17 Jun 2026 - 30 Jun 2026 (14 days)
USD7,195 - Spaces Available
Tour Leader: André Bernon
Tour price (Per person): USD7,195 * GBP5,745 * EUR6,926 * AUD11,554
Single Supplement: USD450 * GBP359 * EUR433 * AUD723
Simply put, Ethiopia is hands-down one of Africa’s most productive and rewarding bird photography destinations! The country’s awe-inspiring scenery coupled with an array of spectacular, wonderfully photogenic and approachable birds and mammals make this a photographer’s dream! Added to this a kaleidoscope of fascinating and striking cultures augment the entire experience. This amazing country supports a truly staggering volume of birds, and due to the population’s beliefs and customs many species are extremely approachable affording us unrivalled photographic opportunities.
This amazing country supports a truly staggering volume of birds, probably more so than any other country in Africa and due to the population’s beliefs and customs of not hunting or persecuting birds and mammals, we will undoubtedly be able to get extremely close to many species that will afford us unrivalled photographic opportunities.
During this exciting bird photographic adventure, we will attempt to obtain superb photographs of as many of Ethiopia’s magnificent and highly acclaimed endemic birds and other superb and eye-catching species as possible and these include Wattled Ibis, Rouget’s Rail, Spot-breasted Lapwing, Abyssinian Owl, the mightily impressive Thick-billed Raven, Yellow-fronted Parrot and Abyssinian Woodpecker, as well as Wattled and Black Crowned Cranes, Arabian Bustard, Lichtenstein’s Sandgrouse, Abyssinian Ground Hornbill and a plethora of confiding water-birds that frequent the various Rift Valley Lakes.
We will also spend some time enjoying and photographing the country’s impressive mammals such as Geladas and the critically endangered Ethiopian Wolf, while cultural photographic opportunities are abundant throughout!
Highlights
White-cheeked Turaco; Spot-breasted Lapwing; Blue-winged Goose; Rouget’s Rail; Wattled Ibis; Yellow-fronted Parrot; Black-winged Lovebird; Blue-breasted Bee-eater; Erkel's, Chestnut-naped & Moorland Francolins; White-backed Black Tit; Abyssinian Woodpecker; Arabian, Kori & Hartlaub's Bustards; Thick-billed Raven; Wattled & Black Crowned Cranes; Banded Barbet; Somali Ostrich; Abyssinian Ground Hornbill, Lichtenstein's Sandgrouse.
Ethiopian Wolf; Gelada; Mountain Nyala; Menelik’s Bushbuck; Giant Mole Rat; Beisa Oryx; Soemmering's Gazelle; Grevy's Zebra; Bale Monkey; Lesser Kudu; Grant’s Gazelle; Oribi; Golden Jackal; Common Hippopotamus; Grivet Monkey; Serval; Guenther's & Salt's Dikdiks; Hamadryas Baboon; Gerenuk; Abyssinian Hare.
Montane forest, Afro-alpine moorland, Acacia savanna, Rift Valley lakes and associated wetlands, semi-desert plains, scrub and savanna
Temperate in highlands, hot and dry in lowlands, slim chance of rain in highlands
8 with 1 Rockjumper Leader
UNDEMANDING: This tour is ideal for birders and wildlife enthusiasts of all experience levels. It’s suitable for most mobility levels and offers a relaxed pace, ensuring an enjoyable experience for everyone.
Birding is undemanding but long travel days, low food diversity & some basic accommodations are taxing. • Our Bird Photo Tours are a hybrid between our Classic birding tours and dedicated photographic tours. You don’t have to be a professional photographer or have the biggest lens; this is for everyone with an interest in photography and birding. Whether you’re using a bridge camera or the latest body and prime lens, our aims are the same. • These tours are not aimed at seeing the most species possible on the route, rather taking time to photograph key targets and any other interesting species we may find. Naturally, the overall species list will be lower than a comparable birding focused tour. • Whilst we may use blinds, feeders and hide setups on some of these tours, we will not be spending an entire day nor even several hours fixed in one spot. • These tours are suitable for photographers who prefer opportunistic photography over entire days in a hide. • Our leaders will assist in helping everyone secure good photographic opportunities and advise as much as they can on camera setup. However, they are not professional photographic tour leaders.
