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Wildlife Tours

Simien Mountain, Bale, Omo Valley
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    Simien Mountain, Bale, Omo Valley
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Ethiopia Wildlife 12 days

Ethiopia is home to a diverse range of wildlife and ecosystems, thanks to its varied landscapes and climates. Here are some of the major wildlife destinations in Ethiopia and the animals you can expect to see:

  1. Bale Mountains National Park: Located in the southeast of the country, this park is home to a wide range of endemic species, including the Ethiopian wolf, the mountain nyala, and the Bale monkey. Other animals you might see here include warthogs, hyenas, and various species of antelope.

  2. Simien Mountains National Park: Another high-altitude park, the Simien Mountains are home to the Gelada baboon, which is only found in Ethiopia. You might also spot Ethiopian wolves, klipspringers, and rock hyraxes.

  3. Awash National Park: This park is located in the east of Ethiopia and is known for its diverse birdlife, including the Somali ostrich and the yellow-breasted barbet. Other animals you might see here include dik-diks, warthogs, and the endangered African wild dog.

  4. Omo National Park: This park in the southwest of Ethiopia is home to a variety of wildlife, including elephants, lions, and cheetahs. You might also see buffalo, giraffes, and a variety of antelope species.

  5. Nechisar National Park: Located in the south of Ethiopia, this park is home to a variety of animals, including zebras, gazelles, and the endemic Swayne's hartebeest. You might also spot crocodiles and hippos in the park's lakes.

  6. Gambella National Park: This park in the west of Ethiopia is home to a variety of large mammals, including elephants, giraffes, and buffalo. You might also see baboons, warthogs, and a variety of antelope species.

  7. Babile Elephant Sanctuary: This sanctuary in the east of Ethiopia is home to a small population of elephants, as well as other animals such as gazelles, warthogs, and hyenas.

  8. Chebera Churchura National Park is a protected area located in the southwestern part of Ethiopia. It covers an area of approximately 1,250 square kilometers and is known for its diverse wildlife and beautiful scenery.

    The park is home to many large mammals, including elephants, buffaloes, lions, leopards, hyenas, and giraffes. It is also a habitat for many rare and endemic species such as the Ethiopian wolf, the mountain nyala, the giant forest hog, and the African hunting dog. Birdwatching is also a popular activity in the park, with over 237 bird species recorded.

    Visitors to the park can enjoy game drives, guided walks, and birdwatching tours. The best time to visit the park is during the dry season (December to February), when the animals congregate around the park's water sources. However, the park is accessible year-round.

Endemic animals 
  • - The Ethiopian Wolf: is the rarest canid on the surface of the planet. The largest population can be found in the Bale Mountains
  • - The Mountain Nyala is a magnificent antelope endemic to the Ethiopian highlands, east of the Rift Valley
  • - Menelik's Bushbuck: It is occurring in the Bale Mountain, in the cedar forests in Menagesha and Entoto
  • - Swayne’s Hartebeest You can spot in herds in the Senkele plain near Shashemane, or in Nech Sar National Park
  • - The Bale Mountain Vervet is a small, white-chested monkey found in the bamboo forests of the Bale Mountains
  • - The Black Mane Lion They live in the Harenna Forest and in the Alatish National Park
  • - The Somali Wild Donkey numbers are small in the wild, mostly found within the Afar plains.

 



Key information

  • - 2 nights comfortable hotels, 3 night basic hotel most with en suite facilities, 6 nights camping
  • - Travel by 4WD Toyota Land cruiser 
  • - Off the beaten path in the Bale Mountain  and Chebrea Churchura park

What's included

  • - 11 breakfasts, 12 Lunch and 12 Dinner
  • - All accommodation twin/ double basis as stated in the program
  • - All transport and listed activities, 4WD Toyota Land cruiser 
  • - Tour guide throughout
  • - All camping materials
  • - All entrance fees
  • - Cook for the camping days
  • - All government tax

What's not included

  • - Travel insurance
  • - Single accommodation (available on request)
  • - Visas or vaccinations
  • - Domestic Flights (available on request)
  • - activities not mentioned in the itinerary

 

Ethiopia Wildlife 12 days

Itineraries on some departure dates may differ, please select the itinerary that you wish to explore.


