Day 1: Arrival & Debre Zeit Crater Lakes
Transfer to Debre Zeit (Bishoftu), 45km south of Addis Ababa. Explore seven crater lakes and take a paddleboat onto Babogaya Crater Lake in the afternoon to see herons, cormorants, and other water birds. Overnight in Debre Zeit.
Day 2: Debre Zeit to Wolisso
After watching the morning bird flights in Debre Zeit, drive via Addis Ababa to Wolisso. Check into your lodge, where monkeys and birds can often be seen directly from the terrace. Overnight in Wolisso.
Day 3: Wenchi Crater Lake Excursion
A full-day trip to Wenchi Crater Lake. Hike or ride mules from the crater rim down to the lake shore. Take a short boat trip to see an island monastery and walk through a valley with old water mills and hot springs. Overnight in Wolisso.
Day 4: Wolisso to Jimma
Drive to Jimma in Western Ethiopia. During harvest season (Sept–Oct), the scenery is particularly picturesque. Stop at the Gibe River to walk along the banks and spot local birdlife. Overnight in Jimma.
Day 5: Jimma – Bonga (Kaffa Biosphere)
Visit the Jimma market, famous for high-quality coffee. Drive into the Kaffa Biosphere Reserve, where the forest becomes dense. Stop at the Gojeb River and visit a local cave before arriving in the rainforest-surrounded town of Bonga. Overnight in Bonga.
Day 6: Alem Gonna & Barta Waterfall
Visit the Alem Gonna wetland at dawn to see De Brazza monkeys and rare birds. Later, hike through the rainforest to the 70-meter-high Barta Waterfall. On the way back, meet local beekeepers and learn about traditional forest honey production. Overnight in Bonga.
Day 7: Return to Jimma & Flight to Addis
Drive back to Jimma for your flight to the capital. Arrive in the late afternoon with time for an individual program or relaxation. Overnight in a hotel.
Day 8: Flight to Bahir Dar (Lake Tana)
Fly to Bahir Dar. Meet with conservationists to learn about the Lake Tana Biosphere Reserve. Enjoy a leisurely walk along the bird-filled promenade of the lake. Overnight in Bahir Dar.
Day 9: Nature & Culture at Lake Tana
Explore the southern part of Lake Tana by boat. Visit remote island monasteries and discover why these secluded spots are ideal retreats for various bird species. Overnight in Bahir Dar.
Day 10: Lake Tana Birdwatching
A second day on the lake focusing on remote birdwatching sites. In the winter months, look for migratory cranes that travel from Europe to these waters. Overnight in Bahir Dar.
Day 11: Bahir Dar – Gondar – Kossoye
Drive from the tropical lake region into the Afro-alpine highlands. Visit the royal palaces of Gondar before continuing to Kossoye. Your lodge is situated on the edge of a cliff with a stunning mountain panorama. Overnight in Kossoye.
Day 12: Simien National Park Hiking
Enter the Simien National Park. Hike along the high plateau to spot the Walia Ibex on steep rock faces and watch for the majestic lammergeyer. Picnic in the park before heading to Simien Lodge, the highest hotel in Africa. Overnight in Simien Lodge.
Day 13: Jinbar Waterfall & Geladas
Drive deeper into the park toward the Inatye viewpoint (4,070m). See the Jinbar Waterfall, which drops over 500 meters. Observe endemic Gelada baboons grazing along the trail. Return to the warmer climate of Gondar in the evening. Overnight in Gondar.
Day 14: Flight to Addis & Departure
Relax in the morning before flying to Addis Ababa. Enjoy some last-minute souvenir shopping and a traditional farewell dinner before your return flight. End of the tour.
