11 Days Southern Ethiopia

Drive to Arba Minch via Hoseana. En route visit Melka Kunture, a stone-age archeological site; Adadi Mariam, a 12th century rock- hewn church; and Tiya, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its mysterious stelae, thought to be grave markers, dating from the 12th century.

Overnight Hotel – Arba Minch

Take a boat trip on Lake Chamo and view some of the largest crocodiles in the world sunning on the banks of the lake; hippopotami and beautiful aquatic birds are also abundant. Visit Nechisar Park, known for its “white grass” which is only accessible via boat.

Overnight Hotel – Arba Minch

Drive to Jinka via Key Afar and visit the weekly market (thursdays only) and wander among the various tribes such as the Benna and Ari that have gathered to barter their goods. Continue to Jinka.

Overnight Lodge – Jinka

Early morning drive to the Mago National Park to visit the Mursi people. The Mursi women are known for the clay plates they insert into their lower lips. Time permitting, visit the Omo Valley Museum in Jinka.

Overnight Lodge – Jinka

Drive to Turmi to visit the Hamer people who are well known for the scarring of their bodies, using clay to shape their hairstyles, and the unique practice of ”bull-jumping” which every young man must accomplish prior to marriage. En route to Turmi, visit the Benna and Ari people.

Overnight Lodge – Turmi

Drive to Omorate to visit the Dassanech people.   Return to Turmi for the evening.

Overnight Lodge – Turmi

Drive to Konso, recently designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. A highland people, the Konso are known for the ancient and intricate terraces that encircle their well-planned villages.

Overnight Lodge – Konso

Drive to the lakeside town of Hawassa. En route, visit a Dorze Village in the Guge Mountains. The Dorze are known for their tall, beehive-shaped bamboo houses. If the base becomes infested with termites, the entire house can be lifted and moved to another location.

Overnight Resort – Hawassa

Drive to the Bale Mountains National Park and meet with park guide. Arrive at the park headquarters in the afternoon, in time for a leisurely afternoon hike, possibly spotting two endemic mammals that frequent the area: Menelik’s Bushbuck and the Mountain Nyala. Birds in this area include the Blue-Winged Goose, the Spot-Breasted Lapwing, the Abyssinian Long Claw, the Wattled Ibis, the Black- Headed Siskin, Rouget’s Rail, and numerous other species.

Overnight Hotel – Goba

Bale Mountains National Park – Addis Ababa

Drive to Addis Ababa. Optional souvenir shopping if time permits. Enjoy a Farewell dinner at a traditional Ethiopian restaurant featuring dancers and musicians representing some of the country’s many ethnic groups. Transfer to airport for late night departure if needed.