15 Day Mountain Nyala Hunting Safari in Ethiopia
Booking Season: 2026
Hunt Difficulty: Difficult
Designed by Hunters, for Hunters
Comfortable hunting bungalows at Bilen Lodge, equipped with electricity, hot spring water and mosquito screening. Meals are served in a communal dining area overlooking the plains, with mountain hunting camps used during the highland portion of the safari.
The safari combines Ethiopia's mountainous highlands, where mountain nyala are pursued across steep slopes and forested terrain, with the open savanna, rolling hills and scattered bush of Bilen. Hunting conditions range from demanding mountain stalking to lowland spot-and-stalk opportunities.
| Fence Type: | Free-range |
| Nearest Airport Name: | Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD) |
| Transfer From Airport: | Yes |
This 26-day Ethiopian hunting safari combines the pursuit of mountain nyala in the country's highlands with opportunities for additional species in the lower-lying hunting areas around Bilen. The extended itinerary is intended for hunters who want to pursue Ethiopia's specialist mountain trophy while allowing time for other plains game and, where available, dangerous game.
The mountain nyala remains the principal objective, with its US$15,000 trophy fee included in the advertised safari price. Other species are subject to the hunting concessions selected, available quotas and additional trophy fees. Hunters considering this pursuit can explore our detailed guide to Mountain Nyala Hunting in Ethiopia for information about the species and the demands of hunting in the highlands.
Combining highland and lowland hunting requires careful planning, particularly when different concessions, travel arrangements and hunting licences are involved. Our broader guide to hunting in Ethiopia explains the country's hunting regions, available species and practical considerations for planning an Ethiopian safari.
This 26-day safari combines mountain nyala hunting in Ethiopia's highlands with opportunities to pursue additional species in the country's lowland hunting areas. The package is based on one hunter accompanied by one professional hunter (1:1).
The advertised price includes the US$15,000 mountain nyala trophy fee, applicable VAT and the government, concession and conservation charges detailed below. Additional species may be hunted subject to available quotas and applicable trophy fees.
26-Day Hunting Safari: US$52,000
VAT (15%): US$7,800
Mountain Nyala Trophy Fee: US$15,000
Other Fees & Charges*: US$12,420
TOTAL SAFARI PRICE: US$87,220
Other fees and charges include concession fees, conservation fees, community conservation fees, game scout fees and one firearm licence fee.
Observers: US$500 per person, per day
The mountain nyala trophy fee is included in the quoted package. Trophy fees for other animals are additional, and availability depends on the selected hunting areas and current quotas.
This 26-day safari combines mountain nyala hunting in Ethiopia's highlands with opportunities for additional species in the lower-lying hunting areas around Bilen. These are two very different environments, and the extended safari is designed to accommodate both hunting objectives.
Mountain nyala hunting takes place in the highland country associated with the Ahmar and Bale mountain ranges. Steep slopes, thick vegetation and changing weather can make locating and approaching a mature bull physically demanding. Hunters should expect considerable walking, periods of glassing and potentially difficult conditions at altitude.
The lowland portion offers different hunting opportunities, including selected African plains game and specialist species. Hunters comparing other plains game hunts will find that Ethiopia offers a different species selection and hunting experience from the more familiar southern African destinations.
The actual allocation of hunting days between the highlands and lowlands depends on the agreed itinerary and any transfers required between concessions.
The Bilen hunting area is approximately four hours by road from Addis Ababa, according to the outfitter's itinerary.
The landscape includes rolling hills, open plains, grassland and scattered bush. These habitats provide a different hunting experience from the mountainous highlands, with hunting methods varying according to the vegetation and species being pursued.
Spot-and-stalk hunting is the principal approach described for this area. Open country can provide opportunities to observe animals before planning an approach, while thicker vegetation requires slower movement, careful tracking and attention to wind direction.
The actual species available will depend on the selected concession, current quotas and the time allocated to hunting in Bilen.
