Terrain
Wide gravel and sand plains broken by acacia scrub, dry riverbeds and low volcanic ridges. Open sightlines give falcons room to climb, stoop and chase, and give you a clear view of every flight.
The timeless art of falconry, in Ethiopia's open wilderness
Aysha · Somali Region · Ethiopia
- Private hunting concession
- 400+ km²
- Official falcon hunting license
- EWCA
- Guided expeditions
- 3 to 7 days
Our story
Built on respect for the falcon, the land and the guest
Falconry Ethiopia was founded by people who grew up around falcons and believe this ancient partnership deserves wild, open country and hosts who understand it. Long before it became a journey, falconry was a way of life across Arabia, passed from father to son on the glove.
In the remote plains of Aysha, in Ethiopia's Somali Region, we found land where that tradition can still be lived as it should be: quietly, privately and with care for every falcon in the field. Today we welcome falconers from across the Gulf who travel with their own birds and want an experience that is legal, well organised and true to the heritage.
UNESCO recognises falconry as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. In Ethiopia we see ourselves as its custodians, and we run every expedition accordingly.
Heritage first
We honour the traditions of Arabian falconry, from the way falcons are carried and fed to the pace of a day in the field.
Complete discretion
Your privacy is protected at every step. We keep groups small and never share guest details or images without consent.
Respect for the land
We hunt within licensed limits, work alongside local communities and leave the grounds as we found them.
The team behind every expedition
Hunt director
Plans each expedition with you and leads the team in the field.
Field guides
Local experts who read the terrain, the wind and the movement of game.
Falcon care team
Experienced handlers and veterinary support devoted to the health of your birds.
Camp and hospitality
Cooks and camp staff who make the desert feel like home.
Permits and logistics
Coordinators who handle licences, documents, transport and transfers.
Licensing & compliance
Officially licensed, fully accountable
Falconry Ethiopia holds an official falcon hunting license issued by the Ethiopian Wildlife Conservation Authority (EWCA), the national body responsible for protecting wildlife and regulating hunting in Ethiopia. Every hunt we host takes place within the conditions of that license.
- Issued by
- Ethiopian Wildlife Conservation Authority (EWCA)
- Activity
- Falcon hunting (falconry)
- Concession
- Aysha, Somali Region, Ethiopia
- Area
- More than 400 km²
Request a copy of our license(opens in a new tab)
A copy of our license is available to guests and partners on request.
Ethiopian Wildlife Conservation Authority
Official falcon hunting license
License no.0000-0000
Licensed operator
Legal
Hunting takes place only on our licensed concession, within the species, seasons and limits set by EWCA. Permits for every guest and every falcon are arranged before you travel.
Ethical
We practise fair chase and the traditional ways of falconry. Protected and threatened species are never pursued, and the welfare of falcons and wildlife comes before any outing.
Sustainable
We pace our hunts, respect quotas and keep a light footprint, so the land and its wildlife stay healthy for the next generation of falconers.
The hunting grounds
More than 400 km² of open, untouched country
Our concession lies in Aysha, in the far east of Ethiopia's Somali Region, close to the border with Djibouti. It is remote, quiet and wide open: the kind of country where a falcon can be flown as it was always meant to be.
- Licensed concession
- 400+ km²
- Elevation
- ≈ 700 m
- Main season
- Oct – Mar
Loading map
Drag to explore. Use the + and − buttons to zoom.
Places on the map
The concession area shown is indicative. Exact camp locations are shared with confirmed guests.
Seasons
Our main season runs from October to March, when mornings are cool and days are mild. The hot months from April to September are generally avoided out of care for falcons and guests. Exact season dates follow our license conditions and are confirmed each year.
Game species
Hunting is limited to the species permitted under our license:
- Pigeons
- Other small birds, as permitted
- Rabbits
Protected and threatened species are never hunted.
Experiences
Expeditions shaped around your falcons
Every hunt is private and planned around your group, your birds and the pace you prefer. Choose a length as a starting point and we tailor the rest.
- 3 days
Short expedition
A focused introduction to the grounds, ideal for a first visit or a short break between seasons.
Request a quotePricingOn request
- 5 daysMost requested
Classic expedition
Our most requested hunt, with time to read the land, rest your falcons between flights and settle into camp life.
Request a quotePricingOn request
- 7 days
Grand expedition
The complete experience, for falconers who want to explore the wider concession at an unhurried pace.
Request a quotePricingOn request
Included in every expedition
- AccommodationComfortable, private lodging close to the grounds
- GuidesExperienced local field guides
- Transport4x4 vehicles throughout your stay
- PermitsHunting permits and paperwork
- Falcon careHousing, handling and veterinary support
- MealsFull board throughout your stay
- Airport transfersMeet and greet on arrival and departure
Need a different length or a larger party? Custom expeditions are available on request.
