinian Slaty-flycatcher, Bale Parisoma,
Brown Woodland Warbler, Montane White-eye, Hill Babbler, Olive Pigeon and African Great Sparrowhawk, Lammergeyer, Mountain
Buzzard, Golden Eagle and Lanner Falcon. The Bale Mountains plateau crater lakes itself, attracts remnant population of Wattled
Crane and Ruddy Shelduck. The objective of today is to find and study, the rarest and endemic Ethiopian Wolf hunting for Giant Mole-rat at Sanatte Plateau. Return after Harena escarpment to Goba revisiting the forest edges for Mountain Thrush, White-cheeked Turaco, African Groundscraper Thrush, Red-cheeked Cordon-bleu and Yellow-bellied Waxbill.
Day 10.
Drive to the Northern part of the Bale Mountains Park to the long grass and dry woodland habitats for Malachite Sunbird, Abyssinian Long-claw, Ethiopian Snipe, Rouget's Rail and Black-winged Lovebird. In the forest of Dinsho expect to find White-backed Black Tit, Abyssinian Catbird, Ruppell's Robin-chat, and Abyssinian Ground-thrush. Afternoon Session will be free time.
Day 11.
Today, pass through Harena forest, the Southern wet-thick and Bamboo forest of the park towards the remote town of Negele via the Genale River basin. The woodland and thickets adjacent to it holds the spectacular African White-winged Dove, Juba Weaver
Somali Bunting, Pringle's Puffback, Grey-headed Kingfisher and pygmy Batis. Overnight at Negele.
Day 12. This day drive early in the morning to Harakelo and Wadera areas to explore the rare and interesting birds including Ruspoli's Turaco, Golden-breasted Starling, Shelley's and Magpie Starlings, Red-And-Yellow Barbet, Black-headed Oriole,
Ovambo Sparrowhawk, Grey Wren-warbler, Yellow-bellied Eremomela, Yellow-breasted Apalis and Three-streaked Tchagra. Overnight in Negele.
Day 13.
Today visit the Liben plains that hold several interesting birds of dry-open country. The plains support endemic Sidamo
Lark, Rufous Short-toed Lark, White-bellied and Kori Bustards, Tiny Cisticola and Golden Pipit. Flowering shrubs attract Hunter's and
Marico Sunbirds. Overnight at Negele.
Day 14.
A traveling day to Yabello with birding en route. Yabello area has the the potential of endemic bird species in Ethiopia. It is an important junction town in the middle of red sandstone landscape with termite mounds, acacia trees and thickets, housing
several spectacular birds, notably the charismatic Stresemann's Bush-crow, White-tailed Swallow, Digodi Lark, Vulturine Guineafowl, White-crowned Starling, D'Arnaud's Barbet, Acacia Tit and more. Stay for the next two nights in Yabello.
Day 15.
An early start to explore the road to Mega, with acacia trees and thicket attract Pygmy Falcon, Yellow-necked Spurfowl/ Francolin, Crested Francolin, Black-billed Wood-hoopoe, Tropical and Slate-colored Boubou, Bare-Faced Go-Away-Bird, Bare-eyed Thrush,
Purple Grenadier, Black-capped and Grey-capped Social-weavers. Birds of prey can be numerous around Yabello, including Lappet-faced
and White-headed Vultures, Wahlberg's Eagle and more.
Day 16.
A driving day to Lake Awassa area with birding en route. On arrival, search for Spotted Creeper, Sedge Warbler, Common Waxbill,
Brown Wattle-eye, Green Wood-hoopoe and Village Weaver. Overnight at Awassa.
Day 17.
Today make an excursion to the bank of Lake Awassa for African Pygmy Goose, White-backed Duck, Northern Shoveller, Hottentot Teal, Hamerkop, Red-billed Teal, African Jacana, Black Crake, Common Moorhen, Blue-headed Coucal, Little and Yellow-billed
Egret. The old Fig and Acacia trees along the bank of the lake holds African Fish-eagle, Marabou Stork, Hooded Vulture, Woodland Kingfisher, Red-headed Weaver, Black-cap and Little-masked Weaver. Overnight at Awassa.
Day 18.
