Morning, we will drive to Awash National Park, birding the amazing Afar Plains, where a rich diversity of birds hopefully will make their appearance. We could see Abdim’s Stork, Yellow-necked Francolin, Kori Bustard, Black-headed Lapwing (arguably the most spectacular plover species), Chestnut-bellied Sandgrouse, Red-bellied Parrot, Bare-faced Go-away-bird, White-bellied Go-away-bird, Blue-naped Mousebird, Olive Bee-eater, Abyssinian Roller, Black-billed Wood Hoopoe, Abyssinian and Black Scimitar Bills, various

Hornbill species including Abyssinian Ground and Von-der-Decken’s, Black-throated and Yellow-breasted Barbets, Greater Honeyguide, Black-crowned Sparrow-Lark, Grey Wren-Warbler, Grey-headed Batis, Slate-colored Boubou, Rosy-patched Bush shrike, Chestnut Weaver, and White-crested Helmetshrike, among many others. In the late afternoon, we will arrive at Doho Lodge.

Overnight stay at Awash Falls Lodge, Awash National Park.

Birding in Awash National Park, located in the Great Rift Valley.  Many species of birds are found here: African Orange-bellied Parrots, Bustards, Weavers, Hoopoe, Yellow-throated Serine, Red-fronted Barbet, Pygmy Batis, Lesser-striped Swallow, and the House Martin.  The park also boasts a variety of mammals: the Anubis Baboon, Colobus Monkey, Black-backed Jackal, Bat-eared Fox, Egyptian Mongoose, Warthog, Beisa Oryx, Soemmering’s Gazelle, Lesser Kudu, Salt’s Dik-dik, etc. 

Overnight stay at Awash Falls Lodge, Awash National Park.

Drive to Langano via Mojo. En route, birding at Lake Ziway, truly a birder’s paradise and at Koka Dam. Spot bird species such as; the African Pygmy Goose, Black-billed Woodhoopoe, Abyssinian Ground Hornbill, Northern Black Tit, Little Weaver, etc.  Later we’ll bird at Abiyata—Shalla  National Park. Over 300 species can be seen around Lake Abiyata, such as: Yellow Wagtails, Ibis, Cormorant, Pelicans, Ducks, Egrets, Herons, Flamingos, Storks, Swallows, Chestnut-bellied Sandgrouse, Abyssinian Ground Hornbill, Rollers, Wheatear, African Marsh Harrier.

 Overnight stay at Overnight stay at Hara Langano Lodge.

Drive to the Bale Mountains National Park to spot some of the endemics such as Blue-winged Goose, Spot-breasted Lapwing, Abyssinian Longclaw, Wattled Ibis, Black-headed Siskin, Rouget’s Rail, Banded Barbet and other species. Overnight stay in Wabe Shebelle Hotel, Goba. Extra USD 300.00 per pax-per night to upgrade to the luxury Bale Mountain Lodge.

Drive to Wondo Genet, a green and lush area, inhabited with numerous Grivet Monkeys, Colobus Monkeys, and many species of birds. Its also an excellent place with plenty of fresh fruit trees and hot springs.

Overnight stay in Haile Resort

En route to Awassa spot numerous species: Silvery-Cheeked Hornbill, Abysinnian Ground Hornbill, Roget’s Rail, Marabou Stork, Black and White Egrets, African Pygmy Goose, Spur-winged Goose, Swallows, Ibis, African Fish Egret, Woodland Kingfisher, Malachite Kingfisher,

Overnight stay in Haile Resort