The journey begins with a drive from Addis Ababa to Bale Mountains, where travelers hike through the park, spotting Menelik’s bushbuck, mountain nyala, and various birds.
They trek through Web Valley, Wasema, and Rafu, passing waterfalls and volcanic landscapes while searching for the Ethiopian wolf.
After exploring the Sanetti Plateau, they drive to Arbaminch for a boat ride on Lake Chamo and a visit to the Dorze people. The trip continues to Turmi, where they meet the Konso, Hamer, and Dassenech tribes.
Finally, they visit the Mursi people in Mago National Park before flying back to Addis Ababa.
Day 1: Arrival in Bale Mountains
We will leave Addis Ababa for the Bale Mountains. Upon arrival, we will check in at the park headquarters for clearance and instructions.
We will then begin our hike, where we have a chance to see the endemic and rare Menelik’s bushbuck and mountain nyala. Other wildlife includes warthogs, reedbucks, gray duikers, and baboons. Some of the bird species in this area include the black-headed siskin, wattled ibis, and Abyssinian catbird, all of which are commonly found in the woodland sector of the Bale Mountains.
Day 2: Trek from Dinsho to Sodota Campsite
After breakfast, we will hike 18 kilometers to Sodota. The trek offers stunning views and scenic landscapes.
We will see the Web Valley and the Fincha Habera Waterfall, where the Web and Wolla Rivers meet. This is also a great place to look for the rare Ethiopian wolf and endemic birds such as the blue-winged goose.
Day 3: Trek from Sodota to Wasema
Today, we will hike to Wasema, an area with breathtaking landscapes.
The trek will take us through the Mararo Valley, known for its Lammergeier and Verreaux’s eagles, which nest in this region. The Ethiopian wolf is also commonly spotted here. The hike will take about 7 hours.
Day 4: Trek from Wasema to Rafu
Today, we will hike through the wilderness, providing better views of the Massif Mountains.
This landscape has been shaped by volcanic activity, and you will see many signs of this geological influence. The hike will take about 6 hours.
Day 5: Trek to Sanetti Plateau
We will hike from Rafu to the stunning Sanetti Plateau.
Some of the wildlife we expect to see includes falcons, raptors, and possibly the Ethiopian wolf. The Afro-alpine moorland vegetation offers spectacular views, and we will also explore the lakes on the plateau.
Day 6: Bale Mountains – Drive to Arbaminch
We will drive south from the Bale Mountains to Arbaminch, making stops along the way. Upon arrival, we will check into our accommodation for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 7: Visit the Dorze Tribe
In the morning, we will take a boat ride on Lake Chamo, where we will search for the largest crocodiles in Africa.
Arbaminch, which lies between Lake Abaya and Lake Chamo, offers stunning scenery, including lush green hills.
After the boat cruise, we will visit the Dorze people, known for their beehive-shaped houses made from bamboo. These houses can be moved in case of termite infestations.
Day 8: Drive to Turmi – Visit Konso and Hamer Tribes
After breakfast, we will drive to the small town of Turmi, the cultural center of the Omo tribes.
On the way, we will stop in the Konso region, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Konso people are known for their terraced farming and wooden totems built in honor of the dead.
After lunch, we will continue to Turmi, passing through the forests of the Hamer people. The Hamer tribe is famous for their pottery, body decoration, and hairstyles made with clay.
Day 9: Drive to Omorate – Visit Dassenech Tribe – Continue to Jinka
This morning, we will drive 75 kilometers to visit the Dassenech people, who live along the banks of the Omo River, near the Kenyan border.
The Dassenech are nomadic herders with several clans spread across Sudan, Kenya, and Ethiopia. They are well known for their traditional hair buns.
After visiting the Dassenech, we will return to Turmi for lunch and then continue our journey to Jinka, where we will visit the Ari people.
The Ari tribe lives in lush farmlands and is known for growing coffee, bananas, avocados, and mangoes. Their markets bring together many Omo Valley tribes, making it a great place to experience diverse cultures.
Day 10: Discover the Mursi Tribe – Fly Back to Addis Ababa
Early in the morning, we will drive to Mago National Park, home to the Mursi people.
The Mursi are best known for their women, who wear large clay plates in their lower lips. They are one of the last remaining tribes in Africa that still practices this tradition.
After visiting the Mursi villages, we will return to Jinka and take a flight back to Addis Ababa.
