Day 1 

We will meet you at Bole International Airport and when you are ready will drive outside of Addis to view the incredible scenery around Ambo and the Wenchi Crater Lake.  It is approximately a two hour drive. If you are a bird watcher you will no doubt want to visit the Gefersa Resevoir where a variety of birds are guaranteed.  You can discuss with your guide if you wish to visit.  If you are happy to give it a miss our first stop will be at the lakeshore at the foot of Mount Wenchi where we will proceed by boat to the monastery of Wenchi Chirkos. 

This 13-15^th century hexagonal structure is surrounded by Afro-alpine heather and set on a hill.  You may well meet the priest who will tell you a bit about its history but your guide will also be able to inform you. We will drive you to a couple of viewpoints over the crater and enjoy a picnic lunch. After lunch we will take to the road again in the direction of Lake Langano and will arrive at our base for the next couple of days, the eco friendly  Bishangari Lodge where you can take a (solar powered) hot shower and enjoy your evening meal. 

(Note:The distance is quite considerable and, depending on the time of year and the condition of the roads, we may stop over en route and agree a catch up plan with you) 

Day 2  

After breakfast, when you are ready we will proceed to visit the park and its lakes – for which it is famous.  Chitu Hora, a small beautiful crater lake is home to a flock of flamingos (at the end of the rains for about 4 months) and is well worth the visit. Lake Abiata is also a good place to see the migrant wader, Mongolian plover, Pacific golden plover and many more, as over 300 species of bird have been recorded here.  The nearby Lake Shala is also good for birding as well as boasting a hot spring where you can take a dip if inclined. 

We will return early to the Bishangari Lodge as it is set in extensive grounds boasting sightings of over 400 species of birds and some small mammals.  The accommodation is in tukuls or wooden chalets (price is dependent on which you chose.) For payment direct to the lodge it is possible to arrange boat trips in search of hippos or guided walks, hiking, horseriding or mountain biking during your stay. 

Day 3

We will continue our exploration of the lakes and there will be time for you to pursue any of the activities you may have organized. You can discuss arrangements for lunch with your guide, depending on what you are choosing to do.   

Day 4 

An early breakfast and then we start the 5 hour drive to the Bilen Lodge in the Awash National Park (along the surfaced road).  After you have freshened up and had something to eat we will start our exploration of this magnificent region which boasts 450 species of birds.  You can expect to see the endemic yellow throated serin, the Ethiopian cliff swallow, as well as raptors, Abyssinian rollers, various larks hornbills and waxbills - to name but a few.  Alligan Travel can offer a knowledgeable guide who specializes in ‘bird lore’ if required. 

You will be staying in the eco friendly en-suite chalets of the Bilen Lodge.  The chalets are designed in the style of Afar houses. 

Day 5 

After breakfast, you may like to explore the area surrounding the lodge as it too boasts a vast number of bird species and wildlife sometimes includes the Beisa Oryx, lesser kudu, dik-dik, warthog, hyena, crocodile, hippo and Hamadryas and Anubis baboon.  After lunch, having ticked off sightings of the many birds and other wildlife we will continue our exploration of the Park and its lakes.

Overnight at Bilen Lodge 

( On rare occasions a lion may be heard and occasionally one has even been known to wonder through the camp!)  

Day 6 

We will start early again, and drive to Harar, ‘the fourth holiest city in the world’. After an evening meal you may wish to plunge straight in to the life of the city and what could be more interesting than the nightly feeding of the hyenas outside the city walls, with brave – or foolhardy – visitors allowed to deliver chunks of meat into the snapping jaws of the wild dogs themselves. 

Day 7 

There is much to see in this ancient, walled predominantly Muslim city. Its small, cobbled alleys are superb to wander around and there are plenty of small souks selling the unique Harari jewellery and clothes. The town also has several markets and attractions such as the Rimbaud Museum – which contains displays about the French poet, Arthur Rimbaud, who lived in Harar in the late19^th Century, and a display of photographs from the turn of the century.  You can discuss with your guide the order in which you do things and the sites you would most like to see. 

We recommend starting with an excursion outside of Harar to the cliff-top village of Koremi with its stunning views across the plains to Mount Gendebure.  The village itself comprises ancient crowded stone houses in labyrinthine layout and is fascinating in its own right. After a picnic lunch you might return to Harar where you can continue exploring the many markets, sites and shops. Alternatively we could take the road towards Babile to see the gravity defying rock formations know as the ‘Valley of Marvels’  You may catch sight of the resident baboons. 

You can feed the hyenas again tonight if you wish! 

Day 8 

Today we will drive to Dire Dawa and take the short flight back to Addis Once in Addis, after you have dropped your luggage off at your hotel and are refreshed we can begin a tour of the many interesting sights this city has to offer. Your first visit is to the final resting place of Emperor Haile Selassie, Trinity Cathedral, and the Menelik II Mausoleum, which contains the tombs of the former Emperor Menelik II and his family. During the morning there will also be a chance to see some of Addis Ababa’s monuments. These include the Yeketit 12 at Arat Kilo, which commemorates the thousands of Addis residents massacred by the occupying Italians in 1937.  

We will then visit a local family where you will witness and enjoy the Ethiopian coffee ceremony. 

The day finishes with a short drive out of the city up into the Entoto Hills, where there is an excellent viewpoint overlooking Addis Ababa.  Here, you will be able to visit the Entoto Maryam church which was built by Emperor Menelik in 1876.  As well as a museum nearby there is a magnificent 120 year old eucalyptus tree.  

Day 9 

After breakfast we will continue the tour of Addis starting with the excellent Ethnological Museum, which is located in the grounds of Addis Ababa University in the former palace of Emperor Haile Selassie.   Next is a visit to the nearby National Museum, whose exhibits includes the remains of the oldest human ancestor ever found, the world famous Lucy.  After a coffee at Tomoca in the bustling Piazza area followed by lunch served at the Addis Ababa Restaurant, (one of the best traditional eateries in the capital) we will drive to Mercato, one of the largest outdoor markets in Africa. When you are done browsing and haggling if you still have shopping to do we can take you to see some of the local craftsmen at their work and to shops where it is possible to get beautiful locally carved gifts and furniture and other artifacts.   

If there is still time, and if you have the energy we will then walk to the biggest mosque in Ethiopia, the Anwar. 

You will then be dropped back at your hotel to be picked up at an agreed time and escorted to a local restaurant for a farewell dinner where - as well as sampling delicious traditional food - you will also have a chance to see a display of Ethiopia’s unique music and dancing.  

Day 10 

The events of this day depend on the time of your international flight and you can discuss this with us when booking the tour.  We will be able to suggest how to organize this day when we have an idea of what time you need to be at the airport – and we will, of course, be responsible for getting you there whatever the time of your flight.