Echoes of Ethiopia: From Omo to Bale

Arrive in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia’s vibrant capital, where you’ll be greeted by your guide and transferred to your hotel. After check-in, head out to explore the city’s top attractions. Start with the National Museum of Ethiopia, home to the famous “Lucy” fossil, a 3.2-million-year-old discovery that reshaped human evolution. Then, visit Mercato, the largest open-air market in Africa, where you’ll experience the vibrant culture and local life of Addis Ababa. Don’t miss the traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony, an integral part of Ethiopian hospitality. Conclude the afternoon at the Holy Trinity Cathedral, a historical landmark with connections to Emperor Haile Selassie and Sylvia Pankhurst. Enjoy a relaxing evening at your hotel or dine at a local restaurant to experience authentic Ethiopian cuisine.

Overnight: Hotel of your choice
Meals: — (Dinner on your own or arranged upon request)

Fly to Jinka, a small market town in Ethiopia’s Omo Valley, and home to the South Omo Research Centre Museum. From here, you have the option to visit Omo National Park, a hidden gem with rugged landscapes and breathtaking vistas, perfect for those seeking off-the-beaten-path adventures. Over the next few days, you’ll explore the Omo Valley by road, meeting tribal communities that have thrived in this region for centuries. Today, immerse yourself in the culture of the Ari people, one of the valley's indigenous tribes.

Overnight: Eco Omo Lodge

Today, drive from Jinka to Turmi (2.5 hrs), with a visit to the Key Afar market en route. Upon arrival, explore Mago National Park and meet the iconic Mursi people, known for their distinctive lower lip plates, traditional attire, and ornate headdresses. The Mursi are one of the few tribes that maintain their traditional clothing and cultural practices. Depending on timing, there’s the opportunity to witness an Evangadi dance or bull jumping ceremony in Turmi—a unique experience if it coincides with your visit.

Overnight: Buska Lodge

Today, visit the Karo people in Kolcho, known for their body painting and intricate beadwork, followed by a visit to the Nyangatom people in Kangatan, an indigenous group renowned for their unique cultural practices. Experience the rich traditions of these fascinating tribes, each with their own distinctive way of life.

Overnight: Buska Lodge

In the morning, visit the Dasanech people in Omerate, known for their unique customs and vibrant cultural traditions. In the afternoon, explore the lively Dimeka market before meeting the Hamar people. The Hamar are agro-pastoralists famous for their body adornments, colorful beads, and the ‘goscha’ hairstyle, created with ochre and resin. When the men reach adulthood, they participate in the traditional bull-jumping ceremony. The Hamar are known for their warmth and hospitality, often offering wild coffee and barbecued goat, along with an introduction to their rich customs.

Overnight: Buska Lodge

Drive from Turmi to Arba Minch (5.5 hrs), with en route visits to the Arbore and Konso people. In Konso, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, explore the terraced village surrounded by fortified stone walls, dating back over 400 years. The Konso people are known for their agricultural practices, beekeeping, and cotton weaving. Their famous Waga Sculptures—wooden anthropomorphic carvings—honor and memorialize members of the community. Spend the day immersed in the rich culture of these resilient people, with your guide assisting throughout your visit to ensure an enriching experience.

Overnight: Paradise Lodge/Hotel of your Choice

In the morning, take a scenic boat trip on Lake Chamo, located in Nechisar National Park. As you glide across the expansive lake, observe crocodiles, hippos, and flamingos basking in the Ethiopian sun. You’ll also have the chance to explore Nechisar National Park or visit the Dorze people, renowned for their distinctive bee-hive huts, weaving, and singing traditions. In the afternoon, enjoy a visit to the Dorze market, where you can experience the vibrant culture and craftsmanship of the Dorze community.

Overnight: Paradise Lodge / Hotel of your choice

Drive from Arba Minch to Hawassa (5 hrs), with an en route visit to Senkele Game Sanctuary, home to a variety of wildlife, including the endangered Swayne’s hartebeest. Enjoy the scenic journey through Ethiopia's stunning landscapes before arriving in Hawassa.

Overnight: Haile Resort Hawassa / Hotel of your choice

In the morning, visit the famous Hawassa fish market, where you can sample some of the freshest fish soup in Ethiopia. Afterward, drive for 5.5 hours from Hawassa to Bale Mountains National Park, passing through Dinsho, the park’s headquarters, where you will meet your guide and review your hiking itinerary for the coming days.

Drive through the park to the Harenna Forest, one of Ethiopia’s last remaining natural forests, located below a 1,200-meter escarpment. This biodiverse area is home to numerous species, some endemic to the region, and offers stunning views. The forest is renowned for its moss-covered trees, creating a unique and almost otherworldly landscape. Over the past few years, new species, including 22 new moths and butterflies, have been discovered here.

Stay at Bale Mountain Lodge, a renowned eco-lodge offering comfortable accommodations and expert staff who will share their knowledge of the region. The lodge is also a great spot to spot Bale monkeys and Harenna chameleons in the surrounding trees.

Overnight: Hotel of your choice

Start your day in the Bale Mountains National Park with the sounds of the Harenna Forest and the aroma of freshly brewed wild coffee, harvested just south of the lodge. Spend the morning exploring the forest, where you’ll have the chance to spot various wildlife—don’t forget your binoculars and camera to capture the incredible sights.

In the afternoon, head to the Sanetti Plateau, a lunar landscape known for its stunning views. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to spot the Ethiopian Wolf, the rarest carnivore in Africa, with over half of the world’s population residing in the Bale Mountains. You may also see the giant mole-rat, an endemic species and the primary food source for these elusive wolves.

Overnight: Hotel of your Choice.

Drive from the Bale Mountains to Lake Langano (5.5 hrs), where you’ll have the afternoon free to relax by the lake and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Whether you choose to unwind by the water or explore the area, this is the perfect time to recharge after your wildlife adventure.

Overnight: Hara Langano Lodge

Spend the morning at leisure before heading to Lake Ziway, located in the heart of the Ethiopian Rift Valley. This picturesque lake, surrounded by four other lakes, offers excellent opportunities to explore Ethiopia’s wildlife. A boat trip on Lake Ziway will allow you to see a variety of birdlife, including Great White Pelicans, Marabous, Hammerkop, Sacred Ibis, Yellow Billed Storks, and flamingos, while hippos bask in the sun along the shore.

The lake is also home to five islands, with Tulu Godo being particularly noteworthy for its rich history. After a 90-minute boat ride, a short walk will take you to the Maryam Tsion Monastery, a historic site believed to have housed the Ark of the Covenant during the reign of Queen Yodit. Your guide will share fascinating insights about the monastery’s past.

After exploring the lake, return to Addis Ababa for your evening international flight home, or stay overnight before your departure the following day.