Ethiopian Unique Wildlife Safari

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12 Days From

~~$2520~~

$2400

Ethiopian Unique Wildlife Safari

12 Days Starting and ending in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Visiting: Simien Mountains National Park, Awash National Park, Aledeghi Wildlife Reserve, Hara Langano Lodge, Hawassa, Bale Mountains, Harenna Forest, Addis Ababa

Tour operator:

Armaye Ethiopia Tours

Tour code:

AET005

Specialist Group:

Fifty+

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

2 - 14

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

15-82

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians, Vegans, Meat, Halal

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Active, Adventure Tours, Small Group

Interests:

Photography, Wildlife Tours

Private Available:

From: $2520 $2400 Travel Club discount: -$120

NB: Prices correct on 21-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Experience the unique wildlife of this incredible country, with the chance to see one of the world’s rarest mammals - the Ethiopian wolf. Visiting the country’s best wildlife locations - the Simien Mountains, Bale Mountains, Awash National Park and Lake Langano - this wonderful introduction to Ethiopia takes you to look for species such as Ethiopian wolf, gelada Monkey, Menelik’s bushbuck and Mountain nyala, all in stunning scenery.

Highlights

Ethiopian wolf; This rare mammal is one of Ethiopia's most distinctive and beloved animals, with only about 500 remaining in the wild
Ethiopia has several unique primates, including the golden-maned gelada monkey, which is considered one of the most handsome endemics. You can see geladas in the Simien Mountains, where they graze, groom, and chatter around you. Other primates include the olive baboon, black-and-white colobus monkey, and the recently discovered Bale monkey.
Other animals you can see in Ethiopia include the Walia ibex, Ethiopian klipspringer, Menelik's bushbuck, leopard, golden jackal, ostrich, marabou stork, and grey hippo
Ethiopia has many impressive birds, including the thick-billed raven, lammergeier, tawny and steppe eagles, Ruppell's, white-backed and Egyptian vultures, Erckel's francolin, greater blue-eared starling, Abyssinian Longclaw, moorland chat, and Abyssinian wheatear.

Itinerary

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Day 1 : Flight Addis Ababa – Gondar

Location: Simien Mountains National Park

Accommodation: Lodge

Accommodation Name: Simien Lodge

Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner

On your arrival to Addis Bole International Airport you will meet your guide and take a domestic flight to Gondar, on your arrival at Gondar airport meet the team and drive to Simien Mountains, the only UNESCO World Natural Heritage site in Ethiopia. On arrival at Simien Mountains check in to your Lodge then we will explore the scenic Simien escarpment in order to find the endemic Gelada Baboons. Nicknamed ‘bleeding heart baboon’. Gelada Baboons are endemic to Ethiopia and still being numerous in the Simien Mountains, they are mainly vegetarian, living on herbs, grasses and roots, but they also eat insects including and locusts. Geladas live along the rim and steep slopes of the escarpment, which is their refuge when danger threatens. You’ll have short hikes around to see more Gelada’s with the stunning magic landscape of the Simien Mountains.
Overnight Simien Lodge.

Day 2 : Simien Mountains National Park

Location: Simien Mountains National Park

Accommodation: Lodge

Accommodation Name: Simien Lodge

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Morning after breakfast, we will drive to the Chennek camps site area (3,620m). At Chennek there are again excellent views of the mountains and you should see more Gelada monkeys on the way. The higher we go, the more the scenery becomes magnificent at this high point of the mountain range. Then you will drive from Chennek to Bwahit Pass 4,200mt, The Bwahit pass provides good views of the impressive rock formation of Imet Gogo and Inatiye and more chances to see the Walia Ibex ( Capra ibex Walia) which is endemic to the Simien Mountains and the Ethiopian Wolf, one of the most endangered mammal species in the world.
Overnight Simien Lodge.

Day 3 : Flight To Addis - Drive To Awash National Park

Location: Awash National Park

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Graceland Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Morning after breakfast take a drive back to Gondar and then flight to Addis, on your arrival to Addis take a drive to Awash National Park. En-root lunch stop. On arrival to Awash National park on the late afternoon we will go for game driving in the park. Here we expect Hamadryas Baboons, Olive Baboon, salt’s Dikdik on the afternoon game drive.
O/night Grace Land Hotel.

