Overview
Discover Ethiopia’s extraordinary wildlife on this highland safari through two of its most iconic national parks. In the jagged peaks of the Simien Mountains, encounter large troops of gelada baboons, agile Walia ibex clinging to cliffs, and soaring lammergeiers riding the thermals. Then venture to the mystical Bale Mountains, where you’ll track the rare Ethiopian wolf across the sweeping Sanetti Plateau, explore dense Harenna Forest for endemic birds and Bale monkeys, and witness the incredible biodiversity unique to these Afroalpine ecosystems. This is a journey for nature lovers seeking Africa’s most overlooked yet unforgettable safari experience.
Top Highlights:
- Encounter the endemic ‘bleeding heart baboon’ (Gelada baboon) in the Simien Mountains.
- Photograph the endemic Walia ibex and Mountain Nyala in their natural habitat.
- Tour the medieval castles of the Royal Enclosure and the Pool of King Fasilidas in Gondar.
- Observe the very endangered Abyssinian Wolf (Ethiopian wolf) on the Senetie Plateau.
- Explore the dense Afro-Alpine Harenna Forest for the endemic Bale Monkey.
- Enjoy bird watching and hippo spotting at the Great Rift Valley Lakes (Langano, Ziway, and Awassa).
- Visit the Awassa fish market to observe local fishermen and aquatic birds.
Tour Plan
Arrive in Addis Ababa (ADD), Ethiopia. Welcome to Ethiopia! Upon arrival at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, you will be welcomed and assisted by your tour guide and driver for the transfer to Kaleb Hotel (4-star). There will be a short drive to your hotel.
Addis Ababa, founded in 1886 by Menelik II, is situated at 2,500 meters (8000 ft) above sea level. It is the highest capital city in the world, after La Paz and Quito in South America. The city enjoys an excellent climate all year round, with an average temperature of 25 °C (77°F). With a multiethnic population of over 5 million, Addis Ababa is a pleasant city with wide avenues of jacarandas, interesting museums, and one of the largest open-air markets in Africa, known as the “Mercato”.
Overnight: Jupiter Hotel-Addis Ababa.
Early in the morning, transfer to Addis Ababa airport for the flight to Gonder. A 50-minute flight takes you to Gonder.
Upon arrival at Gonder airport, we will meet our driver for the drive to the Simien Mountains National Park.
Driving from Gondar up to Simien Mountains National Park, nothing prepares you for the spectacular scenery that awaits at the top of the massif. The rolling grassy plateau comes to an abrupt stop, and sheer cliffs plunge almost vertically for 1,000m (3280 ft) to the plains below. The massif itself has been sculpted by 30 million years of up thrust and erosion into a wonderland of jagged ridges, pinnacles, and strangely cropped conical mountains, so that looking out over the heart-stopping precipice, you feel you might just be at the edge of the world.
After checking into the highest lodge, Simien Lodge, and having lunch there, we will relax a bit and get ready for the afternoon photo shoot with the endemic ‘bleeding heart baboon’, Gelada baboon, around Sankaber.
Overnight: Simien Lodge-Buyit Ras (3200 m)
The third day begins with a drive to the Mursi village, renowned for the striking lip plates worn by its women. Your morning will be spent immersing yourself in the daily life of the Mursi people, capturing photographs that showcase their unique lifestyle and customs. After a meaningful half day of cultural exchange, you will return to Jinka for lunch.
After having lunch, you will head to Dus Village, home to the vibrant Kara Tribes. You will be arriving late afternoon. In the evening, you will enjoy a luxurious camping experience, complete with comfortable tents featuring showers, bathrooms, electricity, and fridges. The best camping chefs will prepare delicious meals, ensuring that you have a delightful culinary experience while surrounded by nature. After a fulfilling day of cultural exploration, you can relax under the stars at your luxury campsite.
Overnight: Camping
Today, we will rise early in the morning with the sun and drive to Cheneck through Sankaber and other beautiful parts of the park. This will give you a unique opportunity to photograph the Geladad baboon and other endemic wildlife as they graze and hunt around the plains.
