13 Days Best Of Ethiopia Cultural & Natural Tours

Day 1 – Addis Ababa

On arrival at Bole Int Airport, the Aman Ethiopia Tours team will meet you & transfer you to your hotel then later start Exploring Addis Ababa. Visit the various museums, including the National Museum where you’ll discover ‘Lucy’, the fossilized skeleton of an ancient human ancestor dating back 3.2 million years who changed our understanding of human evolution. Heading to the Mercato market, the largest open-air market in Africa, and experience a traditional coffee ceremony. Discover what Haile Selassie and Sylvia Pankhurst have in common at the copper-domed Holy Trinity Cathedral. See why the European Council on Tourism and Trade named Ethiopia its number-one place to visit in 2015. Overnight: The Grand Palace Hotel & Spa

Day 2 – Fly Addis Ababa To Jinka

After having your breakfast you will take your flight to Jinka in the Omo Valley. Jinka is a small market zone town which houses the South Omo Research Centre Museum. From here there is an optional expedition to the Omo National Park, a lesser-visited national park in Ethiopia, and home to incredible vistas. The park has a rugged, off-the-beaten-track appeal. Later in the afternoon, we will meet the Ari people.
Overnight: Eco Omo Lodge

Day 3 – Jinka-Turmi

After breakfast, you Visit the Mago National Park and the Mursi people. Drive (2.5 hrs) from Jinka to Turmi, en route visit Key Afar market.

The Mursi people. The Mursi are famous for the lower lip plates worn as decoration by the women, along with their traditional dress and ornate headdresses. The Mursi people are one of the few tribes who continue to wear traditional clothing and accessories.
Overnight: Paradise Lodge

Day 4 – Turmi Excurshion To Karo Tribe

This day after breakfast you will be driving to the Korcho to see the Karo tribe in Korcho and later after lunch in the small town of Kangate, you will visit the Nyangatom tribe in Kangatan.
Overnight: Paradise Lodge

Day 5 – Turmi To Dasenach Tribe

After breakfast, we will be driving to the small town of Omorate to see the Dasanech tribe in Omerate. In the afternoon, visit the Dimeka market and Hamar people. The Hamar people are agro-pastoralists who adorn traditional body decorations and colorful beads. The women use ochre and resin to deftly style their hair, which is known as ‘goscha’. When the men come of age they have to partake in a bull-jumping ceremony. These friendly people will welcome you into their community, offer you wild coffee and barbecued goat, and introduce you to their customs and traditions.
Overnight: Paradise Lodge

Day 6 -Turmi-Konso- Arba Minch

After breakfast, we will drive from Turmi to Arba Minch, visiting the Arbore and Konso people along the way. In Konso, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, explore the fortified stone walls of the over 400-year-old village, known for beekeeping, cotton weaving, and agriculture, as well as its famous Waga Sculptures that commemorate community members. Spend the day immersing yourself in the rich culture, with your guide assisting throughout. Overnight at Paradise Lodge.

Day 7 – Arba Minch

In the morning, take a boat trip on Lake Chamo, part of Nechisar National Park. As you head out onto the expansive lake, you’ll see crocodiles, hippos and flamingos bathing in the Ethiopian sun. Explore Nechisar National Park, or discover the incredible bee-hive huts of the Dorze tribe, who are famous for their structures, weaving and singing.
In the afternoon, visit the Dorze people and market.
Overnight: Paradise Lodge

Day 8 – Arba Minch-Hawassa

This day after breakfast we will be driving Arba Minch to Hawassa and, en route visit Senkele Game Sanctuary.
Overnight: Haile Resort Hawassa

Day 9 – Bale Mountains National Park

After breakfast, visit the famous Hawassa Fish Market, where you can experience the lively local atmosphere and taste delicious fresh fish soup. Then drive approximately 5.5 hours to Bale Mountains National Park via Dinsho, the park headquarters, where you will meet your guide and receive a briefing about the upcoming trek. Continue through the park to the spectacular Harenna Forest, one of Ethiopia’s remaining natural forests and a biodiversity hotspot. Enjoy a short trek through the lush forest, home to diverse plants, birds, amphibians, and endemic wildlife. Keep an eye out for Bale monkeys and Harenna chameleons. In the evening, relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings of the Bale Mountain Lodge, an exceptional eco-lodge nestled in nature.

Overnight: Bale Mountain Lodge.

Day 10 – Bale Mountains National Park

Today involves a full exploration of Bale Mountains National Park, starting with the sounds of Harenna Forest and the aroma of locally sourced ‘wild’ coffee. The morning will be spent in the forest, observing wildlife with binoculars and a camera. In the afternoon, the journey continues to the Sanetti Plateau to seek out the rare Ethiopian Wolf, with over half of the world’s population residing in this area, alongside the giant mole rat, their main food source. Overnight stay at Bale Mountain Lodge.

Day 11 – Langano

This day we will drive from Bale Mountains to Lake Langano. Spend the afternoon relaxing around the lodge and lake.
Overnight: Hara Langano Lodge

Day 12 – Langano

After breakfast start exploring Lake Langano and the surrounding area including Abijatta-Shalla National Park. Today you’ll head to Abijatta-Shalla National Park, approximately a 40-minute drive, and home to Lakes Abijatta and Shalla. These lakes host an impressive number of flamingos, and also several hot springs. The steam rising from the pools casts an ethereal haze over the surrounding area. After this, a 4×4 will take you around the park in search of warthogs, antelopes, and ostriches.
In the afternoon, go for a dip in Lake Langano. Retreat to the lakeside lodge and enjoy dinner surrounded by the expansive views and the tranquil atmosphere of this remote region.
Overnight: African Vacation Lodge

Day 13 – Return to Addis-Departure

After breakfast, we will be driving to Addis Ababa via Lake Ziway. Situated between four lakes in the Ethiopian Rift Valley, this town is the perfect base from which to explore the lakes over the next few days.

You’ll see the diversity of animals and birdlife that Ethiopia is famous for. A boat trip on Lake Ziway takes you to Great White Pelicans, Marabous, Hammerkop, Sacred Ibis, Yellow Billed Storks, and Flamingos. Of course, hippos are a famous resident of the lake, and you’ll be able to see them bathing in the sun from the safety of your boat.

Of Lake Ziway’s five islands, Tulu Godo has a particularly rich history. After a 90-minute boat ride and a short walk through one of the three settlements on the island, you’ll arrive at the hilltop monastery Maryam Tsion. Supposedly set up by Christian refugees, it is said to have housed the Ark of the Covenant during the reign of Queen Yodit. Your guide will explain in more detail the fascinating stories surrounding this historic place.

After exploring the lake, continue the drive back to Addis to connect with your evening international flight home, or to spend the night before returning home the following day.