Wildlife of Ethiopia 24 Days

Wildlife of Ethiopia
Ethiopia is home to some of the wildest and most interesting habitats on the planet, with a large number of indigenous plant and animal species. Birdlife is particularly rich. The lakes in the Great Rift Valley region abound with numerous species of birds, and wild animals are found in every region and National Parks. Elephant, Giraffe, Buffalo, Rhino, Lion, civet, serval, bush pig, gazelle, antelope, ibex, kudu, dik-dik, oribi, reedbuck, wild ass, zebra, hyena, Mountain Nyala, Gelada Baboon, and numerous species of monkeys are still found and to be visited. Most parks are not well-protected and therefore, some are rare to be seen. Discover the Omo National Park, semen Mountains, Bale Mountains, and Awash Park…
Itinerary
Program: wildlife trip
Code: WL 01
Duration: 23 Nights (24 Days)
Transportation: Land (4WD)
Accommodation: Hotel, Lodge & Tent
Tour starts: Addis Ababa
Tour ends: Addis Ababa
Day 1: Arrival/ Addis Ababa & City Tour of Addis Ababa
Addis Ababa is centered at the heart of the country. Addis Ababa in Amharic language means “New Flower”. It was founded by Emperor Menelik in 1886. Addis is graced as Africa’s diplomatic capital with the presence of the head quarter for the African Unity, a seat for numerous embassies and is the port of entry for most travelers. In the morning, arrive at Addis Ababa bole International Airport, meet with us and transfer to your Hotel then after Breakfast, we drive to the Entoto Mountain (3300m) for a panoramic view of Addis, Entoto Museum with historical and royal exhibit, The Church of St. Mary, built in 1885 and the old palace of emperor MenelikII. Take some images at Mount Entoto. We drive back to Addis for Ethnological Museum (in Addis Ababa University) that exhibits the culture and handicrafts of various Ethiopian ethnic groups, the National Museum in which you are visiting different archaeological findings (including Lucy’s replica Skeleton). Afternoon, visit the Trinity Cathedral, Mausoleum of emperor MenelikII at Bààta Church (you will discover many turtles that have been here since before Addis Ababa was established in 1886) and finally Merkato – the largest open market in Africa. During evening, you will be attending the amazing shoulder to shoulder dances (northern culture) and other many live dances at best cultural restaurants in Addis (Habesha restaurant or Yod Abyssinia). Overnight – at chosen hotel – Addis Ababa
Day 2: Addis Ababa to Mizan Teferi (561 km)
Early morning, drive through many small villages to Mizan Teferi. Lunch in Jimma. Overnight – at chosen hotel - Mizan Teferi
Day 3: Omo National Park
Drive to Omo National Park through different tribes such as Dizi, Menit, and Surma. Overnight- tented camp at the Park’s Head Quarter – Omo Park
Day 4 & 5: Omo National Park
Two Full days looking for wildlife. Expected wildlife: Buffalo, Swayne Hartebeest, elephant, leopard, cheetah, lions, kudu, dik- dik, and hyena, monkeys – such as velvet monkeys, common monkeys, Colobus Monkeys ....and birdlife. Note that there could be a Donga Fighting amongst the Surma Tribes during your visit. Based on the accomplishment of the target mission, you may attend the astonishing stick fighting. For the wildlife, an experienced wildlife guide will also join at the park’s head office. Overnight- tented camp at the Park’s Head Quarter – Omo Park
Day 6 – 8: Mago National Park
Drive from Omo National Park to Hanna Mursi. Cross the Omo River by local boat and get the car on the other side of the river for Mago National  Park. In the park, looking for wildlife: Buffalo, elephant, kudu, dik-dik, monkeys...also Mursi tribes are settled here. Overnight – tented camp – Mago National Park
Day 9 –11: Arba Minch (272km, starting from the park)
