Southern Ethiopia Tour Package
10 Days South Ethiopia
12 Days Southern Ethiopia
14 Days Bird Watching in Ethiopia
21 Days North and South Ethiopia
10 Days South Ethiopia
Day 1: Arrival at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport
Meet and greet you FANOS Ethiopia Tours representative at exit of luggage claim and transfer you to the hotel. Overnight stay in Intercontinental Hotel, Addis Ababa.
Day 2: Drive to Arab Minch through Wolayta Sodo
In the morning after breakfast, you will drive to Arba Minch (505 Km from Addis). On the way you will visit to the Tiya Stelae (90 Km from Addis). You will stop for lunch at Wolayta Sodo (330 Km from Addis). Here you will visit the Wolayta people museum. You will continue driving to Dorze (20km before Arba Minch/500 Km from Addis) and visit to the Dorze village (famous for their bee hive shaped houses, weaving styles and their lifestyle). You will be arriving in Arba Minch late afternoon and check into a lodge. You will have dinner and spend the night at the lodge. Overnight stay in Paradise or Swaynes Lodge.
Day 3: Visit Nech Sar National Park and Boat Trip on Lake Chamo
In the morning, after breakfast you will visit to the nearby Nech Sar National Park (a natural habitat for many wild animals: Zebra, Gazelle, & Antelope etc.). You will have lunch break at Arba Minch. After a brief break, you will take a boat ride on Lake Chamo and visit to huge crocodiles, hippos and a variety of birdlife. In the evening you will have dinner at the lodge and stay the night there. Overnight stay in Paradise or Swaynes Lodge.
Day 4: Drive to Jinka via Key afar
In the morning, you will have breakfast and drive to Jinka (270 Km from Arba Minch). And upon arrival at Konso (90 Km from Arba Minch), you will visit to the Konso Village (famous for their colorfully costumed dresses, impressive terracing of land – recently registered as World heritage by UNESCO, and engraved wooden statues grave markers). You will have lunch at Konso. Then you will be driven to Jinka and check into a resort. You will have dinner and spend the night at the resort. Overnight stay in Jinka Resort or Jinka Eco-Omo Lodge.
Day 5: Excursion to Mursi village through Mago National Park
In the morning after breakfast, you will be driven to Mursi (55 Km from Jinka) and visit to the of Mursi tribe village (popularly known for their attractive culture, women wearing large clay plates into their lower lips and the stick fight among young boys – if available at time of arrival). Then you will drive backwards to the Mago National Park and visit the park – only possible without rain. Then you will drive back to Jinka for lunch. After lunch, you will visit to the nearby village and museum in Jinka. Dinner will be at the resort and you will spend the night at the resort. Overnight stay in Jinka Resort or Jinka Eco-Omo Lodge.
Day 6: Drive to Turmi, Hammer tribe town
After breakfast you will be driven to Turmi (142 Km from Jinka), visiting an interesting village on the way. You will continue travelling to Key Afer and visit the market. Lunch break will be at Key Afer. You will proceed driving to Turmi visiting an interesting market place on the way – if available at time of arrival. You will arrive in Turmi early evening and check into a lodge. You will have dinner and spend the night at the lodge. Overnight stay in Buska or Turmi Lodge.
Day 7: Excursion to Omorate to visit Dassench/Geleb tribe
An early morning drive will take you to Omorate to visit the Dassench/Geleb tribe (75 Km from Turmi). From there, you will take a boat trip on the Omo River and visit the Dassench/Geleb village. Then you will get back to Turmi for lunch. You will then walk to the Hamer Village to explore the Hamer tribes (best known for elaborate hairstyles, body painting using clays and vegetable pigments to make fantastic patterns on their faces, chests, arms and legs), attend the bull jumping – if possible and available with luck. In the evening, you will be driven back to the lodge for dinner and spend the night at the lodge. Overnight stay in Buska or Turmi Lodge.
Day 8: Excursion to Murille to visit Karo Village
An early morning drive will take you to Murille to visit the Karo tribe (62 Km from Turmi). Then you will get back to Turmi for lunch. In the afternoon, you will rest or do your own things on your own. In the evening you will have dinner and spend the night at the lodge. Overnight stay in Buska or Turmi Lodge.
Day 9: Drive to Araba Minch Via Arebore – Tsmaye
After breakfast, you will be driven to Araba Minch (290 Km from Turmi) via Arebore-Tsmaye. You will stop for lunch at Konso and will proceed driving to Araba Minch, where upon arrival you will check into a lodge. Dinner will be at the lodge and you will spend the night there. Overnight stay in Paradise or Swaynes Lodge.
