Bird Watching Sites and species

Ethiopia has rightly become one ofafricas leading birding destinations. Its avifauna represents an interesting mixture of east and West African, Pale arctic migritant and endemic components. In addition to 840 species of birds, of which a staggering 16 are endemic. The best months to visit are October-December, and over 500 species can be recorded on a thorough three-week trip.

Most bird watching sites are in the south of the country and an itinerary in search of all endemic birds would take a minimum of three weeks. The most promising areas are the Awash National Park, the Rift Valley Lakes, the Lake Abijata-Shalla National Park and Bale Mountains National Park. Also the Jemma River Valley as well as the escarpment north-west of Addis Ababa, the area around Debre Berhan, Ankober and Debre Libanos, Wondo Genet and the Harenna forest, the region around Negele, Bogal Manyo and Yabelo as well as the Sanetti Plateau would guarantee seeing many species which can sometimes only be found in a very small area. Also a shorter tour of about 10-15 days would guarantee seeing most of the endemics and several hundred other species. Hereunder some of the popular bird watching sites with corresponding key species.