Some of the highlights of this safari are the following:
– live in immersion in immense territories rarely visited, including legendary lakes and mountains
– observe and photograph endemic fauna and birds
– benefit from naturalist knowledge and personalized photographic advice
– maximize time with animals and in landscapes when conditions are optimal for observation and photography
– enjoy staying in a lodge with an exceptional panorama in the heart of Bale Mountains National Park, allowing you to be close to the action and animals
A superb adventure on mythical lands, rarely visited, to discover endangered species and animals rarely observed!
Day 1: Departure from Europe to Ethiopia
Departure from Europe during the afternoon or early evening for a direct night flight to Ethiopia and its capital Addis Ababa.
Day 2: Arrival in Addis Ababa and Entoto Montain
Arrival at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport early in the morning. Welcome at the airport, breakfast (on own account) with Ethiopian coffee and private transfer for a visit to the National Museum. After lunch, departure to the north of the capital of Ethiopia for a visit to the Entoto Mountains, famous for their abundance of birds.
Night at the Ghion Hotel. Full board.
Day 3: From Addis Ababa to Lake Ziway
After breakfast, departure from the hotel by road to Awassa and Lake Ziway.
Lunch en route, and afternoon visit of the lake to observe hippos, African and grey pelicans, to name but a few.
Night at the Haile Resort Awassa. Full board.
Day 4: From Lake Ziway to Wondo Genet
After breakfast, departure by road for Wondo Genet to observe Yellow-faced Parrots, among many other birds that live in this area.
Night at the Wondo Genet Resort. Full board.
Day 5: From Wondo Genet to the Bale Mountains National Park
Morning walk, at sunrise, in the primary forest to observe and photograph the birds at the moment of their awakening and to appreciate their morning song.
After lunch, departure by road towards Dinsho, headquarters of the National Park of the Bale Mountains, around which the Nyalas of the mountains are observable, and opportunity to observe Warthogs, Reedbucks, etc.
Night camping under tent. Full board.
Day 6: Bale Mountains National Park – Sodota area
Departure from the camp via a trekking route, easily usable by our 4x4s, to the area of Sodota. The first kilometres cross agricultural land along the edge of the park. The route then passes through Web River, alongside an impressive gorge where Rock Hyraxes are often observed. Leopards, Ravishing eagles and Eagle owls sometimes appear along the edges of this gorge. The trail is also the place to begin to look for Wolves of Abyssinia, and raptors, hunting.
Arrival at our camp in Sodota (3,500 metres altitude) to enjoy the magnificent landscape.
Night camping under tent. Full board.
Day 7: Bale Mountains National Park – Kernesa area
The objective of this day is an immersion in the park via a hike towards Kernesa, located at an altitude of 3,500 metres. This exploration facilitates the observation and photography, in optimal conditions, of the landscapes and the wild animals – with a particular emphasis on the Wolves of Abyssinia.
Night camping under tent. Full board.
Day 8: Bale Mountains National Park – Wassamar area
The objective of this day is to continue the immersion in the park via a hike towards Wassamar, also located at an altitude of 3,500 metres. This exploration also facilitates the observation and photography, in optimal conditions, of the landscapes and the wild animals – with a particular emphasis on the Wolves of Abyssinia.
Night camping under tent. Full board.
Day 9: Bale Mountains National Park – Sannetti Plateau
After an early breakfast, departure for Sannetti Plateau and Tulu Dimtu, the second highest Summit of Ethiopia (4,377m). It will be the opportunity to observe Abyssinian wolves and Brown-tailed rats, not to mention the native plants such as giant Lobelias and lichen-covered heathers.
Night at Bale Mountain Lodge. Full board.
Day 10: Bale Mountains National Park – Harenna Forest area
The objective of this day is to continue the immersion in the park via a hike in the primary forest of Harenna to discover its multitude of endemic birds.
Night at Bale Mountain Lodge. Full board.
Day 11: From Bale Mountains National Park to Lake Langano
After breakfast, departure by road to Lake Langano, which is one of the lakes of the Rift Valley. It is a lake of fresh water, naturally reddish on the edge, around which many birds are visible.
Night at Sabana Beach Resort. Full board.
Day 12: Abijatta and Shalla National Park
This day is dedicated to a visit of the twin lakes Abijatta and Shalla, famous for their various Flamingos and the millions of birds that stay there.
At the entry of the National Park that preserves them, there is also an opportunity to approach Ostriches of Somalia, one of the two species of African ostriches endemic to the horn of Africa.
Night at Sabana Beach Resort. Full board.
Day 13: Return to Addis Ababa
After a lazy breakfast, return to Addis Ababa for an afternoon of relaxation, discovery and visit to the old town of Addis Ababa – Piassa and coffee in Tomoca.
Access to a day room at Hotel Ghion and conclusion of this trip with a traditional dinner animated with music from the various regions of Ethiopia.
Private transfer to Addis Ababa Bole International Airport for your return flight or to your next destination.
Indicative price:
From £4,050 per person on the basis of 6 participants sharing double/twin rooms.
Subject to availability at the time of booking, and assuming the international flights are booked on Ethiopian Airlines.
The final budget will be communicated after establishing a personalised quotation that will depend on the exchange rates at the time. The minimum number of participants to guarantee the departure is 2 and the group will count a maximum of 6 participants.
– The transfers from Addis Ababa Bole International Airport and return, and all transportations by road in privatised 4×4 vehicles (1 vehicle for 2 to 3 participants) driven by specialised driver guides.
– The services of Henry Brousmiche as a tour-leader, naturalist and photographic advisor
– 1 night and 1 day room at the Ghion Hotel (or equivalent) in Addis Ababa in a twin or double room with en-suite bathroom and toilets. Full board
– 1 night at the Haile Resort Awassa (or equivalent) in a twin or double room with en-suite bathroom and toilets. Full board
– 1 night at the Wondo Genet Resort (or equivalent) in a twin or double room with en-suite bathroom and toilets. Full board
– 4 nights camping in tents in Bale Mountains National Park. Full board
– 2 nights at the Bale Mountain Lodge (or equivalent) in Bale Mountains National Park in a twin or double room with en-suite bathroom and toilets. Full board
– 2 nights at the Sabana Beach Resort (or equivalent) in a twin or double room with en-suite bathroom and toilets. Full board
– All Park Fees and Camping Fees (subject to possible changes)
– International flights to Addis Ababa and return
– Travel or Insurances (cancellation, repatriation, luggage, other risks and any additional insurance)
– Visas to be purchased at arrival in Ethiopia
– Meals not mentioned or mentioned as “free” or “on own account” in the itinerary
– Drinks other than the ones mentioned
– Any extras of personal nature, tips, laundry and drinks not mentioned in the program, etc.