In the morning visit, the traditional market, where birds of prey come together feeding on fish-slaughters left-over, including Thick-billed Raven, Yellow-billed and Black Kite, Great White and Pink Backed Pelican and Lesser Black-backed Gull. In
the afternoon drive to Wendogenet with birding en route. On arrival, search the grounds for Silvery-cheeked Hornbill, Abyssinian White-eye, Tacazze Sunbird, Grey Woodpecker and African Dusky Flycatcher. Overnight at Wendogenet.
Day 19.
Pre-breakfast walk along the hot spring for Half-collared Kingfisher, African Paradise Flycatcher, Mountain Wagtail, Double-toothed and Green-backed Honeybird. After late breakfast walk into the hillside forest for Narinna Trogon, Sharpe's Starling, Grey Cuckooshrike, Tambourine Dove, Red-shouldered Cuckooshrike, Abyssinian Woodpecker, Gymnogene and African Crowned Eagle. The
afternoon session is free time. Overnight Wendogenet.
Day 20.
Today is a driving day to Lakes Langano and Abijata areas for the famous breeding and roosting ground of Flamingos and pelicans. It is also excellent ground for migratory birds from Europe and Asia. A steep escarpment attracts Little Rock Thrush and
White-winged Cliff-chat, scrub lures Singing Cisticola, Blue-breasted Bee-eater, Ruppell's and Lesser Masked Weavers. Overnight at Langano.
Day 21.
Early in the morning, visit the hotel grounds and along the lake shore for Grey-headed, Common Black-headed Gull and Slender-billed Gull, Whiskered and White-winged Tern, Stout Cisticola and Thrush Nightingale. After late breakfast, head back to Addis Ababa with stop at Lake Ziway for White-faced and Fulvous Duck, Black Heron/Egret, Black-tailed Godwit, Black-winged Stilt, Pied Avocet, Ruff, Spotted and common Redshank, Common Greenshank. In the evening fly back home.
Three weeks(21 Days) tour price is: 2 pax US$4400 per person. 4 pax US$3465 per person.
10% non-refundable deposit is required to confirm booking.
Convert your tour cost into your currency of choice.
Included:
Transportation (incl. p/u and return to airport in AA), Accommodation, All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks and mineral water), Park entrance fees and all Guide fees.
Excluded:
Alcoholic drinks, visas and items of purely personal nature.
Notes.
The above birding itineraries are based on what are essentially popular routes for birders. It can be shortened or extended.
All the date of itineraries include arrival and departure dates.
All trips are available year round, but prices may be adjusted around special holidays.
For booking allow minimum six(6) weeks prior to departure.
To check availability for tours on short notice, fill out “Request for Quote” form with desirable dates.
Fitness:
The tour does not require a high level of fitness but participants should be in good general health. Should you have any physical limitations please contact us. Please note we will be traveling in high altitudes (above 4000m) part of the tour.
Should you only need a guide for a day or two please contact us for details.
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Meseret Mekuria, your local Birdingpal guide |
We would recommend Meseret Mekuria as your preferred guide in Ethiopia. His professionalism is outstanding. Beyond being simply reliable and punctual Meseret truly listens to the wants and needs of his clients and remains flexible and responsive in ensuring that their experience is a valuable one. His broad network across Ethiopia coupled with his sound knowledge of local culture and wildlife is fantastic. He is also a very personable individual who makes you feel very welcome in this beautiful country. It is obvious that he is well regarded locally in his field and that he has a particular talent when it comes to ornithology. I feel well qualified to make such statements given that I have travelled with Meseret extensively on 2 occasions - most recently in 2007 with my wife Sarah - and I have also recommended him to my 70 year old parents whom Meseret led a memorable cultural trip for in 2006.
Shaun Bacon, Australia. sbacon(AT)wildframes.com
During my March 07 Ethiopia trip, Meseret not only managed to show us 419 species of birds (incl. 23 endemics), but I also enjoyed his company very much, and he became a good friend. From his experiences as a former wildlife manager, Meseret is very familiar with all the best places for birds and wildlife and has lived in many of them. He speaks several tribal languages and is personally known to many village people throughout Ethiopia. This is important for successful guiding not only for finding birds but also for safety, when travelling the tribal areas.
Knud Rasmussen, Toronto, Canada - krkr(AT)sympatico.ca
Some facts about Ethiopia.
