Day 1: Arrival in Addis Ababa
Upon arrival at Bole International Airport, you will be transferred to your hotel for check-in and relaxation.
Day 2: Addis Ababa to Arba Minch
After breakfast, drive to Arba Minch with sightseeing stops along the way at Debre Zeit and Ziway. Enjoy the picturesque landscapes and cultural insights. Overnight stay in Arba Minch.
Day 3: Arba Minch Exploration
In the morning, visit Nech Sar National Park for game viewing, including zebras, Swain’s hartebeests, greater kudu, gazelle, and the secretary bird. From the top of the Arba Minch National Park plains, you will have a panoramic view of both Lake Chamo and Lake Abaya. After lunch, take a boat trip on Lake Chamo to see giant crocodiles and numerous hippos. Overnight stay in Arba Minch.
Day 4: Arba Minch to Jinka
Drive to Jinka via Konso and Woyto, visiting the semi-nomadic tribes of Konso and Tsemay along the way. The Konso people are renowned for their stone terracing and hardworking nature. Stop at Woyto for rest before continuing to Jinka. Overnight stay in a hotel in Jinka.
Day 5: Jinka to Mursi Village
Early morning, drive to visit the Mursi tribe in the Lower Omo Valley, famous for their clay lip-plates. The journey from Jinka to Mago and then to the Mursi village offers beautiful scenery with high hills, mountains, and white grass plains. Overnight stay in a hotel in Jinka.
Day 6: Jinka to Turmi
If it’s Thursday, visit the Key Afer market to see Bena, Ari, and Karos tribespeople trading goods like honey, jewelry, farming tools, goats, and cows. Experience local culture and possibly try pure honey wine. In the afternoon, drive to Turmi. Overnight stay in a hotel in Turmi.
Day 7: Turmi to Karo Village
Drive to the village of the Karo people, known for their intricate clay body and face paintings. They live near the Omo River and offer a fascinating cultural experience. Overnight stay in Turmi.
Day 8: Omorate and Dasenech Tribes
Drive to Omorate to visit the Dasenech/Galeb tribes across the Omo River. The Dasenech tribe lives in small huts on the flat plains above the river. If it’s Saturday, visit the Dimeka market where Hamer and Karo tribes gather. In the afternoon, visit a Hamer village and possibly witness the “bull jumping” ceremony. Overnight camping in Turmi.
Day 9: Turmi to Arba Minch via Konso
Drive to Konso with a stopover at Arebore to visit the semi-nomadic tribal people known for their distinct dressing style. Visit a geological formation near a Konso village called Gesergio, also known as “New York.” Explore Konso’s generation stone and Waga sculptures. Continue to Arba Minch for an overnight stay.
Day 10: Dorze Village and Drive to Bale
In the morning, visit the Dorze village, known for their weaving craft and 12-meter-high huts made of bamboo and false banana leaves. Enjoy a panoramic view of Arba Minch from the hilltop. Later, drive to Bale. Overnight stay in a hotel in Dinsho.
Day 11: Bale Mountains Trekking
Spend the day trekking on the Sanetti Plateau in the Bale Mountains, where you can see the Ethiopian red wolf (the red jackal) and other wildlife. Enjoy the scenic views of the mountains. Overnight camping at the park site.
Day 12: Trekking and Mule Riding in Bale
Enjoy a half-day of trekking and mule riding in the Bale Mountains. In the afternoon, drive back to Dinsho for an overnight stay.
Day 13: Dinsho to Addis Ababa
Drive back to Addis Ababa via the Rift Valley Lakes, including Shalla, Abyata, and Ziway. See abundant flamingos and other water birds at the lakes, and stop at Lake Langano, the only recommended lake for swimming. Arrive in Addis Ababa in the late afternoon for shopping and a farewell dinner at a traditional restaurant before your departure. This marks the end of your tour.
