8-Day Wild Wonders of Ethiopia Wildlife Photography Tour

Morning
You'll start your journey at the National Museum of Ethiopia, home to the world-famous Lucy fossil, one of the oldest human ancestors. Then, you'll visit the Holy Trinity Cathedral, a masterpiece of Ethiopian architecture and one of the country’s most revered religious sites.

Midday
Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of Merkato, Africa’s largest open-air market, where you can shop for spices, coffee, and handmade crafts while witnessing the bustling daily life of locals. Recharge with a flavorful traditional Ethiopian lunch at a renowned local restaurant.

Afternoon
You'll head to the Entoto Hills for breathtaking views of the city and visit the historic Entoto Maryam Church, along with Emperor Menelik II’s former palace. If time allows, you'll explore the Ethnological Museum, showcasing Ethiopia’s diverse cultural heritage. You'll wrap up your day with a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony, a delightful way to experience the country’s cherished coffee culture.

Main Destination:

Addis Ababa (City)

Accommodation:

Da'amat Hotel

Mid-range hotel located in Addis Ababa (City)

Meals & Drinks:

Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)

Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Activities:
You'll stop at the Rift Valley viewpoints. You'll visit Lake Beseka (birdlife, landscapes)

You'll enjoy an afternoon game drive in Awash National Park

Wildlife to photograph: Beisa oryx, Soemmerring’s gazelle, olive baboons

Over 400 bird species (e.g., Abyssinian ground hornbill). Hot springs, volcanic landscapes

Overnight stay: Lodge inside or near Awash National Park.

Main Destination:

Awash National Park

Accommodation:

Awash Falls Lodge

Mid-range lodge located just outside Awash NP

Meals & Drinks:

Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)

Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Activities:
Sunrise wildlife photography, you'll visit Awash River Falls and Filwoha Hot Springs

An optional cultural visit to Afar village. Photography highlights: Waterfalls, canyons, and crater lakes

Early morning light on plains and wildlife.

Overnight stay: Same lodge or campsite.

Main Destination:

Awash National Park

Accommodation:

Awash Falls Lodge

Mid-range lodge located just outside Awash NP

Meals & Drinks:

Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)

Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

You'll drive to Bale Goba town for a coffee. You'll continue driving to Dinsho National Park for a short hike. The Mountain Nyala, Menelik's Bushbuck, and other endemic species are available. You will have a chance to see them. After the visit, you'll drive to Goba town for the night. Dinner will be served at the hotel. Overnight stay: Hotel.

Main Destination:

Bale Mountains National Park

Accommodation:

Wabe Shebelle Hotel Goba

Budget hotel located less than 1hr drive from Bale Mountains NP

Meals & Drinks:

Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)

Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Activity hike Lake Geber-Guracha. After breakfast, you'll drive to the starting point for the hike to Lake Geber-Guracha, which will take approximately 4 hours. During the hike, there’s a high chance of spotting the endemic Ethiopian wolf. You'll enjoy a picnic lunch with breathtaking views of the 3,900m-high lake, and visit local villages along the way. You'll continue driving to the Sanetti Plateau, with elevations ranging from 3,700m to 4,100m, making it the highest road in Africa. You'll hike around the second-highest peak in Ethiopia, Tullu Demtu (4,377m), before driving on to Harena Forest. On this day, you’ll see the second-highest mountain in Ethiopia, Tullu Demtu, along with endemic wildlife like the Ethiopian wolf and various bird species. Expect about 3 hours of driving today. Dinner at the lodge. Overnight stay will be at Bale Mountain Lodge.

Main Destination:

Bale Mountains National Park

Accommodation:

Bale Mountain Lodge

Luxury lodge located inside Bale Mountains NP

Meals & Drinks:

Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)

Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

You'll explore Harena Forest. After breakfast, you'll embark on a beautiful 3-hour hike through Harena Forest. You'll explore Harena Forest. After breakfast, you'll embark on a beautiful 3-hour hike through Harena Forest.

Activities:
You'll explore the lush, cloud-shrouded Harenna Forest.

You'll visit Rira village and forest coffee plantations.

Wildlife:
Bale monkey, bush pigs, colobus monkey, Chance of seeing leopards (rare).
Photography: Misty forest scenes, waterfalls, and local culture.

Overnight stay: Bale Mountain Lodge.

Main Destination:

Bale Mountains National Park

Accommodation:

Bale Mountain Lodge

Luxury lodge located inside Bale Mountains NP

Meals & Drinks:

Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)

Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Activities:

Full-day excursion to the Sanetti Plateau (~4,000m elevation).

Wildlife focus: Ethiopian wolf —the most endangered canid on Earth.

Giant mole rats, high-altitude bird species.

Photography: Dramatic moorland landscapes, Afro-alpine plants.

Morning frost and golden light on wide open spaces.

Overnight stay: Bale Mountain Lodge.

Main Destination:

Bale Mountains National Park

Accommodation:

Bale Mountain Lodge

Luxury lodge located inside Bale Mountains NP

Meals & Drinks:

Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)

Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

After breakfast, you'll enjoy a short hike. Afterwards, you'll drive to Bale Goba Airport (approximately a 3-hour drive). And fly back to Addis Ababa. You'll depart for Addis Ababa at 3:30 pm, arriving at 4:25 pm. This marks the end of your adventure.

Main Destination:

Addis Ababa (City)

Accommodation:

No accommodation (End of tour)

Meals & Drinks:

Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)

Drinking water (Other drinks not included)