Village - Ethiopia

VE 007B, 10 days, Debre Libanos, Jemma and Jara Valleys, Ankober and the escarpment, Guassa (Menz), Jari, Yegof Forest

Days 1 to 6: These are the same as VE 006B above, but instead of returning to Addis Ababa on Day 6 we will proceed to Jari for an overnight in the Jari Hotel School. This school is the result of a partnership between the Hotel School of Lausanne and the NGO Terre des Hommes, and is where orphans and street children are given training in catering and hotel management.

Towering Mounta Ambassel dominates the scenery to the west (it is about a 3-4 hour trek to the summit) while the indignous trees and orchards in the hotel school grounds attract a variety of birds.

Day 7: We retrace our steps south, and spend the day with picnic lunch exploring the Yegof forest, situated on a mountainous ridge overlooking Kombolcha town. In 1996 62 species were recorded in this forest (which has an altitude of 2000-3000 m asl), including the endemic Abyssinian Woodpecker and the Abyssinian Catbird. Other species of interest include: Tropical Boubou, Olive Pigeon, Cinnamon Dove and Blue-headed Coucal. Wildlife recorded in the forest includes: Menelik's Bushbuck, Common Bushbuck, Klipspringer, Leopard, Spotted Hyaena, Vervet Monkey, Anubis Baboon, Porcupine and Rock Hyrax. o/n Jari Hotel School.

Day 8: Full day exploring the various sites around Jari Valley, the hills and Lake Haik. More than 100 species have been recorded in the area, including Abyssinian Woodpecker and Abyssinian Catbird. Nearby Lake Haik also supports a variety of ducks and waterbirds. o/n Jari Hotel School

Day 9: We drive to Kombolcha, from where we take the flight back to Addis Ababa. We can arrange souvenir shopping in the afternoon, or some short birding itineraries, such as a visit to the very extensive grounds of the British Embassy. o/n Ghion Hotel.

Day 10: Transfer to the airport for mid day departure.

For those visitors arriving on Lufthansa or Alitalia:

Departure (from Europe) and arrival will be on Day 1. On Day 2 a full rather than half-day will be spent with picnic lunch in the Entoto National Park. (If clients wish, we can visit the Entoto National Park on horseback.) On Day 10 there will be a morning excursion to Gefersa reservoir, some 20 km west of the city, where we can expect to see Rouget's Rail, Abyssinian Longclaw, Blue-winged Goose and Black-headed Siskin. Rest of afternoon at leisure (day rooms will be hired). Souvenir shopping can be arranged. Depart late evening.