Birdwatching

*DAY*	*EET 1110B, 13 days. Birding in the Rift Valley Lakes, Wondo Genet and the Bale Mountains and Awash National Parks.*
1	Depart Europe with Ethiopian Airlines.
2	Arrive Addis Ababa and transfer to Ghion Hotel, which has very extensive grounds - among the species spotted here are the White-backed Black Tit and the brown Tit Warbler. After lunch in the hotel, we leave for Geferssa Reservoir, some 20 kms west of Addis Ababa, where one can see the Blue-winged Goose, black-headed Siskin, Abyssinian Long Claw and Wattled Ibis. Return to Addis Ababa early evening. o/n Ghion Hotel.
3	We leave Addis Ababa early in the morning, heading south for the main Ethiopian Rift. We will be birding along the main road, stopping off at Koka Dam and the Awash river and then at Lake Zway for lunch. After lunch, we head down to the lake shore where huge numbers of water birds are congregated. African pygmy Geese, Yellow billed storks, Collared Pratincoles, Lesser and greater Jacanas, African Jacanas, White Pelicans, Fish Eagles, crowned and common cranes are some of the species to be seen here in impressive numbers. We leave Zway mid-afternoon, continuing to Lake Langano for an overnight in the Wabe Shebelle Hotel, situated on the shores of the lake.
4	After breakfast we drive a short distance to the Shalla and Abiyata National Park (SANP), and passing the tame ostriches at the gate, we first go to Shalla Lake, the deepest in the Ethiopian Rift. Next to the lake are a number of hot springs, some of which are so hot that locals boil maize in them. Then on to Abiyata Lake, Ethiopia’s Lake Nakuru, where one can see thousands of both lesser and greater Flamingo’s. African Pochard, Avocet, Gull billed Tern and Pintail, Ruff and a variety of ducks are among other species to be seen. We leave SANP around lunch time for an hour’s drive to Lake Awassa and check into Wabe Shebelle #1. Lake Awassa is rich in bird life and also has hippos. Boats can be hired on the lake, and the Malakite King fisher, Spur-winged Plover Pygmy geese, endemic Black winged Lovebirds, Bruce’s green Pigeon, Red breasted wryneck and Bare-faced Go-away bird are some of the species to be seen. o/n Wabe Shebelle #1.
5	Before breakfast we go to the fish market where we can get really close to birds well used to human company. After breakfast in the hotel we leave for Wondo Genet, about an hour’s drive. Wondo Genet has hot mineral springs and a naturally heated pool in a lush, forested mountain setting. After lunch we will climb through juniper plantations - the endemic yellow fronted parrot, the Black-headed forest Oriole and the Golden-backed Woodpecker can easily be seen, along with the Redwing starling. Grosbeak Weaver, Mounting wagtail and Black Roughwing Swallow. o/n Wondo Genet Lodge.
6	Full day birding in the forests around Wondo Genet, with picnic lunch. o/n Wondo Genet Lodge.
7	We set off early for the magnificent Bale Mountains National Park (BMNP), with its forests, volcanic lakes and trout filled streams. About 14 endemic birds have been recorded here, plus some endemic mammals like the mountain Nyala, Simien Fox and Menelik’s Bushback. In the BMNP we expect to see the following endemic birds: the Spot breasted Plover, Rouget’s rail, Abyssinian cat bird, Black headed Siskin, Blue winged Goose, Wattled Ibis, White collared Pigeon and Black Winged love bird. We stop at Dinsho on the way, and arrive in Goba late afternoon, o/n Goba Ras Hotel.
8	Full day birding in the amazing Afro-Alpine setting of the Sanetti plateau, home to the endemic Simien Fox and the beautiful Spot-breasted plover. We should also be able to see the rare Wattled crane. Picnic lunch, returning to Goba late afternoon. o/n Goba Ras Hotel.
9	We set off back to the Lakes region, arriving at the Bekelle Mola Hotel at Lake Langano in the afternoon, and spend the reminder of the day birding along the shores of the Lake. o/n Bekelle Mola Hotel.
10	After early morning birding by the cliffs next to the lake, we leave for the Awash National Park (ANP). Over 350 species of bird have been recorded in this savanna grass land including: the Abyssinian roller, Abyssinian Ground Horn bill, the endemic White tailed Swallow, Buff Crested Bustard, Dark chanting Goshwak, Pygmy Falcon, Honey guide, Woodland Kingfisher, Kori Bustard, Black shouldered Kite, White and Crowned Rosy Patch Shrike, Carmine Bee eater, Orange billed Parrot, Lilac Breasted Roller. Lappet faced and Ruppell’s vulture. We will also see a variety of different animals, including Greater and Lesser Kudu, wild pig, Menelik’s Bushbuck, Soemmering gazelle, crocodiles and (sometimes) lions. o/n Kereyou Lodge.
11	Full day birding in the game park, including a trip to the Filoha Hotel Springs. o/n Kereyou Lodge.
12	Return to Addis Ababa, stopping at Lake Hora in Debre Zeit for lunch and birding, arriving Addis Ababa late afternoon. O/n Ghion.
13	Depart.