Simien trek 4 days    Simien trek 11 days     Bale trek 8 days    



 

 Day 1 - Arrive in Addis Ababa and transfer to hotel and visit the city's highlights
Addis Ababa

Founded in 1886 by Menelik II, Addis Ababa is located 2,500m above sea level in the Entoto mountain chain, where it enjoys an excellent year-round climate, with an average temperature of 25°C. It is a vibrant, developing city that is a pleasure to explore on foot, with wide avenues of jacaranda trees, interesting museums and one of the largest open-air markets in Africa.
Depending on the time of your arrival, it may be possible to fit in an afternoon guided tour of the city, taking in the Holy Trinity Cathedral, the National Museum, and the market.

 


Day 2 - Drive to Chebera Churchura National Park
Addis - Chebera Churchura National Park

Depart Addis Ababa in the morning via the Addis-Jima- Ameya road , and have your lunch on your way. You will arrive in Chebera Churchura National Park in the late afternoon. Enjoy the scenery of the park from the park headquarters and the campsites where you will stay overnight.

 


Day 3 -Full day in the park for wild animals and hotspring
Meka and Erka Forests

Morning expedition to the national park where you will walk to the two sites namely Meka and Erka Forests. Here the mammals that inhabit the area are the African elephant, hippopotamus, Cape buffalo, lion, leopard, and birding watching activities are also common. In the afternoon  you will go walk to the hot springs and the waterfall. 

 


Day 4 - Full day in Chebera Churchura National Park
Borbo Falls and Bulo Lake

In the morning, you will depart to the other part of the park namely heading to Borbo Falls and Bulo Lake. Continue seeing different animals and birds. 

 


Day 5 - Drive to Maze National Park for Swayne’s hartebeest
Maze National Park

Drive to Maze National Park. Explore the wildlife and the landscape features of the area. Maze is notably known for the endangered Swayne’s hartebeest.

 


Day 6 -Drive to Arbaminch and visit the Dorze village
Dorze

Today, pass through one of the most colourful and scenic areas of Southern Ethiopia, a land that is inhabited by the Sidamo and Alaba tribes who were once nomads but are now farmers.  Close to Arbaminch we will visit a Dorze tribal village. The Dorze were once warriors, but have turned to farming and weaving to earn a living.

 


Day 7 - Drive to Awassa, a oat trip on lake Chamo
 Lake Chamo

A wonderful morning boat trip on Lake Chamo to see the “Hippo Pool” and the “Crocodile Market”, where large numbers of Nile crocodiles gather to bask in the sun (some up to 6m in length) and continue to Awassa

 


Day 8 -Drive to Bale mountains, visit the park ,Web Valley
Dinsho, Bale Mountain head quarter - Web Valley

In the morning drive to Dinsho, Bale Mountain head quarter. Upon arrival, you will check into a lodge and after a brief break, you will have time to make a short hike along the  northern part of the park. Leopards, black eagles and giant eagle owls are occasionally seen along the edges of this gorge as well.  You cross the river and the road rises steeply. At the top of the rise, 200m further along, you will again cross the Web River. Here, the road enters the Afroalpine habitat, and it is here that the Bale landscape magnificently presents itself. This is also where one begins to look for Ethiopian wolves and hunting raptors

 


Day 9 -Bale mountains, visit the park , Gaysay 
Gaysay

Drive to Gaysay grasslands to see warthogs and the endemic mountain nyala from the road, and a short walk through the waist-high grasses and wildflowers will give you a chance to spot the endemic Menelik’s bushbuck, grey duiker, bohor reedbuck, and many others. Back in the vehicle, take the dirt road on your right at the disused ticket station and continue for one kilometer, until you reach the guardhouses, just before crossing the Gaysay river, where you can park. It is possible to approach within a few meters of the mountain nyala (as well as many other mammals)

 


