Ethiopia Bird Watching Tours

Birding in Ethiopia

Ethiopia is one of Africa's premier birding destinations, boasting an incredible diversity of avian life across its varied ecosystems. From the highland plateaus to the Rift Valley lakes, Ethiopia offers birdwatchers the chance to see spectacular species including 30 found nowhere else on Earth.

30 Endemic Species

Ethiopia has more endemic birds than any other African country, including the stunning Ruspoli's Turaco and the rare Harwood's Francolin.

860+ Recorded Species

From raptors to waterbirds, Ethiopia's diverse habitats support an extraordinary variety of resident and migratory species.

Diverse Habitats

Explore highland forests, savannas, wetlands, and the unique Afro-alpine moorlands of the Bale and Simien Mountains.

Ethiopia's Iconic Birds

Our bird watching tours offer opportunities to see some of Africa's most spectacular and sought-after species. Here are just a few of the highlights:

Rouget's Rail

Rougetius rougetii

A striking highland endemic with bright rufous plumage, found in moorland and grassland habitats above 3,000m.

Endemic

Blue-winged Goose

Cyanochen cyanoptera

Ethiopia's national bird and a highland endemic, often seen in pairs or small flocks near water.

Endemic

Wattled Ibis

Bostrychia carunculata

Distinctive with its dark plumage, white shoulder patches, and characteristic wattles.

Endemic

Ruspoli's Turaco

Tauraco ruspolii

One of Africa's most beautiful and sought-after birds, with brilliant crimson wing patches.

Endemic

Spot-breasted Plover

Vanellus melanocephalus

A striking highland lapwing with distinctive black-and-white head pattern and yellow wattles.

Endemic

Yellow-fronted Parrot

Poicephalus flavifrons

A colorful parrot endemic to Ethiopia's highland forests, often seen in small noisy flocks.

Endemic

Ethiopia's Premier Birding Habitats

Ethiopia's varied topography creates diverse ecosystems that support an extraordinary range of bird species. Our tours visit all the key habitats:

Highlands

Rift Valley Lakes

Savanna & Woodland

Forests

Ethiopian Highlands

The Ethiopian highlands, particularly the Bale and Simien Mountains, are home to most of Ethiopia's endemic birds. The Afro-alpine moorlands above 3,000m host unique species like the Rouget's Rail, Spot-breasted Plover, and Ethiopian Siskin.

Key birding sites include the Sanetti Plateau in Bale Mountains National Park and the highland areas around Addis Ababa. These areas are also important for raptors like the Lammergeier and Augur Buzzard.

Explore Highlands Tours

Rift Valley Lakes

The chain of lakes along Ethiopia's Rift Valley provides some of Africa's most spectacular waterbird viewing. Lakes like Awassa, Langano, and Abijatta-Shalla host huge numbers of both resident and migratory species.

Look for Lesser Flamingos, African Fish Eagles, various kingfishers, herons, and storks. The acacia woodlands around the lakes are good for woodpeckers, barbets, and other woodland species.

Explore Lakes Tours

Savanna & Woodland

Ethiopia's savannas and woodlands, particularly in the south and east, support a different suite of species. These include bustards, coursers, hornbills, and the spectacular Secretarybird.

Areas like Awash National Park and Nechisar National Park offer excellent birding in these habitats, with chances to see species like the Somali Fiscal, White-tailed Swallow, and the rare Salvadori's Seedeater.

Explore Savanna Tours

Forests

Ethiopia's remaining highland forests, such as those in the Harenna Forest (Bale) and Wondo Genet, are vital for many endemic species. These include the Yellow-fronted Parrot, Abyssinian Catbird, and the rare Prince Ruspoli's Turaco.

Forest birding often requires patience, but the rewards include some of Africa's most beautiful and elusive species. Mixed-species flocks can be particularly productive.

Explore Forest Tours

Bird Watching Tour Packages

Our carefully designed birding tours are led by expert guides who know Ethiopia's avifauna intimately. We offer a range of itineraries to suit different interests and timeframes:

Highland Endemics Special

8 Days Bale & Simien Mountains

Focus on Ethiopia's highland endemics with visits to the Bale Mountains, Simien Mountains, and Debre Libanos. This tour maximizes chances for all the key highland species.

Tour Details

Rift Valley Lakes Explorer

6 Days Rift Valley Lakes

Explore the rich birdlife of Ethiopia's Rift Valley lakes, with visits to Awassa, Langano, Abijatta-Shalla, and Ziway. Excellent for waterbirds and woodland species.

Tour Details

Ethiopia Comprehensive Birding

14 Days Countrywide

Our most complete birding tour covering all major habitats from highlands to Rift Valley to southern savannas. Targets all endemics plus many specials.

Tour Details

Ethiopia Bird Checklist

Ethiopia boasts an impressive bird list with over 860 species recorded. Download our comprehensive checklist to see all the species you might encounter on your birding tour:

Checklist Highlights:

30 Ethiopian endemic species marked
Seasonal occurrence indicators
Habitat preferences for each species
Best locations to find key species
Conservation status indicators

Download Full Checklist (PDF)

Birding in Ethiopia

30 Endemic Species

860+ Recorded Species

Diverse Habitats

Ethiopia's Iconic Birds

Rouget's Rail

Blue-winged Goose

Wattled Ibis

Ruspoli's Turaco

Spot-breasted Plover

Yellow-fronted Parrot

Ethiopia's Premier Birding Habitats

Ethiopian Highlands

Rift Valley Lakes

Savanna & Woodland

Forests

Bird Watching Tour Packages

Highland Endemics Special

Rift Valley Lakes Explorer

Ethiopia Comprehensive Birding

Ethiopia Bird Checklist

Checklist Highlights:

Ready for Your Birding Adventure?