Day 10: Flight back to Addis Ababa
After breakfast, you will be driving to Addis Ababa (325 Km from Yiregalem). You will stop for lunch at Lake Langano, Sabana Beach Resort. You will arrive in Addis Ababa late afternoon where you will do some shopping for souvenirs. Finally you will be taken to a farewell dinner depending on your scheduled flight; you will be transferred out to Bole International Airport for return flight back home.
12 Days Southern Ethiopia
Day 1: Depart south from Addis Ababa via Butajira.
On the way you will visit the archeological sites of Tiya (ancient stelae field and UNESCO World Heritage Site), Adadi Maryam (a rock-hewn church similar to those in Lalibela) and Melka Kunture (pre-historic tool-making site). Final destination for the day is Awassa. Overnight in Awassa (hotel).
Day 2: In the morning after breakfast, visit the fish market on the shores of Lake Awassa and then proceed driving to Dorze, set in the highlands above Arba Minch.
The Dorze people are known for their tall beehive-like houses and their fine cotton weaving. You will visit the village and learn about the daily lives of these industrious people. If today is market day (in Dorze village on Monday and Thursday and in nearby Chencha on Tuesday and Saturday), that will be visited. Overnight in Dorze in traditional Dorze hut (shared toilet facilities) or continue to Arba Minch for overnight (camping, hotel or lodge).
Day 3: In the morning, visit the local market in Dorze (Monday and Thursday) or Chencha (Tuesday and Saturday).
Afterwards, continue driving to Arba Minch. In the afternoon, take a boat trip on Lake Chamo to visit the "crocodile market", and the local hippos. Overnight in Arba Minch (camping, hotel or lodge).
Day 4: After breakfast, depart from Arba Minch to Turmi.
On the way you will pass through the village of Weyto (market day Saturday), which is home to the Tsemai tribe. Continue through the Weyto Valley to Erbore, where you will have a brief visit to a local Erbore village (market day is Saturday). Finally, proceed to Turmi, home of the Hamer tribe. At night, you can see the traditional night dancing of the Hamer tribe, known as evangadi. Overnight in Turmi (camping, hotel or lodge).
Day 5: In the morning, take a day trip to Omorate to visit the Dassenech tribe.
Here you will cross the Omo River by local boat and enter a Dassenech village. Afterwards, return to Turmi (Monday is market day) for a visit to a local Hamer village. If there is Jumping of the Bulls traditional Hamer coming-of-age ceremony, that will be visited. Overnight in Turmi (camping, basic hotel or lodge).
Day 6: Early morning depart from Turmi to the village of Kangatan.
Here you will cross the Omo River and take a short walk through the local fields to visit a village of the Nyangatom tribe. After the visit, return across the river and proceed to the Karo village of Korcho, with a stunning location lookin over the Omo River. The Karo people, while the smallest tribe of the Omo Valley in number, are also known to be the most decorated. After the visit, return to Turmi for another opportunity to see Jumping of the Bulls. Overnight in Turmi (camping, basic hotel or lodge).
Day 7: Depart for Jinka, via Dimeka and Key Afar.
Tuesdays and Saturdays are market days in Dimeka, which is one of the most colorful markets in the area and is visited by many tribes, including Hamer, Benna and Karo. Afterwards, continue to Jinka. Overnight in Jinka (camping, hotel or lodge).
Day 8: In the morning, drive through the Mago National Park to a local village of the Mursi tribe.
The Mursi are known for their lower lip and earlobe plates. In the afternoon, after returning to Jinka, you can visit the South Omo Museum & Research Center to learn more about the local tribes. Alternatively, take a hike in the surrounding hills to visit a local Ari village. Overnight in Jinka (camping, hotel or lodge).
Day 9: After breakfast, depart from Jinka to Konso, via Key Afar.
Thursday is market day in Key Afar, where you will see the Benna and Tsemai tribes trading goods. This is another very popular market in the region. After the visit, proceed to Konso (market days are Mondays and Thursdays). Overnight in Konso (camping, hotel or lodge).
Day 10: The Konso people are known for their wooden statues, known as wakas,
which are erected in honor of dead heroes as well as their innovative agricultural terracing. Today you will have the opportunity to visit a local village and the cultural museum displaying many waka statues. Time permitting, you can also visit the "natural New York Village", named after the tall sand formations resembling skyscrapers. After the visit, continue to Yabello. If there is time, visit the Yabello Wildlife Sanctuary for a chance to see zebras. Overnight in Yabello (hotel).
