The journey begins with a flight to Arbaminch, where travelers take a boat trip on Lake Chamo. They drive to Turmi to visit the Hamer people and explore the Alduba Market.
Next, they visit the Dassanech and Kara tribes before heading to Jinka to meet the Mursi people.
The trip continues to Konso, a UNESCO site, and the Dorze village, known for its elephant-shaped houses. Travelers then visit Ziway, Awash National Park, and Harar, where they experience the hyena-feeding tradition.
The trip ends with a visit to Bale Mountains, the Sanetti Plateau, and a return to Addis Ababa for a farewell dinner.
Day 1: Flight to Arbaminch
We will depart Addis Ababa for Arbaminch, which is about 550 kilometers south of the Ethiopian capital. We will take a flight to Arbaminch.
The name Arbaminch means “forty springs” because the town is surrounded by numerous natural springs. Upon arrival, we will take a boat trip on Lake Chamo to see large herds of hippos, abundant birdlife, and crocodiles sunbathing on the shores.
Day 2: Drive to Turmi
After breakfast, we will drive to Turmi, where we will interact with the Hamer people.
The Hamer people are known for scarification rituals and for styling their hair with clay. They also practice the “bull-jumping” ceremony, an initiation rite that young men must complete before they are considered ready for marriage.
We will also visit Alduba Market, which takes place every Tuesday and is the biggest market in the region. It brings together the Hamer, Benna, and Tsemay tribes, providing an opportunity to experience different cultures in one place.
Day 3: Excursion to Omorate and Karo
After breakfast, we will drive to Omorate to interact with the Dassanech people, whose villages are located along the banks of the Omo River.
Later in the morning, we will return to Turmi for lunch, then visit the Kara people in the afternoon.
The Kara people are known for their elaborate body paintings, which they use for cultural ceremonies. They are cattle herders, and they settle along the Omo River to ensure their animals have access to water.
In the evening, we will return to Turmi for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 4: Visit Mursi Village
After an early breakfast, we will leave Turmi and drive to Jinka, passing through Mago National Park.
We will visit the Mursi people, famous for their women who wear large clay lip plates. This tradition is a symbol of beauty and cultural identity among Mursi women.
Day 5: Visit Konso Village
In the morning, after breakfast, we will drive to Konso, passing through Tsemay lands.
If you are traveling on a Thursday, you will have the chance to visit the Afar Market, a colorful and lively trading center.
We will also interact with the Ari people, known for their agricultural skills.
Upon arrival in Konso, we will explore the terraced hills, which are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We will also visit the chief’s compound to see traditional art and wooden totems honoring the dead.
Day 6: Drive to Dorze Village
After breakfast, we will drive to the Dorze lands.
The Dorze people are known for their elephant-shaped houses made of bamboo. Their land is very fertile, allowing them to cultivate false banana plants, which they use for making local food.
The Dorze belong to the Omotic tribes of southwestern Ethiopia and are famous for their art, crafts, and weaving. You will have the opportunity to buy souvenirs here.
Day 7: Drive to Ziway
After breakfast, we will leave Dorze and drive to Ziway, passing through the fertile lands of Wolayta Sodo.
Upon arrival, we will visit the shores of Lake Ziway, where we can see great white pelicans, marabou storks, and other water birds.
Day 8: Drive to Awash National Park
After breakfast, we will drive to Awash National Park.
Upon arrival, we will visit the Awash River and admire the stunning Awash Waterfalls.
Awash National Park is home to many bird species due to its thorny bushland, as well as wildlife such as: Colobus monkeys, Beisa oryx, Soemmerring’s gazelle, Black-backed jackal, Warthog, Hamadryas baboon, Anubis baboon, Lesser kudu and Salt’s dik-dik.
After the game drive, we will head to our lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 9: Drive to Harar
After breakfast, we will drive to Harar, making a stop at Awodai, which is home to Ethiopia’s largest khat market.
In the afternoon, we will visit the Hyena Man, who feeds wild hyenas every night. This tradition was started to prevent hyenas from hunting livestock and attacking humans. You will also have a chance to feed the hyenas yourself.
Day 10: Harar City Tour – Flight to Addis Ababa
After a late breakfast, we will explore the walled city of Harar, which dates back to the 16th century.
Harar is one of the most important Islamic cities in Ethiopia. Attractions include: Harari museums, Local markets and Traditional Harari houses.
Later in the afternoon, we will drive to Dire Dawa Airport for our flight back to Addis Ababa.
Upon arrival, our representative will pick you up and take you to the hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 11: Flight to Bale Mountains
After breakfast, we will take a flight to Goba.
Upon arrival, our guide will drive you to Dinsho, the entry point to Bale Mountains National Park.
You will hike to the mountain viewpoint, exploring the scenery and wildlife. Animals to watch out for include: Warthog, Mountain nyala, Menelik’s bushbuck and the Bohor reedbuck.
Day 12: Excursion to Sanetti Plateau and Harenna Forest
After breakfast, we will drive to Sanetti Plateau, the best place in Ethiopia to see the endangered Ethiopian wolf.
The plateau has winding roads that provide panoramic views of the landscape. It is also a breeding ground for rodents and other small mammals.
We will make a stop at Tulu Dimtu, the highest peak in the Bale Mountains at 4,377 meters above sea level.
At the base of the escarpment, we will explore a small village before continuing our journey.
Wildlife in this area includes: Black-and-white colobus monkeys and Bale monkeys.
Day 13: Fly Back to Addis Ababa
After breakfast, we will drive to Goba Airport for our flight back to Addis Ababa.
If time allows, we will take a city tour, visiting: The National Museum, The former palace of Emperor Haile Selassie and the remains of Lucy.
We will then enjoy a farewell dinner, featuring Ethiopian cuisine and live music performances, before heading to the airport for your departure flight.
