Preview
Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime journey through Ethiopia’s most captivating landscapes and cultures. This 13-day adventure combines the vibrant tribal traditions of the Omo Valley with the breathtaking wilderness of Bale Mountains National Park.
Begin your exploration in the Omo Valley, home to diverse and colorful tribes such as the Hamer, Mursi, and Karo, where you’ll witness age-old traditions, stunning body art, and unique lifestyles. Then, transition to the Bale Mountains for an immersive trek through lush forests, alpine meadows, and dramatic plateaus. Encounter endemic wildlife like the Ethiopian wolf and enjoy panoramic views from the Sanetti Plateau.
This tour offers an extraordinary blend of culture, wildlife, and adventure, making it the perfect choice for those seeking an authentic Ethiopian experience.
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Day 01 Addis Ababa – Bale Mountains
Drive from Addis to the Bale Mountains National Park. Arrive at the park headquarters in the afternoon, in time for a leisurely afternoon hike, possibly spotting two endemic mammals that frequent the area: Menelik’s Bushbuck and the Mountain Nyala. Birds in this area include the Blue-Winged Goose, the Spot-Breasted Lapwing, the Abyssinian Long Claw, the Wattled Ibis, the Black-Headed Siskin, Rouget’s Rail, and numerous other species. Overnight camping near park entrance. Overnight Camping (B, L, D) |
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Day 02 Trekking Bale Mountains National Park
Walk through Dinsho and enter the National Park. Around Dinsho, the Mountain Nyala and Menelik’s Bushbuck should be visible. While trekking through the park, there will be a chance to see Ethiopian Wolves. Stop by Habera Waterfall for a nice break. Hiking will take 6-7 hours. Overnight Camping (B, L, D) |
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Day 03 Trekking Bale Mountains National Park
Trek to Wasama through a beautiful landscape with stunning views. Pass through Mararo Valley where the Lammergeyer and Verraux Eagles keep nests. There will also be a chance a seeing the Ethiopian Wolf and other species of birds. Around 5-6 hours of trekking. Overnight Camping (B, L, D) |
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Day 04 Trekking Bale Mountains National Park
Start the day by hiking up Mt. Wasama (4200m) and then continue down into the Worgona Valley. Falcons, raptors, and possibly the Ethiopian Wolf will be visible. End the day at Lake Gebre Gurracha, meaning “black lake” in the Oromic language. Trekking will take 6-7 hours. Overnight Camping (B, L, D) |
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Day 05 Sanetti Plateau
Take a short trek from Gebre Gurracha up to the Sanetti Plateau to meet vehicles. Explore the Sanetti Plateau by car. This is the best place in Ethiopia to view the Ethiopian Wolf. Overnight Hotel (B, L, D) |
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Day 06 Bale Mountains – Arba Minch
Drive to Arba Minch, one of the main towns in Southern Ethiopia. On the way, visit a Dorze Village in the Guge Mountains. The Dorze are known for their tall, beehive-shaped bamboo houses. If the base becomes infested with termites, the entire house can be lifted and moved to another location. Overnight Lodge (B, L, D) |
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Day 07 Arba Minch – Jinka
Take a boat trip on Lake Chamo and view some of the largest crocodiles in the world sunning on the banks of the lake. Hippopotami and birdlife are also abundant. Drive to Jinka visiting various peoples such as the Gamo and Derashe. Stop at Key Afar’s weekly market (if on a Thursday) and wander among the various tribes such as the Benna and Ari that have gathered to barter their goods. Overnight Lodge (B, L, D) |
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Day 08 Mago National Park
Early morning drive to the Mago National Park to visit the Mursi people. The Mursi women are known for the clay plates they insert into their lower lips. Time permitting, visit the Omo Valley Museum in Jinka. Overnight Lodge (B, L, D) |
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Day 09 Jinka – Turmi
Drive to Turmi to visit the Hame eople who are well known for the scarring of their bodies, using clay to shape their hairstyles, and the unique practice of “bull-jumping” which every young man must accomplish prior to marriage. En route to Turmi, visit the Benna and Ari people. Overnight Lodge (B, L, D) |
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Day 10 Omorate Excursion
Excursion from Turmi to Omorate. Crossing of the Omo River via a traditional canoe (a recently built bridge now also allows for optional crossing via tour vehicle.). Visit a village of another Omo tribe, the Dasanech, a semi nomadic people who are one of the more numerous (about 30,000 people) tribes in the Omo. Return to Turmi in the afternoon. Overnight Lodge (B, L, D) |
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Day 11 Turmi – Konso
Drive to Konso, recently designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. A highland people, the Konso are known for the ancient and intricate terraces that encircle their well-planned villages. Overnight Lodge (B, L, D) |
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Day 12 Konso – Hawassa
Drive to Hawassa via the Shenkele game reserve. This Park is the last pocket of the original Ethiopian Savannah. You will have a chance to spot the endemic Antelope called Swayne`s hartebeast, one the rarest and most elegant animals in all of Africa. Continue to Hawassa and relax at a lakeside resort. Overnight Hotel (B, L, D) |
Day 13 Hawassa – Addis Ababa
Drive to Addis Ababa stopping at Rift Valley Lakes which are renowned for their endemic birdlife. Upon arrival in Addis Ababa, optional souvenir shopping if time permits. Enjoy a Farewell dinner at a traditional Ethiopian restaurant featuring dancers and musicians representing some of the country’s many ethnic groups. Transfer to airport for late-night departure or additional hotel night booked upon request.
Drive to Addis Ababa stopping at Rift Valley Lakes which are renowned for their endemic birdlife. Upon arrival in Addis Ababa, optional souvenir shopping if time permits. Enjoy a Farewell dinner at a traditional Ethiopian restaurant featuring dancers and musicians representing some of the country’s many ethnic groups. Transfer to airport for late-night departure or additional hotel night booked upon request.