History: - Ethiopia is a North-eastern African country, between 30N and 150N latitudes and 350 E and 480 E longitudes with an area of 1,112,000 sq. km. It is one of the GMT +3 time zone countries in the Horn of Africa. Ethiopia contains the largest part of the Great Rift Valley, and is also a majestic mountainous country. Ethiopia is unique among African countries, due to its diversity of attractions, including a large number of species of flora and fauna with high endemics; water catchments site for North-East African countries; landscapes with remote wilderness areas; Archaeological findings, and a long history that dates back to early human civilizations. Ethiopia is truly a collection of inspiring uniqueness and culture.
Topography: - Ethiopia is a country of great geographical diversity. Altitude ranges from 120 meters below sea level at Dallol Depression or to the highest peaks of 4,620 meters at Mt. Ras Dashen. The central and Western plateaus reach considerable elevations of heights varying from between 2000-3000 meters. The Great Rift Valley of Africa runs through Ethiopia, cutting the country into South-Eastern and Northern-Western ranges of mountains.
Climate: - Despite its proximity to the equator, Ethiopia's lowland is hot and dry. On the other hand, its high altitude ensures a temperate, moderate, and sometimes even chilly climate. There are two rainy seasons: irregular short rains from late January to early March and the long rains from June until mid-September.
Vegetation: - Due to its extraordinarily varied altitude, Ethiopia has different ecological environments or micro-climate, including forests, woodlands, savannahs, bush land and thickets, plain lands and wetlands, afro-alpine, shrub, scrub, plains, moors, arid and semi-arid habitats. Each habitat has got its own adapted wildlife.
Population: - The population of the country today is estimated at more than 70 million with 83 distinctive tribes, 56 of these are found in the Southern People's Nation and Nationalities Regional State, which is sometimes called the unspoiled people's lifestyle life museum.
Capital: - The principal city of Ethiopia is Addis Ababa; it means 'New Flower' and is located in the central part of the country, with more than four million inhabitants. It is the third highest capital in the world at an altitude above 2400 m. Addis Ababa is also a seat for government and African diplomatic missions including United Nations (UN), European Economic Commission (EEC), and Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) with 103 Embassies and consular representatives.
Government: - Ethiopia is an independent republic operating under the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia. The president is the head of the state, while the prime minister is the head of the Government.
Religion: - The major religions in Ethiopia are Christianity, Islam, and traditional believes, all of which harmoniously live together.
Language: - Amharic is the official language of the government of Ethiopia. Oromiffa and Tigrigna are also widely spoken. In general, eighty-three different languages with two hundred dialects are spoken.
Health requirements: - Visitors should be in possession of a valid health certificate for yellow fever and vaccination against cholera if you have visited or transited infected areas within six days prior to arrival.
Calendar: - Ethiopia follows the Julian calendar, which consists of twelve months of thirty days each and a thirteenth month of five days(six days in a leap year). The calendar is seven years and eight months behind the western (Gregorian) calendar.
Time: - Ethiopia is three hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time.
Currency Regulation: - There is no limit to the amount of foreign currency that can be brought into Ethiopia. Foreign currency is changed only at authorized banks and hotels. Visitors may change back any excess local currency before departure. The local currency is the Ethiopian birr, made up of 100 cents. Notes are issued in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 50 and 100 birr. There are five different coins of: 1, 5, 10, 25 and 50, cents.
Visa requirement: - Visas are required for all foreign visitors to Ethiopia. This can be secured from Ethiopia's Diplomatic and Consular Missions abroad or obtained upon arrival.
More facts about Ethiopia.
Guide books and CD’s recommended:
Ian Sinclair and Peter Ryan’s "Birds of Africa, South of the Sahara". A big book but properly the best guide available. It is user-friendly, but for many species only one illustration is used making it difficult to identify some birds.
Lonely Planet. Ethiopia and Eritrea. Discover Africa’s hidden jewels.
Cartographia world map experts. Map of Ethiopia, Eritrea and Djibouti.
Find lowest prices here
Bird Recordings from Ethiopia by Steve Smith. 72 announced species. Home-made quality.
It is available from WildSounds, UK. e-mail address isales@wildsounds.com
Note: To ascertain tour/seat availability and best pricing, select a week for departure date. e.g. Sep 01 - 07
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