Day	*EET 1111B, 17 days, Birding around Addis Ababa, the Awash National Park, Rift Valley Lakes, Wondo Genet and Bale Mountain.*
1	Depart Europe on Ethiopian Airlines.
2	Arrive Addis Ababa, transfer to Ghion Hotel. See Day 2 of 1110B for this day’s activities. o/n Ghion.
3	Leave early and drive north through the Sululta plain to Debre Libanos and the Jemma River Gorge, about 110 km. from the capital. Debre Libanos is an important monastic center for Ethiopian Orthodox Christianity, and there is a small cave near the church (of recent construction) where the renowned 13th century mystic Teclehaimanot is said to have stood for seven years on one leg, until the other wasted away and dropped off. During the Fascist aggression (1935-41) more than 300 monks were slaughtered at Debre Libanos - the Italians had identified the Orthodox Church as a key component of the Ethiopians’ independent identity. For keen birders the journey can take up to 6 hours, as we pass through the Solulta Plain where we will see Black winged plovers, Wattled ibis, Blue winged geese, common cranes and wheat ears. On arrival at Debre Libanos, we will first stop at the Jemma River gorge. The Jemma river is one of the tributaries of the Nile, and there is a drop of nearly 1000 meters to the valley below. here at the gorge, and in the forest around the church we can expect to see the Banded Barbet, the Black headed forest oriole, the White billed starling, the Red Billed starling, the White winged cliff chat, the White backed black tit, white cheeked Turaco and Hemprich’s hornbill. We will also see one of Ethiopia’s endemic mammals, the Gelada or bleeding heart baboon. (In the gorge we will see a variety of vultures - Lamergeyer’s Ruppell’s and Lappet faced vultures.) We will leave Debre Libanos around 5.00 pm, returning to Addis Ababa early evening.
4	After breakfast leave for Menagesha forest, about 50 km from Addis Ababa. The Abyssinian Cat bird, Banded Barbet, Golden backed wood pecker, Black headed forest Oriole and Wattled Ibis are some of the endemic species which have been recorded in this relatively small but dense, indigenous forest. Picnic lunch and return to Addis Ababa in the late afternoon. o/n Ghion Hotel.
5	Leave Addis Ababa for the Awash National Park, 210 km to the east. We will take lunch in Nazareth, arriving in the park mid afternoon. For the rest of this day’s activities see Day 10 of EET 1110B. o/n Kereyou Ledge.
6	Full day birding in the game park including a trip to the Filoha hot springs. o/n Kereyou Lodge.
7	Leave for the Lakes Region. See Day 3 of EET 1110B for the rest of this day’s activities.
8	We drive to Shalla and Abiyata National Park, and then on to Lake Awassa - see Day 4 to EET 1110B for this day’s activities. o/n Awassa Wabe Shebelle #1.
9	Full day birding on the shores of Lake Awassa. In composition this fresh water Lakes is different from the alkaline lakes of Abiyata and Shalla. The "Black Forest", near the lake, is an additional and interesting birding sites. o/n Wabe Shebelle #1.
10	After breakfast drive to Wondo Genet about 37 km. to the east. See Day 5 of EET 1110B for the rest of this day’s activities. o/n Wondo Genet.
11	Full day birding with picnic lunch in the lush forest of Wondo Genet. o/n Wondo Genet.
12	Leave Wondo Genet for the Bale Mountains National Park. See Day 7 of EET 1110B for the rest of this day’s activities. o/n Goba Ras.
13	Full day birding in the amazing Afro-Alpine setting of the Sanetti plateau. See Day 8 for the rest of this day’s activities.
14	Full day birding in Harrena forest, o/n Goba Ras.
15	Return to the Lakes Region: In the later afternoon birding on the shores of Lake Langano. o/n Bekelle Mola/Langano Resort.
16	Early morning birding by the cliffs next to the lake, then set off back to Addis Ababa, with a lunch stop at Lake Hora in Debre Zeit. Arrive back in Addis Ababa late afternoon, in time for souvenir shopping. o/n Ghion Hotel.
17	Depart

