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Ethiopia - Tour Destination
Click here for Trip Reports of previous tours
Ethiopia is one of Africa’s most productive birding destinations. Numerous endemics, a rich assemblage of forest and savanna species and an influx of Palaearctic migrants all add up to a truly bird-filled tour (over 850 species have been recorded in this country). Fascinating cultures, both traditional and Christian, and friendly people ensure an enjoyable experience.
Our 19-day birding tour comprehensively covers this unique country and every single endemic bird is targeted (Ethiopia has the second highest count of endemics on the continent). Up to five hundred species of birds and many rare mammals can be expected and the ease of the birding is quite remarkable. Ethiopia is also one of Africa’s most rewarding photographic destinations.
In central Ethiopia we explore massive Rift Valley lakes teeming with birds, moss-draped montane forests supporting a wide selection of endemics, the high Bale Mountains home to the critically endangered Ethiopian Wolf, the impressive Jemma Valley and Awash National Park, a Mecca for game and bird watching (home to an incredible six species of bustard!). Key species we will seek include Spot-breasted Lapwing, Blue-winged Goose, Rouget’s Rail, Wattled Ibis, Ankober Serin, Yellow-fronted Parrot, White-backed Black Tit and Abyssinian Woodpecker.
To find some of Ethiopia’s most sought after endemics such as the fabled Ruspoli’s Turaco and enigmatic Stresemann’s Bush Crow, we will venture to remote corners of this ancient land (close to the Somali frontier at Bogol Manyo and the Kenyan border at Yabello). In these significantly drier habitats of southern Ethiopia, we will be searching for birds unique to this region including White-tailed Swallow, Degodi and Sidamo Lark, White-winged Collared-Dove, Red-naped Bushshrike and Juba Weaver.
Our three-day Lalibela Historical pretour extension will allow us to explore the unique series of 12th century monolithic churches hewn out of solid rock, often considered one of the wonders of the world. We will enjoy an excursion to the church of Asheton Mariam located on the top of a 4,000m ridge, providing fantastic views of the countryside.
The spectacular scenery, fascinating history, diverse cultures and astonishing wildlife make Ethiopia a truly superb destination.
Please contact us for the detailed itinerary for this tour.
| tour name & dates 2011 |
Ethiopian Endemics I: 11 - 29 Jan (19 days) 8 SPACES AVAILABLE
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| tour costs for 2011 | Ethiopia Endemics I & II: US$4,695 pp US$325 ss,
Ethiopia Endemics III: US$4,795 pp US$325 ss |
| max group size | 10 & 2 Rockjumper leaders |
| tour leaders | Ethiopian I & Lalibela Historical Extension I: Gavin Lautenbach & TBA
Ethiopian II: David Hoddinott & Gavin Lautenbach Ethiopian III: Glen Valentine & Athol Merchant |
| habitats covered | montane forest, Afro-alpine moorland, Acacia savanna, Rift Valley lakes, semi-desert |
| climate | temperate in highlands, hot and dry in lowlands |
| tour pace & walking | moderate pace, mostly undemanding walks |
| accommodation | comfortable to basic hotels |
| ease of birding | not challenging |
| no. of species expected | 475 - 500 |
| top mammals | Ethiopian Wolf, Gelada & Hamadryas Baboon, Mountain Nyala, Serval |
| other attractions | spectacular montane scenery, Afar tribesmen, rock-hewn churches of Lalibela |
| photographic opportunities | excellent |
Click here to view Photo Gallery of ETHIOPIA
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