Day 10 - Drive to the Sanetti plateau, the best place in Ethiopia to see this elegant animals
Sanetti plateau ,Tulu Dimtu

Drive to the Sanetti plateau, the best place in Ethiopia to see this elegant animal, and the winding road atop the plateau, one of the highest all-weather roads in Africa, is an ideal spot for viewings and birds like golden, tawny and Verreaux’s eagles as well as the bearded vulture (lammergeyer), lanner falcon, and augur buzzard. Continuing again by car, you will pass Tulu Dimtu or “the Red Mountain” just 4km off the main road. This is the second highest mountain in Ethiopia at 4,377m

 


Day 11 -Drive to Langano through the Rift Valley lakes
Langano 

Drive to Langano through the Rift Valley lakes. You will be watching aquatic birds and hot springs there

 


Day 12 - In the morning drive to Addis
Addis Ababa-Departure

On arrival in Addis, check into your hotel. This will either be on day room basis or overnight depending on your international flight times.This evening, we will arrange for a farewell dinner in a restaurant with Ethiopian music and dance, or in a good city centre restaurant.

 


Dates, prices and booking

 

All holidays are subject to availability and prices are subject to change

 

  

September

October


November

December


January

February

Group size 2-5 pax

     $1800 p/p

 

Book now

Trip Information

 

 


 

 

Trip Information

Climate and country information

   

Ethiopia

Climate

Ethiopia is generally pleasant and warm, but varies with altitude. The long rains usually arrive mid- June to early September and the short rains between mid-February and April although this pattern has been completely erratic in recent times. Anticipate sunshine most days, generally all day, with comfortably warm temperatures in the north, but in the South it can get rather hot (30s+), especially for the 2 to 3 days when we are in the south. Nights can be cool in the north, even cold in a couple of places, so a jacket and set of thermals should be taken. The Danakil Depression is one of the hottest places on Earth so please come prepared. Our trips to the Danakil run from Oct – Feb as this is the cooler time of year but this can still mean daytime temperatures up to and around 40C. Night time temperatures in the Danakil are in the 20s (C) and rainfall is very rare. Harar and Mekele will be cooler, but the vast majority of this trip is likely to be very hot. Daytime temperatures are mainly warm and comfortable but early morning and evenings in the highlands can be cold. We recommend layers and a thick jumper or fleece, plus a lightweight wind/waterproof jacket. A hat is essential. Take swimwear if you plan to use the hotel's pools. Comfortable, good walking shoes with ankle support are strongly recommended as well as comfortable sandals. Walks and Hikes: While most walks are not difficult, a couple are only suitable for those who enjoy scrambling and have a good head for heights. When there are longer more technical walks we try offer an alternative activity as well.

Time difference to GMT

+3

Plugs

2 Pin Round

Religion

Christian, Islam

Language

Amharic, English

Energy:

Ethiopia uses 220 volts and 50HZ, it is best to bring your own round, two-prong adapter and transfer if necessary.

Transport, Accommodation & Meals

 

Transport, Accommodation and Meals

4WDs, Bus, Boat, Flight

 

Transport

 We will use a private bus charter for the northern loop Addis to Lalibela , a domestic flight as stated in the itinerary and 4WD Land Cruisers for the offroads. Roads can be tar sealed or shingle (dusty), sometimes bumpy and slow due to road works and/or rain damage, although most of the time a reasonable pace can be maintained. Both 4WDs and the bus will be air-conditioned.

Air Transportation: The National carrier is Ethiopian Airlines www.ethiopianairlines.com which has extensive domestic flight network flying to several destinations including the popular tourist destination Axum, Lalibela, Gonder, Bahir Dar, Mekelle, Dere Dawa, Arba Minch, Jimma.

 

Currency

The Local currency is an Ethiopian Birr, made up of 100 Cents, Visitors may import an unlimited amount of foreign currency, but they need decoration to the customs authority upon arrival.

