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Endemic Birds of Ethiopia - 10 days

Broadly speaking Ethiopia can be divided into a number of habitats with respect to bird life the Rift Valley lakes, the highland massifs, the lowlands , and the arid semi- deserts. Each of these is in turn a complex mosaic of terrain, soils, vegetation, and human use, all of which govern the avifauna found there.  Many of the endemic species present on the western and south- eastern highland plateau are common and surprisingly easy to see, even in the environs of a city. Endemic species include the Heavy- Headed Thick- Billed Raven; the Wattled Ibis, with its raucous call and unsightly habit of clasping its partners wattles and pulling ; the Black- Winged Lovebird , which whirrs through the sky like a miniature helicopter; and the White- Collared Pigeon, a delicate-gray bird with a neat white collar and white wing patches.

Be highland forests are home to birds less easily seen. Their song is usually the first sign of their presence. The Abyssinian Catbird has one of the most beautiful calls, the male and female performing a duet in the seclusion of thick bush. The Black- Headed Forest Oriole has a distinctive call and its yellow color shows clearly in the upper storey of the tall trees it favors. Two endemics are found in the southern edge of the plateau, in the Yabello area. These are the White- Tailed Swallow, and the colorful Prince Ruspolis Turaco. The last is on the endangered species list. The highland plateau are home to many endemic species, and Bale Mountains National Park harbors some of them.

Among these are the Blue- Winged Goose and Spot- Breasted Plover which is very striking and can be seen in large numbers at some times of year. The comical Rougets Rail is often seen in grass clumps near water, its tail flashing white as it is flicked up and down. The Yellow-Fronted Parrot is usually first noted by its call and its typical fast parrot flight through the tall juniper trees.  The Banded Barbet is found over a large area; its chest is streaked with black. The Golden- Backed Wood Pecker has a striking golden color and will be seen searching the bark of the st. Johns wort trees in highland areas. On the other hand, the Abyssinian Long- Claw is ground dwelling, its bright yellow throat and chest a strong contrast to its black necklace. The White- Winged Cliff Chat has, as its name suggests, a white patch in the black wing and will be seen on cliffs or even on tall buildings in Addis Ababa. Ethiopia has a total of 861 bird species, of which 16 are endemic. Many of the National Parks provide areas less affected by human activities where a broader range of bird species can habitually be seen.  According to their habitat, the most recommended sites for bird-watching are - the highland plateau, the lakes region, and the lowlands. Nearby sites include Debre Zeit, Entoto, Gefersa, and Menagesha forest. The best season for bird-watching is from the beginning of September up to February. Between November and February, migrant birds raise the bird population and widen species diversity as well.

Itinerary
Day 1: Addis Ababa-Debre Libanos-Addis Ababa
We take the road north, crossing the Sululta plain, stopping at the Jemma River gorge before proceeding to Debre Libanos, an important monastic and religious center for more than 700 years. Many endemic birds can be seen here and also an endemic mammal: the Gelada (bleeding heart) baboon. Return to Addis Ababa for an overnight stay. 
Day 2: Rift Valley Area 
We drive south down the Rift Valley, stopping off at Koka Dam, Awash river and Lake Seaway, overnight in Awassa next to the lake.
Day 3: Wondo Genet 
Drive to Wondo Genet forest and hot springs. We have our overnight stay at Wondo Genet.
Days 4-5: Bale Mountains National Park and Mountain Nyala
After breakfast, drive in the western direction to Bale Mountains National park where 16 endemic species of birds have been recorded, including Simien Wolf , and Mountain Nyala. Of the total endemic birds, over 60 percent of the species are found in the Bale Mountains National Park. Totally 161 bird species are recorded in this park. We enjoy our nights’ stay at Goba. 
Day 6: Harenna Area
After breakfast, drive to Harenna for a full day in the forest and on the Harenna escarpment. Return to Goba for an overnight stay. 
Day 7: The Lakes Region
Drive back towards the lakes region there by enjoying the view of the water birds. Enjoy an overnight stay at Lake Langano.
Day 8: Shalla and Abiata National Park – Awash National Park 
Enjoy bird life at Shalla and Abiata National Park before proceeding to Awash National park where more than 350 bird species have been recorded. At Awash Park is where we stay for an overnight.
Day 9: Full day Awash National Park
Enjoy the beauty of Awash National Park on this day with a rewarding full day birding and game viewing in the park. Overnight therein the Park.
Day 10: Awash National Park – Addis Ababa
Enjoy early morning birding & game viewing. After, visit Filwoha hot springs before returning to Addis Ababa for farewell dinner and traditional dance. Enjoy your overnight stay at a hotel in Addis Ababa.


You are in Addis Ababa - Ethiopia
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