6-Days Birding in Southern Ethiopia

Leave the capital early and head to the Central Rift Valley, one of Africa’s most important bird migration corridors.
En route, stop at the Bishoftu Crater Lakes to look for woodland species such as Black-winged Lovebird, Blue-breasted Bee-eater, Rüppell’s Robin-chat, Sunbirds, and Rüppell’s Weaver.
Continue to Ziway, the main birding destination for the day, where you’ll spot and photograph a wide variety of species including Rüppell’s Griffon Vulture, Black Egret, African Fish Eagle, Great White Pelican, Yellow-billed Stork, Greater and Lesser Jacana, Lesser Moorhen, Black Crake, and Black-tailed Godwit.
Overnight: Ziway

Drive to the twin lakes of Abijatta and Shalla, known as one of Ethiopia’s best birding destinations.
These scenic lakes are home to over 300 recorded bird species such as Ostrich, Pelicans, Lesser and Greater Flamingos, Migratory Waders, Storks, Cormorants, Hornbills, Starlings, and Sparrow-weavers.
The park is also home to mammals including Warthogs, Hyenas, Baboons, and Gazelles.
Next, continue to Langano to enjoy swimming, lakeshore hikes, and a beautiful sunset.
Overnight: Langano

Leave your lodge early for birding around the acacia woodland and lakeshore to spot both terrestrial and water-associated species.
Return for breakfast, then drive to Hawassa.
The main attraction of Hawassa is its lake, supporting a wide range of water and forest species including Fish Eagle, the colorful Pygmy Goose, Grey Kestrel, Banded Barbet, Abyssinian Oriole, Blue-winged Coucal, Silvery-cheeked Hornbill, Marabou Stork, and Ethiopian endemics like the Yellow-fronted Parrot and Black-winged Lovebird.
Overnight: Hawassa

Visit the Hawassa fish market in the morning as it comes alive with birds and activity.
Next, drive to Wondo Genet, a forested area rich in birdlife.
Target species include Yellow-billed Waxbill, Abyssinian Woodpecker, Half-collared Kingfisher, Olive Thrush, Silver-cheeked Hornbill, Scaly Francolin, African Boubou, Red-winged Starling, Black-winged Lovebird, Yellow-fronted Parrot, African Little Sparrowhawk, Double-toothed Barbet, Lesser-striped Swallow, Mountain Wagtail, and Lemon Dove.
Overnight: Wondo Genet

Begin the day with a guided morning bird walk through the forest.
Then drive to Hawassa and catch your flight back to Addis Ababa, where your short birding adventure—and our services—come to an end.