Time and calendar

Ethiopia is in GMT +3 hours’ time Zone, and follows the unique Julian calendar which is seven years and eight months behind the Gorgonian calendar, consists of thirteen month, the twelve months consists of 30 days each and the last (13th Month) will have 5 or 6 days during leap year, The New Year fall on the 11th of September.

When to come


Ethiopia can be visited all round the year, but for some special route like the south west Ethiopia and Danakil (Dallol) depression contact us to know the detail.

Accommodation

Addis Ababa has two 5 stat hotels- the Hilton and the Sheraton (Luxury collection) and a growing number of tourist class hotels. Standards vary outside the capital, but apart from some remote areas where camping is unavoidable it is generally possible to get relatively clean rooms with en suite toilet and shower. Hotels / Lodges anticipated are essentially Star**/***/****/(*****in Addis)/. In some remote places hotels is basic and simplistic.

 

Passports, Visas and Vaccinations

 

Passports, Visas and Vaccinations

 
Clients must ensure that they are aware of all relevant passport and visa requirements and that they allow adequate time to obtain them. Please note that many Ethiopian immigration require that passports are valid for six months beyond the period of the Client’s stay. Requirements can change and it is the Clients’ responsibility to ensure that they comply with current passport, visa and health requirements and take all necessary documents with them to gain access to any country or region which forms part of the tour. The Client will be solely responsible for any cost, loss or damage which he or the Company incurs as a result of a failure to obtain all necessary passports, visas and/or vaccinations.

 

Visa


Visa is required for all visitors to Ethiopia and they can get from Ethiopian Diplomatic Mission abroad ,Visitors from the countries listed below can obtain visa on arrival at Bole International Airport (Addis Ababa): Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Korea Republic, Kuwait, Luxemburg, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Russian Federation, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, UK, and US.

 For a single entry visa you can apply via the e-visa website: https://www.evisa.gov.et . You will need to print a copy of your evisa approval letter and present this with your passport at immigration upon your arrival. The approval letter will take a minimum of 3 days to be processed so we strongly advise for you to apply within plenty of time before your departure. You will be permitted to stay within Ethiopia for upto 30 days or upto 90 days depending on which single entry visa you request. We strongly recommend for you to read the Help section on the e-visa website before applying.

 

Insurance 

Insurance that provides cover for emergency repatriation in case of a medical emergency is compulsory for all tours. You should be aware that due to some of the areas visited and some of the activities included on certain of our trips some standard insurance policies may not always provide adequate cover. As such we strongly recommend that you purchase a policy that adequately covers your trip.

 

General Information

 

General Information

 

Registration

Program contracts and service agreements become valid upon Amazing Ethiopia Tours’ confirmation of the booking by letter, fax, e-mail or telephone. A deposit of 30% of the total cost is requested at the time of confirmation.he remainder of the total cost is is payable 30 days before the beginning date of the tour.'If complete payment has not been received, Amazing Ethiopia Tours is not obligated to accept the client or conduct the tour unless prior arrangements have been made.

 

Cancellation

The Client may cancel the booking at any time provided that the cancellation is communicated to the Company in writing. Cancellation charges will be applied as shown below calculated from the day when written notice is received by the Company. The more notice that the Company receives, the less the Company will charge the Client. However, in addition to the charges shown below many air tickets have no refund value whatsoever and, therefore, airlines may impose 100% cancellation charges.

Cancellation charges apply as follows:

-Cancellations of confirmed bookings received more than 30 days prior to departure are subject to a cancellation penalty of US $500 per person.

-Cancellations received between 30 and 15 days prior to departure will be subject to a penalty of 50% of the total tour rate.

-Cancellations received under 15 days prior to departure will be subject to forfeiture of the entire tour rate.