Day 11: Early in the morning, take an excursion south to visit El Sod, a village that is home to a crater lake with a large salt deposit called the House of Salt (chow bet).
This is the land of the Borena people, a large nomadic ethnic group that extends deep into Kenya. After the visit, proceed driving to Yirgalem. Here you can enjoy an evening coffee ceremony while watching the hyenas in the surrounding forest. Overnight in Yirgalem (lodge).
Day 12: After breakfast, depart north to Addis Ababa.
On the way, you may visit the Abiatta-Shala National Park. Lake Shala, with its deep blue waters is the deepest lake in Ethiopia at 236m. Lake Abiatta is a soda lake at which thousands of flamingos can be seen at various times of the year.
14 Days Bird Watching in Ethiopia
Day 1: Arrival and drive to the craters of Debre Zeit
Arrive early in the morning and transfer to Debre Zeit about 45 km south of Addis Ababa. In the city, there are seven crater lakes, which are not only a nice resting place after the journey but also a bird paradise along the steep crater walls. In the afternoon, we hire a paddleboat and explore the Babogaya Crater Lake with its colorful world of water birds including herons and cormorants.
Day 2: Debre Zeit – Wolisso
Today's car trip is quite short, so that in Debre Zeit still remains some time to watch the ibises during their morning flights. At noon you drive via Addis Ababa to Wolisso and check in at your lodge. Birds and monkeys can be seen from the house terrace. Travel: approx. 165 km.
Day 3: Day excursion to Wenchi Crater Lake
Today there is an excursion to Wenchi, precisely to the northern crater lake. There you can take a four to five-hour hike (optional as a riding trip) through the beautiful nature: from the crater's edge down to the lake and after a short boat trip through a lovely valley with some old-fashioned mills, numerous clear small rivers, and some hot springs. With a bit of luck, you will meet the mighty lammergeyer for the first time. Travel: approx. 110 km.
Day 4: Wolisso – Jimma
Early morning drive to Jimma in Western Ethiopia. Between September and October, it's harvesting season and there are always opportunities to visit picturesque sceneries. On the Gibe river, there is a good possibility to walk along the water banks and spot some birds. Travel: around 245 km.
Day 5: Jimma – Bonga: the Biosphere Reserve Kaffa
Today's travel is quite short. In the provincial capital Jimma, there is time to have a walk and look at the market which has great quality coffee. On the way to the mountainous landscape of Kaffa, the area is becoming more and more densely wooded. The Gojeb river marks the border to the Kaffa Biosphere Reserve. You walk a bit through the woods and stop along the route at a cave that you can visit. In the late afternoon, you reach the small town Bonga surrounded by the mountain rain forests. Travel: approx. 120 km.
Day 6: Day trip in the Reserve to Alem Gonna & Barta Waterfall
You start the day in the Alem Gonna wetland area. The early morning visit is worthwhile not only because of the numerous birds and the Da Brazza monkeys, which can be seen here, but also because of the mystical mood, which often lies with the fog on the green plain. To strengthen yourself you have a freshly prepared breakfast snack. Back in Bonga you walk into the woods to the Barta waterfall (about 1 hour). The 70-meter-deep waterfall is surrounded by steep basalt walls and lies in the middle of the rainforest. On the way back you will meet some beekeeper and learn about traditional honey production. Travel: about 30 km.
Day 7: Return to Jimma and flight to Addis Ababa
You leave the biosphere reserve in the morning and drive back to Jimma. From here, take your plane to Addis Ababa, where you will arrive in the late afternoon. There is still time for an individual program point in the capital. Travel: approx. 120 km plus 0:55 min flight.
Day 8: Flight Addis Ababa – Bahir Dar: the Biosphere Reserve Lake Tana
After this short stopover in Ethiopia's capital, you head to the airport for your flight to Bahir Dar. Here you meet a staff member of NABU (German nature conservation organization) who gives you a brief introduction to the work of NABU in the biosphere reserve of Lake Tana. After that, there is still time to enjoy the city on the banks of the largest lake of Ethiopia. A leisurely walk along the bird-filled promenade will take you to the next days in the Biosphere Reserve. Flight time: approx. 0:45 min.