Around Cheneck, you will also have a chance to photograph the endemic Mountain Nyala with the beautiful morning sun around some of the most spectacular parts of the park. After spending the morning exploring around Checnk, we will drive back to the lodge.
Late in the Afternoon, we will go out around Cheneck and the surrounding area to spend more time among the Geladas with the golden light of late afternoon.
Overnight: Simien Lodge-Buyit Ras (3200 m)
Drive from Buit Ras to Gonder with stops at some picturesque points. After checking into the Goha Hotel and having lunch there, we will start a city tour of Gondar. Gondar, founded by Emperor Fasiledas around 1635, is famous for its many medieval castles and the design and decoration of its churches-in particular, Debre Birhan Selassie represents a masterpiece of the unique Ethiopian School of traditional art.
Today you will visit the Royal Enclosure, a walled compound having 6 different castles built from the 17th century by different kings who ruled in different times, the pool of King Fasilidas which still serves as a baptismal pool during Ethiopian Epiphany and we will also visit the famous Deberberhan Sillassie adorned with brilliant frescos from inside.
Overnight: Goha Hotel-Gonder.
In the morning, transfer to Gonder airport for the flight to Addis Ababa. Upon arrival, we will meet our drivers for the drive to the Great Ethiopian Rift Valley, Lake Langano. While driving from Addis Ababa to Lagnao, we will pass by different small towns, and we will stop for a visit at one of the most beautiful Rift Valley Lakes, Lake Zway.
The rest of the day, relax around the beautiful Sabana Lodge perched on the top of the hill overlooking the beautiful lake.
Accommodation: Marina Lodge-Langano.
In the morning, we drive to Dinsho, the headquarters of Bale Mountains National Park. This is one of the biggest Afro Alpine habitats in the entire African continent.
In the afternoon, we will have a game drive around the headquarters to visit some of the endemic mammals in the park, including: Bale Mountain Nyala (endemic to Bale Mountains National Park), Minilik Bushbuck, warthogs, and many more.
Overnight: Bale Mountains Lodge-Harena Forest
In the morning, drive high in the Senetie Plateau, one of the most beautiful parts of the park. This is the territory of the endemic Abyssinian Wolf. This very endangered canine is the only wolf species found in Africa. It can be spotted commonly here in the vast afro-alpine vegetation, hunting on the Giant Mole Rat on which it commonly feeds.
In this well-conserved afro-alpine ecosystem, you will see some endemic birds like the Blue-winged Goose and other birds, as well as the Giant Mole Rat, pretty much everywhere.
Later in the afternoon, we will take a relaxing trek around Gesse Valley where we can see many more wildlife and enjoy the scenic view while walking around the valley.
Overnight: Bale Mountains Lodge-Harena Forest
Today, we will explore the dense and well-conserved Afro-Alpine forest in the Bale Mountains. Here we can expect to see the recently discovered endemic Bale Monkey, the elusive Black leopard, if we are even lucky, we will also see the rare Abyssinian Black Maned Lion
Overnight: Bale Mountains Lodge- Harena Forest
In the morning, we will start driving back to the Ethiopian Great Rift Valley Lakes Region. In this region, you will find chains of beautiful Rift Valley Lakes, which are home to many bird species and other wildlife.
After checking into the beautiful Haile Resort, owned and run by the Great Ethiopian Athlete, many Olympic gold medalists, and holders of many world records, including marathon, we will then walk around the lake of Awassa to see different aquatic birds. We can also take a boat trip for more bird watching and hippo spotting. The rest of the day, you can relax in the swimming pool.
Overnight: Haile Resort-Awassa
Early in the morning, we will visit the Awssa fish market, where local fishermen sell freshly caught fish to the local people. The interaction of the fishermen with people, birds, and the surrounding environment is interesting to watch.
After having breakfast at the hotel, we will drive back to Addis Ababa en route, visiting at least two rift valley Lakes, namely Lake Ziway, the biggest Rift Valley Lake, and Lake Langano. Both are very famous for their abundant birdlife.
As we finish our visit to the lakes, we then continue to drive back to Addis Ababa through the new expressway, which starts at Mojo, to arrive in Addis Ababa late in the afternoon.
End of tour.