 

Local Laws

All participants in tours operated by the Company are expected to obey the laws and regulations of the countries visited and any failure to do so will relieve the Company of all obligations that it may otherwise have under the Contract.
•“Amazing Ethiopia Tours” is the trading name of Amazing Ethiopia , a private company head office in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Registration No. 487/97
•Office Address :Bole Medhanealem, Redwan Bldg #202

 

 

Travel and cancellation insurance

Travel Insurance is mandatory for all clients whilst on a holiday organised by the Company. Clients together with their personal property including baggage are at all times solely at their own risk. Clients are wholly responsible for arranging their own insurance. Clients not taking out the Company’s specially arranged travel/cancellation insurance are responsible for ensuring that they have alternative personal travel insurance with protection for the full duration of the holiday in respect of at least medical expenses, injury, death, repatriation, cancellation and curtailment with adequate and appropriate cover.

Clients making their own arrangements should ensure that there are no clauses limiting or excluding protection for the type of activities included in their holiday. Clients should satisfy themselves that all travel insurance purchased meets their particular requirements and should arrange supplementary insurance if need be. It is your responsibility to ensure that the insurance you purchase provides adequate cover. We do not check insurance policies and cannot be liable for any expenses incurred as a result of your not having adequate, appropriate or valid insurance cover.

 

If we cancel your holiday

The Company reserves the right to cancel a holiday in any circumstances but will not cancel a holiday less than 8 weeks before the start of the holiday except for force majeure , or the client’s failure to make all payments (including the final balance and any surcharge) when due. If we have to cancel, we will tell you as soon as possible. If there is time to do so before departure and the cancellation does not result from your failure to pay, we will offer you the option of purchasing another available holiday from the Company (paying or receiving a refund in respect of any difference in price) or receiving a full refund of all monies paid to us.

We regret we cannot meet any visa, vaccination or similar costs in the event of any change or cancellation by us. Similarly, as you are advised only to book fully flexible flights, we cannot pay any cancellation, amendment of other charges you may incur in relation to any flights which you have to change or cancel as a result of the cancellation of your holiday.

 

Behavior

It is the Clients’ responsibility to ensure that he and the members of his Party do not behave in a way which causes offence or danger to others or which risks damage to property belonging to others. In such circumstances all suppliers (e.g. hotel managers, airline pilots) and the Company have the right to terminate arrangements made on the Clients’ behalf, in which case the Company’s responsibility to the Client ceases immediately. Therefore, the Company will not be liable for any refunds, payment of compensation or reimbursement of any cost or expenses incurred as a result. Further, the Client will be liable to reimburse the Company for any expenses whatsoever that it incurs as a result of such behavior.

 

Age, Fitness and Participation

All Clients are expected to satisfy themselves prior to booking that they are fit and able to complete the itinerary of their chosen tour as described in the Company’s websites and written through e mails with clients. No unaccompanied minors (i.e. those under 18 years of age) can be accepted on tours operated by the Company, however children of 15 or more may travel provided that they are accompanied by a parent or a guardian who accepts full responsibility for them and subject, in all cases, to the ultimate discretion of the Company.

Clients agree to accept the authority and decisions of the Company’s employees, tour leaders, and agents whilst on tour with the Company. If in the opinion of such person, the health or conduct of a Client before or after the departure appears likely to endanger the safe, comfortable or happy progress of the tour, the Client may be excluded from all or part of the tour, in which case all monies paid will be forfeited and the Company will not be liable to pay any compensation whatsoever to such Client.

Highlights of Ethiopia tourist attractions

 

Highlights of Ethiopia tourist attractions

 

Simien National Park

A stupendous landscape that stretches as far as the eye can see. Featuring 1,000m high escarpments, rugged pinnacles and towering buttresses, this park is home to the endemic Gelada Monkeys, Walia Ibex and the Ethiopian Wolf and to the World’s highest density of Lammergeyer, the huge bearded-vulture. The park is a scenic gem, the short walks are exciting and wildlife viewing is rewarding.

Lake Tana / Blue NileFalls

Lake Tana is Ethiopia’s largest lake and primary source of the Blue Nile. Walk to the Blue Nile Falls where the river drops over an impressive 45m high escarpment on its way to join the White Nile.

 

Rift Valley and the Lakes Region - 

South of Addis, enter the gigantic East African Rift Valley that slices the African continent from the Red Sea to Mozambique. Enjoy the lakes – swim in Lake Langano and go boating on Lake Chama to find the hippos, gigantic crocodiles and a huge variety of birds; 800 bird species are found in Ethiopia and many of these are found in the Rift.