Day 9: Nature and Culture at Lake Tana
Depending on the water level, Lake Tana has over 30 different islands only in the southern part of the lake. Many of these islands are very remote, making them an ideal retreat for various bird species. On some islands are also medieval Christian Orthodox monasteries which we visit.
Day 10: Nature and Culture at Lake Tana
Also on our second day in the Biosphere Reserve, we mainly spend our time on boat trips to some monastery islands and remote birdwatching sites. Particularly in the winter months, you can see cranes, which end their journey from Europe here, before they start again in spring flying north.
Day 11: Bahir Dar – Gondar – Kossoye
Today's travel day brings you to a new ecosystem at the end of the journey. You leave the tropical areas at Lake Tana and drive into the African-alpine highlands of Ethiopia above 2,700 meters. The journey takes you first to the old capital, Gondar, where you can visit the ancient palaces of the kings. Then you continue north to Kosober, a viewpoint with a beautiful mountain panorama. Right here, on the edge of the cliff, your lodge is located. Travel: about 210 km.
Day 12: Simien National Park: Hiking in the national park
You continue to Debark, where a rough road leads into the Simien National Park. The high plateau, with its partially 2 km deep gorges, always reveals astonishing long-distance views. There are numerous raptors such as, for example, the endemic lammergeyer. The thick-billed raven is also found here. The steep rock faces are the habitat of the Walia Ibex. Today you picnic on the way and early in the evening return to your lodge, the Simien Lodge, known as the highest hotel in Africa. Travel: approx. 100 km.
Day 13: Simien National Park – Gondar
Today's excursion takes you deep into the Simien National Park. You drive along the gravel road to a plateau near to the viewpoint Inatye (4,070 m). Not far from the road, the Jinbar Waterfall can be seen, which falls more than 500 meters deep. Again and again, the endemic Gelada baboons can be observed while they are nibbling along the way. You also have plenty of opportunities for small walks. In the late afternoon, return to the much warmer city of Gondar. Travel: approx. 130 km.
Day 14: Flight Gondar – Addis Ababa, market and departure
Today's morning is for relaxation. Then transfer to the Gondar airport for your flight to Addis Ababa. The afternoon in the capital is also good for souvenir shopping before a traditional Ethiopian dinner concludes the trip and you leave for your return flight. Flight time: approx. 0:55 min.
21 Days North and South Ethiopia
Day 1: Arrival in Addis Ababa, you will be welcomed by our stuff and given transfer to your Hotel.
Full day visit National Museum the Haile Selassie Church and One of Africa's largest outdoor market, Merkato and Mount Entoto, part of the Entoto mountain chain, reaching 3200 meters above sea level, it is also a historical place where Menelik ll resided and built his palace. Overnight Hotel
Day 2: Our northern journey begins in Addis Ababa where visitors will catch the first flight to the regional capital of Bahirdar
on the shores of Ethiopian largest lake, Lake Tana. After checking in your hotel, visitors are whisked away by boat to various nearby islands home to 800 years old monasteries. These churches will also give travelers their first taste of Ethiopia's own Christian Orthodox faith. Overnight Hotel
Day 3: Visitors will travel an hour's drive south to the Blue Nile
Falls a moment to continents greatest river, the Nile, which flows north through Sudan and Egypt. Then drive north to the city of Gonder. Gonder was once home to Ethiopian kings during the 17th and 18th centuries. Here visitors can visit the castles of Ethiopia known as Fasiledes. The series of castles were all built by the Ethiopian royal family before Gonder lost its power and the capital was eventually moved to Addis Ababa in the late 19th century. We will then see the stunning paintings of Debre Berhan Selassie Church. In the evening, enjoy Gonder's night life and overnight Hotel.
Day 4: Drive to Semein Mountain National Park
one Ethiopians wonder registered as world heritage home of Waliya Ibex, Mountain Niyala, Gelada Baboon (bloody heart) all are endemic, vultures and endemic plants, the highest peak of Ethiopia also found in this park. Overnight Sankaber Camping
Day 5: Drive back to Debark and continue to Axum
on the scenic byway passing through the Semein Mountains, Tekeze river gorge and the spectacular cliffs of Tigray. Overnight Hotel
Day 6: Full day visit Axum: where ancient civilizations flourished during 1000BC.