DAY	*EET 1112B, 13 days. Rift Valley, Bale Mountains, camping itinerary*
1	Depart Europe on Ethiopian Airlines.
2	Arrive Addis Ababa, transfer to Ghion Hotel. See Day 2 of EET 1110B for this day’s activities. o/n Ghion.
3	Leave Addis Ababa for the main Ethiopian Rift. See Day 3 of EET 1110B for this day’s activities.
4	Visit the Shalla and Abiyata National Park, see Day 4 of EET 1110B for a description, then continue to Wondo Genet. The endemic Yellow-fronted Parrot, Black-headed Forest Oriole and Golden-backed woodpecker are some of the endemic species that can be seen in the lush forest. Camping east of the lodge.
5	After breakfast we set off for the magnificent Bale Mountains National Park. Here about 14 endemic birds have been recorded, plus some endemic mammals like Mountain Nyala, Simien Fox and the sub-species of Menelik’s Bushbuck. The Spot-breasted Plover, Rouget’s Rail, Abysinian Catbird, black-headed Siskin, Blue-winged Goose, Wattled Ibis, White-collared Pigeon, Black-winged Lovebird are some of the endemic species that can be seen. o/n camping at the H.Q. at Dinsho.
6	Start trekking through the Bale Mountains, the highest tract of moorland in Africa, with rocky peaks and crags, and striking fauna and flora. Over the next 4 days we expect to see the Abyssinian Hare, the Rock Hyrax, Cerval Cat, Klipspringer and giant mole rat. Camping at the water fall at Fincha Berra.
7	We pass trout filled streams and crater lakes to camp at the foot of Mount Wassama.
8	We pass several mountains and peaks to camp at Gabra Guracha or Black Lake.
9	Completion of 4 days trekking through the magnificent national park of the Bale Mountains. On this day you meet your Minibuses/Lancruisers at "Konteth" peak where you finish trekking. You will spend the afternoon of this day visiting the magnificent Harenna Escarpment. In this wonderful forest, you will see baboons, hunting dogs, red Duicker and giant forest hogs, and if you are lucky, lions. o/n Goba Ras Hotel.
10	Leave the Bale mountains for Lake Awassa, a beautiful freshwater lake. The Goliath and other Herons, the Marabou Stork, Hammerkops, Hadada Ibis, Knob-billed duck, black Crakes, African Jacanas, Terms, Kingfishers, Plovers, Pygmy Geese, Spotted Creepers and many other water birds can be easily seen along the shores. o/n Awassa Wabe Shebelle #1.
11	Full day biding in Lake Awassa and surroundings. o/n Awassa Wabe Shebelle #1.
12	Return to Addis Ababa, stopping off at Lake Hora in Debre Zeit for lunch, arriving back in time for some souvenir shopping. o/n Ghion Hotel.
13	Departure.

