12 Days Southern Ethiopia & Bale Mountains

After breakfast, we will embark on a 7-hour drive to Arba Minch. Our first stop will be at Tiya, located 80 km from Addis Ababa, to explore the UNESCO-listed Stelae field, which consists of approximately 45 engraved stones, some standing up to 3 meters tall. As we continue our journey, you'll be treated to picturesque views of the two rift valley lakes, Lake Abaya and Lake Chamo. We will arrive at the lodge in the late afternoon, giving you time to relax and take in the breathtaking views from the terrace.

Accommodation: Lodge or Resort, Arba Minch

Morning: Following breakfast, we will embark on a boat cruise on Lake Chamo, where we’ll have the opportunity to spot Africa's largest crocodiles, hippos, and a variety of bird species. Afternoon: We will visit the Dorze people, taking in the stunning views of the Wolayta farmlands, lush green hills, and valleys. The Dorze village is perched high in the Guge Mountains, offering a panoramic view of Lake Abaya and Lake Chamo. Accommodation: Lodge or Resort, Arba Minch Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, we will drive to Konso, a UNESCO Cultural Heritage site, which will take approximately 3.5 hours. During our visit in Konso, we will explore the village compound, the local museum, and, if accessible, the compound of the Konso chief, which features the family graveyard and house mummies. The Konso people have a rich agrarian tradition, creating terraces and walls to protect their fields and villages from livestock and flooding.

Following our time in Konso, we will proceed to the lively Key Afer market (open on Thursdays only), where various tribes from the Omo Valley, including the Derase, Tsemay, Benna, and Ari, converge. We expect to arrive in Jinka in the late afternoon.

Accommodation: Eco Omo Lodge or an equivalent in Jinka

Meals: Breakfast

Morning:

We will drive for 2 hours to enter Mago National Park, where we'll have the opportunity to observe a variety of animals and birds. Next, we’ll visit the Mursi tribe, renowned for their distinctive beauty tradition of using large lip plates.

Afternoon:

After lunch, we will continue our journey to Turmi, a drive of roughly 3 hours, where we’ll meet the fascinating Hamer tribe. Turmi will serve as our base for exploring the Southern tribes of the Omo Valley, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1980.

Accommodation: Buska, Paradise, or an Equivalent Lodge, Turmi

Meals: Breakfast

Morning:

After breakfast, we will head to the lively Dimeka market near Turmi (available on Saturdays only), where various tribes from the Omo Valley come together.

Afternoon: Turmi is renowned for its traditional events. With a bit of luck, we may get to experience a Hamer marriage ceremony, which includes the thrilling bull jumping ritual. In the late afternoon, we will visit a nearby Hamer village to observe the daily lives of the tribe and, if we are fortunate, witness a moonshine dance (Evangadi) performed by young men and women of the Hamer community.

Accommodation: Buska, Paradise, or an equivalent lodge in Turmi

Meals: Breakfast

Morning:

We will embark on a day trip to visit the Dassanech Ethnic group, located 70 km away each way, renowned for their nomadic lifestyle and distinctive body decorations and scarifications. As we make our way there, you’ll also enjoy scenic views of the Omo River while crossing it in a dugout canoe.

Afternoon:

After lunch, we will return to Konso, which will take approximately 3.5 hours. We are expected to arrive at the lodge in the late afternoon.

Accommodation: Kanta Lodge, Konso

Morning:

Following breakfast, we will set off on an 8-hour drive to Hawassa, affectionately known as "The Town of Endless Love." As the capital of the Southern Nations, Hawassa offers a chance to unwind at a luxurious 5-star resort owned by Ethiopian runner Haile Gebrselassie. You can take advantage of amenities such as a sauna, steam bath, and beauty treatments, all while enjoying a breathtaking sunset to conclude your day.

Afternoon:
We will arrive at the exquisite Haile Resort in Hawassa in time to savor the stunning sunset over the lake.

Accommodation: Hotel or Resort, Hawassa
Meals: Breakfast

Morning:

We will drive from Hawassa to Dinsho, the headquarters of Bale Mountains National Park. Once we arrive, we’ll enjoy a leisurely yet captivating walk, where you'll likely encounter a variety of animals and birds, including the endemic mountain nyala.

Afternoon:
Next, we will make our way to Goba or, depending on your arrangements, to the Bale Mountains Lodge situated within the national park.

Accommodation: Hotel in Goba or Bale Mountains Lodge
Meals: Breakfast

We will drive to Bale Mountain National Park (34 km), a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife. Our journey will take us along Africa’s highest all-weather road to the Senetti Plateau, the largest moorland area on the continent. With some luck, we may spot the endemic Ethiopian Wolf and its primary prey, the Giant Mole Rat. We will also explore the Harena escarpments and rainforests, where we can observe highland birds such as the Abyssinian Catbird, Abyssinian Woodpecker, White-backed Black Tit, Abyssinian Ground Thrush, Yellow-crowned Canary, Somali Chestnut-winged Starling, Olive Pigeon, and Mountain Buzzard. In the late afternoon, we will head to Bale Mountain Lodge for the night.

Accommodation: Hotel in Goba or Bale Mountains Lodge
Meals: Breakfast

Morning:
After breakfast, we will drive back to the Rift Valley, making our way to Lake Langano, which takes about 4 hours.

Afternoon:
You have the option to visit Abyata-Shalla National Park for breathtaking views of the Rift Valley or relax on the beach of the Lake Resort, where swimming is available.

Accommodation: Lodge, Langano
Meals: Breakfast

Morning/Afternoon:

We will drive back to Addis Ababa, a journey of about 4 hours, and arrive in the afternoon. A day room will be available for your use until 6 PM.

Evening:
In the evening, savor a traditional Ethiopian dinner accompanied by a dance show at a well-known restaurant in Addis Ababa. After your meal, you will be taken to the airport for your international flight or, if you're staying overnight, back to your hotel.
Departure or Individual Extension