Day 1: Flight to Arbaminch
We shall leave Addis Ababa and fly to Arbaminch, which is about 550 kilometers south of the capital. The name Arbaminch means “forty springs,” and the town is surrounded by many springs.
On arrival, we shall take a boat trip on Lake Chamo to see hippos, many birds, and crocodiles along the lake’s shores.
Overnight at Tourist Hotel.
Day 2: Drive to Turmi
After breakfast, we shall drive to Turmi. Here, we will meet the Hamer people who are known for scarring their bodies and styling their hair with clay. One of their traditional customs is called “bull-jumping.”
Young men must pass this test to be allowed to marry. The Alduba Market, held every Tuesday, is the biggest in the area and brings together the Hammar, Benna, and Tsemay people.
Overnight at Emerald Lodge.
Day 3: Excursion to Omorate & Karo
After breakfast, we shall drive to Omorate to meet the Dassanatch people who live along the banks of the Omo River. Later in the morning, we shall return to Turmi for lunch.
In the afternoon, we shall visit the Karo villages and meet the Kara people.
They are known for their body paintings and raise cattle, living near the Omo River to access water for their animals. In the evening, we return to Turmi.
Overnight at Emerald Lodge.
Day 4: Visit Mursi Village
After an early breakfast, we shall drive from Turmi to Jinka. Along the way, we shall meet the Mursi people, famous for the large lip plates worn by the women. The drive ends in the heart of Mago National Park.
Overnight at NASA Hotel.
Day 5: Visit Konso Village
After breakfast, we drive to the hills of Konso, passing through the lands of the Tsemay people. If it’s Thursday, we can visit the colorful Afar market. We also meet the Ari people, known for their farming.
On arrival in Konso, we shall explore the terraced hills and visit the compound of the local chief, where we can view local art.
Overnight at Korebta Lodge.
Day 6: Drive to Dorze Village
After breakfast, we drive to the land of the Dorze people. They are known for their tall, elephant-shaped houses made from bamboo. They grow false bananas and are part of the Omotic tribes in southwestern Ethiopia.
They mainly live in the Guge Mountains and have about nine villages in this region. Their crafts make great souvenirs.
Overnight at Tourist Hotel.
Day 7: Drive to Ziway
After breakfast, we leave the Dorze lands and drive through the fertile region of Wolaytasodo to Ziway. Depending on our arrival time, we may visit Lake Ziway to see large groups of great white pelicans, marabou storks, and other water birds.
Overnight at Haile Resort.
Day 8: Drive to Awash National Park
We shall drive to Awash National Park today. When we arrive, we visit the Awash River and see the waterfalls. The park has many birds and animals living among thorny bushes.
Animals to look out for include colobus monkeys, Beisa oryx, Soemmering’s gazelle, black-backed jackal, warthogs, Hamadryas baboons, Anubis baboons, lesser kudu, and Salt’s dik-dik.
Overnight at Doho Lodge.
Day 9: Drive to Harar
After breakfast, we drive to Harar and stop at Awodai, which has the largest khat market in Ethiopia. In the afternoon, we visit the hyena feeding man. This tradition has helped protect livestock and people from hyenas for many years. You can also feed the hyenas yourself.
Overnight at Ras Hotel.
Day 10: Harar City Tour & Flight to Addis Ababa
After a late breakfast, we explore Harar. This walled city dates back to the 16th century and is important in the Islamic history of Ethiopia. You will visit museums, markets, and traditional Harari houses.
In the afternoon, we drive to Dire Dawa for our flight to Addis Ababa. On arrival, our representative will take you to the hotel.
Overnight at Hotel Lobelia.
Day 11: Flight to Bale Mountains
After breakfast, we take a flight to Goba. When we arrive, our team member will drive you to Dinsho, the entrance to the Bale Mountains. We shall hike to explore the area’s nature and wildlife.
Animals you may see include warthogs, mountain nyala, Menelik’s bushbuck, and Bohor reedbuck.
Overnight at WabeShabale Hotel.
Day 12: Excursion to Sanetti Plateau & Harenna Forest
After breakfast, we drive to the Sanetti Plateau. If lucky, we may see the rare Ethiopian wolf early in the morning. The plateau is a good place to see this animal. There are winding roads that give nice views of the area.
We stop at Tulu Dimtu, also called the Red Mountain, which stands at 4,377 meters and is the tallest mountain in this region. At the base of the escarpment, there is a small village to explore.
The round trip will take about 2 hours and includes a snack break. Watch for the black-and-white colobus monkey and the Bale monkey.
Overnight at WabeShabale Hotel.
Day 13: Fly Back to Addis
After breakfast, we drive to Goba Airport for our flight back to Addis Ababa. If time allows, we can take a short city tour to see the National Museum, the former palace of Emperor Haile Selassie, and the famous remains of Lucy.
In the evening, we enjoy a farewell dinner with Ethiopian food and music before your final drive to the airport.