The Axumite kingdom was one of the world greatest states on earth, on present day Axum you can see the remain of Archeological findings, such as Queen of Sheba Palace, king Ezana and Kaleb Tombs and inscription, a group of steals, St. Mary Zion Church where the Ark of the covenant kept. Overnight Hotel
Day 7: Drive to Gherhalta Valley:
en route visit the ancient ruins of Yeha Temple (5th Centuty BC) the churches Debre Damo and other rock churches in Tigray. Overnight Hotel
Day 8: Then Drive to Mekele:
en route visit the rock churches of Tigray, including Wekro Cherkos and the monumental church. Overnight Hotel
Day 9: Drive to Lalibela on the scenic byway through the town of Sekota. Overnight Hotel
Day 10: The tour continues to Ethiopia's history and the Orthodox faith.
Lalibela was founded in the 12th century by king Lalibela who mandated the building of a dozen rock-hewn churches magnificently carved out of basalt bedrock. Still today Lalibela's churches are considered one of the world's greatest but least known sites. Spend the day exploring the tunnels and rooms of these architectural master pieces. Spend the night and watch the sunset from the terraces of the Hotel.
Day 11: Our second day in Lalibela
Involves either a half days hike or mule ride to Asheten Mariam church located at the base of dramatic basalt towers hovering above the village. Spend the rest of the afternoon at your leisure either returning to the churches or relaxing in the Hotel.
Day 12: Fly back to Addis Ababa then you will have rest and get ready for southern trip.
Overnight Hotel
Day 13: Morning drive to Arba Minch:
And then on the way you will visit Tiya archeological site where a group of pre historic stale stand, continue to Dorze/Chencha. Overnight Lodge
Day 14: Morning visit the mountainously people
Nearly 3000m chencha which is the main village of the Dorze people. Take a local guide to visit the village and learn about the Dorze way of life. See how they weave their huts, textiles and the cultivation and production of the False banana tree from which the Dorze make their traditional bread (Kotcho), in the afternoon boat trip on lake Chamo to see Hippos and Crocodiles. Overnight Lodge
Day 15: Leave Arba Minch in the early morning.
Two hours to south of Arba Minch, visit the Konso people and their museum. The Konso people are famous for their villages and community cooperation to work together and protect one another. Continue driving and stop for a short visit to the Tsemay, a culture of mixed subsistence farmers who practice flood cultivation villages. Then after another three hours arrive to Jinka. Overnight Resort
Day 16: We will drive visitors through the Mago National Park en routeto
The isolated Mursi Tribe nestled between the Mago and Omo rivers. The Mursi are perhaps the most well known and photographed of the Omo Valley Tribes due to the plates placed in their women's Lower Lip, spend the rest of the day among the tribe visiting the village and the Market and then return to Jinka. Overnight Resort
Day 17: Get up early to drive five hours south to Turmi.
En route visit the village of Demeka home to the Hamer people where on market day, dozens of tribes from the region convert to barter and trade. Continue the drive to Turmi, the Hamer's most important village. In the evening, visitors may witness a marriage ceremony as well as Hamer's cultural dance known as the "Evangadi Dance". Overnight Lodge
Day 18: Day excursion from Turmi leads west some 70km to Omorate.
Here visitors will experience the austere conditions of the Omorate tribeand the Dassenech people living on the other side of the Omo River. Visitors can take a small boat across the river to see this tribe, originally nomadic by nature now living in dusty huts constructed mostly from tree branches. Return to Turmi and overnight Hotel.
Day 19: Leave the Omo Valley area and drive eastwards through the Great Rift Valley to the town of Yabelo, located in Borena territory.
In this region, visitors can see how salt is extracted from the Elsod salt flats and possibly visit a "singing well" where the Borena people sing while extracting water from the earth. Overnight in the Motel
Day 20: Get up early to leave the dry climate of the deep south for the lush Ethiopian highlands
on the main road to the town of Yirgalem and En route pass through Yirga Chefie, a place for the highest quality of coffee plants. After a half day drive relax and enjoy the views from the Aregash Lodge, located in a beautiful forest teeming with birds and primates.
Day 21: On the tour's final day we will make our way back to Addis Ababa passing through the lakes of the Great Rift Valley.
Enjoy lunch at a resort on the banks of Lake Langano, one of the most popular lakes visited by Addis Ababa weekend warriors. On return to the capital city, spend the rest of the day shopping before a farewell dinner in a cultural restaurant. Then transfer to the airport to fly back to home. End of The Tour.
*This itinerary is flexible and may change according to market days and local events.*
“Venture into a land of vibrant tribes, lush landscapes, and unforgettable cultural encounters.”