 

Amazing Historical and Cultural Heritage Axum 

The oldest city in Ethiopia and the holiest city of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church. According to Orthodox Christian belief, Axum is the home of the Ark of the Covenant. Visit Stelae Park and observe ancient religious rituals.

 

Rock Hewn Churches of Tigray

More than a hundred rock-hewn monasteries are clustered in the cliffs and promontories of the Tigray region. Climb/hike along incredible pathways to discover cliff-face rock-hewn churches and tiny chapels that are filled with medieval paintings and sacred artifacts.  Some fantastic short walks are optional participation.  

 

Lalibela 

Unofficially recognized as the 8th Wonder of the Ancient World, the 12th and 13th century rock-hewn churches of Lalibela are unique. Totally carved below ground level, the churches have been a focal point for the devout highland people for eight centuries and today are living Christian shrines. People come to services and prayers each day and colourful traditional ceremonies can be observed. Behind the town is Asheton Maryam Monastery at almost 4,000m, the hike takes 4 hours return, it’s a fabulous morning walk for those who make the climb as the views are stunning

 

Lake Tana Monasteries 

The Tana islands and peninsulas are home to a host of 14th Century Ethiopian Orthodox Monasteries, where the amazing untouched murals and artifacts are a visual encyclopedia of Ethiopia’s religious heritage.

 

Tigray

Tigray is Ethiopia's best-kept secret. This northernmost region of the country was the birthplace of Ethiopia's Axumite Empire, and among the first regions to have embraced Christianity, a heritage still visible in the numerous rock churches that dot its rugged landscape.

 

Harar

Harar is an important Muslim holy city, home to no fewer than 90 mosques. Though it lacks the historic marvels of Gondar and Axum, Harar is one of Ethiopia's liveliest, most welcoming cities.

 

Gondar 

A medieval Capital city and Royal Compound of the 17th and 18th Century kings, Gondar is often referred to as the “Camelot of Ethiopia”

 

Danakil Depression

Dallol in the Dannakil Desert is one of the lowest places on earth at 116 meter below sea level, where lakes of acid form colorful sulfur formations in the hottest and deepest part of the Danakil depression where salt is excavated, cut salt into slabs and loaded on to caravans of camels. Volcano Erta Ale is globally recognized as one of the most alluring and yet physically challenging natural attractions.

 

The South Omo Valley

The Omo Valley is home to a dozen or so animist tribes whose striking body adornments and traditional lifestyle scarcely acknowledge that the modern world exists.  This region is a living anthropological museum, where the tribes still practice body scarring and body painting and create amazing ochre-coated hairstyles. To visit the Mursi, Hamer, Konso, Ari, Karo and Dorze people in their traditional villages, is a true once–in-a-lifetime experience

 

 

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update

 

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update

Flexible booking conditions, guaranteed refund option, COVID-19 refund promise

 

ETHIOPIA Restriction Detail

Date: 02 December 2020

Ethiopia entry requirement in relation to COVID-19 Pandemic:

 

 - All passengers traveling to Ethiopia MUST present a negative RT PCR test certificate for COVID-19 before boarding a flight. The certificate validity shouldn’t exceed 120 hours on arrival from the date sample is given.

 

 - Children less than or equal to 10 years of age are exempted from the RT PCR test certificate requirement.

 

- There shall be no COVID-19 test to be done on arrival at Addis Ababa. 

 

- A Rapid diagnostic test (RDT antibody test) will not be accepted for this purpose.

 

- The above requirement does not apply to transit passengers. 

 

- All Diplomatic and Service (including United Nations and African Union) passport holders, including their immediate families, are advised but not required to have a certificate of negative PCR-COVID-19 test before arrival to Ethiopia. However, anyone (diplomatic and service passport holder including their immediate families) who come to Ethiopia without negative PCR COVID-19 test result, is required to stay in quarantine for fourteen (14) days at home.