Ethiopia & East Africa · office in Gondar · Open daily · 8:00 - 18:00 (East Africa Time)
Experiences
Ethiopia is a world birding destination — highland endemics and the majestic lammergeier in the Simien and Bale, and rift valley lakes alive with herons and flamingos.
With more endemics than almost anywhere in mainland Africa, Ethiopia is a magnet for birders. The Simien and Bale highlands deliver eye-level lammergeiers, bearded vultures, wattled ibises, thick-billed ravens and a host of alpine and Afromontane specialities, while the Rift Valley lakes teem with herons, pelicans and flamingos.
We tailor birding days around the light and the birds — early starts along watering points, forest edges and cliff faces, with a knowledgeable guide who knows the calls, the habits and the right spots.
Whether you're a dedicated lister or a curious new observer, a morning with Ethiopia's highland birds is one of the most rewarding ways to experience the country.
The highlands are a year-round destination — each season changes the light, the trails and the wildlife. Tap a season to see what to expect.
Best for: trekking, history, the Danakil & coast
Clear skies across the highlands and northern circuit, a cooler Danakil, and a good window for East African summits and beaches.
Expect settled, sunny weather across most of Ethiopia — crisp mountain mornings in the Simien and Bale highlands, dependable roads on the historical circuit, and drier conditions in the Omo Valley. The Danakil is at its least punishing in these months. In East Africa this window suits Kilimanjaro climbs and Zanzibar's beach season.
Months shown are general guidance — routes adapt to the season.
Big views, big herds, two days
A rapid-fire two-day introduction to the Simien highlands — gelada baboons, steep escarpments and the thunder of Jinbar waterfall.
The perfect short escape
A compact three-day trek packed with the Simien highlights — escarpment viewpoints, gelada baboons and the famous Imet Gogo panorama.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site and the crown of the Ethiopian highlands — the 'Roof of Africa' — where sheer escarpments fall thousands of metres.
Planning depth straight from the trails — written by the local guides who run this experience every season.
Ethiopia is a biodiversity powerhouse, with mammals and birds found nowhere else on Earth. Here's where to meet them.
Words from travellers who shaped a journey around Birding in the Highlands.
“The three days we spent crossing the Simien escarpment were the highlight of our entire trip to Ethiopia. Every viewpoint felt like the best yet — and the gelada baboons were unforgettable.”
“Our guide grew up in these mountains and it showed — patient, knowledgeable and full of stories. Camping above the cloud layer was pure magic.”
“As a solo traveller I was a little nervous about altitude, but the careful pacing and encouragement made all the difference. I'd recommend them to any traveller.”
6 stories from travellers
Birding in the Highlands can be a standalone add-on or the centerpiece of a custom tour. Tell us your time and interests and we'll weave it in.
Tell us when you'd like to travel and what you're dreaming of. We'll help you build the right itinerary, answer your questions, and organise every detail.