Ask about a custom expeditionYour journey
From first message to first flight
We guide you through every step, from the paperwork to the moment your falcon leaves the glove in Aysha.
Requirements can change and vary by nationality and falcon species. We confirm the current documents for your group when you book.
Send your inquiry
Share your preferred dates, the size of your group and how many falcons are travelling. We reply personally to discuss your plans.
Receive your proposal
We prepare a tailored itinerary and quote. Once you confirm, we reserve your dates on the concession and begin the paperwork.
Visas
Most visitors apply online for an Ethiopian e-Visa. We guide you through the process and supply any supporting documents it requires.
Falcon import and export permits
Each falcon travels with its own documents: CITES paperwork, handled in Ethiopia through EWCA as the national CITES authority, and a veterinary import permit from Ethiopia's veterinary authority. We coordinate both and prepare re-export documents for your return.
Arrival in Ethiopia
We meet you at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport and arrange your onward connection to Dire Dawa, the closest airport to the grounds.
Travel to Aysha
From Dire Dawa you continue overland with our team in 4x4 vehicles, while your falcons travel in shaded, well-ventilated comfort.
Return home
When the hunt ends, we handle your transfers and the documents your falcons need to travel home with you.
Falcon care & logistics
Your falcons, cared for like our own
A good hunt starts with healthy, settled birds. Our falcon care team works alongside your own falconers, supporting your routines rather than replacing them.
Veterinary support
Veterinary support throughout your stay, from a health check on arrival to day-to-day care in the field.
Housing
Shaded, well-ventilated falcon quarters with proper perches, fresh water and shelter from heat, wind and dust.
Handling
Experienced handlers who respect your falconers' methods and help with feeding, weighing and equipment.
Transport
Calm, temperature-conscious transport between airport, camp and field, keeping travel time and stress to a minimum.
Welfare comes first. No falcon is flown when heat, weather or health make it unwise.
Gallery
Moments from the field
A glimpse of the land, the falcons and the quiet hours in between.
Guest words
Trusted by falconers from across the Gulf
Many of our guests value their privacy, so we share their words with only their city.
Everything was arranged before we landed, from the permits for our falcons to the transfers. In the field we only had to think about the hunt.
FalconerRiyadh, Saudi Arabia The land is wide and quiet, and the team truly understands falconry. Our birds were looked after as carefully as they are at home.
Hunting partyAbu Dhabi, UAE Professional, discreet and respectful of our traditions. We are already planning our next season.
Falconry club memberDoha, Qatar
FAQ
Questions, answered
If your question is not here, message us on WhatsApp or send an inquiry.
Is falcon hunting in Ethiopia legal?
Yes. Falconry Ethiopia holds an official falcon hunting license from the Ethiopian Wildlife Conservation Authority (EWCA). Every hunt takes place on our licensed concession in Aysha, within the species, seasons and limits set by that license.
Which permits do my falcons need?
Each falcon needs CITES documentation, such as a CITES certificate or falcon passport from your home country, together with a veterinary health certificate and an Ethiopian veterinary import permit. We coordinate the Ethiopian permits through EWCA and the veterinary authority, and prepare the documents your falcons need to return home.
Can I bring my own falcons?
Yes. Our expeditions are designed for falconers who travel with their own birds. Tell us how many falcons are coming and their species so we can prepare housing, permits and transport.
Is it safe?
Your safety is our first priority. Every movement in the field is planned and accompanied by our team and local guides who know the land and its communities. We stay in contact with local authorities and share honest guidance on current conditions before and during your trip.
When is the best season?
Our main season runs from October to March, when mornings are cool and days are mild. These are the most comfortable months for falcons and falconers alike. Exact dates are confirmed each year under our license.
What should I bring?
Your falcons and their equipment (hoods, gloves, lures and telemetry or GPS trackers), light desert clothing in neutral colours, a warm layer for early mornings and evenings, a hat, sunglasses, sun protection, personal medication and your travel documents. We send a full checklist with your proposal.
What game can we hunt?
Pigeons, other small birds and rabbits, as permitted under our license. Protected and threatened species are never hunted.
How private is my trip?
Your expedition is planned around your group alone, and we never share your details, photos or travel plans without your permission.
How do I book?
Send an inquiry with the form below or message us on WhatsApp. We reply personally with availability, a tailored proposal and a quote.
Plan your hunt
Begin your expedition
Tell us about your group and your falcons. We reply personally, in English or Arabic, with availability and a tailored proposal.
- Private and secureYour details are used only to plan your hunt and are never shared.
- Licensed operatorOfficial falcon hunting license from EWCA.
- A personal replyA member of our team answers every inquiry.