Variable. Modern & comfortable in the Rift Valley. Average to simple elsewhere.
One of the most enjoyable & prolific birding destinations in Africa. Many species are approachable & provide good visuals in open conditions.
Spectacular mountain scenery, interesting ancient farming methods, fascinating and scenic architecture and historical buildings
Generally excellent. Many species are approachable, habitat & lighting are often conducive. No dedicated hides.
Another very good Rockjumper Tour despite some itinerary changes due to seasonally wet weather and the last 2 days being re-organised due to potential security concerns North of Addis. Stephan and our local leader were on top of all aspects of the trip working hard to ensure we saw as many of the endemics as possible. A memorable evening where we we able to connect with Star-spotted Nightjar will live long in the mind. All the drivers were excellent and kept the vehicles clean and comfortable.
"As expected, the accommodations and infrastructure in Ethiopia had their challenges. We find that as we are aging these challenges become more difficult. So our plan for the future is to do trips with higher end lodges, good sanitation and well paved roads. This is no reflection on Rockjumpers just the reality of our now being in our 70's. Time to do some easier trips! Our leader, David Hoddinott, was outstanding. His enthusiasm for the birds of Ethiopia was contagious, his knowledge incredible and his ability to handle all the logistics shows that he is a seasoned leader. Thank you to the entire team at Rockjumpers for another incredible trip. "
This tour was designed to see endemic birds during the summer with full breeding plumage. The pace was fast and called for extensive time in vehicles racing from site to site to get the birds. This was great for getting birds but tough on the participants, if they expected time to relax. I enjoyed the birds but not the time riding in cars. The number of species seen was astounding and the birds were great. Knowing that accommodations would be "basic" was realistic but still tough at times. Fortunately, our group did well together and this helped compensate for the facilities at times. I reached my goal for birds and I hope to enjoy trips again in the future.
Greg de Klerk is an excellent leader. What I admired most about Greg was his willingness and patience to take the time and "teach" the group shorebird and wading bird identification. Throughout the tour, he would take the time and repeat the details to anyone who asked, or seemed to be unclear on the details.
Just a few comments on the recent Ethiopia Summer Highland Endemics tour guided by David Hodinott. First, I want to commend David on his skills as a leader and guide. His logistic and organizational skills are first-class and his knowledge of the bird life in Ethiopia matchless. His interpersonal skills with the group kept people on time, focused and successful in getting good looks at most species and great looks at many. That was his challenging task and he accomplished it with passion and patience, two qualities that are often difficult to combine.
Ethiopia - Lalibela Extension I 2024 - January 2024
Ethiopia - Endemic Birding I 2024 - January 2024
Ethiopia - Endemic Birding II 2023 - November 2023
Ethiopia - Summer Endemics 2023 - June 2023
Ethiopia - Endemic Birding (Small Group) 2023 - February 2023
Ethiopia - Brewer 2023 - January 2023
Ethiopia - Endemic Birding III 2022 - November 2022
Ethiopia - Endemic Birding (Small Group) 2022 - February 2022
Ethiopia - Budget Birding 2019 - November 2019
Ethiopia - Endemics Birding II 2019 - November 2019
Ethiopia - Summer Endemics 2019 - May 2019
Ethiopia - Endemics Birding I 2019 - January 2019
Ethiopia - Budget Birding 2018 - November 2018
Ethiopia - Mega Birding 2018 - January 2018
Ethiopia - Endemics Birding I 2018 - January 2018
Ethiopia - Endemics Birding III 2017 - November 2017
Ethiopia - Glendinning & Welman 2017 - February 2017
Ethiopia - Endemics Birding II 2017 - January 2017
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