Trophy Export Preparation: Packing, crating and export documentation are handled through the designated government-controlled taxidermist at an estimated cost of US$2,200, payable directly to the taxidermist.
Game Scouts: Each hunting area requires a separate game scout.
Changes Between Hunting Camps: The outfitter advises that changing camps requires returning through Addis Ababa, including an overnight hotel stay at the hunter's expense.
Insurance: Insurance is mandatory for this safari.
Additional Species and Trophy Fees
In addition to the mountain nyala included in this safari, hunters may pursue selected Ethiopian plains game, specialty species and dangerous game, depending on the hunting areas, available quotas and agreed itinerary.
Additional trophies are charged according to the outfitter's fee schedule below. Hunters wishing to include lion must allow for an additional US$10,000 charge, over and above the listed lion trophy fee. Availability and applicable hunting permissions must be confirmed before booking.
The advertised US$87,220 safari price includes the US$15,000 mountain nyala trophy fee. Other species are subject to additional trophy fees, available quotas and the hunting permissions applicable to the selected concessions.
Wounded and Unrecovered Animals: If an animal is wounded but not recovered, the hunting licence is considered filled.
Female or Undersized Animals: If a female or undersized animal is shot, a charge equivalent to twice the applicable trophy fee is payable.
These conditions should be understood before hunting begins, particularly when pursuing additional species beyond the mountain nyala included in the package.
This 26-day safari is operated by Dimitri and his experienced Ethiopian hunting team, who bring more than 30 years of experience in the wildlife and hunting safari industry.
Their operations cover different hunting environments, including mountain nyala country in the Bale highlands and lower-lying hunting areas around Bilen.
For a safari combining highland and lowland hunting, the outfitter's role extends beyond guiding the hunter in the field. The itinerary must account for the selected concessions, species quotas, travel between hunting areas and the time required to pursue the principal trophies.
Dimitri and his team arrange the hunting and camp support for the expedition, with the final hunting areas and species opportunities confirmed before booking.
Accommodation during the lowland portion of this safari is provided at the outfitter's hunting lodge in Bilen, situated in Ethiopia's Afar savanna.
The lodge overlooks open plains, with opportunities to observe wildlife in the surrounding country.
Hunters stay in comfortable bungalows equipped with electricity, hot spring water and mosquito nets fitted to doors and windows.
Meals are served in a communal dining area overlooking the surrounding landscape, providing a comfortable base between hunting days.
Accommodation during the mountain nyala portion of the safari may differ, depending on the selected highland concession. The outfitter should confirm the accommodation arrangements for both portions of the expedition before booking.
International hunters generally arrive at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD), Ethiopia's principal international airport.
Travellers from the United States and Europe can reach Addis Ababa through international airline connections, with routes and schedules depending on their departure city.
Airport collection and the agreed ground transfers are included in the safari package.
The lowland hunting area around Bilen is approximately four hours by road from Addis Ababa, according to the outfitter's itinerary. Access to the mountain nyala hunting area will depend on the selected concession.
Hunters should confirm any additional domestic flights, charter flights, overnight accommodation or transfers between hunting concessions before finalising their international travel arrangements.
This expedition is designed for hunters looking to pursue mountain nyala while allowing additional time for other Ethiopian game species.
With different hunting environments, limited quotas and potential transfers between concessions, the success of the arrangements depends on selecting suitable areas and establishing realistic priorities before departure.
Game Hunting Safaris can assist hunters in discussing the itinerary, additional trophy opportunities, available quotas and travel arrangements with the outfitter.
Hunters comparing other destinations, species combinations or safari durations can explore our African hunting trips or contact Game Hunting Safaris to discuss this 26-day Ethiopian safari.
Please note that terms, conditions and price are subject to change without notice and rates at the time of the hunt will apply
You can speak directly with the outfitter before booking. GHS remains available throughout the process.
Needing assistance with firearm permits and international travel services, or good taxidermists? View our affiliated companies
View Affiliated Services