Wildlife Holiday & Treeking to Bale and Semien Mountains Tour (178566),Holiday Packages to Addis Ababa

Package Overview

Enjoy the unique wildlife of Ethiopia in the incredible habitats of the Simien Mountains, Bale Mountains ,Rift Valley LakesLalibela and Gondar .

Ethiopia boasts a staggering diversity of wildlife, much of which is endemic and found in stunning natural landscapes. In the Simien Mountains, large troops of Gelada Baboon forage for roots, Wallia Ibex stroll elegantly across a jaw-dropping backdrop of an endless mountain range almost 1,000m below. If you are lucky, you might also get a glimpse of the rare Ethiopian Wolf. Further South in the Bale Mountains, forays by 4wd bring you up close to Ethiopian Wolf on the remote Sanetti Plateau and amidst the tropical Harenna Forest; warthogs, colobus monkeys, giant forest hogs and if you are lucky, spotted hyena, leopards and lions can be spotted.

The focus on this itinerary is on Ethiopia鈥檚 superb wildlife, with a nice balance of wildlife viewing, multi-day treks and key cultural sites. A multi-day trek in the Simien Mountains is a highlight for any visitor with stunning scenery and wonderful walking, but wildlife lovers will be rewarded by fantastic bird-life, large populations of Gelada Baboon and occasional sightings of Wallia Ibex and Ethiopian Wolf. Whilst in the North, you鈥檒l have the opportunity to explore the castles of Gondar and the incredible rock-hewn churches of Lalibela. In the South, the Bale Mountains offer a unique high altitude habitat and the best opportunity to spot the elusive Ethiopian wolf. On the way back we include a leisurely stay on the shores of the Rift Valley Lake Langano, where Bishangari eco lodge is a gorgeous base from which to explore the staggering array of birdlife in its private reserve.

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Day wise Itinerary

Day 1 :

On your arrival, you will be welcomed by our staff then transfer to your hotel. The name of Addis Ababa, in Amharic, means 鈥渘ew flower鈥�. Founded in 1886 by Menelik II, it is located at 2,500 meters above sea level in one of the highest parts of the Entoto mountain chain. It enjoys an excellent climate all year round, with an average temperature of 25掳C. Addis Ababa is the third highest capital city in the world and the altitude may fatigue you easily鈥� so take it easy when you arrive. Visit the National Museum, take in the city鈥檚 wide, tree-lined streets or the bustle of the 鈥淢ercato鈥� (market). This colourful market has an array of fascinating goods and curios, providing a great place for exploration and people watching. Throughout the city there are shops that sell typical artisan wares, materials and antiques.
- Meals & Drinks : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 2 :

You鈥檒l be picked up early from your hotel and transferred to the airport for the internal flight to Gonder. After pick up in Gonder and transfer to your hotel your guide will show you the highlights of Gonder, a small but relaxed town. Ethiopia鈥檚 royal capital until 1868. Its position at the intersection of several caravan routes made it the perfect location for a capital city. Gondar was previously the home of the Falasha, the 鈥淏lack Jews鈥� of Ethiopia, most of whom left for Israel in 1991. Founded by Emperor Fasilides in 1635, it has been called the 鈥淐amelot of Africa鈥� because of its churches and a dozen castles built by various emperors over the course of almost 250 years.鈥揟he day will be spent touring the fascinating sights for which Gondar is famous. You will explore the Royal Enclosure, which lies in the heart of the city and is surrounded by high stone walls and Fasilides鈥� Palace. From the southwestern corner of the structure, there is a terrific view all the way to Lake Tana. You will also visit the DebreBirhan Selassie Church, famous for its 鈥漺inged angel鈥� faces that decorate the entire ceiling. Called the 鈥淭rinity at the Mount of Light,鈥� it is one of Ethiopia鈥檚 most renowned places to visit. The ceiling and wall paintings depict the life, wit and humanity of Ethiopia.鈥揈levation: 2,210 m .
- Meals & Drinks : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3 :

You鈥檒l be picked up from your hotel in Gonder around 7.30am for the drive to Debark. At Debark you will sign in at the park headquarters, pick up your guide and scout and head up into the mountains. The road continues all the way to the first camp at Sankaber, but you鈥檒l be dropped off on the way for a leisurely three hour acclimatisation hike. The stunning views hit you as soon as you get out of the vehicle as you walk along the ridge. There will be time to stop for a picnic lunch and after a short but demanding climb (at this altitude) to Sankaber you鈥檒l be met as every day on this trek with a tray of fresh coffee, tea and snacks. 7km 2/3 hours walking .
- Meals & Drinks : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 :

After a hearty breakfast, you鈥檒l set off trekking along the ridge with stunning views over the foothills 800m below. For the first two hours the trail passes through low bush of Giant Heather, soda apple, Abyssinian rose, St John鈥檚 Wort and Globe thistle. The highlight of the trek from Sankaber to Geech is Genbar Falls, an incredible 500m sheer drop. From the viewpoint opposite, you can watch the falcons, augur buzzard and lammergeyer bearded vulture soar on the thermals below. From the Genbar falls, the trail passes arable fields, broken by lunch at a somewhat less intimidating and more peaceful waterfall. Klipspringer and bush buck may be seen in the steep rocky and wooded slopes, whilst troops of Gelada Baboons roam the fields for roots. Just before you reach Geechcamp site, there is a wonderful opportunity to visit one of the traditional village houses for home roasted coffee and injurra (ask your guide). Geech Camp itself is set on a grassy plateau with stunning sunset views. Walking 7-8hrs / 15km
- Meals & Drinks : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 :

