10 Days Bird watching

Day 1: Arrival in Addis Ababa

• Morning: Arrive at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport. Transfer to your hotel.

• Afternoon: Visit the Entoto Mountains for a chance to see birds like the Ethiopian Bush-crow and White-cheeked Turaco.

• Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant featuring traditional Ethiopian cuisine.

Day 2: Addis Ababa to Debre Birhan

• Morning: Depart for Debre Birhan (approximately 2 hours). Birdwatching along the way, spotting species such as the African Grey Hornbill.

• Lunch: Picnic lunch en route.

• Afternoon: Arrive in Debre Birhan and visit the nearby Borkena River for waterbirds and raptors.

• Evening: Overnight in Debre Birhan.

Day 3: Debre Birhan to Bahir Dar

• Morning: Depart early for Bahir Dar (approximately 6 hours). Birdwatching stops along the way.

• Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant in Bahir Dar.

• Afternoon: Visit Lake Tana for aquatic birds, including the African Fish Eagle and various herons.

• Evening: Overnight in Bahir Dar.

Day 4: Blue Nile Falls and Lake Tana

• Morning: Visit the Blue Nile Falls for a chance to spot birds like the Banded Martin and various raptors.

• Lunch: Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

• Afternoon: Continue your boat trip on Lake Tana, visiting monasteries and observing birds such as the Great Egret and Malachite Kingfisher.

• Evening: Overnight in Bahir Dar.

Day 5: Bahir Dar to Lalibela

• Morning: Depart for Lalibela (approximately 6-7 hours by road or a short flight). Birdwatching along the route.

• Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant.

• Afternoon: Arrive in Lalibela and explore the surrounding area for birds like the Lalibela Serin.

• Evening: Overnight in Lalibela.

Day 6: Lalibela Churches and Surroundings

• Morning: Visit rock-hewn churches and surrounding landscapes, looking for species such as the Ethiopian Highland Hare and various endemic birds.

• Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant.

• Afternoon: Hike in the nearby hills for more birdwatching opportunities.

• Evening: Overnight in Lalibela.

Day 7: Lalibela to Axum

• Morning: Depart for Axum (approximately 3 hours). Birdwatching en route.

• Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant in Axum.

• Afternoon: Explore Axum's historical sites while keeping an eye out for birds like the Yellow-billed Oxpecker.

• Evening: Overnight in Axum.

Day 8: Axum to Gheralta Mountains

• Morning: Depart for Gheralta Mountains (approximately 2 hours). Birdwatching along the way, spotting species such as the African Rock Pigeon.

• Lunch: Picnic lunch in the mountains.

• Afternoon: Explore the Gheralta region for highland birds and raptors.

• Evening: Overnight in a lodge in Gheralta.

Day 9: Gheralta Mountains to Mekele

• Morning: Early morning birdwatching in Gheralta, followed by breakfast at your lodge.

• Late Morning: Depart for Mekele (approximately 2 hours), with stops for birdwatching.

• Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant in Mekele.

• Afternoon: Explore Mekele’s surroundings, looking for species like the Northern Red Bishop.

• Evening: Overnight in Mekele.

Day 10: Return to Addis Ababa and Departure

• Morning: Early morning birdwatching around Mekele, then depart for Addis Ababa (approximately 1-hour flight).

• Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant upon arrival in Addis Ababa.

• Afternoon: Last-minute shopping or visit the Addis Ababa Museum.

• Evening: Transfer to Bole International Airport for your departure flight.

▎Notes:

• Each day can be adjusted based on specific birdwatching interests or seasonal variations.

• Local guides specializing in birdwatching will enhance your experience.

• Ensure to have binoculars and a field guide for Ethiopian birds.

Feel free to ask if you need any adjustments or additional details!