Day 4 : Awash National Park

Location: Awash National Park

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Camping

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Morning before breakfast we will go for game drive in the thorny bushes and grassland of Awash National park including the hike in the riverbank forest by the Awash River Falls. We have a chance to spot mammals such as the Salt’s Dik-dik, Lesser Kudu, Warthog, Hamadryas Baboon, Olive Baboon, Beisa Oryx, Black-backed Jackal, Grivet Monkey, Nile Crocodiles in the shores of the river and more wildlife. We drive to Alideghe on the afternoon and night game drive will introduce us Spotted Hyena, Abyssinian Hare, Aardwolf, Aardvark, Wild cat, Bat eard fox, Genet families, Mongoose families and more.
Overnight Camping.

Day 5 : Drive To Alideghe Wildlife Reserve

Location: Aledeghi Wildlife Reserve

Accommodation: Camp

Accommodation Name: Camping

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Following an early breakfast, you’ll embark on a scenic drive to the Alideghi Wildlife Reserve, which is situated to the northeast of the Awash National Park. Here, indulge in a captivating game drive as you scan the expansive plains in search of Grevy's zebra, gerenuk, beisa oryx, simmering gazelle, Grant's gazelle, olive and hamadryas baboons, African golden wolf, Somali ostrich, and various other wildlife. Additionally, keep an eye out for a diverse array of avian species including the Abyssinian roller, Arabian bustard, kori bustard, and bee-eaters. We’ll have night game drive after dinner.
Overnight Camping.

Day 6 : Drive To Langano With Stops On The Way

Location: Hara Langano Lodge

Accommodation: Lodge

Accommodation Name: Hara Langano Lodge

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Take a drive to Lake Langano, On the way with a stop at Ziway lake for some more aquatic birds. Late afternoon we drive down to Langano for Overnight. Here in the lake we have a chance to spot Hippos. We will have the night walk around the forest nearby to the lodge, will have a chance to spot Bat Eared Fox, Aardvark, Crested Porcupine, Bush Babies and Genet families.
Overnight Hara Langano Lodge.

Day 7 : Drive To Senkale Wildlife Sanctuary

Location: Hawassa

Accommodation: Resort

Accommodation Name: Haile Resort

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Morning after breakfast we leave langano and drive to Sankale wildlife sanctuary which is home for the endemic Swayne’s Hartebeest and Oribi. On the way we will have a stop at Abjatta National Park `to see African Ostriches, Grants Gazelle and African Golden Wolf. Then proceed the drive to Sankale. On the late afternoon we will get back to Awassa where we stay overnight. Here in Awassa lake we may have a chance to see the African Clawless Otters from the resort we staying.
Overnight Haile Resort.

Day 8 : Drive To Bale Mountains National Park

Location: Bale Mountains

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Tokuma Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Morning heading to south east of the country, the Bale Mountains National Park. As we enter the park boundary we will spot mammals that are restricted to the southeastern mountain chain of Ethiopia. we will search for Serval Cat and caracal on gassay grasslands, The elegant endemics of the Mountain Nyala and Menelik's Bushbuck are the beauty of the Bale Mountains National Park.
Overnight Tokuma Hotel.

Day 9 : Bale Mountains Sanneti Plateau

Location: Harenna Forest

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Tokuma Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast take a drive to Sanetti Plateau above 4000 meters, with Afro-alpine Moor land beautiful wild alpine scenery. Chance to see the rare and endangered Canid species Ethiopian Wolf, Sanattie is the largest afro alpine area in the whole of Africa. Stark’s Hare, Rock Hyrax, Giant Mole Rat and different species of grass rats are some of the mammals that we expect in this magnificent plateau.
Overnight Tokuma Hotel.

Day 10 : Bale Mountains Harenna Forest

Location: Harenna Forest

Accommodation: Camp

Accommodation Name: Camping

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Morning after breakfast take a drive to Harenna Forest, Keep an eye out for the endemic Bale monkey feeding on Bamboo trees, Colobus monkey and Tree Hyrax. In the evening, you'll embark on a game drive in the forest, which will increase your chances of spotting nocturnal mammals such as Bush pig, Leopard, Civet cat, Honey badger, Gaint forest Hog, Abyssinian Genet and more.

Day 11 : Bale Mountains Gassay Grasslands

Location: Bale Mountains

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Tokuma Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today leave the forest and drive to Gassay Grasslands and explore both the Wood land and grassland part of the national park. Here at the grassland we will have a night game drive for a better chance of mammals such as Civet Cat, Serval Cat, African Golden Wolf, and Caracals. Then we drive back to Goba for Overnight.
Overnight Tokuma Hotel.