After breakfast you鈥檒l trek for 2 hours along the grass plateau past countless bizarre outsized Giant Lobelia plants. The destination is ImetGogo, an incredible rocky promontory that grants 360 degree views over the Simien Range. At an altitude of 3,926m you can see West back along the ridge towards Sankaber and Geech and South East across a deep gully towards the tomorrow鈥檚 ridge walk to Inatye and Chennek Camp. The views here are arguably the best in the Simien Mountains and the drop is terrifying. From ImetGogo, you鈥檒l return to camp via the Siha Gorge for lunch. Afternoon at leisure before heading out for a short optional sunset trek to KedaDit (3760m). Overnight at Geech Camp again. Walking 5-6 hrs / 13km
- Meals & Drinks : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6 :

Today is the longest and arguably most spectacular passing close to the ridge most of its length. After breakfast you will head back on the path towards ImetGogo before detouring SE towards Inatye. The path drops into a forest of Giant Hazel before following the ridge on open grassland. The climb to Inatye (4,070m) rewards with stunning views.Inatye roughly translates as 鈥渕amma mia鈥� and the terrifying vertical drop here justly warrants the name! After a picnic lunch the path follows mostly downhill through open grassland and giant lobelia towards Chenek with a number of stunning viewpoints along the way. Chenek camp is superb for wildlife with both Gelada Baboons and Wallia Ibex common here. Walking 7 hours / 15km
- Meals & Drinks : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7 :

After breakfast, you will begin the journey back to Gonder getting back in the early afternoon. Those feeling brave can opt to tackle Buahit before leaving camp. You鈥檒l need to be up early for the 3-4 hour round trip to this spectacular summit at 4430m. Drive Simien Mountains 鈥� Gondar (4 hrs)
- Meals & Drinks : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8 :

Early morning transfer to Gonder airport. You鈥檒l be picked up at the other end and transferred to hotel. Lalibela is world famous for its monolithic rock hewn churches. Carved by hand out of solid rock in the 12th and 13th Centuries and awash with the chanting of monks, this is a deeply spiritual place and quite rightly a UNESCO World Heritage site. You鈥檒l get to visit most of the Central churches that Lalibela is so famous for including the Northern Group (containing the Lalibela Cross), The Western Group (BeteGiyorgis) and the Eastern Group.
- Meals & Drinks : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9 :

Return from Lalibela to Addis on the morning flight. You鈥檒l be picked up from the airport and drive the fours down to the Rift Valley Lake Langano. Evening at leisure at the lodge. Drive Addis 鈥� Lake Langano (3 hrs)
- Meals & Drinks : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10 :

Depart early morning to drive from your lodge to Dinsho, Park Headquarters. Bale Mountains National Park beckons us today with its spectacularly diverse landscapes. The high altitude, afro-mountain Sanetti Plateau rises to over 12,000鈥� and includes the highest peak in the southern Ethiopia highlands. This undulating plateau is marked by numerous glacial lakes and swamps and surrounded by higher volcanic ridges and peaks while the southern slopes are covered by the lush and largely unexplored Harenna Forest. With such varied habitat, Bale Mountains National Park provides refuge to an array of species, including a number of threatened Ethiopian endemic species such as the Ethiopian wolf (rarest canine in the world), the mountain nyala, the wattled crane, the rock hyrax, the blue-winged goose and the Bale monkey. It is considered one of the top birding destinations in all of Africa, with residents and migrators accounting for nearly 500 individual species.
After sun downers on the plateau, we proceed to our home for the next three nights, the Bale Mountain Lodge, located within the Harenna Forest, one of the largest and most extensive remaining in Ethiopia.
- Meals & Drinks : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11 :

Early start for a wildlife walk around the Park exploring the various ecosystems of Bale Mountain National Park. Our explorations will focus on the Harenna Forest, which teems with wildlife of all types but of particular note are the endemic Bale Monkeys, which can routinely be seen in and around the lodge site, alongside the spectacular birdlife of the forest. Other primates, rare cats and unusual plants may be seen and every trip into the trees provides a different experience. Imperial Eagles and Wattled Cranes are also frequently seen here. One afternoon we may also visit the Manyete Coffee Village which sustainably harvests wild coffee from within the forests, and share dinner with the locals
- Meals & Drinks : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 12 :

Another early start. Breakfast will be not far down the road in Robe. We will bring a pack lunch ordered from the Robe restaurant, as it will be a full day exploring Sanetti Plateau and Harena forest. Sanetti Plateau is where you will most likely spot the rare endemic Ethiopian wolf.
- Meals & Drinks : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 13 :

After breakfast, drive to Langano arriving early afternoon.Although there are several national parks in the area, we recommend enjoying the peace and wildlife found at the lodge on the shores of the lake. We recommend a half day wildlife walk in the afternoon to view the large array of endemic birdlife.

Bishangari Lodge, a lovely eco lodge with superb birdlife.
- Meals & Drinks : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 14 :

in the morning we depart for Lake Ziway, offering visitors an excellent blend of nature and culture. Hippos and birdlife abound and the Lake is home to the culturally and linguistically unique Zay people, who are believed to have safeguarded the Ark of the Covenant on TulloGuddoIsland a millennium ago. Overnight at the Haile Resort Ziway-Batu, situated near the water鈥檚 edge.
- Meals & Drinks : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 15 :

After a leisurely morning at Lake Ziway, we make our way back to Addis, stopping for lunch en route. Check back in at the Hotel for day use and spend the afternoon exploring the city of Addis鈥� best markets and shops for purchasing last minute gifts and souvenirs. We鈥檒l meet for a final farewell dinner at a local restaurant to celebrate and toast our time in Southern Ethiopia.
End of Tour
- Meals & Drinks : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner