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Ethiopia - Central Birds & Wildlife (Relaxed)

© Blue-winged Goose by Clayton Burne
Ethiopia - Central Birds & Wildlife (Relaxed) 2027

06 Jan 2027 - 19 Jan 2027 (14 days)

USD6,900 SPACES AVAILABLE

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Tour Leader: James Wade Lee

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Tour Price (Per person): USD6,900 (GBP5,294 * EUR6,035 * AUD10,552)

This tour pairs with: Ethiopia - Omo Valley: Birding & Tribal Cultures 2027

Pricing notes : *Prices are estimated, and dates may change*

Ethiopia - Central Birds & Wildlife (Relaxed) 2028

11 Mar 2028 - 24 Mar 2028 (14 days)

USD7,300 SPACES AVAILABLE

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Tour Leader: Jan Pienaar

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Tour Price (Per person): USD7,300 (GBP5,601 * EUR6,384 * AUD11,164)

This tour pairs with: Ethiopia - Omo Valley: Birding & Tribal Cultures 2028

Pricing notes : *Prices are estimated, and dates may change*

Ethiopia - Central Birds & Wildlife (Relaxed) 2029

22 Feb 2029 - 07 Mar 2029 (14 days)

USD7,700 SPACES AVAILABLE

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Tour Leader: Ryan Tyrer

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Tour Price (Per person): USD7,700 (GBP5,908 * EUR6,734 * AUD11,776)

This tour pairs with: Ethiopia - Omo Valley: Birding & Tribal Cultures 2029

Pricing notes : *Prices are estimated, and dates may change*

Our 14-day relaxed Ethiopia birding tour covers the central birding circuit of this unique country. We explore the massive Rift Valley lakes teeming with birds, moss-draped montane forests supporting a wide selection of endemics, the high Bale Mountains home to the critically endangered Ethiopian Wolf, the impressive Jemma Valley and Awash National Park, a Mecca for game and bird watching in Ethiopia (home to an incredible six species of bustard!). Key Ethiopian bird species we will seek include Spot-breasted Lapwing, Blue-winged Goose, Rouget’s Rail, Wattled Ibis, Ankober Serin, Yellow-fronted Parrot, White-backed Black Tit and Abyssinian Woodpecker.


Top Birds

White-cheeked Turaco; Spot-breasted Lapwing; Blue-winged Goose; Rouget’s Rail; Wattled Ibis; Ankober Serin; Yellow-fronted Parrot; Black-winged Lovebird; Erkel's & Harwood's Francolins; White-backed Black Tit; Abyssinian Woodpecker; Gillett's & Blanford's Larks; Tacazze & Beautiful Sunbirds; Arabian & Hartlaub's Bustards; White-billed Starling; White-collared Pigeon; Black Crowned Crane; Moorland Chat; Abyssinian Ground Thrush; Abyssinian Catbird; Abyssinian Crimsonwing; African Citril; Thick-billed Raven; Little Rock Thrush; Sombre Rock Chat; Blackstart; Black-headed Lapwing; Chestnut-bellied Sandgrouse; Yellow-breasted Barbet; Ethiopian Siskin; Hemprich’s Hornbill; Rüppell’s Black Chat; White-winged Cliff Chat; Red-billed Pytilia.

Top Mammals

Ethiopian Wolf; Gelada, Olive & Hamadryas Baboons; Mountain Nyala; Giant Mole Rat; Serval; Salt's Dik-dik; Gerenuk; Lesser Kudu; Beisa Oryx; Soemmering's Gazelle

Habitats Covered

montane forest, Afro-alpine moorland, Acacia savanna, Rift Valley lakes

Expected Climate

temperate in highlands, hot and dry in lowlands

Max Group Size

8 with 1 Rockjumper leader

Tour Pace & Walking

MODERATE TO CHALLENGING: This tour requires a good level of fitness, stamina, and overall health. It’s best suited for experienced birders who are comfortable with a more active itinerary. Please note that it may not be ideal for avid photographers, new birders, or those with mobility or health concerns.

Birding is undemanding but some long travel days, low food diversity & some average accommodations are taxing. our Relaxed series of tours are designed to focus on having an enjoyable holiday with a bird and wildlife focus. Where possible; we have reduced or removed long drives, single night stays and poor/rustic accommodation. We have also sought to reduce or remove difficult hikes, narrow/muddy trails and otherwise oppressive environmental conditions. Early starts and night birding are mostly optional, and we will not spend much time searching for difficult and/or skulking species. These tours are not suitable for hardcore birders and listers, or dedicated photographers.

Accommodation

Variable. Modern & comfortable in the Rift Valley to average elsewhere.

Ease of Birding

One of the most enjoyable & prolific birding destinations in Africa. Many species are approachable & provide good visuals in open conditions.

Other Attractions

spectacular montane scenery, interesting ancient farming methods

Photographic Opportunities

Good to excellent. No dedicated hides. Many species are approachable, habitat & lighting are often conducive.

What our clients say about us

Gregory de Klerk
PT, Ethiopia 2019

Greg de Klerk did a very good job managing the tour, was personable and was highly effective at bird spotting & identification.

James Wade Lee
RV, Ethiopia - Endemic Birding II 2025

Wade was an excellent tour leader, he had all the ID skills and enthusiasm to encourage everyone and made sure everyone got on to the bird. Wade's observational abilities never failed to amaze me and his knowledge was far ranging and inclusive of questions. The local logistics team, including the drivers, deserve a special mention too. All in all a great tour in an interesting country which far exceeding my expectations.

James Wade Lee
LF, Ethiopia - Lalibela Extension II 2025

Enjoyed seeing the churches and learning about the history while also doing some birding.

David Hoddinott
GS, Ethiopia 2023

"As expected, the accommodations and infrastructure in Ethiopia had their challenges. We find that as we are aging these challenges become more difficult. So our plan for the future is to do trips with higher end lodges, good sanitation and well paved roads. This is no reflection on Rockjumpers just the reality of our now being in our 70's. Time to do some easier trips! Our leader, David Hoddinott, was outstanding. His enthusiasm for the birds of Ethiopia was contagious, his knowledge incredible and his ability to handle all the logistics shows that he is a seasoned leader. Thank you to the entire team at Rockjumpers for another incredible trip. "

Stephan Lorenz
SW, Ethiopia 2023

Another very good Rockjumper Tour despite some itinerary changes due to seasonally wet weather and the last 2 days being re-organised due to potential security concerns North of Addis. Stephan and our local leader were on top of all aspects of the trip working hard to ensure we saw as many of the endemics as possible. A memorable evening where we we able to connect with Star-spotted Nightjar will live long in the mind. All the drivers were excellent and kept the vehicles clean and comfortable.

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