Morning; looking for wildlife and then drive back to Arba Minch. On the way, visit Konso Villages, Konso King & Gesergiyo (New York)-magnificent rock formation. Or (save time) drive to Arba Minch & visit parts of National Park on day9 such as Lake Chamo for Hippos, Crocodiles and white pelicans. Looking for wildlife: Zebra, kudu, dik-dik, Swayne’s hartebeest, and monkeys (estimated driving time - 6 hrs). Overnight – at chosen hotel/lodge – Arba Minch
Day 12: Bale Mountains National Park (412 km until Dinsho)
Morning drive to the Dinsho area of Bale Mountains National Park. Based on time, Sinkille Swaynes Hartebeest sanctuary could be visited. Visit Dinsho Forest for: Mountain Nyala, Menelik’s Bush Buck, Bohor (estimated time - 8hrs drive)...Overnight- tented camp or Dinsho Lodge – Dinsho
Day 13 -15: Bale Mountains National Park
Looking for wildlife in the Dinsho Forest/Gaysay area, including Mountain Nyala, and transfer to the Sanetti Plateau area for Ethiopian Wolf (I assure you 100% that Ethiopian Wolf can be seen easily in this park!! I have been here many times & have found it with no problem at all!) And Giant Mole Rat, Harenna Forest (the forest is so dense! bird life is abundant!), Sof Omar (here bats being seen in the caves) natural cave (16 km long). Overnight – at chosen hotel – Bale Goba (found at the bottom of Bale Mountains)
Day 16: Bale Mountains National Park to Lake Langano (255 km)
Last opportunity to photograph Ethiopian Wolf and transfer to Lake Langano. On the way, if not visited on day 14, visit Swayne’s hartebeest at Sinkille Swaynes Hartebeest sanctuary (seeing them in groups is 100% confirmed). Also visit Shalla – Abijata Lakes National Park for ostriches, antelopes, hot springs (at Lake Shalla) and enormous pink Flamingos at Lake Abijata. (Estimated driving time – 6 hrs). Overnight – at chosen lodge - Langano
Day 17 -20: Awash National Park (254 km)
Morning at Lake Langano and drive to Awash National Park. On the way, visit Lake Zeway for birdlife. You can test fresh fish fished on Lake Ziway. Again on the way near Awash Park, bird watching on Lake Beseka. Looking for wildlife at Awash National Park: Oryx (100% confirmed), dik-dik, lion, cheetah, waterbuck (more probable if you can camp near the hot springs), kudu, monkeys & birds like bustard, secretary bird (About 4hrs drive). To see more wildlife camping nearby the hot spring is better. The hot spring is at about 30 km dirt road from the main road from Addis Ababa to Harar. Overnight – in tented camp or lodge- Awash Park
Day 21: Babile Elephant Sanctuary (334 asphalt road and about 30 km to sanctuary)
Morning rediscover the Oryx and drive to Harar. Lunch in Harar and proceed to Babile, visit the unique Dakatta Rock formation (on Babile – Jijiga Road) and drive to Babile Elephant Sanctuary. Looking for elephants (based on time). Overnight –camping in the Sanctuary
Day 22: Elephants – Dakatta Rocks & Harar (61 km)
Looking for wildlife (elephant) for full day and drive to Harar for Over Night at Ras Hotel or chosen hotel - Harar 
Day 23: Harar City Tour
Explore the sanctuary in the morning and drive to Harar. Afternoon; visit the walled city of Harar (4th Muslim sacred city after: Jerusalem, Mecca & Medina). Your Harar visit includes: the Rimbaud House, Harari tribes house, Palace of Ras Mekonnen (father of Emperor Haile SellassieI), Museum and the hyena man show (evening). Overnight – at chosen hotel – Harar
Day 24: Drive from Harar to Addis – Departure
Drive from Harar to Addis (526 km asphalt road). Dinner in restaurant with live tribal dance and departure in the evening (End of the trip)
Notice: This itinerary can be amended upon request

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