DAY	*EET 1113B, 16 days, Rift Valley, Southern Ethiopia, Negele and Bale Mountains*
1	Depart London on Ethiopian Airlines.
2	Arrive Addis Ababa, transfer to Wabe Shebelle Hotel. After lunch, drive to Geferssa reservoir, where we can expect to see the Blue Winged Goose, the Black Headed Sisken, Abyssinian Long Claw and Wattled Ibis. Return to Addis Ababa early evening.
3	Today we head south for the main Ethiopian Rift. For this day’s activities see Day 3 of EET 1110B.
4	Continue south to Lake Awassa - see Day 4 of EET 1110B for this day’s activities. o/n Wabe Shebelle #1.
5	Full day birding around the shores of the lake, and a trip to the nearby "Black Forest". o/n Wabe Shebelle #1.
6	Head south to Yabello, birding en route. In the late afternoon, we head into woodland west of Yabello, in search of the endemic Stresemann’s Bush Crow. o/n local hotel
7	Full day birding (picnic lunch) in he Yabello Wildlife Sanctuary, where we expect to see the white tailed swallow, Stresemann’s Bush Crow, and if we are lucky, Prince Raspoli’s Turaco. o/n local hotel.
8	We drive south to Mega. In the dry, open woodland characteristic of this area, we expect to find Golden Breasted Starling, superb Starling, Lilac Breasted Roller, Helmeted and Vulturine Guinea Fowl. Picnic lunch, o/n local hotel Mega.
9	Morning birding around Mega, then we drive east to Negelle, birding en route. o/n Tourist Hotel.
10	The habitat around Negelle is similar to Mega, and we will spend the day exploring different localities. o/n Tourist Hotel.
11	We head off towards Goba, via Dollo Mena. Some kilometers north of Dollo Mena, the landscape changes as we start ascending and enter the Harenna forest. we will see different animals along the road and in the forest we expect to see the Golden Backed Woodpecker and White Backed Tit. On our way to Goba, we pass the highest moorland in Africa, the Sanetti Plateau. Here we may see the Wattled Crane and the endemic Simien Fox. o/n Goba Ras.
12	Full day birding in the Bale National Park.
13	Head back to the Rift Valley, via the Park headquarters at Dinsho, with birding stops en route. o/n Wondo Genet.
14	Full day birding in the forest, with picnic lunch. Wondo Genet lodge has a naturally heated swimming pool- the waters are supposed to have curative properties. o/n Wondo Genet Lodge.
15	Depart for Addis Ababa, with a stop at Hora Lake (Debre Zeit), arriving back in time for some souvenir shopping. o/n Wabe Shebelle Hotel.
16	Depart

DAY	*EET 1114B, 11 days, Ankober and the escarpment, Awash Park, Bishangari, Bale Mountains.*
1	Depart Europe with Ethiopian Airlines.
2	Arrive Addis Ababa and transfer to Ghion Hotel. See Day 2 of EET 1110B for the rest of this day’s activities.
3	We make an early start for Debre Berhan and Ankober. An early morning start with picnic lunch for Debre Berhan and Ankober, which were capitals in the 14th and 18-19th centuries respectively. Debre Berhan is 120 km. from Addis Ababa, while Ankober is a further 48 km. Around Ankober we will look for the Ankober Serin, Smith’s Francolin, the yellow throated serin, the White billed starling and the Black winged love bird. o/n Hotel Helen, Debre Berhan.
