Day 1 – Arrival in Addis Ababa

Pickup from Bole International Airport and transfer to your hotel. After check-in, enjoy a city tour visiting the National Museum of Ethiopia, home to “Lucy” the famous hominid fossil, Entoto Mountain for panoramic views of the city at 3,000 meters above sea level, and Merkato Market, the largest open-air market in Africa.

Overnight: Addis Ababa

Day 2 – Addis Ababa to Arba Minch

Depart Addis Ababa heading south along the western Rift Valley escarpment, passing through the towns of Soddo, Butajira, and Hosanna. En route, visit the archaeological site of Melka-Kunture, the rock-hewn church of Adadi Mariam (the southernmost in Ethiopia), and the Tiya Stelae Field (UNESCO World Heritage Site).

Continue through the lush landscapes of the Gurage, Hadiya, and Wolayta regions before arriving in Arba Minch.

Overnight: Arba Minch Lodge / Hotel

Day 3 – Lake Chamo Boat Trip & Dorze Village

Morning boat excursion on Lake Chamo to observe Nile crocodiles, hippos, and a wide variety of birdlife including pelicans, storks, ibis, fish eagles, and goliath herons.

In the afternoon, drive to Dorze Village, enjoying a scenic climb with breathtaking views of the Rift Valley and Lakes Abaya and Chamo. Visit the Dorze people, known for their beehive-shaped bamboo houses and exceptional weaving traditions.

Overnight: Arba Minch

Day 4 – Arba Minch to Jinka

Travel south through the terraced hills of the Konso region with spectacular views of the Woyto Valley. If visiting on Thursday, stop at the vibrant Key-Afar Market, where Hamer, Benna, Ari, and Tsemay communities gather to trade.

Upon arrival in Jinka, visit the local museum and research center.

Overnight: Jinka

Day 5 – Mago National Park & Mursi Tribe

Drive to Mago National Park to visit the Mursi tribe, famous for their distinctive lip plates. In the afternoon, explore Jinka Museum and research center.

Overnight: Jinka

Day 6 – Jinka to Turmi via Diemeka Market

Drive to Turmi, stopping at the Diemeka Market, an important trading place for the Hamer tribe. Continue to a Hamer village, known for traditional hairstyles and the Bull-Jumping ceremony. If timing permits, witness this cultural event.

Overnight: Turmi Lodge

Day 7 – Omorate & Dasenech Tribe

Travel through the Omo Valley to Omorate. Cross the Omo River by traditional dugout canoe to visit the Dasenech tribe on the riverbank.

Return to Turmi. If available, attend a Hamer Bull-Jumping ceremony.

Overnight: Turmi

Day 8 – Turmi to Arba Minch

Drive back to Arba Minch and relax at your hotel.

Overnight: Arba Minch

Day 9 – Arba Minch to Hawassa

Drive to Hawassa, stopping at Wondo Genet to enjoy hot springs, birdwatching, and lush natural forests. Continue to Hawassa and check in to your hotel.

Overnight: Hawassa

Day 10 – Lake Hawassa & Bale Mountains National Park

Morning visit to Lake Hawassa and the lively fish market. Afternoon drive to Bale Mountains National Park, home to afro-alpine landscapes and endemic wildlife.

Overnight: Goba Wabe Shebele Hotel

Day 11 – Bale Mountains & Lake Langano

Explore the Sanetti Plateau, then drive to Lake Langano. Check in at African Vacation Lodge and relax by the lakeside in bilharzia-free waters.

Overnight: Lake Langano

Day 12 – Return to Addis Ababa

Drive back to Addis Ababa. In the evening, enjoy a traditional farewell dinner with Ethiopian music and cultural dance. Transfer to the airport for departure if required.

End of Tour