Day 12 : Return Back To Addis

Location: Addis Ababa

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Return back to Addis with some stops on the way. On arrival to Addis, In the evening we enjoy a farewell dinner at a traditional Ethiopian restaurant featuring dancers and musicians representing some of the country's many ethnic groups. Then Transfer to airport for your international departure.

What's Included

Accommodation

All Accommodation depends on the request
Airport Transfers at Destination

In and Out Airport transfers
Fully Guided

Safari Guide
Meals

All Meals
Transport

4Wd vehicle throughout the tour

What's Not Included

Additional Services

Tip, Any services which are not included in service include
Insurance
International Travel

Mode of Transport

4WD vehicle

Accommodation

Hotels, Lodges and Camping

Check out our Q&As

Are all entrance fees included in the price?

All Entrance fees are included
Are flights included in this tour?

Yes All domestic flights are included
Do you require a visa for this holiday?

Yes , You can obtain visa on arrival or online
What currencies are required for this tour?

USD, EURO, GPB
Do I need a visa?

Yes, you do need a visa to travel to Ethiopia. Tourist visas (available for one or three months, single entry) are available upon arrival at Bole International Airport in Addis Ababa. Tourist visas are available in the following link. Please note there are other websites that are not official and may charge extra fee for issuing tourist visas to Ethiopia. Electronic visas are available for tourists from most of European countries as well as the USA, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Kenya, Japan, Korea, India, China and Russia. Applications can be made online at www.evisa.gov.et. Please note the following is required: Arrival information Personal details A passport size photo A copy of your scanned passport (passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date you intend to travel to Ethiopia.) Non-refundable payment fee (MasterCard, Visa and American Express are accepted) It is also possible to obtain a business visa of up to three months validity upon arrival with the prior arrangements made by the sponsoring organisation in Ethiopia. The visa extension fees are currently $100 for a one month extension (first time), $150 for a fifteen days extension (second time) and $200 for a 10 days extension (third time). If the traveller’s visa expires before their departure, they will be required to obtain a visa extension at the Immigration Office in Addis Ababa. There is an overstay penalty fee of $5 a day from one to fifteen days and $10 a day after fifteen days. In such cases, the traveller may also be required to pay a penalty of up to 4,000 ETB ($300) before being allowed to leave Ethiopia.

What is the best time to travel?

If you want my opinion, the months that are most preferable to travel to Ethiopia would be September and October as this time of the year offers a particularly beautiful landscape since it follows the rainy season (June and August). During this period, the whole country is covered with a mantle of flowers of thousands of colors that bring a beauty to the already magical landscape. Let's just say it's the Ethiopian Spring. However, do not fear if you can not visit the country at this time, it just adds an extra beauty to the view but Ethiopia can be breath-taking at any time of the year.
What should I pack?

In Ethiopia, there are certain things that are difficult to find, especially if you are travelling through rural areas. Therefore, it is very important to be pack thoroughly. The first thing you should keep in mind when packing your suitcase is including a first-aid kit with the following items: Mosquito repellent and sprays High SPF sunscreen and sunglasses Antihistamine Antiseptic cream for insect bites Plasters Anti diarrhoea pills Saline solutions in case of severe dehydration Contact lens liquid Besides the first-aid kit mentioned above, it is advisable to include in your bag the following items: Light clothes for the daytime and a good sweater or pullover for the evening Sandals and a good pair of shoes (specially during the rainy season to deal with muddy pathways) A discrete wallet or money belt and a small bag to carry your camera and phone A rainy jacket and umbrella if travelling during the rainy season (June to September) A warm sleeping bag if you are thinking of sleeping in campsites A hat and sunglasses to avoid long sun exposure If you are thinking of donating your personal stuff we kindly advise to do it at your discretion and avoid uncomfortable situations on the street, especially with children. We recommend you to contact a local NGO in advance so they can relocate your things in a sustainable way.
How long has the tour company been trading?