4	We set off early to pass through Addis Ababa on our way to the Awash National Park. We will be making a number of birding stops, the first at Chelekleka Marsh, on the outskirts of Debre Zeit (46 km from Addis Ababa), and at Hora Lake (a crater lake in Debre Zeit itself) where we expect to see Pochards, Hotentot’s Teal, Pintail Ducks, flamingoes, pelicans and march harriers.We will take lunch at the Adama Ras at Nazareth (110 km from Addis Ababa). On our way to Awash, we will stop at Metahara Lake (220 km) for Yellow billed stork, spoon billed stork, cormorants and crocodiles. We will arrive at Kereyou Lodge around 5.30. See Day 10 of EET 1110B for a description of the park. o/n Kereyou Lodge.
5	Full day birding in the park, including a trip to the Filoha Hot Springs. o/n Kereyou Lodge.
6	After some early morning birding, we set off for the Rift Valley Lakes. We will be birding along the main road, stopping off at Koka Dam and the Awash river and then at Lake Zway for lunch. After lunch, we head down to the lake shore where huge numbers of water birds are congregated. African pygmy Geese, yellow billed storks, Collared Pratincoles, Lesser and greater Jacanas, African Jacanas, White Pelicans, Fish Eagles, crowned and common cranes are some of the species to be seen here in impressive numbers. We leave Zway mid-afternoon, continuing to Lake Langano where we transfer by boat for a two night stay in Bishangari, a tented camp on the eastern shore of Lake Langano.Bishangari is situated on the lake shore and backs on to the Munessa Shashemene State Forest. It combines three bird habitats, wetland and forest - more than 350 species have been along the shore, by the wetland and in the forest. Unlike the dryer, Acacia forest on the other side of the lake, the Munessa Shashamene State forest is lush and dense, with giant Podacarpus and fig trees. In addition to the bird life, including the Golden Backed Woodpecker, Yellow Fronted Parrot, Silvery Cheeked Hornbills, Verreaux’s Eagle Owl, Double Toothed Barbet, White Winged Cliff chat, there is a variety of animal life, including colobus and vervet monkeys, baboons, civet cats, bushbucks, wildpigs and hippos.Tents are equipped with toilets and showers and solar lanterns are available at night. Bishangari is an eco-tourist project run by Farm Africa and the Munessa Shashemene State Forest, with profits going to forest protection and health and educational facilities for the local community.
7	A full day birding along the shore and the forest around the camp.
8	We set off early for the magnificent Bale Mountains National Park. See Day 7 of EET 1110B for a description of the park. We stop at Dinsho on the way, and arrive in Goba late afternoon, o/n Wabe Shebelle Hotel, Goba.
9	Full day birding in the amazing Afro-Alpine setting of the Sanetti plateau. See Day 8 of EET 1110B for the rest of this day’s activities. o/n Wabe Shebelle Hotel, Goba.
10	A long day’s drive back to Addis Ababa via Asela (441 km), keeping birding stops to a minimum, arriving back at the Ghion early evening.
11	Depart.

