9-Day The Ultimate Conservation Safari

Tour Name: 9-Day The Ultimate Conservation Safari
Duration: 9 Days / 8 Nights
Transportation: Private 4WD Vehicle & Domestic Flight
Guide: Professional English-Speaking Guide

Why Choose This Tour?

This expedition offers access to controlled hunting concessions operating under government regulations, providing an opportunity to pursue rare Ethiopian species in their natural habitats. The tour combines highland and lowland hunting environments, offering an authentic free-range hunting experience in spectacular wilderness areas far from mass tourism. With professionally organized safari logistics, guests can enjoy a seamless and well-managed conservation-focused hunting adventure.

Important Note: All hunting activities require valid permits, licensed professional hunters, and strict compliance with government-approved quotas and conservation regulations.

Program in Detail

Day 1: Arrival in Addis Ababa – Safari Briefing

Upon arrival at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our representative and transferred to your hotel. A comprehensive safari briefing will be conducted, covering the hunting schedule and expedition logistics, safety procedures and field regulations, permit and license verification, as well as equipment inspection and final preparations. You will enjoy an overnight stay in Addis Ababa before beginning your hunting adventure.

Day 2: Transfer to Bale Highlands Hunting Concession

After breakfast, depart for the spectacular Bale Highlands, one of Ethiopia’s premier hunting destinations. The scenic journey takes you through breathtaking Ethiopian highland landscapes, mountain forests and valleys, as well as rural communities and traditional villages. Upon arrival at the hunting camp, you will receive a camp orientation, complete rifle sighting and accuracy checks, meet the professional hunters and trackers and prepare for the upcoming mountain hunt.

Overnight at the hunting camp.

Day 3: Mountain Nyala Hunting Expedition

Spend the day exploring and hunting in the magnificent Bale Mountains, a spectacular landscape of montane forests, bamboo thickets, open moorlands, and high-altitude grasslands. This unique habitat provides an ideal environment for the elusive Mountain Nyala, along with other endemic and indigenous species such as Menelik’s Bushbuck, Bohor Reedbuck, Common Duiker, Warthog, and Olive Baboon.

All hunting activities are conducted strictly in accordance with government-issued permits and seasonal quotas. The day begins with an early morning departure from camp, followed by spot-and-stalk hunting techniques, wildlife tracking and observation, and an evening review with the professional hunting team.

Day 4: Mountain Nyala & Menelik’s Bushbuck Hunt

Continue your highland hunting expedition with another full day in the field. The primary search focuses on the Mountain Nyala, renowned for its impressive horns and challenging mountain habitat, as well as Menelik’s Bushbuck, an elegant forest antelope endemic to Ethiopia. The diverse mountain terrain provides a rewarding hunting experience while offering excellent opportunities to observe Ethiopia’s remarkable biodiversity.

Day 5: Transfer to Southern or Western Hunting Concession

After completing the Bale Highlands experience, continue your journey toward another designated hunting concession in Ethiopia’s southern or western wilderness areas. The landscape gradually changes from cool mountain ecosystems to warmer lowland habitats, creating a dramatic contrast between Ethiopia’s diverse environments. Upon arrival, you will set up camp, receive an orientation of the concession area, enjoy an evening scouting drive or guided walk, and prepare for the upcoming plains game hunting experience.

Day 6: Lowland Plains Game Hunting

Enjoy a full day of professionally guided hunting in Ethiopia’s diverse lowland ecosystems. Depending on licensed quotas and concession availability, potential target species include Greater Kudu, Lelwel Hartebeest, and Defassa Waterbuck. The day combines traditional spot-and-stalk hunting methods, wildlife observation, and expert tracking techniques.

Day 7: Continued Hunting Expedition

Another full day is dedicated to pursuing available species according to your approved hunting permits and concession quotas. Your professional hunting team will identify the most productive hunting areas based on animal movement patterns, weather conditions, recent wildlife sightings, and habitat conditions. This additional hunting day provides further opportunities for successful trophy collection while allowing you to experience Ethiopia’s pristine wilderness.

Day 8: Trophy Preparation & Cultural Experience

Following the completion of hunting activities, the day is dedicated to trophy preparation and the required documentation process. Activities include trophy measurement and field preparation, export documentation procedures, and a final consultation with your professional hunting guides. In the afternoon, enjoy an optional visit to a nearby community to experience traditional lifestyles, local customs, and community-based conservation initiatives.

Day 9: Return to Addis Ababa – Departure

After breakfast  transfer back to Addis Ababa. Upon arrival, you will receive airport transfer assistance and support with departure formalities before concluding your Ethiopian hunting expedition. Depending on your international flight schedule, optional sightseeing or shopping excursions in Addis Ababa can be arranged.

End of Services

Essential Planning Requirements

Planning a premium Ethiopian hunting safari requires careful preparation. As hunting permits are governed by strict federal quotas, we recommend beginning the booking process at least six months in advance.

1. Mandatory Requirements for Guests

To prepare an accurate, fully compliant safari proposal, we require the following information:

Target Species

Please specify your desired trophy species. Hunting licenses are purchased in advance, are non-refundable, and are subject to annual quotas established by the Ethiopian Wildlife Conservation Authority (EWCA).

Preferred Travel Dates

The recommended hunting season in Ethiopia runs from October through June.

Physical Fitness

High-altitude hunts—particularly for the Mountain Nyala—require a good level of physical fitness. Please confirm your readiness for mountain trekking and challenging terrain.

Firearm Arrangements

Please indicate whether you will:

• Bring your own firearms (maximum of three), or
• Require locally available rental firearms.

We will assist with all Temporary Firearm Import Permit applications and related procedures.

2. Conservation Commitment

We operate strictly within the law. Hunting is never permitted inside National Parks.