Ethiopia - Day 1 (01/11/19) - Addis Ababa to Awash National Park

This blog recounts a very successful ten day trip to Ethiopia with Simon Carter, Bridget and Paul James (mum and dad), Alan Petherbridge, Julie and Malcolm Redford and Chris Wilson. My special thanks to Abel Belay Molla (our guide) and Brahim, Robin and Garry who guided, drove us around and looked after us impeccably. 

Our first day saw us land in Addis Ababa early morning after an overnight flight from Heathrow. We got through customs and immigration with no issues and as we stepped outside we saw Abel, Brahim, Robin and Garry waiting to greet us. Before we even left the airport car park we added our first species of the trip this was a female Tacazze Sunbird whilst feeding on the tarmac of the car park were Swainson's Sparrows and overhead there were Yellow-billed Kites kettling. We soon the left the car park and drove into Addis Ababa where we hit heavy traffic and exited the capital via a different route and we were on our way. On our way out of Addis Ababa we recorded our first endemic species of the trip which were to be three Wattled Ibis flying over the car. We also added Cattle Egrets, Marabou Storks and Hooded Vultures on our way out. Shortly after leaving Addis Ababa we had our first stop on the side of a road on the outskirts of the capital where we added a pair of White-winged Cliff Chat this species is endemic to Ethiopia and Eritrea. Also present here was our first Common Fiscal, Dusky Turtle Dove, Speckled Pigeon and Pied Crow of the trip. 

White-winged Cliff Chat, Outskirts of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

After our stop we drove for a little while before reaching the Caneth Hotel in the town of Adama. Here we had a quick refreshment stop and done some birding around the hotel grounds which was quite productive. Here we added c10 Blue-breasted Bee-eaters, Little Rock Thrush, African Paradise Flycatcher, Scarlet-chested Sunbird with a supporting act of Red-billed Firefinch, African Citril, Brown-rumped Seedeater and Red-cheeked Cordon-bleu. Whilst overhead we noted a couple of Rock Martins. 

Blue-breasted Bee-eaters, Caneth Hotel, Adama, Ethiopia

We pressed on and reached a viewpoint on the main highway which overlooked a lava outflow which was stunning. Here we added four Fan-tailed Raven and our first mammal of the trip, two Olive Baboons. 

Lava outflow, side of A1 Highway, Ethiopia

After another two hours driving along the A1 we arrived at Awash National Park and after some sorting out at the main gate (paperwork etc..) we were on our way to our accommodation. On our way down along the rough track we added our first Abyssinian Roller, Isabelline Wheatear and Isabelline Shrike sp. of the trip as well as three Black Scimitarbills. We arrived at our accommodation (Awash Falls Lodge) and were greeted with a welcome juice and shown to our rooms by the porters. The accommodation was basic but with all necessities (running water, electricity and a bed). I was itching at the bit to get out so dropped my bag off and headed off to the viewpoint overlooking the stunning waterfall. Visible from the viewpoint were seven Nile Crocodiles and a Vervet Monkey. Whilst in the bushes surrounding our accommodation was a cracking male Von Der Decken's Hornbill. 

Male Von der Decken's Hornbill, Awash Falls Lodge, Ethiopia

Everyone soon arrived and we headed out as group with Abel to do some birding. First stop was the small waterhole round the back of our accommodation this was productive and here we found an Emerald-spotted Wood Dove as well as a male Pied Wheatear much to my dads excitement given this was his biggest bogey bird worldwide. A Shikra also passed through upsetting upsetting the numerous Red-billed Quelia. We carried on our walk heading out of the camp and soon encountered an African Fish Eagle perched on the top of a tree near the falls and a bit further down the track were two Red-fronted Tinkerbird and single Ethiopian Boubou. Also nearby were two Black-billed Barbets and lone Nubian Woodpecker. We headed a bit further but light was running out but we came across a Tawny Eagle on the top of a pylon accompanied with nest as well as in some more nearby bushes two Eastern Plantain-eaters, single Red-billed Hornbill and three Mantled Guereza Monkeys. 

We arrived back at our accommodation and were greeted with a dinner which went down well after what had been a long day. On my way back to my room I heard a Verreaux's Eagle-owl but could not locate it despite a bit of searching. 

Sunset over Awash Falls, Awash National Park, Ethiopia