DAY	*EET 1115B, 13 days Birding along the Historic Route*
1	Depart Europe by Ethiopian Airlines flight.
2	Arrive Addis approximately 8:30, transfer to Ghion Hotel. For the rest of this day’s activities see day 2 of EET1110B.
3	Leave early for Debre Libanos and the Jemma River Gorge, some 110 km north of Addis Ababa. See Day 3 of EET 1111B for a description of the birding en route and of Debre Libanos. Continue for o/n in Tourist Hotel, Debre Markos.
4	Leave early for Bahir Dar, checking into the Tana Hotel before lunch. After lunch in the hotel, bird watching around Bahir Dar, at the Blue Nile Bridge, Haile Selassie’s palace of Bizeit, towards the airport, around the Michael Church and the shores of Lake Tana. We expect to see a number of aquatic and forest birds: Grey and Goliath Herons, Sacred Ibis, double-toothed Barber, African Grey Pantain Eater, Egyptian Goose, Darters, Cormorants, Terns and Ducks. The Tana Hotel is situated on the lake shore and the following birds have been seen in or near the grounds: open-billed Stork, Sacred Ibis, White-cheecked Turaco, striped King-Fisher, Fish Eagle, Masked Weaver and many different Sunbirds.
5	Early morning visit to the Blue Nile Falls, returning to the hotel for lunch. En route we can expect to see Carmine Bee-eater, Grey headed Kingfisher, White-tailed and striped Swallows, White-cheecked Turaco, Wattled Plover, Long-tailed Pipit, Spotted Eagle Owl (if lucky). After lunch, boat trip to the Zeghie peninsula, which is known for its 14th century, round, grass-roofed churches and magnificent old paintings. The churches are located inside a thick forest where different species of birds are found. Around the compound of Betremariam Monastery, the endemic Yellow-fronted Parrot and Black-winged Lovebird can easily seen. From Betemariam to Ura Kidanemehret, it is a one hour walk through a thick forest, with good bird watching en route. Return to hotel early evening. Dinner in hotel and if desired, visit to traditional and modern night clubs.
6	Leave early for Gondar, by road (180 km). Along the road, which runs along the Lake shore for quite a distance, different species of birds can be seen, including: Wattled Ibis, Black-headed Forest Oriole, black-winged Lovebird, Abyssinian Ground Horn Bill, Long Crested Eagle and Augur Buzzrd, and large numbers of common Cranes. Arrive in time for lunch at the Goha Hotel, which is situated high on a mountain overlooking the town - Lammergeyers can often be seen soaring around the hotel compound. After lunch, start tour of the castles and the imperial compounds - Gondar was the imperial capital from the 17th to the mid 19th centuries - and the churches of Debre Berhan Selassie, famous for its murals, and Kusquam. These places are also good for birds, including the endemic Black-winged Lovebird, Black-headed Forest Oriole, and Thick-billed Raven. Spectacular sunsets from the Goha hotel, dinner in hotel and tour of Gondar by night, if desired.
7	After breakfast, finish off any sites from the day before, then leave for Gorgora, at the northern end of Lake Tana. Here we can see the medieval church of Debre Sina Marim, and take lunch in the Gorgora Hotel, situated on the Lake Shore. The bird species will be the same as those in Bahir Dar, and visitors may also see hippos. Return to Gondar late afternoon.
8	Leave early for Axum, a trip of about 354 km. The route affords spectacular views, as we skirt the Simien mountains to the east, and then descend towards the Tekezze, one of the tributaries of the Nile. Among the endemics we can expect to see: Wattled Ibis, thick-billed Raven and White-collared Pigeon. We will also see numerous Lammergeyer and various other vultures, Augar Buzzard, Gabar Goshawk, Grey Kestrel, Lanner, Green Pigeon, Mountain Wagtail, black-bellied Barbet, Cliff Chat, Bateleur and Spotted Eagle Owl. Arrive Axum late afternoon, transfer to Axum late afternoon, transfer to Axum Hotel, the lush garden of which provides real bird watching treats in the mornings and afternoons.
9	Axum was the center of the ancient empire which 2000 years ago traded as far as India and China, erected great edifices and dams, and translated the works of classical scholars into Ge’ez, a Semitic language still used today in Orthodox liturgy. After breakfast we start to tour of Axum’s ancient monuments, the stellae, the tomb of Basen, the castle of Kaleb, the Palace of Dengur, breaking for lunch in the hotel. After lunch, we visit Mariam Tsion church (the supposed repository of the Ark of the Covenant) and Axum Museum. Dinner in hotel.
10	For those interested, an early visit to Mariam Tsion church to see church ceremonies. After breakfast, fly to Lalibela, where at the end of the 11th and beginning of the 12th century, King Lalibela had a services of rock hewn churches built, now one of the wonders of the world. Between the Airport and the town, we can expect to see Fiscal Shrikes, Larks and Kestrels. Relaxing over a beer in the garden on the Seven Olives, we can see the Red-winged Starling, Tekezze Sunbird, Hunters’ Sunbird, Green Pigeon, Olive Thrush and in the second group of rock hewn churches we will see the following endemics: black-winged Lovebird, White-collared Pigeon, Ruppelle’s Chat. After lunch we still start tour of the rock hewn churches. o/n Lal Hotel.
11	After breakfast a visit to some of the churches outside Lalibela, by mule or on foot. Ashtun Mariam is a 4 hour round trip, the church itself is worth the trip and the scenery on the way is impressive. Among the endemics we can expect to see on the way: White-bellied Starling, Golden-backed Wood Pecker, Black-headed forest Oriole. Return to the hotel for lunch, afternoon at leisure. In the Seven Olives at night there will be traditional music and dancing. o/n Lal Hotel.
12	Fly to Addis Ababa. Time for souvenir shopping, visit to Mercato (Addis Ababa’s huge market), dinner at cultural restaurant. o/n Ghion Hotel.
13	Departure.

