11-Days Ethiopia Wildlife & Coffee Tour (Kafa & Chebera Churchura)- South West Ethiopia

Arrive in Addis Ababa and transfer to your hotel. Enjoy a city tour, including a visit to the National Museum to see Lucy, the 3.4-million-year-old human ancestor. Depending on your arrival time, we may schedule the Addis Ababa city tour at the end of the trip.”
Overnight: Ramada Addis Hotel/Similar (4*) Hotel

Take a morning flight to Jimma. Visit the historic Palace of Abba Jifar II (Jimma Museum), the royal compound of the famous King of Jimma. Explore artifacts, royal regalia, and exhibits showcasing Jimma’s Oromo and Kaffa heritage, while gaining insight into the city’s history and architecture.

After lunch, drive to Bonga. Explore the ancient coffee forests, visit the spectacular Berta Waterfall, and participate in a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony in a local village.
Overnight: Lewi Resort Bonga/Available Local Hotel

Set off early for a guided nature walk in the Kafa Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its rich biodiversity. Trek through lush forests, spotting rare wildlife, endemic plants, and diverse bird species. Your guide will explain the ecological significance and conservation efforts in the area.

Afternoon:
Enjoy a picnic lunch in the heart of the reserve, then continue exploring hidden waterfalls and serene landscapes. Photograph vibrant flora and fauna and engage with local conservationists dedicated to preserving this unique ecosystem.

Evening:
Return to Bonga for a relaxed dinner at a local restaurant, sampling regional dishes and sharing stories with fellow travelers.
Overnight: Lewi Resort Bonga/Available Local Hotel

Morning:
Visit the breathtaking Bonga Waterfalls, located a short drive from town. Enjoy the tranquil surroundings, take photographs, swim, or relax by the cascading waters.

Afternoon:
After lunch, engage with local artisans in activities such as weaving, pottery, or traditional dancing. Share tea and stories with your hosts, gaining a deeper appreciation for local craftsmanship and culture.
Overnight: Lewi Resort Bonga/Available Local Hotel

After breakfast, drive to Chebera Churchura National Park, a protected area established in 2005 in the southern region of the Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples. Check in to your lodge and enjoy lunch.

Afternoon:
Embark on a game drive to spot wildlife, including elephants, buffalo, kudu, waterbuck, lions, leopards, and over 140 bird species, five of which are endemic to Ethiopia.
Overnight: Lodge in Chebera Churchura

Spend the day exploring the park with morning and afternoon game drives. Immerse yourself in the untouched wilderness, ranging from open savannahs to dense forests. Observe wildlife in their natural habitat and capture unforgettable moments in this biodiverse region.
Overnight: Lodge in Chebera Churchura

After breakfast, depart for Sodo, enjoying scenic stops along the way to admire the landscapes of southern Ethiopia. Arrive in Sodo and check in to your hotel. Take time to relax and unwind after the day’s journey.
Overnight: Haile Resort, Sodo

After an early breakfast, visit the Twin Ajora Waterfalls before continuing on the main road to Arba Minch. Upon arrival, visit a Dorze village to observe local life, traditional bamboo houses, and daily activities.

Afternoon:
Enjoy a boat trip on Lake Chamo to experience the famous “Crocodile Market” and observe hippos, crocodiles, and abundant birdlife. If time permits, visit the Forty Springs rainforest area.
Overnight: Paradise Lodge, Arba Minch

Drive to Yirgalem via Morocho, enjoying lush forests and stunning landscapes along the way. Arrive in the late afternoon at Aregash Lodge, nestled between coffee fields and vibrant vegetation.

Guests can enjoy birdwatching, traditional coffee ceremonies, hyena feeding, and visits to local villages to experience the authentic Sidama way of life. The bamboo-thatched Tukuls are built in the style of a traditional Sidama village, with each bungalow decorated in vibrant colors and furnished in traditional Sidama style, creating a warm and luxurious atmosphere.

Aregash Lodge is the perfect retreat for nature lovers and travelers seeking peace in the heart of Ethiopia’s coffee country.
Overnight: Aregash Lodge at Yirgalem

After breakfast, enjoy guided walking activities at Aregash Lodge, offering a serene escape into nature. Stroll through lush coffee plantations and bamboo forests while observing wildlife such as hyenas, jackals, and monkeys. These walks last 2–3 hours and provide a meaningful connection with the local environment and its inhabitants.

After the morning walk, depart for Hawassa, the administrative capital of the Sidama Region, known for its beautiful Lake Hawassa, vibrant fish market, and abundant birdlife.
Overnight: Haile Resort, Hawassa

Early in the morning, visit the Hawassa Fish Market on the shores of Lake Hawassa, observing local fishermen at work and abundant birdlife, including African fish eagles, grey herons, kingfishers, and African jacanas.

Drive back to Addis Ababa via Lake Ziway, stopping along the lakeshore to enjoy birdwatching and scenic views. Look out for pelicans, cormorants, and egrets. Continue to Debre Zeit (Bishoftu), home to the famous seven crater lakes, where you can enjoy a late lunch or coffee break while admiring the surrounding lakes and spotting weaver birds, swallows, and African darters.

Arrive in Addis Ababa in the late afternoon. Refresh at your hotel before enjoying a farewell dinner at a traditional cultural restaurant, featuring Ethiopian cuisine, live music, and traditional dance performances. After dinner, transfer to the airport for your departure.