We have been in the business for more than 10 years

Reviews from travellers on this tour

Fabian

Five stars service

29-May-2024

We booked the 17 Days Wildlife Safari Tour with Armaye being our main interest the photography of wild life. The offered tour was a perfect match to our needs. From the very beginning, Armaye provided a lot of information, the communication was fluid all the time, he showed also flexibility to adjust details of the itinerary, giving us a high level a confidence with his knowledge and professionalism. Upon arrival at Addis Ababa Airport, everything run smoothly and attached to the planned schedule. Armaye is a great guide and companion for this kind of challenging safaris, where long distances must to be covered different transports and the visits to remote areas of the National Parks are a must to spot the targeted animals. Our high expectations were surpassed!! The two drivers were great, at Simien Montains National Park, he was an expert animal spotter too. All the local guides, in all places where needed, were very good. At the National Parks, the expert eye of Armaye was invaluable, also his sense of photographer, we enjoyed every minute spent with Armaye. Regarding the tour organization, it was perfect, and Armaye was all the time checking our particular needs and taking care constantly about them, even talking to the restaurant chefs to adjust the menus for us!. We think we covered a big part of the most relevant National Parks to spot endemic animals, like Simien and Bale Mountains as the most impressive of them. The long list of mammals to spot were checked and most of the relevant birds too!! In Harar we experienced the early night session with the Hyena men, unbelievable! The hotels booked had some up and downs but understanding that we were visiting some remote areas with a limited tourism developing, we were overall satisfied, all them were clean and with comfortable beds. Special remarks to Simien Lodge, Haile Resort Awassa and, on top of all them, Doho Lodge, an amazing place. As a conclusion, the safari tour focus was great, the organization perfect and the value for money more than reasonable. Armaye is an excellent guide and organizer, but even more important he is a great guy! My recommendation, if somebody wants to visit Ethiopia, is booking the trip with Armaye Tours, with no doubt!

Tobi Switzerland

A brilliant 2 weeks mammal watching tour

08-Nov-2023

I went on a 2 weeks private tour with Armaye as my guide in November/December 2023 and the organization was excellent. From the initial enquiry over the last few years! until I was safely back home, Armaye communicated quickly, clearly and accurately. He was very flexible with the itinerary too being open to amendments, which I did twice. This was my 2nd trip to Ethiopia and it was much better than my first one in 2009. My interest was mostly with mammals and planned my tour accordingly, which took me to Bale Mountains (Harenna Forest, Sannetti Plateue, Gassay), Hwassa, Lake Langano. Awash NP and Alideghe Game Reserve. I found all my key targets and the sightings were sensational. He even knew where to find a pack of the endangered Ethiopian Wolfs! His knowledge on where to find wildlife enabled me to get some great pictures and films. We had a very nice driver and, for a few days, also a brilliant cook and both spoke excellent English and were really good company. Additional guides with local knowledge were waiting for us where needed. All worked like a swiss clock and the only time I needed to use money was for some few personal expenses. I will for sure be back again as the country offers a lot. I could not recommend Armaye Tours more.

Dave Uk

I had the best guides you could hope for - helpful, great knowledge and a love of wildlife.

26-Sep-2024

Armaye and Kumfir did everything to make my tour a wonderful and memorable experience and they succeeded. There was a lot of travelling involved and the standard of driving and care was exceptional. They realised that the most important thing for me was seeing the wildlife and they made sure we saw all that we could - they loved the animals too so I felt part of a team looking for all that we could find. The communication and information provided before the tour was really useful and there were no hidden extras. I recommend Armaye and his colleagues to anyone who wants to come to Ethiopia - the wildlife is rapidly disappearing so come for a trip to Ethiopia with Armaye while it is still there.

Mike Rusia

A wonderful two week trip to Ethiopia

09-Feb-2024

We had the Ethniopian Mammal Watching tour for 14 days; the initially 12-day program itself was adjusted and extended by two days. Armaye knows the nature of Ethiopia and its inhabitants very well. Since we were focused on locating and photographing animals, he fully supported us in this task and gave us great assistance in identifying those species with which we had questions. It was very interesting to discuss the animals of Ethiopia with him! It’s great that he implemented his area of interest and knowledge into his own business. All Armaye team members are friendly and responsible, you can absolutly trust them. The nature of Ethiopia is very different depending on the parts of the country and is very beautiful and even fantastic. We also got to know the local cuisine and its specialties. We will miss the time spent and the company of our new friends on this trip. But I think we will be back in the future! If you are planning to travel to Ethiopia, I would recommend traveling with Armaye Ethiopia Tours.

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~~$2520~~ $2400