For people who have been on other EET tours, or who are passing through Addis Ababa on their way somewhere else.

One third of the quoted price for a tour is required as a deposit. If cancellations are made 10 weeks prior to departure, a charge of US$ 100.00 per person will be made, later cancellations will lead to the whole deposit being forfeited. Final payment is expected one month before departure.

Experience Ethiopia Travel, in accepting bookings for this tour, clearly stipulates that it is not liable for faults or defaults of other companies and persons that may be used in the carrying out of the tour services also for accidents, baggage losses, delays, strikes, political unrest, and acts of God and War. In the event it becomes necessary or advisable for the comfort or well-being of the passengers or for any reason whatsoever, to alter the itinerary or arrangements, such alterations may be made without penalty to the operator. Additional expenses, if any, shall be borne by the passengers. The right is also reserved to withdraw any tour, also to decline to accept persons as members of a tour.

DAY	*EET 1116B, 10 days, Birding along the Historic Route (Option Two)*
	This itinerary covers the same major sites as EET 1115B, but is cheaper and shorter because there is less road travel, and more use of Ethiopian Airlines domestic flights. For a description of each location, see EET 1115B.
1	Depart Europe on Ethiopian Airlines flight..
2	Arrive Addis Ababa. o/n Ghion Hotel.
3	Fly Addis-Bahir Dar. Birding around bridge, along shore, etc. o/n Tana Hotel.
4	Blue Nile Falls, Zegie peninsula, church of Ura Kidane Mehret. o/n Tana Hotel.
5	Drive to Gondar, tour of castles and churches. o/n Goha Hotel.
6	Fly to Axum, tour of stellae, tombs of kings, Mariam Tsion Church. o/n Axum Hotel.
7	Fly to Lalibella, after lunch start tour or rock hewn churches. o/n Seven Olives Hotel.
8	Visit on mule or on foot to outlying churches, Ashetun Mariam. o/n Seven Olives Hotel.
9	Fly Addis Ababa, souvenir shopping, Mercato. o/n Ghion Hotel.
10	Departure

DAY	*EET 1116B, 3 days birding around Addis Ababa*
1	Before lunch we will birding within Addis Ababa, first in the Ghion Hotel’s extensive gardens, then on to the Addis Ababa Abattoir. In the Ghion’s grounds one can see the endemic White-backed black Tit and the brown Tit Warbler. The black Kite, Hooded Vulture, Pied Crow, Ibises and Ravens are among the species that can be seen at the Abattoir. After lunch back to the Hotel, we drive to Geferssa Reservoir, 20 km to 30 km west of the capital. The Blue-winged Goose, Black -headed Siskin, Abyssinian Long Claw and Wattled Ibis are some of the endemics one can see. Return to Addis Ababa. o/n Ghion Hotel.
2	Drive to Sululta plain and Debre Libanos (about 110 km). See day 3 of EET 1111B for this day’s activities.
3	Drive to Suba or Menagesha Forest (about 50 km). See Day 4 of EET 111B for a description of the park and for the rest of this Day’s activities. We return to Addis Ababa late afternoon. o/n Ghion Hotel.

DAYS	*EET 1118B, 4 days birding, Debre Zeit and Awash National Park*
1	Drive to Debre Zeit, about 50 km. from Addis Ababy the crater lakes for which the town is famous, you can see different water-birds and various species of swallows and weavers. Among the other species to be seen: Spur-winged plover, red knobbed Coot, Spur-Picnic lunch and dinner and over night at the Hora Ras Hotel, situated on Lake Hora.
2	After some early morning birding right by the hotel, we set off for Awash National Park (ANP) for two nights stay. See Day 10 of EET 1110B for a description of the park. o/n Kereyou Lodge.
3	Full day birding in the game park, including a visit to Filoha hot springs. o/n Kereyou Lodge.
4	Early morning birding by the Falls near the Lodge then return to Addis Ababa, stopping for some birding around Akaki just south of the capital, and arriving late afternoon. o/n Ghion Hotel.

DAYS	*EET 1119B: 2 days, Debre Libanos and the Akaki wetlands.*
1	Leave Addis Ababa early for Debre Libanos via the Sululta plain. See Day 3 of EET 1111B for the rest of this day’s activities. When we return to Addis Ababa, we will be staying at the Crown Hotel, on the Debre Zeit road, we can make an early start on Day 2. The Crown Hotel is famous for its national food, music and dancing.
2	We get off to an early start, with a picnic lunch. The Akaki wetlands are great for aquatic birds, live Shovelers, Ruffs, Avocets, Flamingoes, Gull-billed Terns and Spur -winged Geese. Wintering common cranes can also be seen, along with highland birds like the Wattled Ibis and the Black Winged Plover. We return to Addis Ababa late afternoon, o/n Ghion Hotel.

DAYS	*EET 1120B: 3 days, Debre Libanos, Ankober and Geferssa*
1	Leave Addis Ababa early for Debre Libanos via the Sululta plain. See Day 3 of EET 1111B for the rest of this day’s activities. On Ghion Hotel..
2	Leave for Debre Berhan and Ankober. See Day 3 of EET 1114B for the rest of this day’s activities. o/n Helen Hotel, Debre Berhan.
3	After breakfast we return to Addis Ababa, where we will take our lunch, and then proceed to Geferssa Reservoir (see Day 2 of EET 1110B for a description). We return to Addis Ababa late afternoon, o/n Ghion Hotel